San Juan, Puerto Rico, and in particular Puerto Rico travel, is an example of why the Caribbean continues to be a place we visit every year. Yes, the Maldives, Seychelles, and Bora Bora should get high praise. However, the Caribbean is so much closer with beaches that can rival what you find in exotic islands around the world.
What makes Puerto Rico travel much easier, compared to other Caribbean travel, is the fact that it’s a US territory. No waiting in customs lines when you depart the plane. Simply snag an Uber/Lyft, check into your hotel, grab a cocktail, and kick your feet up on the beach.
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Best Credit Cards to Use in Puerto Rico
Some of my favorite credit cards to bring when traveling are ones with high earn rates on travel and restaurant purchases. Generally speaking, that’s where the majority of my spending goes.
The Amex Gold, Chase Sapphire Reserve, and Citi Premier check the boxes of travel and restaurants. You earn 4x points on restaurants and US grocery stores with the Amex Gold. Chase Sapphire Reserve cardmembers earn 3x points on dining and travel. The Citi Premier earns 3x points on restaurants, airfare, hotels, supermarkets, and gas stations.
How to Fly to Puerto Rico
Luis Muñoz Marín International Airport (SJU) is the main Puerto Rico airport. Therefore, it has the most Puerto Rico flights between the US and this Caribbean island.
American Airlines, Delta Air Lines, Frontier Airlines, JetBlue, Southwest Airlines, Spirit Airlines, Sun Country Airlines, and United Airlines offer nonstop flights to San Juan from the US. Air Canada, Avianca, Copa Airlines, and Iberia also offer flights between their respective hubs and San Juan.
Where to Stay When Visiting Puerto Rico
San Juan Marriott Resort & Stellaris Casino was the hotel I stayed at during my last visit. It’s a well-located points hotel on the beach with a casino, pool, and easy access to everything the city has to offer.
Other points hotel options include The Condado Plaza Hilton, Caribe Hilton, Olive Boutique Hotel, Hyatt Regency Grand Reserve Puerto Rico, La Concha Renaissance San Juan Resort, AC Hotel San Juan Condado, The Ritz-Carlton San Juan, and The St. Regis Bahia Beach Resort.
Places to Visit in Puerto Rico
The majority of our time was spent on Condado Beach and in Old San Juan. Both are great, however, Puerto Rico travel has so much to offer. In particular, the outdoors dominate my list of places to visit in Puerto Rico on my next trip.
El Yunque National Forest, Castillo San Felipe del Morro, Castillo de San Cristóbal, Cueva Ventana, Toro Verde Adventure Park, Sitio Histórico de San Juan, Casa BACARDÍ Puerto Rico, Parque de las Ciencias Luis A. Ferré, and Carabalí Rainforest Park all look like fun spots to check out.
Where to Eat and Drink in Puerto Rico
21 Best Restaurants in Puerto Rico offers a helpful breakdown of food and drink options in Puerto Rico. Unfortunately, quality restaurants were not the focus of my last trip so I need a repeat trip to talk more about the quality of food you can find on this island.
From the list above, El Jibarito, Kasalta, Casita Miramar, La Casita Blanca, Jose Enrique, and Casita Miramar are places I plan to go on my next Puerto Rico travel trip. When we lived in Washington, DC, José Andres’ restaurants were some of our favorite. So, of course, I’ve got to check out Jose Enrique!
Common Puerto Rico Travel Questions
Is it safe to travel to Puerto Rico during the COVID-19 pandemic?
The CDC currently lists Puerto Rico travel as Level 4: Very High Level of COVID-19 in Puerto Rico. More details about the CDC’s Puerto Rico covid restrictions can be found here.
What are the travel recommendations during the COVID-19 pandemic?
COVID-19 Travel Recommendations by Destination outlines the CDC’s Puerto Rico travel restrictions due to covid-19. Puerto Rico’s Risk Assessment Level for COVID-19 is listed as Level 4: COVID-19 Very High.
Does traveling increase the chances of getting and spreading COVID-19?
Travel: Frequently Asked Questions and Answers offer advice on how travel impacts the chances of getting and spreading COVID-19.
Should I travel if I had contact with a person with COVID-19?
Know When to Delay your Travel to Avoid Spreading COVID-19 outlines the CDC’s guidance on whether you should travel if you had contact with a person with COVID-19.
Conclusion on Puerto Rico Travel
Puerto Rico travel is relatively easy for US travelers to access as there are a number of nonstop flights from around the country. Not only does Puerto Rico have plenty of nonstop flights but the island has solid points hotel options. Once you’re on the island, there are numerous places to visit and restaurants to enjoy during your visit.
What do you think of this Puerto Rico travel guide? What places to go in Puerto Rico make your list? Please let me know in the comments below or by sending me an email on my contact page.
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