Traveling just got easier: Eight insider tips for vacations in Puerto Rico

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A trip to Puerto Rico is especially easy with a few insider tips and tricks. This includes, for example, the Visa Waiver Programme. Although Puerto Rico is an independent country, it is part of the United States. Germans and Swiss can apply online for an electronic travel permit (Esta) for a tourist or business trip in Puerto Rico lasting up to 90 days. This is possible up to 72 hours prior to entry into the US/Puerto Rico.

Fly: For travels for other purposes, a normal visa to the USA is required. However, this is more complicated than applying for Esta online.

Renting a car is helpful, as public transportation in the lively capital San Juan and the surrounding area is unreliable. Ideal for trips to the surrounding areas, for example to the mountains and inland nature parks. The beaches in the northwest and the area around Cabo Rojo in the southwest are particularly beautiful.

Fly: The best viewing spots are in the north and northwest along “Expressway 22” and along “Route 66” (not the US version but also worth a visit).

Vacationers in Puerto Rico enjoy the speed on the island, but San Juan in particular is a busy metropolis where traffic congestion and wait times are frequent, especially in the mornings and at the end of the day. There is no point in being upset; There’s only one solution: Finally, slow down. The locals’ solution: Stay calm, take a deep breath, and have a chat while you wait. So time passes much faster.

Many visitors come to Puerto Rico to spend their holidays on the beach. In addition to bikinis and swimsuits, your suitcase should also contain something stylish like a nice evening dress. Puerto Rico is a former Spanish colony with relevant cultural traditions and deep Catholic faith. This includes, for example, more conservative clothing in everyday life. For example, despite the tropical heat, men mostly wear suits.

Many people in Puerto Rico speak English, but Spanish is the most commonly spoken language (especially outside the capital, San Juan). It’s worth knowing a few words in the local language. They work wonders to break the ice in a conversation from the very beginning.

Fly: It is polite to ask if someone speaks English. If not, patience and sincerity will help overcome communication difficulties.

Caribbean beaches in the south are shallow and ideal for swimming. However, there are waves on the Atlantic coast in northern Puerto Rico and caution is advised. A rip current may occur between breaking waves, where water flows back into the open sea. A person caught in such a current while swimming must remain calm and swim parallel to the shore from the current, then swim towards the shore with the breaking waves. There are often no lifeguards, so personal responsibility is important.

Puerto Rico is also in the hurricane zone. Therefore, it makes sense to be careful during hurricane season from June to November. Delays may occur and flights may be canceled, especially on flights departing from the USA. But this is not a reason not to travel. The period from June to November is especially beautiful in Puerto Rico. If you check the weather app and follow the news, you can enjoy your holiday in peace.

Fly: It is best to ask the airline in advance what regulations apply in case of delays. There are standard precautions appropriate during hurricane season.

Food in Puerto Rico is delicious and diverse. It is not possible to narrow down the national cuisine with influences from all over the world. The country’s culinary influences range from West Africa to Spain and Asia. Traditional street snacks are particularly popular among locals and visitors alike: pernil (roast pork), alcapurrias (stuffed, fried donuts) and bacalaitos (cod fritters). Mofongo, a dish made from mashed and fried plantains, is also particularly delicious.

Source : Blick