Hey there, fellow travelers! Today, we visit Puerto Rico, a Caribbean island that’s also a part of the United States! It’s a great tropical destination and feels like you are leaving the country, but you don’t need a passport for a Puerto Rico getaway. As you know, here at Wolters World, we like to prepare travelers with the good, and the bad, of visiting a new travel destination. So these are the five things you’ll love, and the five things you’ll hate (or maybe just be mildly annoyed by) on your Puerto Rico vacation.
Hate #1: Random Rain
This is the Caribbean, so it’s quite common to get a random rain shower in the middle of the day. They move in and out pretty quickly, but it’s still an interruption to your day, whether you’re out exploring the town or relaxing on the beach. When it’s not raining, it’s typically pretty hot and humid. Much of the island is covered in rainforest, and the rainy season in Puerto Rico is from April to November. That’s eight months of the year!
Love #1: Puerto Rico Weather & Beaches
Aside from the occasional rain shower or hurricane, the weather in Puerto Rico is pretty amazing. Hot, humid weather is perfect for relaxing on the beach or enjoying some fruity cocktails poolside at your Puerto Rico resort. Puerto Rico beaches are pretty spectacular, too. There are over a dozen fabulous Puerto Rico beaches to explore, and then there’s the nearby island of Vieques, with more beaches to explore on a day trip from the Puerto Rico mainland.
Hate #2: Puerto Rico Traffic
There is a massive amount of traffic in Puerto Rico. From San Juan to Rincon, it is supposed to take two hours, but it took us four for some reason. For a small tropical island, it’s shocking how much traffic there is in Puerto Rico. Make sure you try to avoid driving around the major cities at rush hour or you can easily double your time spend in Puerto Rico traffic. Otherwise just pack some patience with your driving glasses.
Love #2: No Language Barrier
Puerto Rico feels like an exotic destination, but it’s really easy for all travelers to get around Puerto Rico and communicate with the locals. A Puerto Rico vacation is perfect for new travelers who haven’t left the United States but want to experience a different culture. In this aspect, Puerto Rico is the best of both worlds.
Hate #3: Driving in Puerto Rico
Aside from traffic, another thing you need to know about Puerto Rico is that you’ll need to rent a car to get around the island. There is very little public transportation in Puerto Rico, so driving is essential. Some of the signs use the kilometers, while others use miles. There are also curvy mountain roads, crazy speed bumps placed randomly on the roads and an apparent disregard for any and all traffic laws. Be prepared to drive defensively and always be paying attention as you never know what the other drivers might do.
Love #3: Puerto Rico Sunsets
The sunsets in Puerto Rico are fantastic, and enjoying them is one of the best things to do in Puerto Rico. I could plan an entire Puerto Rico trip around finding the best sunset spots on the island. You may even want to take a sunset cruise while you’re in Puerto Rico. Whether you’re on the beach, your hotel patio or sitting on one of the walls at the Castillo San Cristobal, make sure you take a moment to enjoy a sunset in Puerto Rico.
Hate #4: Puerto Rico Accommodation
It can be hard to find affordable accommodation in Puerto Rico. Unlike many other Caribbean destinations, there are fewer all-inclusive resorts in Puerto Rico, and since it’s an island, they have a captive audience to charge a bit more for hotel rooms. A lot of Caribbean cruises leave from Puerto Rico, so shifting your Puerto Rico vacation by one day to avoid cruise ship crowds may help. Be prepared to spend a bit more on accommodations, but you can save money elsewhere in Puerto Rico. It’s very cheap to eat, for example.
Five Things You Will Love & Hate About All-Inclusive Resorts
Love #4: Historic Sites in Puerto Rico
If you can tear yourself away from the beaches of Puerto Rico, it’s really fun to explore San Juan and the historic Old Town. There are several forts around the island that are interesting to visit, as well as smaller villages of Puerto Rico. There are many more things to do in Puerto Rico besides just laying on the beach!
Hate #5: It Can Feel “Too American”
Yes, you’re in the Caribbean, but it’s also still in a US Territory. So, you may be expecting an exotic destination and be disappointed that you hear English all over or that you can pay with U.S. Dollars. You’ll see McDonald’s, Wal-Mart and every other trapping of American society in Puerto Rico. However, if it’s your first trip out of the States, this can be comforting.
Love #5: Unique Culture of Puerto Rico
Technically, although Puerto Rico is classified as a commonwealth and a territory of the United States, it really is its own country. Puerto Rican people have a very strong culture, and the food is fantastic. You get a new cultural experience with the benefits of not leaving the US; you don’t need a passport, you don’t need to exchange currency, and it’s relatively safe compared to other Caribbean destinations.
There are some really great places to visit in Puerto Rico and lots of outdoor adventure opportunities beyond the beautiful beaches. The “hates” are really just things to have a heads up on rather than a reason not to plan a Puerto Rico getaway. Want more of our travel tips? Check out these other blog posts: