Most entry cards ask for your address in the country. If I am staying with friends, I sometimes do not say so. About the worst thing you can profess to in many countries is being a journalist, writer, photographer, or anything else possibly connected with journalism. Journalists are the ones who slip into the country to report on and photograph poverty, corruption, human rights abuses, and other embarrassing situations in the country. Not travel, adventure, work, photography, research, or even visiting friends.
Different entry points to the same country often differ in their policies.
Some have serious baggage inspections and allow only a minimum initial stay, while others give longer stays. Try to get this information from other travelers along the way. Airports are not necessarily easier than land borders. In many countries, you can extend your stay up to a maximum by applying at the Immigration department after you enter. This is usually another hassle and it is much better to get the most you can on entry.