Puerto Rico, San Juan

Puerto Rico Travel Tips

Determining Puerto Rico's charm is a no-brainer. Less than a three-hour flight from Miami, this island is a U.S. territory (in case you didn't recall from high school history). So when you're shopping in San Juan, you can pay for your souvenirs with American bills. But don't be mistaken:  This isn't quite a home away from home. Puerto Rico has both 20-foot waves for surfers and calm, clear waters for families. It's a stroll back through time and an up-close look at the contemporary. If you want to get away from civilization entirely, you can ferry over to the secluded -- not to mention jaw-droppingly gorgeous -- islands of Vieques and Culebra.

When other Caribbean isles put a premium on wintertime at the beach, Puerto Rico offers year-round affordable packages to relax along its blanched sands. And while other regional spots like to advertise exciting nightlife, the capital city of San Juan actually delivers. Follow a pulsating beat to the dance clubs in the Santurce neighborhood, catch some live music in a Ponce lounge, or grab a casual drink at a San Sebastián bar.

Why Go: You will have to fly to this one. But the tropical paradise of Puerto Rico is worth the splurge. The El Yunque National Rainforest hosts numerous hiking trails for active honeymooners, while the blue glow of Mosquito Bay at night provides a beautiful backdrop for midnight strolls. Once you arrive, you can stay in seaside resorts for significantly less than you could on other Caribbean islands.

Best Times to Visit Puerto Rico

The best time to visit Puerto Rico is from mid April to June, right after the busy winter season and just before the rainy summer.  Spring weather is also very pleasant, barely escaping the mid 80s on most days. The island sees its best weather in winter -- which is partly why this is the most crowded and expensive time to visit -- but with careful planning you might uncover a pretty good discount during those months as well. You could also plan an enjoyable and affordable trip for the fall, when hotels could be as cheap as $80 a night.