First-Time In Spain? Try These 5 Insider Tips To Enjoy The Experience

BY  Ankita Oct 26, 2023

Paraguay, the landlocked gem of South America, is a country that boasts not only natural beauty but also a rich and diverse culinary heritage. From hearty soups to sweet desserts, Paraguayan cuisine has something to offer every palate. As you take on a culinary adventure through Paraguay, it's important to keep safety in mind, and having travel insurance from a trusted provider like Allianz Travel can provide the peace of mind and protection from unforeseen events you need. In this blog, we'll take you on a journey through the flavors of Paraguay. Fun facts you should know about Paraguay Before we dive into the delightful world of Paraguayan cuisine, let's take a moment to explore some intriguing facts about this unique South American country. Fact 1. It's Home To The World's Largest Water Reserve Paraguay is not only a land of rich culinary traditions but also the guardian of a remarkable natural resource. Beneath the surface of Paraguay, Uruguay, Brazil, and Argentina lies the vast Guarani Aquifer, the world's largest water reserve. Covering a staggering 1.2 million square kilometres with a volume of approximately 40,000 cubic kilometres, this aquifer can supply fresh drinking water to the world for around 200 years. Fact 2. A Bilingual Nation Paraguay's harmonious coexistence of two languages is a testament to its rich cultural diversity. Most Paraguayans are fluent in both Guaraní and Spanish, making it one of the few countries in South America where the native tongue remains an official language alongside Spanish. Guaraní is a unique language that goes beyond mere words; it is onomatopoeic, with many of its words imitating the natural sounds of animals and the surrounding environment, creating a linguistic connection to the country's lush landscapes and wildlife. Fact 3. It's A Bit Isolated, Like An Island Paraguay's history is marked by a long period of self-containment. The country's first encounter with the Western world occurred in 1525 when Portuguese explorer Alejo Garcia ventured into its territory. However, after gaining independence in 1811, Paraguay adopted a policy of isolation and sealed its borders. Author Augusto Roa Bastos once poetically referred to Paraguay as "an island surrounded by land," highlighting the nation's historical detachment from its neighbors. Paraguay's Palate-Pleasing Delicacies Kivevé - A Creamy Delight Let's begin our culinary exploration with Kivevé, a dish that blurs the line between a main course and dessert. This creamy and light delicacy is crafted from andai, a juicy pumpkin, combined with cornmeal, Paraguayan cheese, milk, and sugar. The result is an orangish delight that's often enjoyed lukewarm. Whether for breakfast, as an evening snack, or side dish, Kivevé is a typical Paraguayan food you can't miss. Sopa Paraguaya - More Than A Soup Despite its name, Sopa Paraguaya is far from being a traditional soup. It's Paraguay's national dish, resembling a thick, cakey bread. Crafted from cornflour, cheese, milk, eggs, onions, and pork fat, it has a soft, crumbly texture. Sopa Paraguaya is reserved for special occasions and typically serves as a side dish. Bori Bori - A Nutritious And Flavourful Soup Bori Bori, or Vori-Vori, is a thick and nutritious soup with flavours. Made from vegetables like carrots, celery, and onions, this soup is enriched with meat, either chicken or beef and dumplings crafted from cornmeal and cheese. The aromatic notes of bay leaves, cloves, and parsley make this hearty broth even more enticing. Served piping hot, it's a comforting choice, especially during Paraguay's winters. Soyo - A Meaty Delight Soyo is another beloved Paraguayan dish, a thick, unstrained soup that packs a punch of flavours. It's a wholesome meal with pounded beef, rice, and vegetables like green peppers, onions, and tomatoes. The dish is seasoned with garlic, parsley, oregano, salt, and pepper. The name "Soyo" is derived from the Guarani phrase "so’o josopy," meaning crushed meat. This hearty bowl is a calorie-rich delight. Pira Caldo - A Fish Lover's Dream Pira Caldo, a favoured Paraguayan dish, is a light fish stew featuring freshwater catches like surubi, many, and Carey. These meaty-textured fishes have a subtle saltiness that enhances the overall flavour. The stew begins with frying vegetables such as onions, tomatoes, leeks, celery, bell peppers, and carrots in pork or beef fat, followed by adding spices. It thickens with milk and soft white cheese, creating a delectable and hearty meal. Chipa - A Staple Bread Roll Chipa, a simple bread roll, is special in Paraguayan cuisine. In the 18th century, indigenous people invented Chipa made from manioc or cassava flour, lard, anise, beaten eggs, and cheese. There are regional variations of Chipa, but one thing remains constant - its crunchy crust and soft, unique-flavored interior. This bread is a household staple, enjoyed by locals and travellers alike. Mbeju - The Paraguayan Pancake Mbeju, translating to "cake" in the Guarani language, is a simple yet essential Paraguayan food. This starchy pancake is made with cassava flour, salt, oil, milk, eggs, crumbled cheese, and sometimes pork fat. The dough is kneaded and rolled out thick before being fried to perfection. Mbeju is a common breakfast item, occasionally enjoyed with bitter herbal tea or coffee at dinner Don’t Forget Your Travel Insurance! As you plan your delectable journey through Paraguay's culinary wonders, it's important not to overlook an essential ingredient for a safe and worry-free adventure: travel insurance. While savouring the flavours of this vibrant South American country, ensuring your well-being and peace of mind should be a top priority. One reliable option to consider is Allianz Travel. Our comprehensive travel insurance packages provide protection and peace of mind, ensuring your taste adventure remains worry-free. Here are some of our travel insurance packages to explore before you embark on your food adventure in Paraguay: Please note any claims eligibility is subject to the terms and conditions of the travel insurance product you are purchasing. The reasons stated in this article are indicative and not binding. It is highly recommended to read our terms and conditions to see the exclusions, limits and conditions of our products. You can see all of the steps regarding making claims in the Allianz Travel Terms & Conditions. Single-Trip Insurance Our single-trip insurance packages are designed for people who travel once a year. They offer more benefits than required for a Schengen visa and have worldwide coverage. The coverage includes: Emergency Medical Expenses Emergency Medical Evacuation Dental Expenses Loss of Travel Documents Hospital funds Personal accident Annual Multi-Trip Insurance Allianz Travel created this travel insurance product for frequent flyers as it is a convenient and more cost-effective way to travel any time of the year. Our Annual multi-trip product covers all trips below 92 days within a year. The coverage includes the following: Emergency Medical Expenses Emergency Medical Evacuation Dental Expenses Loss of Travel Documents Hospital funds Personal accident, About Allianz Travel Get covered by Allianz Travel and Assistance before you fly off to Paraguay. Allianz Travel has been around for over 30 years, so we know what travel insurance you'll need. When travelling internationally, it is essential to have insurance that covers medical emergencies, the loss or theft of travel documents and baggage, and other mishaps. Trust us to provide you with exactly that and more. Read Also: How To Fund The Cost Of Travelling How To Apply For A Passport Online In This Pandemic, And Which Countries Allow You To Travel Now?

BY  Mashum May 12, 2022

Do you want to make love to the sand and the waves this summer? Well, you can go for a short beach trip anytime. But, when it comes to one of the best beach destinations in America, you can always count the Sanibel Island. This place is adjacent to Florida in the US and turns vibrant during the summer. In this article, you can check out some outstanding resorts and hotels in Sanibel Island. All the hotels in the following list are destinations themselves. So, you can plan for a few days’ stay in any of these places and enjoy quality time with your near ones. For now, you can check out the list of hotels and choose one according to your budget. Best Hotels In Sanibel Islands Where You Can Stay In 2022 It was tough to create a 2022 checklist for the best hotels in Sanibel Island, but I have still made a list. You can check out the ailments and features here. So, it will be easier for you to select the one you can stay in. 1. Sundial Beach Resort And Spa Overview And Location: When it comes to the best hotels on Sanibel Island, the Sundial Beach Resort And Spa deserve the first place. This hotel is located on the southwest coast of Florida. So, if you are looking for hotels on the beach in Sanibel Island, this can be your ultimate pick. You can expect full-on enjoyment here if you stay as a solo traveler or with your family. Even you can choose this beautiful place for your honeymoon trip. Amenities: Beach View, Bar, Lounge, Bicycles To Ride, Kitchenette, Pool, Wifi Connectivity. Room Types: Family Rooms, Suites, Ocean View, Pool View, Non-Smoking Rooms. Room Features: Air Conditioning, Private Beach, Dining Area, Shower, Satellite Tv.  Hotel Class: 3-Star Hotel. 2. Anchor Inn & Cottages Overview And Location: If you love to go for a beach trip but love to spend more time in the pool, the Anchor Inn & Cottages can be one of the best hotels in Sanibel Island for you. It is located at the Periwinkle Way. You might not get a beach view room here, but the pool and other ailments can turn your stay into an exciting experience. Moreover, you can take your pets to this place along with you. The only thing you need to remember is that the hotel does not have any smoking rooms. So, you can avoid this place if you are a regular smoker. Amenities: Pool, Heated Pool, Outdoor Pool, Bbq Facilities, Pet-Friendly, Beach Accessories. Room Types: No-Smoking Rooms, Family Rooms. Room Features: Air Conditioning, Refrigerator, Flatscreen Tv, Kitchenette. Hotel Class: 2-Star Hotel. 3. Marriott Sanibel Harbour Resort & Spa Marriott Sanibel Harbour Resort & Spa Overview And Location: The Marriott Sanibel Harbour Resort & Spa is a luxurious hotel, and it is quite expensive. However, if you are cool with it, make sure to stay at this place for a few days. Very few hotels on Sanibel Island on the beach match the level of this location. Apart from the tranquil beach view, you can also check out Fort Myers from a bird’s eye view as it is located there. Of course, you can always ask for a room in any of the upper stories. If you are lucky enough, you can get it in one of the top-ranking hotels in Sanibel Islands, that is Marriot. Amenities: Ev Charging Station, Beach View, Bicycle Rental Facility, Pool, Gym.  Room Types: Suites, Ocean-View Rooms, Non-Smoking Rooms. Room Features: Air Conditioning, Coffee Maker, Sofa Bed, Desk, Wifi. Hotel Class: 4-Star Hotel. 4. West Wind Island Resort West Wind Island Resort Overview And Location: The West Wind Island Resort can be your perfect pick for a short Florida trip if you want a cheap place to stay. While you can expect to get most luxury aliments, the expense would be in your grip. You can find this hotel at the West Gulf Drive.  This place can give you a chance to spend an outstanding honeymoon trip. You can even take references from recent honeymooners and find them referring the West Wind Island as one of the best hotels in Sanibel. Amenities: Beach View, Bbq Facilities, Bar, Pool, Business Center.   Room Types: Pool View Rooms, Ocean View Rooms, Non-Smoker Rooms.  Room Features: Air Condition, Flatscreen Tv, Kitchenette, Telephone, Private Balcony.  Hotel Class: 3-Star Hotel. 5. Song Of The Sea Song Of The Sea Overview And Location: If you have just married and looking for a single destination to have some quality time, try to book a place at the ‘Song Of The  Sea.’ Here, you can glimpse a European city on a trip during the season. So, you can always be in a romantic mood with your partner. Moreover, the best part about this hotel is that you can get a bottle of good wine as a welcome drink while checking out in this hotel. Another unique thing about this place is that the entire interior design is made of wood that comprises a mahogany tone. Bicycling paths are also made adjacent to this hotel, where you can go for a ride. Amenities: Free Breakfast, Newspaper, Beach view, Pool, BBQ facilities, heated pools, and fishing accessories. Room Types: Suites, Ocean View Rooms, Non-Smoking rooms. Room Features: Air  Conditioning, Kitchenette, Private balcony, Flat TV. Hotel Class: 3-Star 6. Best Western Plus Beach Resort Overview And Location: Are you searching for medium-priced hotels on Sanibel Island beachfront? The Best Western Plus Beach Resort can be your right pick in that case. You can spend some bright summer days adjacent to one of the most picturesque beaches in Florida. The WBPR is yet another hotel in the gulf region. So, you can expect to do some exciting activities in this place. Remember, not many people live on the Estro Island during their Florida trip. So, if you get such a chance, you should not let it go. Amenities:  Free Breakfast,  Pool, Beach View, Access, Children’s Playground. Room Types: Pool View Rooms, Ocean View Rooms, Family Rooms For Smokers And Non-Smokers. Room Features: Air Conditioning, Sofa Beds, Private Balcony, Normal And Laptop Shelves. Hotel Class: 3.5-Star Hotel 7. Bay Inn At The Lani Kai Bay Inn At The Lani Kai Overview And Location: The list of best hotels in Sanibel island will not be complete if the Bay Inn at Lani Kai is not present. You can opt for this hotel if you are planning to visit Florida with your friends and family soon. It is yet another hotel located adjacent to Fort Myres Beach, Florida. So, you can expect easy beach access. Moreover, you can have a good time enjoying yourself with people in the large pool with your friends. You can grab a few drinks from the beach bar also.  Amenities: Pool, Heated pool, beach view, bar lounge, restaurant, gift shop.  Room Types: Family rooms, non-smoking rooms, suites. Room Features: Air Conditioning, Flat-screen TV, Kitchenette, sitting area, Sofa bed. Hotel Class: 2-Star Hotel. 8. Sanibel Island Beach Resort Sanibel Island Beach Resort Overview And Location: If you are a nature lover and desire to enjoy getting closer to her, the Sanibel Island Beach Resort can be the right place. Here, you can expect to get enough free space to provide you with an escape route. All you have to do is visit Middle Gulf Drive to find this place. So, you can just sit in the hotel gardens and rejuvenate. Moreover, you can indulge in fine dining and shopping as per your wish. There are a few shops from which you can buy some goodies for people who care for you. However, you need to remember that the prices can be comparatively expensive as you get it from the hotel shop. Amenities: Beach View, Business Center Access, Bar, Poolside Bar, Bicycle Rental. Room Types: Ocean View Rooms, Pool View Rooms, No-Smoking Rooms. Room Features: Iron, Air Conditioning, Flatscreen Tv, Selves, Etc. Hotel Class: 3-Star Hotel. 9. Residence Inn By Marriott Fort Myers Sanibel Residence Inn By Marriott Fort Myers Sanibel Overview And Location: If you are loyal to Brand Marriott and looking for a perfect place to stay with your family, The Residence Inn at Fort  Myers can be your best pick. This is one of the hotels on Sanibel Island that comprises a classic environment. You can always expect to live that king-size life during your stay in the Marriott. Whether you are alone, with family, or only with your partner, this place can give you a soothing vibe. While you book a room in this place, you can get complimentary breakfast. So, all you have to do is order lunch and dinner. The beach access from Residence Inn is relatively easy, so you can expect to reach it within a few seconds only. On the other hand, if you are not willing to go to the beach, you can spend time working out in the gym. Amenities: Pet-Friendly, Free breakfast, Access to the business center, pool, heated pools, and snack bar. Room Types: Suites, family rooms, non-smoking rooms.  Room Features: Air conditioning, room service, kitchenette, Flat TV. Hotel Class: 3-Star Hotel. 10. DiamondHead Beach Resort DiamondHead Beach Resort Overview And Location: If you plan to stay at any place near Fort Myers, it is normal for you to face a dilemma. There are many alluring resorts, and the DiamondHead Beach Resort is also one of them. You can pick this place to be a foodie. Apart from a luxurious stay, you can taste the Coste Island Cuisine. Moreover, you can also enjoy the Cabanas Bar & Grille. So, you can try these in the resort apart from the restaurants on Sanibel Island. You can expect the resort to provide you with bicycles for rent when it comes to activities. So, you can go for a ride. Similarly, if you are a gym freak, you can get a chance to spend hours working out. As a result, if you have a short trip to Florida,  do not think about things to do on Sanibel Island. Instead, you can just get into a resort and spend time. Amenities: Beach view, Bicycle availability, pool, access to a business center, Happy hour. Room Types: Suite rooms, Ocean View rooms, Non-smoking rooms Room Features: Air Conditioning, Kitchenette, Private Balcony, Flat TV Hotel Class: 3-Star Hotel Ways To Book The Hotels In Sanibel Island As you have already gone through the facts about the best hotels on Sanibel Island, it is now time to know the booking process. Well, you can book the hotels in two ways. Either you can search for them directly on the search engine and book through the online agencies or visit the official websites. At times, you can get exciting discounts on the agency websites. So, you should always check among the different websites. Generally, you can get less discounts during the peak season and more at off seasons. Now, there are fastival-related discounts that you might also get according to the norms of a particular hotel. The best you can do is to book early if you have your trip planned and set. You can give this responsibility to your travel agent as well. Another thing you must check is the presence of a cancellation charge. At times, some hotels allow free cancellation while others cut a certain percentage of money. You must check it first and then take a step forward to cancel your booking. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs): 1. Is It Better To Stay In Captiva Or Sanibel? It is always better to stey in Senibel than Captiva. 2. What Part Of Sanibel Is Best? he East End part of Senibel is the best. 3. What Can You Not Miss On Sanibel Island? You cannot miss the beach walk and water activities on Senibel Island.  4. Can You Swim In The Ocean On Sanibel Island? Yes, it is safe to swim in the ocean of Senibel Island. Final Words If you have a desire to go for a trip to Florida and cover the Sanibel Island, consider it to be a luxurious trip. You can get hotels and resorts from $200 to $500 per day. So, you should be very precised about your plan. The best you can do is catch a good travel agent. At times a good travel agent can not only set a proper itinerary but also book expensive hotels and resorts for you. All you have to do is keep full faith on him. Read Also: Top 10 Best Travel Sites For Tour In 2022 Expedia.Com – Best Review By Users In 2022 10 Best Places To Travel In July – Travel Guide 2022

BY  Arnab Mar 17, 2023

Holidays are all about spending quality time together. Many families today prefer to take a break where they can escape from their work routine and unwind and relax. One of the best ways to break your routine is to get rid of the technology and escape into the real world where nature surrounds you. Hence, heading for a safari or wildlife trip sounds like the best plan you can come up with. However, if you are planning to head out into the wild you need to focus on how you can optimize your wildlife travel the right way. This is essential because when you are heading for a safari trip you want to be prepared and ready. Today, you can find many places and destinations that can provide you with the right safaris and wildlife trips. If you are unsure about how to plan a wildlife trip Naturetrek can help you design and personalize holidays as per your requirements and preferences. Here Are Nine Ideas On How To Make The Most Of Your Wildlife Travel While wildlife travel and tours can provide you with a much-needed break you need to know certain things that can help you optimize your trip. 1. Know What You Want The term wildlife trip today can mean a lot of things. Hence, you will have to be more specific about what you want and expect when you reach the destination. Different people have different ways to explore nature and animals. If you are interested in wildlife animals you would want to look for national parks and locations where you can find more animals. Similarly, if you are an avid bird watcher you want to look for places that attract different species of birds. Also, those interested in marine life can look for spots that attract more marine wildlife. Knowing what you want makes your job of finding the best locations easier. 2. Choose the Right Location Once you have clarity on what you want you need to make a list of destinations and places that can offer you the best wildlife travel experiences. For instance, if you are interested in bird species in Asia you can look for nature holidays in Nepal for birdwatching. This would ensure that you can cover the region and the type of wildlife experiences you want. 3. Pack the Right Clothing When you are headed for a wildlife or safari trip you need to be clear about the clothes you pack. The most important thing is that you pack according to the weather because you want to be comfortable in whatever you wear. Bright colour clothes are not advisable for wildlife tours and therefore you need to pack clothes that have an earthy colour tone. Also, you need to know that certain countries do not allow camouflage print so make sure you know what to pack for your safari trip. 4. Travel Light Even when you are done packing your clothing you need to focus on how you can travel light. Try not to carry perfumes along with you on a wildlife tour because animals are sensitive to smell and strong deodorants and perfumes can put them off. Also, when you are packing you would want to pack in the right shoes and other electronic equipment like your camera and chargers to help you make the most of your travel. Additionally, you need to know that some of the national parks and game reserves are accessible only by small aircraft which might not accommodate large travel bags. Hence, smaller bags would be a convenient way to board such flights. 5. Take Expert Advice If you have never been on a wildlife tour before you need to gather more information from experts and professionals. This is essential because you want to optimize the time you have. You can talk to friends who have already been on a wildlife trip before and they can share their insights and recommendations. Similarly, you can talk to local tour operators who would share their experience and expertise with you to help you be prepared for the tour. Also, you would want to know more about the seasons before you make an itinerary for your trip. 6. Plan Your Trip When you have limited time to cover more places and local attractions you must plan your wildlife trip. This would allow you to have a clear idea of how you want to optimize the time you have. If you are hiring experts who can tailor the trip you don’t have to worry much because they have the experience and expertise to create an itinerary for you. Also, you can choose from the list of itineraries they already have. This would allow you to make the most of the time you have. If you have plenty of time at hand, you can look for a few days where you can relax and unwind. 7. Skip the Technology While some safari accommodations provide internet connectivity, and power to charge your devices, you should skip the technology altogether. This is critical because you want to experience and enjoy the nature that surrounds you. Appreciate the untouched natural beauty before you and immerse yourself in the surroundings and local flora and fauna to help you discover the local geography and history as well. 8. Respect Nature While you are heading for your wildlife trip you also have to respect Mother Nature. Hence, you need to focus on certain parameters that are important as you head out in the wild with your local guide. Being silent is important when you are going for a jeep safari or nightlife safari because you would drive away animals if you make noise. Hence, talk quietly in lower tones to prevent any distress to animals and wildlife. Also, don’t litter when you are travelling in natural spaces. Hence, avoid carrying plastic bags or disposing of them in wildlife spaces. Also, try and avoid using camera flashes and rely on other photography techniques to capture good wildlife shots. Keep a minimum distance from wild animals and do not feed them. If you are in a vehicle, do not step out of the vehicle unless instructed by your local guide. 9. Be Open Wildlife travel tours would also include you exploring the local villages and interacting with the local villagers and tribal people. This is a great way to learn more about how they survive and go about their daily lives in the jungle. However, they might have a different culture and traditions which would be alien to you. Hence, you must be open to what they have to say and show and share. Try and learn about them and you can also buy their local products which would help the local tourism industry. Read Also: Main Reasons To Travel As A Student Popular Travel Destinations For Students How To Be A Sensible Smoker When Traveling