By Steve Worthy
Special To The Carolinian
With the residency of worldwide Latin Star Bad Bunny concluding after a two-month long concert series in Puerto Rico, bringing attention to the island with its rich culture of music, food, and very friendly people for starters, have you ever wondered of visiting the island? It is much easier than you might think! It is a tropical destination.
For starters, it’s part of the United States. There is no need to have a passport, but you do need a Real ID to board a plane. No need to worry about currency exchange as they use the US Dollar.
Worried about flights? It's easier than you think to find one. A suggestion would be to use Google Flights if you have access to the internet or a smart phone, and doing a basic search will get you there. Google Flights gives the flights from different airlines and gives options, plus prices. For example, put in the predicted travel dates and Google will return with a list of flights available from different airlines, including many varying prices! Let’s say you found the perfect flight date and time. With Google Flights, you can tell it to watch prices and notify you when they rise or fall.
There are also several airports to fly to in Puerto Rico. However, the cheapest and best is to fly into Luis Muñoz Marín International (SJU) in Carolina, PR. All of the major airlines serve this airport and has the most options for flights. Another helpful note is that if there is bad weather, there is a hotel on airport property you can stay in overnight if necessary. Watch weather forecasts as storms can affect flight times.
Now, you have air travel picked out, you will need lodging. Base it, of course, on the length of your stay and lodging needs. Apps like Expedia, Booking.com, Hotels, and even Trivago (for starters) can be used to find great lodging. Many times, as you have seen in the commercials, you can find varying prices. Also, one may not list in one service but can be found in another. A third option is to contact the hotel directly as it could yield a better price! If you choose to stay in one location, use AirBnB to find a location as there are many across the island with homes and apartments listed.
Personally, with great success, I like Booking.com as it does give a Genius Discount if you use it often. It can yield a 10-20 percent discount or even a room upgrade. Just read the room details before making a decision. Also, their customer service has not failed me when needed.
One thing to remember, there are twenty-three holidays the Island recognizes! This could affect lodging in many areas as I have experienced in the past. August, for a fact, has no State holidays.
Okay, you have your flight, room, but depending on how you want to visit the island, you will need a rental car. There are no buses or trains to go from one place to another on the island. Granted, if you want to stay in Old San Juan and explore its sites, it’s a great walking city but be prepared to climb hills!
If you want to see more than San Juan and its metro area, a rental car is very necessary! With apps such as Booking, Expedia, or even trying the car rental companies directly, you can find the rental vehicle which will fit your needs. I would suggest getting a crossover or a SUV as some roads on the Island can be rough and, you may like riding higher in a vehicle for that added measure of safety. Some rental agencies are better than others and it comes down to personal preference. Be sure to thoroughly check your car before leaving the rental agency.
Personal experiences with a particular national company renting Jeeps have been bad tires from day one, and a flat spare tire I had to repair. I was given a discount from the company but it should not have been an issue from the start.
Look at the companies in the airport terminal over taking transportation away from the airport to pick a vehicle. Granted, it can be cheaper outside of the airport, BUT if you are in a rush to catch your flight, you would be at the mercy of the van which transports you to the airport if you rent off site.
Get the insurance if offered. Around San Juan Metro, you will think it’s similar to driving in New York City! Away from the city its much nicer driving. And, if they offer costs to cover toll roads, take it. The Autopistas (turnpikes) are toll roads that are similar to interstates in the United States. They do charge, and in the way we do it in North Carolina.
With these items in mind, you can create a memorable vacation whether you stay in Old San Juan, or travel around the Island. Just remember, as you travel, respect the people of Puerto Rico as it is a culture-rich location and people there are very gracious. Finally, and if you are in the rural areas or near water at night, you will hear the coqui (pronounced co-KEY), a small, but endangered frog. Very much a symbol of Puerto Rico and something they are proud of! You cannot miss it! Similar to hearing our frogs and crickets, even cicadas, in North Carolina.
A bit of respect can also help you in creating that trip you will remember for a lifetime. It could prompt a return visit in the future for another adventure!
Next Article, I’ll give a basic rundown of attractions to see, just a suggestion, in Puerto Rico.
