Puerto Rico is easy. That's one of the reasons that travelers love it. No passport. No currency exchange. No international cell phone plans. No customs lines.
But there are a few things first-time visitors should know before hopping on the plane. Let's save you some surprises and skip to the good stuff: daydreaming about your first piña colada.
No Passport? No Problem.
Puerto Rico is a U.S. Territory - US citizens can travel to Puerto Rico just as if traveling to another state. And of course this also means that Puerto Rico uses the US Dollar!
Let's Talk About the Weather
It's HOT. Pretty much all the time. Not hoodie hot. Not Ohio summer hot. Caribbean hot. Hot Girl Summer HOT. And a special shoutout to the humidity which arrives early, stays late and never misses a day of work.
Is it going to rain all weekend? Puerto Rico is famous for its microclimates. Sometimes it's literally raining on one side of the street and dry on the other. Most rain showers pass quickly and it's relatively rare for the Metro San Juan area to experience an entire day of rain. You're already planning to spend half the trip in a swimsuit - a little rain isn't going to hurt anybody.
Puerto Rico's hurricane season runs from June through November, with the highest activity typically occurring between August and October. Tons of visitors enjoy Puerto Rico during hurricane season without issue. Most days are warm, beautiful, and business as usual. The key is simply staying informed, keeping an eye on the forecast and understanding that Mother Nature occasionally has plans of her own.
Un Poquito de Español Goes a Long Way!
Spanish is the primary language of Puerto Rico and an important part of the island's culture and identity. You'll also hear plenty of "Spanglish" - a uniquely Puerto Rican blend of English and Spanish. Shoutout to Bad Bunny.
Many people in tourist areas also speak English which makes getting around town generally pretty easy. Still, we encourage travelers to learn (at least) a few basic Spanish phrases before arriving. It will not only be helpful for your experience, but the effort and respect for Puerto Rican culture is appreciated by locals.
Island Life Comes with Island Quirks
Let's talk about something that doesn't usually make it into the travel brochures...
Power and water outages can happen in Puerto Rico. Often enough that it's worth mentioning.
These interruptions are generally outside the control of hotels, Airbnb hosts and local business owners.
When booking accommodations, it's worth asking whether the property has a backup generator, a cistern or both. It's also a good idea to understand their policies and procedures in the event of an outage.
The good news is that Puerto Ricans are a resilient bunch and life usually keeps moving.
If the power goes out, don't panic. Charge your phone when you can, take a dip in the sea and remember that sometimes the best vacation stories come from the unexpected.
Stock Up on SPF - AND USE IT!
Seriously. The Caribbean sun is undefeated.
Apply sunscreen. Then apply more. And so on.
We always know who is on their second day of vacation because they're burned to a crisp from the first day. Don't be that guy (gal)!
Bring Your Appetite!
Mofongo. Pinchos. Alcapurrias... OH MY!
Try the thing you can't pronounce. Order the special. Stop at the roadside kiosk. Some of Puerto Rico's most memorable meals come from the places you weren't planning to stop.
At the end of the day, food is about more than just eating. It's how stories are shared, friendships are made and cultures are experienced.
And what is travel without great food? Now we're hungry.
Pack Light
Puerto Rico isn't a place that requires a complicated wardrobe.
Light clothing, sneakers, flops, sunglasses and a swimsuit will get you through most of your vacation.
That said, don't be afraid to toss a light sweater in your bag. While the weather outside is warm year-round, some restaurants crank the air conditioning with impressive enthusiasm. Better to carry it and not need it than spend the night wrapped in a tablecloth.
Getting Around Puerto Rico
There are several transportation options in Puerto Rico, and the best choice often depends on where you're staying and how much exploring you plan to do.
Uber and Lyft are available throughout the Metro San Juan area and can be a convenient option between the airport and your hotel. Just keep in mind that surge pricing and longer wait times are common during peak hours and busy travel seasons.
Traditional taxis can also be found throughout the tourist zones, at the cruise port and airport, and nearby to major hotels. They're easy to find, but fares can add up quickly if you're making multiple stops throughout the day. If you do choose a taxi, be clear with your driver about where you're going, the price and which forms of payment are accepted.
San Juan has a local bus system that serves parts of the metro area. It's affordable (sometimes free) and can be navigated through Google Maps. As for exactly when the next bus will arrive? Your guess is as good as ours.
Rental cars are a great option for visitors planning to explore the mountains, waterfalls and other parts of the island beyond San Juan. However, if you're spending a few days on the metro coastline, a car can sometimes create more headaches than freedom.
Parking is very limited. Traffic is real. And finding a spot in Old San Juan can feel like an Olympic sport.
Cue the Scooter Engines Revving...
This is a perfect time to mention the endless benefits of scooter life.
Our process is simple. Most rentals are on the road in 15 minutes or less.
There is (almost) always parking for a scooter, and we know all the best spots for Can-Ams too. Have the freedom to stop when something catches your eye and go when you're ready for the next adventure.
Less waiting. More adventuring.
And let's be honest... Wind in your (helmet) hair? ADDED BONUS!
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Come hungry. Bring sunscreen. Learn a little Spanish. We'll take care of the rest.