From Hiking to Stargazing: The Top 10 National Parks in Utah! [A Travel Checklist]

BY  Sibashree Apr 29, 2025

John has plans to visit Italy this year. He has been saving the fun for many months now.  However, a medical emergency in the family has resulted in some unexpected expenses. So, he was clueless about how he would arrange the funds, as he did not want to cancel the plans.  I suggested that he go for vacation payment plans.  The global market for “Travel Now and Play Later” services is about to reach $98.6 billion by 2033. Also known as the “Buy Now Pay Later” or BNPL Option, it is an important type of vacation payment plan.  Many travel companies offer buy now, pay later (BNPL) or other all-inclusive vacation payment plans. Here, you don’t need to pay all the charges for your vacation upfront.  On the contrary, with these vacation payment plans, you can now book your travel requirements and pay the money over time. Typically, these payment plans feature fixed monthly installment payments. Also, based on the company, these plans are available without interest or with interest.  In addition, many companies offering vacation payment plans will allow you to make a small down payment and pay the remaining amount in installments before you set out for the trip or even after completing the trip.  Here, the repayment policies will differ from one company to another.  Now, on the Tour and Travel Blog Board, we understand that traveling isn't just about choosing a travel destination, knowing the attractions, and making the itinerary.  We often overlook the funding part, only to end up in a soup, thinking about the expenses. So, here, we will discuss how these companies offering vacation payment plans are making traveling easier for you.  Also, in this, we have Escapes.ca as our expert partner, decoding the benefits of vacation payment plans and how they work for us. How Do The Best Vacation Payment Plans Work? Usually, the application for vacation payment plans works through the following step-by-step process. How it works: 1. Select "Flex Pay" or "Pay Monthly" at checkout:Many companies offer payment plans that are easily selected during the booking process.  2. Quick application:You'll need to provide some personal information for a quick decision.  3. Enjoy your trip:You can travel and start enjoying your vacation even if you haven't fully paid for it yet.  4. Choose Easy Monthly Payments To Repay The AmountThe remaining balance is paid in fixed monthly installments, often with no late fees or prepayment penalties.  What Are The Best Companies Offering Vacation Payment Plans? Here are some top names in offering vacation payment plans.  CompaniesBenefitsAmerican Airlines VacationsOffers Flex Pay with interest-free options.Beaches ResortsProvides Flex Pay for easy monthly installments.Air Canada VacationsAllows you to pay monthly and travel even if your balance hasn't been fully paid.United VacationsAllows you to book a vacation and pay monthly with a small down payment and pay the rest later.SellOffVacations.comOffers Flex Pay with fixed monthly installments.CheapCaribbeanPartners with Flex Pay to offer payment plans.ExpediaProvides flexible payment plans and can filter for free cancellation options.Apple Vacations/Travel ImpressionsMay offer payment plans through companies like Uplift. Southwest VacationsOffers Flex Pay for convenient monthly payments. Escapes.caProvides "Pay Monthly Vacation" options with a deposit and regular monthly payments. All Inclusive OutletOffers flexible payment plans for land-only bookings. Why Are Vacation Payment Plans So Popular Among Tourists? The market for vacation payment plans is growing because of rising demand for these plans among millennials and Gen Z travelers.  Especially, the buy now, pay later (BNPL) facilities are becoming more popular among millennials and Gen Z travelers, as in many cases, there are no late fees involved in the repayment structure.  Also, a recent survey has found that 18% of the travelers prefer to use the vacation payment plans.  However, do you know why these plans have become so popular? Let’s find out! 1. Vacation Payment Plans Are Flexible Vacation plans offer flexible payment options with easy installments and partial downpayments.  Also, many vacation payment services do not charge any interest on the funding provided.  2. Fintech And Digitalization Have Made Vacation Payment Plans Flexible The global online booking market is about to reach 1589.6 billion by 2032. On the other hand, the Fintech Market is about to grow to 686.85 billion by 2030.  This simultaneous rise in these two industries has made it easier to incorporate vacation payment plans into online travel booking platforms.  It works in a way similar to how you want to purchase a luxury item or service from a company, and the company arranges funding for you.  3. Vacation Payment Plans Offer More Comprehensive Travel Solutions Many services offering vacation payment plans are now collaborating with tourism companies. In this way, the companies providing vacation payment plans are now reaching out to a wider customer base.  Also, as the travel companies set the itinerary and travel packages for a particular destination, the vacation payment partner, in collaboration with the travel companies, will have a clear idea about how much fun you need.  This clarity will help the travel payment plan services customize your vacation plan for comprehensive coverage.  4. Vacation Payment Plans Help Tourists Have More Meaningful Travel Experiences The demands of the travelers are changing. Today, traveling is not just about touching the highlights.  The young travelers are looking for more “meaningful” experiences. They want to explore the local culture, visit the hidden gems, and be more sustainable in their travel practices.  However, ticking all these checklists may cause the budget to shoot up. These vacation payment plans help the tourists with adequate funding, and the flexible repayment schedule adds to their mental peace.  How To Find The Best Vacation Payment Plans? Keep all these things in mind while choosing the best vacation payment plan for your next trip.  Research and Compare: Don't settle for the first payment plan you see. Compare different vacation packages and payment options to find the best deal for your needs and budget.  Consider Booking During the Off-season: You may find better prices and deals by booking during off-season periods like mid-October through mid-December.  Check for Flexible Cancellation Policies: Look for packages with flexible cancellation policies. This way, you won't be stuck with penalties if you need to change your plans. 

BY  Abdul Aziz Sep 24, 2021

Japan is a very technologically advanced country. Along with their technical advancements, their culture and heritage are unique. Almost every year, 4 million tourists choose Japan as their tourist destination. But are you thinking the tourists are selecting this country because of their low-cost travel expenses? Even though Japan Is a popular tourist destination, it is expensive. Let’s see for the answer: is Japan expensive, and how expensive is Japan exactly? Japan is the most developed Asian country. And many factors are working behind the reason. When you want to see the answer for; is Japan expensive first you have to understand the geographical locations of Japan. Japan is an island. And Japan does not have any road connectivity with any country. This is also the reason for their expensive economy. Why Is Japan So Expensive? When you want to know, is Japan expensive? Hence we must say to you that, yes Japan is expensive. Many reasons are working behind the expensive nature of their economy. But Japan is the most technically advanced country. The modern and smart lifestyle is bringing many advantages to the country’s people. Japanese people believe in the traditional way of life. But the Jpans is positively adopting the good natures of the western foreign countries. And they also respect their own culture and way of life. These are the main reasons for their development. Not only for the tourists, but the regular daily necessary items are also expensive compared to the other Asian countries. Check out how much is a trip to Japan and what the expenses are. 4 General Tourist Expenses In Japan Now you know the answer; is Japan expensive? But can you travel to Japan on a budget? Yes, when you have the right ideas about Japan having a very prosperous economy and expensive lifestyle, you can quickly develop the tour plan on your budget. Or if like to solo travel then this article is for you. Here are the four general tourist expenses in Japan. 1. Accommodation Cost  Is Japan expensive? Yes, Japan is expensive and costly in every aspect, like food, drinks, and tourist accommodations. But depending upon the season, the accommodation expenses vary. So if you are searching for a place on a low budget, you can stay in the Hostels. Midrange accommodations range from $160 to $330 per night. For boutique hotels, you have to pay around $450 per night. Of course, these price ranges vary from season to season. But Shinjuku and Tokyo's accommodation ranges are always higher than other places.  The best part is that Japan is a very clean and hygienic country. So in every price range, all the accommodations maintain their prime cleaning and hygienic routine.  On the other hand, if you’re a foreigner planning to live in Japan for good, finding the right place to stay is crucial. Like short-term accommodations, Japan offers a wide range of living environments for foreigners wanting to build a life in the said country. Hence, if you’re looking to move to Japan after your trip there, check out reliable websites to know the best places for foreigners where you can call home.   2. General Public Transport All the public transport is very convenient, and you can easily get the vehicle and travel to any place. The train and the metro railways are the most convenient transport medium. Japan has the smartest railway system. For travelling by bullet train, you have to spend around $170 to $130 for travelling to Japan’s popular cities. If you want to travel by Japan’s public transport, it is better to purchase a Japan rail pass for seven days validity. There is also some Japanese transport system available. With this pass, you can travel to any city for seven days, and to purchase this pass, you only have to spend around $270. All the cab and the taxi fares start from $8. Depending upon your distances, the fare is getting decided. However, if you’re planning an extended trip to Japan or considering moving there for good, investing in a bicycle can be an excellent way to save on transportation. Like other Asian countries, biking is recognized as a great mode of transport in Japan. The country also has safe bike routes, which make it easy for cyclists to get around the cities and other places. So, to avoid spending too much on transportation, get on your bike as you explore the country. 3. Tours Guide You know the answer is yes, Japan is expensive. But can you guess how much you have to spend on guided tours? English speaking guides are costly. The guided tours charge nearly $320 per person, and the tour hours are allocated for eight to nine hours. Japan is a safe country. Everywhere you will get help from the tourists. And Japan's national tourism organization is distributing a brochure for the tourists where you will get every guidance to explore Japan. And to get the local news you can avail the help from the Local tourist’s centres.  Take the guidance from the national tourist departments. This is the cheapest way to travel in Japan. Every instruction in tourist places has English language conversations. So you do not have to ask anyone for it. 4. Food And Drink Cost Food and drink are available in low-cost ranges. So if you are planning to take the authentic taste of sushi, you will get plenty of options available there. From the expensive designer boutiques to Kaiten-zushi style shops everywhere, the multiple authentic sushi dishes are valuable.  You can select the place according to your requirements. In the boutique’s style restaurant, you have to spend nearly $320 for sushi, but if you prefer the sushi in a low-cost range, you have to spend only $10 for sushi.  If you want to explore Japan on a budget. You can quickly shift your choices to Japanese cuisines and cut your travel funding by cutting the foreign food items. For Bonus Tips: 6 Best Delicious Destinations That You Can't-Miss How To Plan Budget-Friendly Travel In Japan? Many tourists are asking if Japan is expensive. Of course, even Japan is a costly country, but you can travel to Japan on a budget only you have to plan it adequately. When you know the exact places where you can cut the budget, you can quickly develop a trip plan for your Japan travelling. Here is the guidance. Read it and know the cheapest way to travel in Japan: Be ready with your budget before you arrive at your destination. This will allow you to stick to your budget and limit unnecessary spending. Off-season tour plans are always budget-friendly. The Autumn season is an off-season to travel Japan, and this time the tourist rush is not very high. Take the railroad to explore the city and buy the railway card to see the tourist places in the country. Focus on the local authentic, fresh Japanese dishes. If you’re looking for cheap food in Japan, you can buy one in small restaurants, street food stalls, and even vending machine cafes. However, if you stay in the country for an extended period, you can save money on your travel by preparing and cooking most of your meals from scratch. Try to find accommodation which is a little bit far from the main crowded cities. Make sure to book your accommodation ahead of time to save a lot of money. Hostels and the local guest houses are also charming, clean places to stay. However, when planning for a chest ways Japan tour, it is better to keep away from the expensive luxury boutique-type accommodations. Look for free attractions and events to save money. Whether you want to spend a fun day in a national park or visit a museum, there are incredible activities that allow you to enjoy Japan without paying anything. Sum It Up After reading the article, you know the facts, analyze facts, and know the answer is that Japan is expensive. If you have queries about how much is a trip to Japan? Then we must say the cost is entirely dependent upon the spending nature of the person. But in Japan, you will get plenty of options to try out the different types of accommodation and food. Only you have to pick the right choice for you which is affordable for you. And plan your trip. Read More: Top 10 Places To Visit In Singapore Top 10 Best Travel Apps To Use In 2021 Best National Parks In Missouri That You Must Know

BY  Abdul Aziz May 1, 2024

Many of the countries in South America are popular for their exquisite and varied cuisine. However, the practices of Paraguay food are not known to many. The Paraguayan Cuisine has been influenced by the local indigenous tribe’s culinary traditions and practices brought by immigrants from Spain, Italy, and Portugal. Being a foodie myself, I love traveling around the world to have a taste of every new variety of food that the world has to offer. Visiting remote areas, meeting with new people, and trying out their traditional dishes is what I have always loved! I was also in your shoes when I first landed in Paraguay, a bit startled and confused. Although, as I began to explore, my first meal at a fancy restaurant in Asuncion changed my entire perception of the state.  Tid-Bits About Paraguay Food Classic Paraguay food includes some of the most exclusive dishes that are bound to beat any of the Peruvian or Argentine preparations. Traditional culinary elements in Paraguay food recipes consist of meat, maize, vegetables, manioc, cheese, fish, milk, and even fruits.  ‘Asado’ is a local term used for barbecue, which is referred to as both a cooking practice and a social event. In Paraguay, barbecuing is the most important mode of cooking their traditional Paraguayan food dishes.  Here in this article, I will elucidate the best dishes and popular foods in Paraguay that you must try in Paraguay this year. The Paraguay famous foods excite your taste buds and have an experience like never before.  1. Kivevé You will be stuck in a dilemma whether to count this as a main course or a dessert. Kieve is the most popular and loved Paraguay food. It is a vegetarian dish that is cooked out of andai (a type of juicy pumpkin), cornmeal, Paraguayan cheese, milk, and sugar. Kieve is a typical food in Paraguay. It has a very creamy and light texture and is orangish in color. This rich-flavored delicacy is served lukewarm and is often consumed as a side dish or even main meal, at breakfasts, and as an evening snack. 2. Chipa Considered a staple Paraguay food, Chipa is a simple bread roll that was invented by the local indigenous people in the 18th century. It is a bun that is made out of manioc or cassava flour, lard, and anise, and beaten eggs and cheese. There are different versions of Chipa available, varying over the regional influences. The bread has a very crunchy crust due to the addition of lard. The crumb is soft and has a unique flavor. It is prepared and consumed by every household in the state.  3. Bori Bori Bori-Bori (Vori-Vori) is a nutritious and flavorful thick soup that is prepared out of vegetables such as carrots, celery, onions. It is filled with meat (chicken or beef) and dumplings of cornmeal plus cheese. The prime flavoring ingredients in this soup are bay leaves, cloves, and parsley. The addition of saffron to this hearty broth makes it even more flavorful and rich golden in color. It must be served piping hot, garnished with some parsley and Paraguayan cheese on the side. It is especially popular during the winters.  4. Sopa Paraguaya This specialty is not what it sounds like. Even though SOPA translates to soup in the local language, it is not at all in the vicinity of any soupy preparations. It is the national dish of Paraguay, which resembles a cakey thick bread.  It is crafted out of cornflour, cheese, milk, and eggs. The flavor is inculcated through the use of onions and pork fat. It is usually baked and is often termed solid soup. It has a soft and crumbly texture and is served on special occasions as a side dish.  5. Mbeju Mbeju, when translated to the local Guarani language, means cake. It is a very simple and staple Paraguay food. It is a kind of starchy pancake that is prepared with cassava flour, salt, oil, milk, eggs, crumbled cheese, and even pork fat. The dough is kneaded well and rolled out thickly like a pancake. It is then fried in hot oil. It is usually consumed during breakfast, sometimes dinner, alongside a bitter herbal tea or coffee.  6. Soyo This is another popular Paraguay food, which is a thick unpassed soup. It is made with beef grounded in a mortar, rice, and vegetables, including green peppers, onions, and tomatoes. Soyo is another good example of Paraguay’s famous food.  The dish is flavored with garlic, parsley, oregano, salt, and pepper. The name is derived from the native Guarani phrase so’o josopy, meaning crushed meat. A whole bowl of soyo can be considered as a complete meal and has a high calorific value. Also Read: Unmissable Attractions In Surabaya 7. Tereré Since the climate in Paraguay tends to grow hotter every summer, Terere acts as a relief to many. It is a cold-brewed herbal tea that is bitter in taste and is commonly known as yerba mate.  Terere is one of the essential elements of export, and the natives can be seen carrying around a thermos flask, guampa (a spherical mug), and bombilla (a silver straw) everywhere they go. It is a very healthy and refreshing drink and has high caffeine content. 8. Dulce de Mamon Here comes our most awaited syrupy sweet dessert in the list of top Paraguay food you must try! Dulce de Mamon is one of the oldest and most traditional preparations of Paraguay, which has only two major ingredients. It is cooked by boiling small cut wedges of papaya in sugar syrup. The mixture is simmered for almost 2 hours in order for the papaya to achieve a soft texture. You can even add some cloves, lemon zest, and a little orange juice to enhance the flavors.  Also Read: 3 Intriguing Reasons To Cruise In Alaska 9. Pira Caldo Another most favored Paraguay food includes Pira Caldo. It is basically a light fish stew made with freshwater catches such as surubi, mandi’y, and tare’y. I have never in my life tasted such meaty textured fishes with a tinge of saltiness in them. Initially, vegetables such as onions, tomatoes, leeks, celery, bell peppers, and carrots are fried in pork or beef fat and are cooked with other spices. It is then combined with milk and soft white cheese to improve the thickness and flavor. 10. Bife Koygua Bife Koygua, or hidden steak as it is known, is another popular Paraguay food that is a must-try.  It is a heavy preparation in which the beef steaks are covered with onions and tomatoes. Hence the name. According to the local language, bife means beef, and koygua means shy or hidden. The recipe calls for the steak to be pounded first with spices, then fried with onions and topped with tomatoes. Towards the end, an egg or two is added at the top, and the dish is garnished with parsley. Puchero Paraguayo Recipe The Paraguayan version of a traditional meat stew is called Puchero paraguayo. This stew has its origins in Spain and is now prepared in several countries throughout South America and the Philippines. The name of the stew, Puchero, comes from the Spanish word meaning "stewpot". Course: Main Course Cuisine: Latin American, Paraguayan Servings: 4 people Author: Nita Ragoonanan Ingredients 1½ lb beef (skirt or flank steak, cut into pieces) 3 cloves garlic, cut in half 1 onion, chopped 1 green bell pepper, diced 2 carrots 10 oz. pumpkin, cubed 2 potatoes, cubed ½ cup rice 6 tablespoons olive oil Salt Pepper Equipment Pressure cooker Instructions To start, get a large pot and fill it with 10 cups (2.5L) of water. Add in some onions, carrots, and bell peppers, and bring it to a boil. Let it simmer for 15 minutes and season it with salt and pepper to your liking. Set it aside. Next, heat some olive oil in a pressure cooker and add in some garlic and meat. Saute over high heat while stirring constantly until the meat is browned. Pour in the reserved broth and vegetables and close the pressure cooker. Cook for 45 minutes on medium-low heat. While waiting, rinse the rice. After 45 minutes, open the pressure cooker and add in the rice, potatoes, and pumpkin. Close the pressure cooker again and continue cooking for 15 minutes. Frequently Asked Questions!!! (FAQs): Q1. What Is The Traditional Dessert In Paraguay? Ans: Mazamorra also known as Kaguyjy is one of the most popular traditional deserts in Paraguay. it is made of corn and sugar, mixed with honey or milk. Ka'i Ladrillo is a candy made of peanuts and molasses. Q2. What Is Paraguay's National Dish? Ans: Sopa Paraguaya is the national dish of Paraguay. it is similar to cornbread and made up of corn flour, pig fat, or butter, with cheese and milk. it is very spongy and is rich in calories and protein. Q3. What Is The National Drink Of Paraguay? Ans: Yerba mate tea is prepared with cold water. different variations of terre can be found in Brazil and Argentina. Its birthplace is Paraguay. Final Thoughts These are some of the most exotic preparations from Paraguay that made their way into my Top 10 list. Thanks to those Guarani friends that I had over there who guided me through to the best of their culinary traditions. And if you are hesitating about visiting this place, trust me, the experience is worthwhile. It is not only about their food but also their culture, traditions, and heritage. This beautiful country deserves all the appreciation in the world. You May Also Like:  Top 7 Places To Visit For An Asian Solo Traveler Top 7 Nantucket Beaches For Tourists In Massachusetts 10 Things To Do In Bogota – You Must Know Before Going