Navigating Europe: A Guide For First-Time Travelers

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  Ankita Nov 12, 2023

The appeal of life on the open road has captured people's imaginations for generations. While the classic road trip experience usually involves traveling by car, an increasing number of adventurous souls are answering the call of wanderlust by living full-time in RVs. Recreational vehicles offer nomadic travelers a unique way to experience new places while enjoying all the comforts of home on wheels. Here Are Seven Prime Reasons For Living In An RV Here are a few reasons more adventurers are picking up stakes to explore the countryside and beyond from the driver's seat of an RV. 1. Unconstrained Exploration An RV removes the barriers that often limit vacation travel by time or budget. Living on the road full-time lets you follow your curiosity wherever it may lead without the constraints of return flights, hotel reservations, or tightly scheduled itineraries. An RV provides the freedom to meander as inspiration strikes, soaking in hidden gems off the beaten path. Why visit just the highlights when you can immerse yourself in the character of entire regions? The mobility of an RV empowers explorers to fully embrace the serendipity of the open road. 2. Low Cost of Living While purchasing an RV itself is an investment, the overall cost of living in an RV on a day-to-day basis is significantly lower than maintaining a traditional house. There is no mortgage, property taxes, or costly home repairs and renovations to worry about. Utility bills like water, electricity, heating, and WiFi tend to be lower given the smaller space of an RV. Some RVs even have solar panels or generators to reduce reliance on utilities. Having no yard to maintain and fewer belongings also means less spending on home and garden supplies. Generally, the overall monthly costs of living in an RV are a small fraction compared to being tied down to a house, condo, or apartment, allowing you to live very affordably while pursuing your passion for travel. 3. Downsizing And Minimalism Living in an RV encourages and enables a downsized, minimalist lifestyle. With limited storage space, RV dwellers must prioritize only keeping their most essential belongings. This can have therapeutic benefits like reduced clutter and stress. It also forces you to re-evaluate material possessions and spend less time and money acquiring unnecessary "stuff". With less to maintain both physically and financially, residents can focus more on relationships, experiences, and personal growth versus possessions. Many embrace RV living partially for the minimalist simplicity it brings, freeing up more time and money for what matters in life rather than things. While surely not for everyone, weighing these advantages makes a persuasive case that RVs could function as effective modern Land Ark providing comfortable roaming residences for their residents. 4. Connection To Nature Living in an RV allows for regular immersion and connection to nature. Whether boondocking in national forests, hiking straight from the campsite, or enjoying scenic ocean or mountain vistas daily, the outdoor-centric lifestyle of an RV provides a natural way to appreciate and experience nature. Residents are essentially traveling through various natural environments rather than being isolated in houses separated from the natural world. This can have psychological benefits from reducing stress and anxiety. It also fosters environmental appreciation and stewardship, with RV enthusiasts serving as frequent visitors, volunteers, and financial supporters of public lands. Regular exposure to nature's restorative powers is a compelling perk for many who choose the RV lifestyle. 5. Flexibility For Remote Work With the rise of remote and location-independent work, living in an RV has become a practical option for many digital nomads and remote professionals. Working from an RV allows you to easily shift locations as your job, projects or heart may take you. From coworking spaces to scenic outdoor spots with strong WiFi connections, digital work is now fully compatible with life on the road. The flexibility to pick up and work from new destinations using an RV office is a huge advantage. No longer being tied to one geographic area expands career possibilities for remote professionals seeking a flexible lifestyle. When combined with a distributed or remote team, living and working from an RV becomes an attainable dream for many. 6. Community And Sense Of Belonging Despite the freedom of being untethered, living in an RV does not have to mean isolation. RV communities provide welcoming atmospheres for residents of all ages and backgrounds. Whether staying in organized campgrounds or communities centered around hobbies and interests, RV dwellers regularly interact and form bonds over shared recreational passions and travel adventures. Places like state and national parks become regular "home bases" full of familiar friendly faces. RV rallies and events foster a deep sense of camaraderie among residents of the road. Online RV forums and groups also help combat potential loneliness through digital companionship. While independence is part of the appeal, community remains an important factor for the mental and social well-being of many full-time RV dwellers. 7. Repurposing And Upcycling For some, living in an RV is partially motivated by sustainable ideals around reusing existing vehicles and materials. Upcycling pre-owned RVs keeps them on the road longer versus ending up in landfills. Older RVs can also come at much lower costs than new models. Modern amenities can still be incorporated through solar panels, portable power stations, and WiFi equipment. Interior upgrades allow RVs of any age to be repurposed for comfortable full-time use. Creative refits help extend the functional lifespan of RVs in an environmentally-minded way. The embrace of more sustainable, eco-friendly features provides RV living with an appealing ethical dimension as well. Many dwellers find fulfillment in repurposing vehicles and gear to simplify techniques while living lightly on the land. Read Also: Exploring West London: The Appeal Of Serviced Apartments Alsi Resort – Overview, Reviews, Pros, And Cons What Are The Benefits Of Living In A Luxury Villa

BY  Abdul Aziz Dec 28, 2023

Throughout its 300-year history, Albuquerque has drawn tourists from early Spanish settlers to sun-seeking tuberculosis sanitarium visitors who poured into the city in the 1920s and Route 66 road trippers. Visitors today recognize it as the world's center for hot-air ballooning as well as a popular destination for outdoor recreation. It is where more than forty tap rooms serve craft beer, and the local cuisine consists of spicy red and green chili sauce. Here, we have enlisted the best hotels in Albuquerque for your next trip. These hotels will change your idea about leisure as well as lounging. The variety of accommodations available in Albuquerque matches the diversity of its visitors. There are historic hotels with connections to the local railroad system or a boutique inn rooted in the indigenous culture of the area. Duke City's best hotels have what you're looking for, along with the basic peaceful retreat you may be looking forward to. Best Hotels In Albuquerque Albuquerque is the perfect place to take a year-round vacation due to its moderate, dry climate and more than 300 sunny days per year. Here are the best hotels in Albuquerque. Hotel Chaco Coming up first on the list of best hotels in Albuquerque is Hotel Chaco. The first new hotel in the area in over 40 years, it swung open its black-on-black doors with Avanyu carvings. It is a serpent design that is the symbol of the holiness of water in the high desert. This pattern frequently features in Pueblo pottery designs. It is the focal point of the Sawmill District's metamorphosis from a sleepy industrial hub to a thriving area for dining, lodging, and entertainment. The 118 guest rooms at the hotel have sleek, earthy colors and materials, like sinks carved from petrified wood, that evoke modern Southwest design. Unique Navajo (Diné) rugs from Toadlena Trading Post in northwest New Mexico, where weavers continue centuries-old traditions, adorn each room. El Vado Delirious with nostalgia! Residents of Duke City frequent El Vado to haunt its boutiques and eat tacos prepared by them. The motel attracts travelers seeking to relive their best moments along the Mother Road. Millennials and Gen Z-ers take pictures of its Instagram-worthy vignettes. For example, the Route 66 license plate art piece in the taproom. Before reopening in 2018, the 1937 classic auto motor court hotel underwent careful renovations. It still has the state's signature stepped massing and classic Pueblo Revival architecture. It also has a meticulously restored neon sign that greets visitors in true Route 66 fashion. The hotel pool, which was formerly the parking lot, got an upgrade and now features parking medians. Hotel Parq Central It stands between the city's most popular neighborhoods and offers a peaceful stay along historic Route 66. Hotel Parq Central is a thoughtful reimagination of a 1926 railroad hospital. That place recommends a lot of medical professionals and hospital employees as hotel visitors. The hotel's popular Apothecary Lounge draws locals as well. The building's eligibility for the National Register of Historic Places was maintained by the transformation. The interior railings, staircases, doors, and ceramic tiles of the stone-and-stucco façade are all back to their original splendor. Furthermore, despite being rich in history, it still exudes a warm welcome to modern convenience-seeking tourists. Hotel Albuquerque The reasonably priced Hotel Albuquerque is easily one of the best hotels in Albuquerque. It attracts both branded convention goers on coffee breaks from the hotel's ample meeting spaces and tour-ready sneaker-clad guests, thanks to its recently renovated rooms and convenient location within a block of Old Town, the center of Albuquerque's heritage. The hotel's architecture and décor are influenced by the Spanish founding of the city. It depicts the territorial era and history as a tuberculosis sanitarium hotspot. This is evident in its entry tower, Grand Sala (second-story windows on a cathedral-like lobby), and well-kept gardens. Visit Plaza Don Luis, a more recent addition to the neighborhood, for modern galleries, local wine-tasting rooms, and a new wave of craft breweries. Los Poblanos The 45 guest rooms at Los Poblanos reflect the character of their various locations throughout the property. It is sprawling amidst 25 acres of gardens and organic fields. It is housed in a recently constructed lavender-field adjacent building, which is a 1930s dairy-inspired structure with pitched tin roofs. The Territorial Revival-style hacienda opens to a courtyard fountain. The latter provide breathtaking views of the Sandia Mountains at dusk when they resemble their namesake watermelon. No matter where they are, the rooms exude Southwestern elegance. The Field suites are a hit with families because they have separate kid-friendly bunk rooms, dining areas, and full kitchens. The inn's restaurant, Campo, located in a restored dairy barn, has grown to be a popular choice for both locals and visitors. (Reservations are required in advance; tables fill up several weeks in advance.) Hotel Andaluz Albuquerque Conrad Hilton, a young businessman and native of New Mexico, inaugurated the first establishment in 1939. It was the first hotel he constructed in his home state and his fourth overall. For many years, the high-rise stood as the tallest structure in the state, which is one of the reasons it features in the National Register of Historic Places. Over the years, it changed hands a few times before ending up in the hands of an Albuquerque businessman who combined original elements, such as lobby murals and key slots lining the reception area, with new details inspired by Andalusia. The hotel became a part of Hilton's Curio Collection ten years after it reopened. The location focuses on sustainability. Hotel Andaluz used an impressive energy management system and earned LEED Gold certification during its $30 million renovation. Wrapping Up Known for its fusion of cultures, including the magnificent Rio Grande River and the breathtaking pink Sandia mountains. Hispanic, Native American, Asian, and African influences create a buzzy, vibrant community, Albuquerque, the state's most populous city, is tucked in New Mexico. It is emerging as the next hot spot for foodies due to its flourishing culinary scene. Even so, it's a fantastic starting point for taking in the majesty of the surroundings, with magnificent backdrops. If you have thoughts to share or questions to ask about the best hotels in Albuquerque, then please leave a comment below. We would love to hear from you! Read Also: Ski Retreats And City Suites: Salt Lake City’s Hotel Gems Houston Hospitality: The Top Hotels You Need To Experience Here Are The 25+ Best Hotels In Mexico City That You Must Visit!