Your Guide to Planning the Perfect Road Trip to Puerto Rico

5/6/2022 3:08:59 PM Link 0 comments | Add comment

Pack a bag, grab your sunglasses (and a camera, of course!) and head out on an ultimate tropical road trip adventure across Puerto Rico. Puerto Rican road trips are diverse, unique and unparalleled. The best part? It won't take days to reach your destination. Puerto Rico is approximately 110 miles long and 35.5 miles wide, which means you can get across the island in a few hours and therefore plan multiple road trips for your getaway!

And hitting the open road is a great way to take in the destination, the landscape and even explore how other people live. From seaside views to lush mountain backdrops, urban drives and country immersions, Puerto Rico is seeping with natural beauty and thrilling experiences for every traveler seeking a Puerto Rican-style adventure.

Book the flight and pack

You can make the most of your time in Puerto Rico by catching an early flight, especially if your travel itinerary requires a connecting flight to Luis Muñoz Marín International Airport (SJU). No, you don't need a passport – if you’re a U.S. citizen – to enter Puerto Rico. All you need is a valid photo ID as you would if you travel anywhere else in the country.

Note: Make sure to verify Puerto Rico Travel Guidelines, as the government is enforcing measures developed by the Puerto Rico Tourism Company, alongside U.S. Travel Association guidelines, to safeguard the wellbeing of residents and visitors.

Since Puerto Rico uses U.S. dollars as a currency, you don't need to worry about exchange rates, but you should call your bank and let them know you are traveling, so they don't freeze your account while you're enjoying yourself in the heart and soul of the Caribbean.

When packing, be sure to include summer-like attire for day and night, as the weather in Puerto Rico is warm, ranging from 70 to 80 degrees throughout the year with the occasional rain shower. So, shorts, tank tops, flowy dresses, comfortable shoes and sunglasses are recommended–there's a lot of walking while touring! If you forget something – whether it is clothing, toiletries, medicine or anything else, there are convenience stores and pharmacies (both familiar chains and local) to keep you covered.

Renting a car and getting around

The most convenient way to get across (and back to) the island is by renting a car, and by doing so you can plan multiple road trips that include some beach time, landmarks, forests, and more. Most companies require you to be at least 25 years old and have a valid driver's license to rent a car in Puerto Rico. And, as all the major U.S. car rental companies have a presence on the island, you can avoid all the paperwork and hassle by processing your rental before your arrival.

Once your rental is set, you can navigate the island with ease, following road signs and GPS such as Google Maps, Maps and Waze, which all work fine in Puerto Rico.

Crossing from one town to another may require some tolls to pay along the way, but most rentals already include the AutoExpresso tag (just like an EZ-Pass) since most tolls have gone cashless.

Pro tip: Make a list of all the places you wish to visit before booking your hotel or vacation rental and see which town should become your "departure hub" during your stay. Depending on how long you will be on the island, you should plan a schedule that lets you experience the natural wonders, culture, and vibrancy of Puerto Rico’s picture-perfect regions.

Note: Puerto Ricans love to explore the Island on the weekends, so be mindful that places may be a little more crowded from Friday to Sunday.

Pro Tip: You don't have to do it all in a day! Spread out your points of interest and enjoy the cross-island experience. Remember to pack your phone's car charger and snacks for the road. Make time to be spontaneous!

Although we recommend you map out your route before heading towards adventure, keep in mind that part of the fun of a road trip is to strive away from the plan and enjoy the freedom the road provides. Pull out your electronic map and search for nearby suggestions for quick detours or enchanting finds. After all, Puerto Rico is at your leisure!

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