Why Glamping Is Such A Popular Girl’s Getaway

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  Shahnawaz Apr 13, 2022

"Travel makes one modest, you see what a tiny place you occupy in the world." ~ Gustave Flaubert. The short lifespan of us humans is not enough to see, explore, and feel the world and all the diverse corners of it. But can't we make it worthwhile by getting away from the tiny apartments we narrow down our lives in? If you have made up your mind to go out and feel the world with all of your senses, I suggest that you set out in the first month of the year–January. This article lists some of the best places to travel in January. I can give you plenty of good reasons to start your journey in January. Travelers looking for a cost-effective journey will find this month the best time to travel. Also, the winter season in January makes a perfect time and opportunity to calm and refresh your body and soul. 10 Best Places To Travel In January You can kick start your year by hiking the snowy mountains that stand tall. You can let the travel thirsty soul within you soak their toes in the salty ocean waves. Then, why not spend the evening in some big city you have longed to visit? You can do all of it in January, and I have the best destinations lined up for you. Here are the best ten places to travel in January- 1. Zanskar Ladakh If you hear the calling of the mountain, then you need to see them in their full glory. Winter is the springtime of the mountains, and Zanskar Ladakh adorns itself with the most welcoming cold that refreshes and rejuvenates you. Mostly known for its Frozen River Trek, uniquely named Chadar Trek, Ladakh opens up its most exotic travel treasure trove only in the winter ( January!). The weather and the landscape of Ladakh Zanskar make it inevitable to list the best places to travel in January. You have numerous trekking destinations in Ladakh. Padum-Darcha Trek, Zanskar-Sham Valley Trek, and Lugnak Trail Trek are some excellent places to trek. The glorious mountains clad in their snowy shawls are waiting to meet you. Countless monasteries in this region seem to be treasuring and cherishing the secrets of the world. How To Reach? Located in the Kargil district of Kashmir, India, Ladakh keeps its arms open for you in all modes of travel. You can visit by air, train, or just hit the road on a motorcycle ( the third one is my personal favorite). If you are going by air, you can go through the Kushok Bakula Airport. It is very close to Leh. If you are going by train, you can start by reaching Jammu Tawi railway station. The dream of many travelers is to ride the 462 km distance between Leh and Ladakh on a motorbike. You can take the NH 01 or NH 301 highway and travel by yourself. Places To Visit: You can visit the Lingshed Monastery, Sani Monastery, and Stongdey Monastery. The Pensi La Pass separates the Zanskar Valley from Suru Valley; it is a must-visit location in Ladakh. You must not miss Pangong Lake and Khardung la Pass. Things To Do: You can trek, hike mountains, and even feel the rush of motorbike riding in the Zanskar region. Cuisines To Try: If you are visiting Ladakh, you must try these dishes– Momo, skyu, Thupka, Chutagi, tingmo, chhurpe. 2. Maldives If you want to get lost and find yourself in a picturesque Island country, Maldives is the location you need to visit. The country is located in the north-central Indian Ocean. The bright, beautiful crystal blue ocean and the beaches that welcome you with open arms are hard not to resist. The emerald water of Maldives is the main attraction of Maldives. Many luxurious overwater bungalows are making it the best location for a trip in January. The Maldives is one of the best places to travel in January for all the water sports you can enjoy there. Also, you can entertain your guests by choosing a private yacht charter in the Maldives. How To Reach? You can reach the Maldives by plane; you can take a chartered plane from anywhere in the world and reach the airport on the island. Places To Visit: Male, Addu Atoll, and Mafushi are the places where you can visit in the Maldives. Things To Do: The Maldives tends to wound your soul with its relaxing weather and environment. There are plenty of activities to do in Maldives–snorkeling, submarine rides, and island hopping are some of my personal recommendations. Cuisines To Try: Some of the mouth-watering delicacies are waiting for you in the Maldives. You can try–fried yams, fish curry, gulha, Maldivian live lobster, mas huni, and masroshi. You may like to Read: Getting The Best From Maldives Tour Packages. 3. Seychelles Seychelles, an archipelago of 115 islands, is one of the best travel destinations to visit in January. Suppose you can spend a few days in the lap of numerous beaches in Seychelles. The nature reserve of this location appeals to your eyes with coral reefs and rare animals like giant Aldabra. The calm islands and serene beaches will help you find yourself again. Seychelles ranks among the best places to travel in January. So if you are planning a trip in January, then Seychelles has readied the best holiday destinations for January. How To Reach? Seychelles is located in East Africa; you can reach the location through the international airport located on the Mahe island near the capital Victoria. You can travel from most of the countries in the world and their national airports. Places To Visit:  There are 115 islands, so you have plenty of places to visit in Seychelles in January. The best places among them are–Mahe, Beau Vallon, Praslin, and La Digue. Things To Do: Just relaxing on the numerous beaches is enough to freshen you up. You can do snorkeling, Scuba diving, and cruise rides in Seychelles. Cuisines To Try: You must try seafood if you are visiting Seychelles. There are plenty of exquisite delicacies to try out in the place. For instance–octopus curry, grilled fish, satini, ladobs, and local alcoholic beverages. You can also try many fruits like mango, papaya, avocado, and star fruit. 4. Switzerland If you are planning to visit a country Instead of a specific destination, then Switzerland can be one of the best places to travel in January. It is like one of the snowy places out of the Disney movies that you dreamed of visiting as a child. It is the dream country where the urban and the wild live together in harmony. The beautiful alpine scenery of Switzerland, the Alps, wetlands, and the forest area live nearby in this country. So if you are planning to spend the winter in the lavish luxury of urban life and also keep nature close to your chest, then there is no better place than Switzerland. How To Reach? The best option would be to take a direct flight to Switzerland. But if you don't have any other options, you can fly to Milan or Paris and then fly to any Swiss airport. Places To Visit? There are multiple places to visit in Switzerland. Zurich, Lake Geneva, Lucerne, Verbier. Lake Geneva is my personal favorite serene paradise. You also must not skip St.moritz. Things To Do: Come visit the Soglio village in Switzerland; you can also swim in Lake Lucerne and party at the exotic clubs here. Cuisines To Try: Fondue is the signature of Switzerland, and you must try it if you are visiting. Roasted flour soup, rosti, polenta, and braised beef, raclette are some of the most delicious dishes that you need to try here. 5. Dubai Dubai indeed is among the best places to travel in January. If you are a sucker for the luxurious city views, then Dubai has no peers for your travel-thirsty soul. Skyscrapers that penetrate the sky, state-of-the-art buildings, fabulous city life, sporty beeches, and fine dinners are the main attractions of Dubai. How To Reach? You can reach Dubai by landing at the Dubai international airport. Places To Visit: Burj Khalifa and Burj Al Arab are two of the best places to visit in Dubai. You must also see Dubai creek, Global village, Jumeirah Beach, and Underwater Zoo. Things To Do: You can relax at the beach or go on a desert safari. Cuisines To Try: If you are in Dubai, you must try the best foods in Dubai– Manousheh, Al Harees, Chelo Kebab, Mandi, Iranian Sangak, and Oozie. Read more: 5 Essential Tips For A Smooth Dubai Tour Package. 6. Bali Bali, the island of gods, provides you the peace and tranquility that you have been longing for a long time. In its diverse and rich natural abundance, Bali appears like a scenic painting of what global nature has to offer. The glory of the mountains, the life force of the lush greenery, gushing sacred rivers, beautiful waterfalls, canyons, gardens, and beautiful temples will attract you to Bali. If you are looking for the best honeymoon destination in January, then Bali is my first recommendation. In January, most of the travelers clear out the tourism sports. So you have Bali all to yourself as the most romantic tourism destination in January. How To Reach? You can reach Bali either by Ngurah Rai or Denpasar International Airport. Places To Visit: You must visit Kuta, Seminyak, Gili, Ubud. Things To Do: You can go surfing, visit the temples, and see the rice terraces. Cuisines To Try: Babi Guling, Gado Gado, Mie Goreng, and Pepes Ikan, are some delicious foods you should give your mouth the privilege to taste. You can also check: 4 Tips For First-Time Travelers To Bali. 7. Thailand, Chiang Mai Surrounded by the Thai highlands, Chiang Mai is one of the best places you can visit in Thailand. The best part about a visit to Chiang Mai is that you can visit there during winter, especially in January. The weather, the landscape, and the people of Chiang Mai are the reasons for going to Chiang. The mountain top temples and Doi Inthanon national park are the main attraction of January. Chiang Mai is one of the best places to travel in January. If you are in Thailand, you can also visit the Red Lotus Sea in the Kumphawapi district. The scenic beauty of the millions of water lilies is a sight to behold. How To Reach? You can reach Chiang Mai through the air, by bus, and also by train. You can directly land at the Chiang Mai airport. Also, you can also go by train straight from Bangkok. Places To Visit: The mountain top temple Wat Phra That Doi Suthep is a must-visit place in Thailand. You can also go see the Hmong village named Doi Pui. Doi Inthanon national park is another place in Chiang Mai you must go to. Things To Do:  You can go for an adventure in the Doi Inthanon park, do a night safari, and attend local festivals in Chiang Mai. Cuisines To Try: There are many local Thai foods that you can try out. But you must not forget to try the most popular local dish named Khao Soy. 8. Sri Lanka If you are looking for the best places to travel in January for warm weather, then Sri Lanka can be a good choice. Rich in hill stations, pleasant beaches, and wildlife treasures, Sri Lanka can be the best travel destination for warm weather in January. It is also one of the best countries you can visit in the summer. How To Reach? You can take an international flight to reach Sri Lanka from any place in the world. Places To Visit: Bentota, Colombo, Nuwara Eliya, Kandy. Things To Do: You can climb the Sirigiya and see the elephants from an up-close distance; you can also explore the Yala national park. Cuisines To Try: Kottu roti, Lamparis, Dhal curry, Gotu Kola mallung, wood apple juice, etc. 9. Tulum Mexico is a place for more than relaxation. You can relax on the beaches of Tulum. The white sand on the beach and the crystal blue water will provoke you to extend your holidays. Since you are in Mexico, you can also recharge yourself by going to parties and enjoying various sports on the beach. The weather in Tulum during January is quite nice. So if you are looking for travel destinations for a January tour, then it's an option worth considering. Click here to know- how to turn your Tulum trip into an unforgettable adventure? How To Reach? You can land at the Cancun International Airport and go to Tulum straight from there. Places To Visit: Tulum archeological sites, cenotes dos ojos, gran cenote, playa paraiso. Things To Do: You can go for day trips, snorkeling, and eco-tours. Click here to read out 12 things that everyone should try in Mexico. Cuisines To Try: Ceviche,Sopa de Lima, tacos al Pastor, Yucateca Antojitos, Cochinita Pibil. 10. East-Central Africa, Serengeti National Park If you are planning a trip in January, then you must hear the call of the jungle. An African safari in the Serengeti national park is one of the best trips you can plan in January. January is the time when many wild beasts breed during their Great Migration. Serengeti should be among the best places to travel in January if you want to see them in their world. How To Reach? You can fly from Kilimanjaro International airport or Arusha International Airport to Serengeti. Places To Visit: Seronera, Naabi Hill, sees the Migration at the Serengeti hippo pool's national park. Things To Do: You can have a balloon safari there, see the wildlife migration, and the Tanzania safari. Cuisines To Try: Nyama choma, chipsi mayai, mshikaki, Zanzibar pizza. These Are The Best Places To Travel In January Different parts of the world have different weather in January. You can enjoy a chilly bike ride in Ladakh. You can also enjoy the mild warm beaches like Tulum and Seychelles. If you want peace and quiet on a romantic trip, then Bali is your destination. For people with a deep love for wild lives, Serengeti is calling you with open arms. In this article, I have tried to diversify the best travel destinations for a trip in January. I wholeheartedly provoke you to personally visit any of these places and share your experience with us. I can assure you that you will have a memorable trip in your life. Read Also: Best Neighborhoods To Discover In Mexico City Reasons To Book Cottages For Your Honeymoon! World’s Legendary Locations That Will Mesmerise You

BY  Abdul Aziz May 19, 2023

For avid travelers and investors, the Korean currency rate can be a fascinating topic of discussion. Understanding the fluctuations of the won against other currencies can give insights into its economy. Likewise, it could say much about Korea's political developments and investors' sentiment in the market. This article will explore everything about the Korean currency rate. As such, we will cover the basic conversion rates to the impact of major events on the Korean economy. History Of Korean Currency South Korean currency has rich historical data that dates back to the early dynasties of Korea. It all started with the use of cowry shells and pearls as currency. As time passed, metal coins and paper money became popular. The Japanese occupation of Korea introduced the Japanese yen as the official currency. Yet, in 1945, the Korean won was introduced and became the official currency. Interestingly, the won was initially divided into 100 jeon, but the jeon was eliminated in 1960. The won has undergone many transformations to ensure price stability and economic growth. In modern times, the South Korean won is the official currency used in South Korea. Today, the value of the South Korean won fluctuates with the global exchange rates. It’s one of the world’s top 20 currencies by value. Current South Korean Won Exchange Rate Knowing the latest exchange rate for the Korean won can be helpful in budgeting and forecasting your finances. As of January 2023, the exchange rate for Korean won is fluctuating depending on the global market and demand. Below are some of the latest conversion rates: 1 US dollar = 1,315.29 Korean won (USD to KRW) 1 Australian dollar = 893.35 Korean won (AUD to KRW) 1 Chinese yuan = 192.07 Korean won (CNY to KRW) 1 Japanese yen = 9.90 Korean won (JPY to KRW) However, exchange rates may vary depending on banks' locations and policies. Check exchange rates online through various currency converter websites to ease the currency conversion. Alternatively, download an exchange rate or currency calculator app. With these tools, you can convert your dollars to South Korean won (USD - KRW) or any other currency at the current rate. Banknotes And Coins Banknotes and coins in South Korea are not only used for daily transactions. Yet, they also hold significant cultural value. As such, these banknotes come in different denominations and colors. For instance, the 1,000-won note features a Confucian scholar. Then, the 10,000 won note features Admiral Yi Sun-sin, known for his naval victories against Japan. Meanwhile, the 50,000 won note features Shin Saimdang, a prominent female artist. Besides that, she was the mother of the famous Korean painter Yi I. These banknotes represent important historical figures and showcase various artistic designs. Similarly, Korean coins are equally fascinating, with 10, 50, 100, and 500 won denominations. Each coin features a different symbol that holds cultural significance. The 500-won coin features the portrait of King Sejong, who invented the Korean alphabet. Meanwhile, the 100-won coin features the image of a crane, symbolizing longevity and good fortune in Korean culture. When visiting South Korea, carry some local currency as most stores prefer cash transactions. Foreign exchange markets are available in major cities, but it is crucial to know exchange fees as they vary. Overall, banknotes and coins in South Korea hold monetary value and capture the country's cultural heritage. Visit the Bank of Korea to learn more about their banknotes and coins. Money-Handling And Etiquette As with any country, knowing the cultural norms when handling money in South Korea is good. As such, for Koreans, money is not just a means but a representation of energy. Below are some key points to note: Cleanliness is crucial. Many Koreans believe money represents energy and keep their bills and coins as clean as possible. Hence, you will rarely see crumpled or dirty bills in circulation. Besides that, many Koreans carry cash and coins in wallets and change purses. For them, it is not just a convenient way to have cash but a way to keep it clean and maintain the money's energy. Respectful giving and receiving. When giving or receiving money, using both hands for respect is customary. This act is particularly true when exchanging money with older people or of a higher status than you. No throwing or placing on the floor. Throwing money or putting it on the floor is considered disrespectful. If you drop a coin or bill, pick it up immediately. Likewise, people usually place money on a designated tray or hand it directly to the receiver. Cash vs. Card. Credit cards are widely accepted in Korea. Yet, having some Korean won for small transactions or in areas that only accept cash is always good. Keep this Korean currency rate information. Doing so will allow you to navigate financial transactions in South Korea with ease and respect for the country's cultural norms. Read Also: Traveling To Korea? Here’s Your Must-Try Korean Food 7 Reasons Why Phuket, Thailand Attracts Travelers Worldwide Top Hotels With Jacuzzi In Room In Las Vegas – Travel Guide