Puerto Rico

Puerto Rico

Miles Sloan

 

At the coordinates 18° 27′ 0″ N, 66° 6′ 0″ W you find an island -- An island that has been forgotten by many and remembered by few. The natives call it Borinquen; however, to us it is known as Puerto Rico.

When to Go: late May to early October. This is when the surf is high and many tourists have flown back to their nests and to the rat race we call life. I would suggest June 24, this is this day that in the capital of San Juan celebrates San Juan Bautista. During this festival there will be an abundance of parades, carnivals, and live entertainment that simply cannot be missed.

Where to Stay: find a hotel that you can stay and afford, so you can go and do activities that will excite you. Many hotels in the capital itself are competitively priced and will cater to your every whim. Almost all of those hotels will have a privet pool and many other leisurely amenities.

How to Get Around: the island has its own modern public transportation system that includes: bus, taxi, light rail, and rain. I, however, love to rent a car and cruise the streets and boardwalks. There is only one major highway, and driving is a breeze because it’s as if you were driving back home in the U.S.A. You drive on the right side and the laws are exactly the same.

Where to Eat or Drink: since the island is a territory of the U.S. they have to follow the same health codes as your local eatery. So don’t be afraid to adventure into a small “Ma and Pa” joint. It is my experience that they have the best local cuisine. Now, if it is drinks and the night life you crave nothing can beat the off beach cabanas and the multi-level clubs that pour music and fresh Caribbean rum.

Cultural Tip: don’t try to speak Spanish if you don’t know how, almost all of the people speak English. Also, May to November is the rainy season so, be prepared for wind and summer storms. The excepted currency is the American dollar. If a sign refers to the Peso it means the USD.

Fun Fact: Puerto Rico is home to the only U.S. rain forest. Here you can see the islands mascot -- a tiny tree frog that is only found on Puerto Rico.