Despite its small size, the list of reasons to visit Puerto Rico is far from short. The island is nicknamed La Isla del Encanto (Island of Enchantment), which is only appropriate.
The charming island is filled with beautiful views, delicious food, and some of the world’s most charismatic and hospitable people.
There’s no doubt the island is captivating, but it’s also a destination that’s easy to travel to for most American citizens — making it a favorite travel destination.
Why Travel To Puerto Rico
If you’re wondering why travel to Puerto Rico, start with these great reasons:
- No passport needed for US citizens
- Close to Florida
- Amazing weather
Leave Your Passport At Home
You don’t need to bring your passport if you’re an American citizen because Puerto Rico is an official U.S. commonwealth. You won’t have to go through the immigration hassles that come with traveling to other international destinations.
Short Travel Time From Miami
Another one of the reasons to visit Puerto Rico is that the flight from Miami to Puerto Rico is about 2.5 hours, so you don’t have to worry about spending a large amount of your vacation time in transit. You can leave in the morning and be in San Juan by lunchtime.
Beautiful Weather
If convenience isn’t convincing enough, the incredible weather might convince you to pack your bags and catch the next flight to San Juan. The island’s average year-round temperature is about 70 to 80 degrees and the sun is always shining.
What To Do In Puerto Rico
Here is a list of what do to in Puerto Rico.
Kick Back At The Beach
Puerto Rico boasts some of the world’s most beautiful beaches. Flamenco Beach on Culebra Island is a picturesque crescent-shaped beach that is loved by locals and visitors alike for its shallow turquoise waters and white sands. Isla Verde is a beach resort area that stretches along a blue water coast. This beach has many amenities such as toilet and shower facilities and also has lifeguards on duty. Additionally, there are numerous beachfront restaurants nearby to grab a bite if you find yourself feeling hungry. Other noteworthy beaches include Luquillo Beach, La Chiva Beach, Crash Boat Beach and Buye Beach.
Sightsee
There are plenty of sights to see in Puerto Rico, whether it’s in the heart of San Juan or the tropical rainforests of El Yunque. Visitors can visit the historic neighborhoods of the capital and take in the unique and Spanish-style architecture, or they can head over to El Yunque National Rainforest for a hike and reward themselves with a breathtaking view of mountains, waterfalls, and wildlife. Visitors can also learn more about the history of Puerto Rico by visiting landmarks like the San Felipe del Morro Castle and the Castillo de San Cristobal.
Eat!
Puerto Rican cuisine quickly becomes the most memorable part of any trip to Puerto Rico. Dishes like Mofongo, Tostones, and Pasteles are traditional dishes that deliver a spectacular array of flavors that always provide the warmth and comfort of a home-cooked meal. Additionally, the restaurant scene on the island is booming, we are now seeing tons of offerings that feature traditional Puerto Rican cooking as well as a variety of eateries that feature international cuisine.
Drink Some Of The World’s Best Rum
A trip to Puerto Rico is not complete without a drink or two of rum. High-quality Puerto Rican rum boasts rich and complex flavors and drinks well on its own, but it’s also great in a Pina Colada. Rum production in Puerto Rico dates back more than 100 years. The small nation is a key maker of rum on the international market and produces 80% of the rum consumed in the US. It’s no wonder the island is called the rum capital of the world. Popular brands distilled in Puerto Rico include Don Q, Bacardi, and Palo Viejo.
Tips For Traveling To Puerto Rico
Money Etiquette
When traveling to Puerto Rico you can use your U.S dollars, so there’s no need for currency exchange. However, it’s important to tip hotel staff, restaurant servers, and cab drivers. The general rule of thumb is to leave 15 to 20 percent of your bill as a tip.
Brush Up On Your Spanish
Puerto Ricans mostly speak Spanish and English, so you can get away with not knowing how to speak the language, but knowing some simple phrases can be helpful. Here are some important phrases that you might find yourself needing for your trip to the island:
- Hola – Hello
- ¿Cómo estás? – How are you?
- ¡Bien, gracias! – Good, thank you
- Muy Bien – Very good
- ¡Por favor! – Please
- ¡Buenos días! – Good morning
- ¡Buenas Tardes! – Good afternoon/evening
- ¡Buenos Noches! – Goodnight
- Me Ilamo – My name is…
- ¿Habla inglés? – Do you speak English?
Additionally, if you plan on driving, you might want to freshen up on your Spanish as road signs are in Spanish.
Prepare For The Sun… And Rain
As we mentioned earlier, Puerto Rican weather is exquisite, but it is not to be underestimated. Make sure you stay hydrated as you go out and about on the island. Take needed breaks out of the sun and bring your sunscreen to prevent sunburns and protect yourself from UV rays.
As much as Puerto Rican weather is beautiful, we recommend taking an umbrella with you when outdoors. The island experiences unexpected and short bouts of heavy rain, so be prepared. The rain, however, lasts only a short time. So, don’t cancel a whole day of activities just because of some rain.
Puerto Rican Culture
Aspects of Indigenous Taino, Spanish, and African cultures can be seen in modern-day Puerto Rico, and all have their influence on the island’s rich culture. Family, food, music, and traditions are the centerpieces that define Puerto Rican culture. Puerto Ricans pride themselves on hospitality and always make sure their guests feel welcome and comfortable – which is yet another one of the reasons to visit Puerto Rico.
Plenty Of Reasons To Go To Puerto Rico
Another of the reasons to go to Puerto Rico is that the business opportunities in Puerto Rico are endless. American companies find themselves presented with lucrative opportunities when entering the Puerto Rican market. With over 3.1 million people on the island, what better place to gather and capture new consumers?
The team at bMedia Group is the most trusted outdoor advertising experts on the island. We capture the local culture and community through unique billboard ads and marketing strategies. With over 500 high-impact locations of billboard real estate on the island, we use a variety of formats such as spectaculars, digitals, and static to help your advertising generate the highest ROI possible.
Contact bMedia today! We’ll ensure your company reaches new levels of growth in Puerto Rico!
787 792 4113
