Summer is almost upon us and, with travel restrictions lifting in various parts of the world, many people are looking for a tropical getaway. And I’m right there with ya! Puerto Rico is an ideal destination for those looking for adventure, beaches, history, and a tropical vibe.
In order to make the most of your vacation trip to Puerto Rico, check out my tried and tested essential tips for visiting Puerto Rico for the first time.
Here are my top essential tips for visiting Puerto Rico!
Brush Up on Your Spanish
Although the island of Puerto Rico is a US territory and the official/governmental languages are both English and Spanish, you’ll find that the dominant language is really Spanish. Do yourself a favor and brush up on your Spanish before you visit Puerto Rico.
(If you’re going to rent a car in Puerto Rico, you’ll need to make sure you understand the road signs, as they’ll all be en Español).
Now, I’m not saying that you need to be fluent by any stretch of the imagination. And having a pocket dictionary/translation app can be super helpful. But as with travels to foreign countries where English (or whatever your native language is) might not be the dominant language, it would behoove you to learn a few key phrases before you head out:
Hello!
Please.
Where is (xyz)?
How much does it cost?
Thank you.
Where is the restroom?
I need help/can you help me?
The best part about this tip for visiting Puerto Rico is that it can be used across the board. Any country you visit, any new destination where you don’t speak the language.
Write these down in a notebook you can have handy. Or your phone’s notes app. Write them out phonetically so you can pronounce them. And if you butcher the pronunciation, don’t worry about it. The point is that you’re trying and you’re not assuming that everyone speaks your language.
Rent a Car
I’ve spoken about it many times before, but renting a vehicle when you’re traveling offers you all sorts of freedoms: the ability to travel on your own timeline; reliable transportation to corners or a place that aren’t accessible by public transit; and, maybe especially now, the most important feature, a safe haven for you to relax.
While this particular tip for visiting Puerto Rico costs money, it’s SO worth it. Think about the last time you took public transportation anywhere. How much longer did it take? Were you able to arrive at the front door/entrance to the place you were heading? If not, did you have to walk or Uber the rest of the way?
Time is money, and when you can save time (and frustration), you can save money. Plus, if you want to visit more of Puerto Rico, you’ll need a vehicle. And since Puerto Rico is a US Territory, the roads are maintained and signage visible (although in Spanish).
Bring Cash
The US dollar is the official currency of Puerto Rico, but not everywhere accepts credit cards. And while you might find some ATMs scattered around San Juan and Ponce, you’ll need to have cash with you while you travel around the island.
If you find yourself on a group trip or with a guide, you’ll need cash to tip them. Cash tips in restaurants are always more appreciated than adding it to the credit card tab. If you dip into the street food scene, you’ll need cash.
And, if you find yourself off-the-beaten-path, you might need some cash for your tourist tax entrance to certain gems (not essential to visit these places, but they add so much to your visit).
Or, if you’re like me and can’t resist a fresh coconut, you’ll need cash to pay the guy with the cooler stocked in his trunk!
Get Out of Old San Juan
When you visit a new country, most experienced travelers are going to tell you to get out of the capital city. Not that it’s a bad thing, but they understand that there are so many other amazing cities around.
And I’m stressing these same tips for visiting Puerto Rico.
Think of it this way – when you visit an award-winning buffet, do you just eat the rolls? Even if they’re the best rolls ever, do you stick to just one type of food? Or do you take a sampling…a little of everything? Or, well, close to everything? Same thing when visiting Puerto Rico.
Don’t get me wrong. I love San Juan. Old San Juan. Viejo San Juan. The Walled City. Whatever you want to call it. I fell in love. Hard. I stayed smack dab in the middle of the city and couldn’t get enough.
BUT! I’d be remiss if I didn’t acknowledge the fact that there are so many beautiful spots scattered around Puerto Rico. El Yunque National Rainforest. Ponce. Isla Caja de Muertos. Rincón. Aguadilla. The interior. Fajardo. Vieques.
Set yourself up for an unforgettable trip and visit places outside of San Juan. Hike a mountain. Sit on a beach. Kayak a bioluminescent bay. Snorkel with the turtles. Change it up and experience what the island as a whole has to offer.
Pack Carry-on Only
If you have followed this blog for any length of time, you know that I advocate packing carry-on as often as I can. One of the biggest tips for visiting Puerto Rico I can offer you is to do as such. No need to pack a large suitcase and spend the money checking a bag.
And if you get free checked bags, go ahead and check a carry-on if you must. But honestly, there’s no need. Aside from being a tropical destination where the items of clothing are skimp, Puerto Rico has many US-based stores where you can pick up virtually anything:
Toiletries.
Sunscreen.
Bathing suits.
Over-the-counter medication.
Snacks.
You name it.
Plus, there are laundry facilities all over, so there’s no need to bring more than a few choice pieces of clothing.
If you’re going to be staying in Old San Juan, let me ask you this: have you ever tried to lug a suitcase over cobblestone roads (that’s how I busted up my first large suitcase)? Or load them into small cars? Or try to transfer quickly to a ferry? And then add kids to the mix? It’s a nightmare.
Save the hassle. Pack carry-on when visiting Puerto Rico. One less thing to worry about.
Armed with these awesome tips for visiting Puerto Rico…are you ready for your adventure? What else would you consider?
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