Travel Plans to Puerto Rico

Visiting Puerto Rico is an experience every person from the states should have.

Once you have selected the best flight, made reservations for lodging and reserved a rental car; here are some tips to use once you get there.

TIP #1: It is a common misconception, first off, that you must have a passport to travel to the island. This is not true. Puerto Rico is territory of the United States.

TIP #2: You don't have to speak Spanish to get around; there are many native citizens that speak English. To accommodate visitors, most road signs are in English as well. Don't misunderstand, if you can speak the language you'll par ahead as you'll still need it for most fast food drive through, some restaurants, grocery stores and for directions.

TIP #3: Like the mainland, there is definitely rush hour traffic and you may experience a heightened sense of road rage if you're not careful because unlike our common courtesy laws of traffic; such as turn signals and speed limits, these things are nonexistent on the island.

Don't let that stop you from getting out and checking out the local area. Visiting the entire island takes only a few hours so depending on how many days you are visiting, plan out the sights you'd like to see prior to your trip.

TIP #4: Explore the area. There are a lot of things to do on the island. Go hiking, snorkeling, boating, shopping, swimming, sightseeing, dining out to homemade cuisine, visit the historical landmarks, drive through the rain forest and much more.

All in all, Puerto Rico is an inexpensive adventure that you are sure to remember forever.

I personally recommend taking a charter ride on the Erin Go Bragh Sailing and Snorkeling Charters. I make not one red cent from referring you to this charming woman and her business, but my siblings and I simply adored her company, the sightseeing and snorkeling in Puerto Del Rey Marina in Fajardo and the delicious food she made on the boat during our day excursion.

"Bring sunscreen, sun glasses, towels, hats, extra T-shirts for snorkeling to avoid the sun on your back, comfortable shoes and an underwater camera, if desired."

Free drinks! Ok so there is a tour too.

Since Puerto Rico is world famous for rum, it's no surprise there are tours available of their famous (and world's largest) rum distillery.

One of Puerto Rico's most beautiful rainforests; you'll fully appreciate the scenery of the location.

While there are areas that you can stop to get out of your car and take pictures, visiting this rainforest is best done from the car. There is just too much area to walk the entire trek of the forest.

Stop for pictures at the lighthouse, take a few of the waterfalls spread throughout the area and take in the scenery of the landscape.

Take in the waterfalls found throughout and take a listen for the Coqui, Puerto Rico's very own species of frog that could not live in any other environment on the planet.

You can take a relaxing swim in the pool of the Juan Diego stream and waterfall.

Some of the other waterfalls you'll find in the El Yunque National Forest are:

La Coca Waterfall

La Mina Waterfall

Located in the town of Maunabo, this lighthouse was first lit in 1892 and though it became automated in 1989; it is still a very popular tourist attraction of Puerto Rico.

The number to call for more information about Punta Tuna Lighthouse is (787) 861-0301.

From dining to happy hour to the club or maybe for a little gambling at one of the local casinos; there is plenty to do in Puerto Rico.

If you've relaxed enough during the day and want to hit the town at night, these are the hot spots in San Juan to check out:

For a luxurious night overlooking the beautiful Atlantic check out Oceano.

With a dance floor on the first level and signature beds on the second floor, Bed Lounge is an environment for partying and relaxing.

Club Brava is no doubt one of Puerto Rico's hottest trends in nightlife.

For over 20 years, Krash Klub; Puerto Rico's premiere gay clubs, has been in the party scene and is located on Ponce de Leon Avenue.

You'll also find many lounges in the local hotels in the San Juan area that are open to the general public as well.

For instance, La Concha Lobby is considered one trendy hot spot in Puerto Rico and is located in the Renaissance Resort.

Get a rental car and spend the day exploring Puerto Rico. There are so many attractions in Puerto Rico that nailing down the best spots can be difficult. Here's a list to help you out:

El Morro

Mosquito Bay, Bioluminescent Bay

Fort San Cristobal

Condado Beach

Flamenco Beach

Isla de Culebra

Blue Beach, Isla de Vieques

Art District in Ponce

El Viejo San Juan

Caribbean National Forest

La Cueva del Indio

Palomino Island

Media Luna Beach

Yokahu Observation Tower

Cabo Rojo Lighthouse

San Juan Cemetary

Jungle Qui Rainforest Ecoadventure Park

San Juan Cathedral

San Juan Gate

El Faro Lighthouse

Gilligan's Island

Museum of History in Culebra

Tibes Indian Ceremonical Center

Black Sand Beach

Culebra National Wildlife Reserve

Fortin Conde de Mirasol Museum

A nice hotel room on the beach is always nice but the next time you are in Puerto Rico, considering renting a cottage or cabin; privately owned and right on the beach.

You can visit Cragislist for an abundance of vacation rentals in Puerto Rico or check out Vacation Rentals by Owner (or VRBO), which is where we found our cottage.

Luxury hotels and affordable lodging is available as well.

For San Juan hotels, luxury can be found at The Ritz-Carlton with an on-site spa and the Radisson Ambassador Plaza is luxury with an on-site casino.

You can also check out these hotels in San Juan:

Hotel Milano located at 307 Calle Fortaleza

Patio del Nispero located at Hotel El Convento, 100 Cll Del Cristo

Hotel Casablanca located at 316 Calle Fortaleza

Overlooking the Atlantic Ocean in Mogan, Puerto Rico; you'll find Bahia Blanca, that is close to Amadores Beach and boasts a beautiful outdoor pool and sauna; a fitness facility, a bar and lounge area and many more amenities. Located at Calle La Palma, 1, Puerto Rico, Mogan.

Also in Mogan, Gloria Palace Royal Hotel and Spa located at Tamara, 1, Playa de Amadores. With a full service spa, air-conditioned rooms, on-site health club and an outdoor pool with a breathtaking view.

If you are looking for a resort in Puerto Rico, you'll find an abundance.

The El Conquistador Resort is a Waldorf Astoria Hotel nestled all to itself off a cliff in Fajardo, Puerto Rico. Another Waldorf resort located in Puerto Rico is the Las Casitas Village.

The Rio Mar Beach Resort is situated near the El Yunque Caribbean National Forest and the Atlantic Ocean, on 500 acres of pure relaxation and seclusion from the rest of the world. Supplied with everything you need on-site means chances are high you'll never want to leave.

The Gran Melia is a golf resort located at 200 Coco Beach Blvd, Rio Grande, Puerto Rico, Coco Beach, in the northeastern region of the island, away from the hustle and bustle of San Juan.