BY Ankita TripathyOct 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 Mony ShahAug 24, 2023

Traveling could be among the most rewarding experiences one can have, whether it's for leisure or business. The idea of discovering a new destination and wandering its streets is really exciting. However, before you embark on a fresh journey, have you ever thought of what might go wrong during your travel arrangements? Imagine arriving at your destination only to discover that your luggage is nowhere to be found. Consider the scenario where your flight unexpectedly gets canceled. The solution to these uncertainties is travel insurance. What Is A Travel Insurance?  Suppose you missed your early flight to America or forgot your bags in China- who is going to take responsibility?  Have you ever thought about the priceless money you will lose without a stable backup? Here is when the need for travel insurance kicks in.  Travel insurance refers to an insurance type that covers financial losses related to traveling. But it doesn’t end there. Insurance for traveling can also be helpful while getting protection for international or domestic travel. Other factors that might also affect travel are also covered under this, like injury, illness, accidents, etc.  Many travelers either forget to opt for travel insurance or purposely avoid purchasing it. In both these cases, you will have to bear the consequences. Regardless of whether you are traveling abroad or within your own country, travel insurance is an essential safeguard that offers multiple advantages. Why Do You Need This Insurance Right Away: 6 Key Reasons?  Imagine going on a fun tour with your friends or your loved one, and something unfortunate happens. Nobody would ever want that, right? This is why here are the top 6 reasons why travel insurance is important when you embark on any journey. Financial Security When Traveling Abroad Imagine a situation where you visit a foreign country for the first time and find your wallet or bags stolen. What could you do in this situation? This is where your travel insurance proves its worth. In cases of unexpected emergencies, such as thefts, your travel insurance company becomes your support system, providing the necessary financial assistance to address the situation. If you're uncertain about which service provider to choose from the many available, you can easily compare prices with Utility Saving Expert and find the cheapest and most appropriate cover for your travel needs. It Covers Medical Emergencies Every Travel Insurance policy includes coverage for medical treatment expenses up to a specified limit. These policies are inclusive and do not differentiate between various types of medical emergencies. Whether it's medical treatment or accident-related expenses, the insurance company will reimburse costs up to the predetermined limit. Moreover, insurance providers maintain a roster of network hospitals where you can receive the necessary treatment. If You Lose Luggage And Personal Belongings In case your luggage is lost or significantly delayed, whether due to your negligence or the airport authority, travel insurance offers you peace of mind. The policy will provide coverage for purchasing essential items temporarily while your baggage is located. While your personal belongings may be irreplaceable, your travel experience will remain unaffected thanks to this coverage. If the Trip Get Cancelled Travel insurance additionally safeguards you in cases where you might need to cancel your trip for valid reasons, such as illness, injuries, national emergencies, or natural disasters. With travel insurance, you can be reassured that you won't lose the entire sum you invested in the trip if it happens to get canceled. When You Miss A Connecting Flight When you encounter the unfortunate situation of missing a connecting flight, perhaps due to a delay in your first flight, travel insurance comes to your rescue. This coverage enables you to seek reimbursement for the expenses incurred as a result of the missed connecting flight. The policy would allow you to file a claim for the expenses you've had to incur due to missing the connecting flight. This reimbursement can cover various aspects, including the cost of rebooking your missed flight, arranging new transportation, and even adjusting your accommodations if necessary. Fraudulent Charges Imagine yourself losing your credit/debit card during a trip, and suddenly, you start getting texts that someone is using your credit or debit card. Scary, right? You are not only losing your money, but you are losing in an unfamiliar place where assistance might be hard to come by. However, with the safety net of travel insurance, you would not have to face this problem. Your insurance coverage will reimburse you for any monetary losses incurred due to stolen payment cards, even covering transactions up to 12 hours preceding your initial report of the incident. What Is Meant By Comprehensive Travel Insurance?  Another very popular type of insurance is comprehensive travel insurance which consists of various other coverage. They are generally grouped under a single plan. Very commonly, comprehensive insurance for travel consists of a 24-hour helpline for healthcare when some emergency arrives. Alternatively, you might be able to buy every coverage type separately.  Interruption Coverage & Trip Cancellation This particular insurance helps in reimbursing a traveler for all or some prepaid travel expenses. Under it come trip cancellations, travel delays, cancellations, and trip interruptions.  Baggage Loss and Damage Coverage A frequent travel problem is your personal belongings getting either lost, damaged, or stolen. It immediately sabotages your whole mood because you have to look for replacements. However, various travel insurance policies pay only for belongings after exhausting other claims.  Rental Insurance Thirdly, vacation rental insurance coverage includes accidental damage costs from a vacation rental property. Some of these plans might also provide trip interruption and cancellation that help in reimbursing travel costs, particularly when you cannot access your vacation rental.  Conclusion Whether you're preparing for a vacation within your own country or embarking on an international journey, it's crucial to consider obtaining travel insurance. This prudent step will help guarantee a vacation that is not only secure and trouble-free but also offers you peace of mind throughout your travels. 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 Ariana SmithJun 11, 2021

You probably heard a lot about life insurance, car insurance, and home insurance. In case you don’t know, there’s another type of insurance that can protect you and your personal items during travels—travel insurance. Keep on reading to learn more about this insurance policy and how can you benefit from it. What Is Travel Insurance? As the name suggests, travel insurance is a plan that covers the financial risks and losses associated with travelling, either domestically or abroad. Examples of such risks include delayed flights or luggage, lost or damaged luggage, flight cancellations, and medical emergencies. Here are a few things you should know about travel insurance: It’s not a one-size-fits-all product. Travel insurance policies have varied benefits, stated exclusions, and limitations. Typically, plans don’t cover everything you might do or experience when you travel, including: Seeking medical treatment outside the home country Travelling to countries included in the “Do Not Travel list” Extreme sports where the chance of death or injury is high Pre-existing medical condition and pregnancy-related conditions Any behaviour under the influence of alcohol or unprescribed drugs Circumstantial exclusions, such as war, military actions, riots, and more It can’t cover every possible situation. Trip insurance covers losses due to global health emergencies and natural disasters, given that you purchase before such events occur. Most policies also don’t cover lodging or accommodation snafus, ticket scams, overbooked flights, and many other things. 3 Reasons to Insure Your Next Trip Many people see travel insurance as an unnecessary expense. The truth is, it’s as essential as life insurance. The only difference is that it protects you from the possible uncertainties—be they accidental death or injury, lost or stolen luggage, trip cancellation, and more—while you’re on your travels. Let’s break down the reasons to ensure your next trip: 1. Travel Worry- and Hassle-free: Travelling is good for mental health. It helps you take a break from stressful situations, reflect on your personal goals or interests, and feel more relaxed and content, among other benefits. While travelling is a good stress-reliever, it can pose various risks to health and safety, depending on both the characteristics of the traveller and on the type of travel. For instance, you may get sick due to the sudden change in temperature or get injured during the vacation. Such medical emergencies can spoil your much-awaited holiday fun. What’s worse is that the money allocated for your vacation will be used to pay for medical expenses. But if you were sensible and weighed up the pros and cons of various providers in order to get travel insurance that works for you, then you won’t have to worry about dealing with emergencies while travelling. Most travel insurance policies cover doctor and hospital expenses and work in conjunction with your health insurance, it's just about what extras you may or may not need depending on where you're travelling. Not all health insurance plans provide full coverage in foreign countries. In fact, some health plans provide no coverage at all. A trip insurance plan, on the other hand, can cover you for accidents and emergency medical care when you travel in any part of the globe. 2. Protect Your Personal Belongings: Have you ever lost a phone or other personal stuff during a trip? Believe it or not, you’re not alone. According to the 2015 Statista survey, U.S. travellers have had their items (i.e., smartphones, credit card, debit card, license and passport) lost or stolen while travelling. The likelihood of losing personal items during a trip is high as sending a text message to the wrong person. Why is that so? It’s because we, people, get distracted when we’re at the height of our emotions. We lose sight of the bigger picture because we’re too focused on one thing—either composing a text or having fun under the sun. Thankfully, travel insurance assures you that your personal belongings remain protected, even when they went astray. The insurer can help pay for replacement items when your stuff is lost or stolen, provided that you didn’t leave your items unsupervised or unattended. Below are a few instances that most trip insurance plans cover: The rental car damage or loss. Comprehensive travel insurance plans have an add-on option for rental car collision coverage if the rental car is damaged in an accident. Baggage damage. Should your baggage become damaged in transit or airline, your insurance policy will help you get compensation for this. Luggage delay. If your luggage is delayed, you can be refunded up to the policy’s benefit limit to purchase essential items you need while waiting for your bags to arrive. 3. Manage Trip or Flight Interruptions: Are you the type of traveller who gets concerned about your trip being cancelled and other interruptions, like losing your entire vacation investment or remaining travel arrangements due to certain reasons? If yes, then you need a trip insurance plan. Unforeseen circumstances may happen. For example, your family member gets sick, and you have to make last-minute cancellations, or an emergency occurred that you have no choice but to cut your vacation short. Here’s the good news. Travel insurance can provide reimbursement for trip cancellation as long as the reason for cancellation is covered by your policy. The most common covered reasons include: Illness, injury, or death of you, a travelling companion or a family member Inclement weather preventing you from reaching your destination Sudden terrorist attack or strike at your destination Travel with Peace of Mind: Whether you’re planning a short get-away or a long trip abroad, never hesitate to insure your travel. Getting a travel insurance plan can give you peace of mind and let you enjoy your ultimate break from the hustle and bustle of the city. Read Also: Improve Your Travel Experience By Hiring A Limo 5 Secrets On How To Travel Light – Travel Hacks How To Fund The Cost Of Travelling

BY Ariana SmithDec 22, 2020

It’s been a tumultuous year for the travel industry. The COVID-19 pandemic has all but wiped it out. Most countries closed their borders and flights were restricted to essential travel only. For Canadians, deciding to travel or notice confusing, especially with some insurers and airlines offering COVID-19 travel insurance packages. Many Canadians are justifiably wondering what that means. Has the country opened its borders? Is flying now available to anyone and not just essential travelers? Do these newer insurance solutions adequately cover disrupted travel? As the holiday season looms, Canadians usually prepare to visit family and friends in other provinces, while snowbirds fly south to the U.S. or travel to other countries. Mixed messages don’t make it easy for people to know where they stand in a COVID-19 world. Are Canadians Allowed to Travel?  Technically, Canadians are not banned from traveling. The Canadian government, through the Public Health Agency of Canada, has had a constant advisory in place throughout the pandemic. It states people should “avoid non-essential travel outside Canada until further notice.” Levels of severity assess the threat. Currently, Canada places most countries at Level 3, which means people should not travel to those destinations unless it’s for essential reasons. Certain countries are under a Level 4 warning, which means avoiding travel for any purpose. On paper, the advisories look like a done deal. Canadians are not permitted to travel unless they must. However, the government notice is an advisory, not an order. There is no law to stop Canadians from leaving the country. Does That Mean Any Canadian Can Leave on Vacation?  In theory, yes, but in practice, any Canadian traveling for nonessential reasons would face several significant hurdles: 1. Finding flights remains a problem Yes, air routes are slowly reopening, but there is nowhere near the same number of flights as before. 2. Facing airport scrutiny There are no legal restrictions, but travelers can expect questions about their destinations and why they are traveling. 3. Destinations are limited Many countries still have their borders closed to all but essential travelers. If you land at a destination and cannot explain why your stay is necessary, there’s a good chance you will be on the first plane back to Canada. 4. Many countries remain locked down Even if you arrive at a destination, you may not have much of a vacation. Because of local restrictions, businesses, tourist hotspots, and infrastructure such as public transportation may be closed or unavailable. 5. You may not return to Canada The government is clear that people who travel to other countries are at the mercy of the pandemic and restrictions imposed by those nations. In the advisory, the Public Health Agency of Canada states: “Local authorities abroad may impose control measures suddenly, including movement restrictions such as quarantine. In some countries, travelers may have limited access to timely and appropriate health care should they become ill.” Can COVID-19 Travel Insurance Help?  Having COVID-19 protection on your travel insurance is certainly helpful, particularly for essential travelers. Those looking to sneak out of Canada for a foreign holiday may find the coverage less helpful. Manulife has its COVID-19 Pandemic Travel Plan, which is limited to customers visiting countries with a Level 3 advisory. It is worth noting that coverage is also available for domestic travel in Canada. This policy provides emergency medical coverage, including specific protection for COVID-19. Allianz Global Assistance has the COVID-19 Insurance and Assistance Plan with up to $1 million in emergency medical cover. This standalone package focuses on COVID-19 and is an add-on to the company’s standard travel insurance. Other insurers offering COVID-19 travel insurance include Medipac, Tour+Med, TuGo, and Blue Cross. Airlines are also on board with specialized coverage available from WestJet, Air Canada, and Sunwing. While coverage will undoubtedly helpful during a global pandemic, there are some important things to consider. Firstly, most insurers will require you to prove you have no COVID-19 symptoms before your travel dates. Companies may also ask you to show your travel plans are for essential reasons. As with any insurance product, no two are identical. In other words, make sure you read your policy details. Take time to understand it, including the coverage limits. What’s clear is that having travel insurance is better than having no coverage. If you are planning to travel, make sure you have insurance to protect yourself against unforeseen circumstances. Itis sound advice at the best of times, but arguably becomes a vital investment in a COVID-19 world. Read Also: Improve Your Travel Experience By Hiring A Limo A Traveler’s Guide To Lutsen Top 10 Best Travel Apps To Use In 2021 Top Ten Southern Africa Off-The-Beaten-Path Adventures