Paraguay is a little-known country of magnificent beauty in the heart of South America. Although the country is not often visited, it is packed with culture and authenticity. Because there are no major attractions to lure in travelers and tourists, the culture is rich and beautiful. For a trip unlike any other, travel to Paraguay and experience the true South America.

General Info

The small country is landlocked between Argentina, Brazil, and Bolivia with a population of merely 6.8 million people. The language typically spoken in Paraguay is Spanish and Guaraní. Their currency is the Paraguayan guaraní.

What can I do in Paraguay?

Although the country is hardly ever visited by tourists, there is no shortage of things to do. Many travelers enjoy visiting the Iguazú Falls for sightseeing. There is also Eco Reserva Mbatoví for tourists who enjoy adventures like zip-lining through the wilderness or taking walks across historic hanging bridges. For a more traditional South American experience, tourists can head to Estancia Aventura for horseback riding and sightseeing on a beautiful ranch.

That sounds nice, but what about food?

The food in Paraguay is very similar to the dishes found in Uraguay. While visiting Paraguay, be sure to try their traditional dishes such as Chipá, Borí borí, Pira caldo, and Tereré. Each of these recipes has been perfected over the centuries and speaks true to their traditions. Most of the cuisine consists of barbequed meats and vegetables, pastries, and fish.

And where should I stay?

It easy to find both budget and luxury stays in Paraguay. Some of the most popular are Hotel Excelsior, Hotel Papillon, La Mision Hotel Boutique, and Topachi Hotel. For a more authentic stay, Pro Cosara, Mbaracayú Eco-lodge, Tres Gigantes offer remote lodging in the wilderness.

I’m sold. How do I get to Paraguay?

Paraguay is 14,431 km from Australia, making the flight about 35 hours, depending on the number of stops along the way. There are no direct flights to Paraguay from Australia and will typically consist of two to three layovers. The cost of the flight can be anywhere between 1500 and 3000 AUD.

The little-known country offers authentic beauty and timeless traditions of Soth America. For the trip of a lifetime, plan a visit to Paraguay.

Despite being wedged between the two most populous countries in the world, Nepal is a country that does not receive much tourism, compared with more developed countries. Although it is most notable for its 2015 earthquake, Nepal has so much more to offer than most westerners expect. If you’re considering traveling to an obscure country, read on to see what makes Nepal unique.

General Info

Although Nepal borders China to the north and India to the south, it had a miniscule population of nearly 30 million people, as of 2016. The national language is Nepali, although there are fifteen recognized regional languages, as well. The currency is the Nepalese Rupee and 1 NPR equals 0.012 AUD.

What can I do in Nepal?

Known for its mountainous geography, Nepal is a country that people primarily go to for its outdoor activities. If your dream is to climb the Himalayas, Nepal is a great place to do so. For those who are a little less adventurous, there are plenty of hiking trails for both beginners and experts. If you want a more casual experience, check out a Kathmandu sightseeing tour, which will show off some of the religious buildings and beautiful architecture.

That sounds nice, but what about food?

Nepalese food can be similar to its surrounding countries. Some of their main dishes are Momos and Yomari (both types of dumplings), but they also have soups, lentil and egg patties, and even their own version of a pizza (Keema chatamari).

And where should I stay?

Kathmandu has plenty of Airbnbs to choose from, for roughly $10 per night. Visitors rated Nepalese Airbnbs an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars, so you know the hospitality will be great just about anywhere you go.

I’m sold. How do I get to Nepal?

Flights from various parts of Australia to Kathmandu are anywhere from 750 AUD to 1000 AUD. Most flights will have a single stop, but otherwise, the trip is a fairly straight shot.

Although Nepal is an up-and-coming country, it has a lot more to offer than people expect. When planning your next trip, keep in mind the rich culture of this country, and consider it for your next vacation.

Traveling is one of my biggest passions, and many people can relate. It is exciting to see the world, meet the locals, and taste new cuisines. Although so many of us love traveling, there are certain countries people tend to travel to most. While these countries have merit, so many others are left mostly undiscovered. To bring some light to the places more people could visit, I’m starting a series called Undiscovered Countries. Today, I’m going to dive into what you should know if you are interested in visiting Croatia.

General Info

Croatia is a swooping country, found on the coast of the Adriatic Sea, opposite Italy. It borders Slovenia, Hungary, Serbia, Montenegro, and Bosnia and Herzegovina. In Croatia, the national language is Croatian, while Serbian, Italian, French, and many other regional languages are minority languages. The currency is the Kuna, and 1 AUD equals roughly 4.61 Kuna.

What can I do in Croatia?

Croatia boasts over 1,000 islands, which many tourists love exploring. The Adriatic Sea is a great place for sailing, so all tourists should make a stop by the coast. The country also contains rich scenery, including seven UNESCO World Heritage sites. Of course, you can also visit the numerous small towns throughout the country, and make a stop in the capital, Zagreb. Here, you can visit farmers’ markets, spend an afternoon in a local coffee shop, or explore one of many museums.

That sounds nice, but what about food?

Croatian food varies greatly, as the country is divided into several regions. However, if you travel throughout the country, these are three dishes you must try:

• Black risotto (crni rizot) is often known in other countries as squid-ink risotto. It’s a Croatian specialty, and comes with several kinds of seafood mixed in. Make sure to eat this dish near the coast, as the seafood will be fresh.
• Manestra, a bean soup, is a common dish in Istria, and a must-try for foreigners. This soup contains a garlic-pancetta-parsley paste, as well as cured meats. It’s a unique flavor that you don’t often find, so make sure to keep it on your list.
• Rozata may seem familiar to those who love Central American cuisine. Rozata is Croatia’s version of flan, and it looks nearly identical. Still, there is no way you can go wrong with this sweet treat, so make sure to try it at least once.

I’m sold. How do I get to Croatia?

Flights directly to Croatia can be expensive, if you can even find them. Instead, consider flying into a major Western European city and taking a train or a short flight to Croatia. If you are hoping to stop in some other countries, this is a great way to make sure you do so. Once you arrive in Croatia you will never want to leave.

There are tons of countries around the world, and most people will only see a handful in their lives. If you’re looking to break from that mold and adventure into new territory, why not start with Croatia?