Asunción, Agencia IP.- Travel blogger and advisor Luma Narváez stated that while digital platforms have made it easier than ever to organize trips directly from a smartphone, travelers should pay close attention to hidden costs, booking conditions, and advance planning to avoid inconveniences and unnecessary expenses.
During an interview on the television program Tribuna, broadcast by Paraguay TV, Narváez explained that she recently returned to Paraguay after spending six years in Barcelona, Spain, where she completed a degree in Tourism. She now combines travel content creation with personalized travel consulting, aiming to showcase Paraguay to an international audience while encouraging fellow Paraguayans to explore new destinations.
Narváez noted that many people now plan trips independently through apps and online platforms, a practice that can help reduce costs but also carries certain risks.
«Many times, you end up paying for services you don’t need or encounter surprises when you arrive at the airport. That’s why it’s important to carefully review the final breakdown of what you’re paying for,» she said.
Among the most common mistakes, she cited the accidental purchase of travel insurance, premium memberships, additional baggage allowances, and other optional services frequently offered during the online booking process.
She also recommended carefully reviewing flight, hotel, and accommodation details before completing a reservation. According to Narváez, promotional photos do not always accurately reflect the actual guest experience.
«Reviews are essential. They can tell you whether a room is noisy, whether the walls are too thin, or whether the location is not ideal,» she explained.
Planning ahead to make the most of a destination
The travel advisor emphasized that one of the most common mistakes travelers make is leaving activities and excursions until the last minute, which can lead to missing out on highly sought-after experiences.
Proper planning, she said, allows travelers to evaluate transportation options, travel times, and whether renting a vehicle may be more convenient, particularly in destinations where attractions are spread over large distances.
As an example, she recalled a recent trip to Costa Rica with friends, during which they rented a car. The decision gave them greater flexibility to adjust their itinerary and visit additional destinations that caught their interest.
Solo travel: Prudence over fear
Narváez, who has traveled extensively on her own, including trips to Lebanon, Jordan, and Egypt, believes women can travel alone anywhere in the world as long as they take appropriate precautions.
«A woman can travel anywhere she sets her mind to, but she must be prudent at all times,» she said.
She recalled experiencing theft in cities such as Brussels and Barcelona, which are often considered safe destinations, and stressed the importance of remaining vigilant regardless of the country being visited.
«The idea that you can walk around Europe without concerns is no longer entirely true. You need to be careful wherever you are,» she noted.
Greater travel opportunities for Paraguayans
During the interview, Narváez also welcomed recent advances in international mobility and travel facilitation for Paraguayan citizens.
She highlighted that Paraguayans can now enter destinations such as Japan and Taiwan without the visa procedures that previously required additional costs and administrative processes.
Narváez recalled the difficulties she faced years ago when applying for a Japanese visa while living in Spain, a process that is no longer necessary for Paraguayan travelers.
«I hope we continue moving forward so that our passport becomes even stronger and we can travel more freely,» she said.
However, she pointed out that visa costs remain a barrier for certain destinations. As an example, she mentioned Bhutan, one of her dream destinations, where entry permits can cost more than US$700.
Turkey, Thailand, and Japan are among her favorite destinations
Asked about the countries that have left the greatest impression on her, Narváez named Turkey as her favorite destination, followed by Thailand, Japan, and Italy.
Nevertheless, she believes Paraguay possesses tourism attractions that are often underestimated by its own citizens.
«Paraguay offers a tourism experience very similar to countries such as Costa Rica or Indonesia. We may not have a coastline, but we have impressive waterfalls, rivers, nature, and extraordinary green landscapes,» she said.
The content creator added that the growth of rural accommodations and ecotourism experiences is helping both locals and visitors discover new aspects of the country.
«Thanks to these initiatives, I’m getting to know much more of Paraguay myself. We have so much to show, not only to foreigners but also to Paraguayans,» she concluded.