If you're looking for an amazing destination for your next guys getaway, look no further than Puerto Rico! This beautiful island offers something for everyone, from stunning beaches and world-class golf courses to delicious food and vibrant nightlife. Here are five reasons why Puerto Rico should be at the top of your list!
Puerto Rico is a fantastic island destination that unfortunately usually only appears in our news when disaster strikes. However, when you take an objective look and compare it to other Caribbean islands that you could visit instead, Puerto Rico has some real advantages that most other islands simply can't match.
Part of the trouble with Puerto Rico when it comes to tourism is that despite the fact that it has a ton of advantages that we'll explore below - the government hasn't really come together to explore tourism as a focus in the same way that some of the smaller nations have. This is in part due to it being an American territory and that makes projects more complex to execute and other times it's just simply that the island isn't quite as exotic as some other places like Bermuda or St Lucia despite having scenery that is equally compelling.
One thing that you will quickly notice though while driving around is that road conditions are quite variable and drivers can be very aggressive. I usually don't opt for supplemental insurance when renting a car or van on vacation but here I took the rental company's advice and I was very glad I did. While nothing happened to us, it was very obvious that when I come back here for a guys getaway and get a passenger van rental in Puerto Rico, I will absolutely select that extra level of protection. You just never know what you might find here once you get outside of San Juan.
Don't let that dissuade you from exploring though. While San Juan is a fantastic city for tourism, places like El Yunque National Forest and Bahia Bioluminscente "Bio Bay" in Vieques are remarkable for their exotic natural beauty.
Puerto Rico Is The United States - No Passport Required
This is a huge advantage for anyone living in the United States. Because Puerto Rico is a US territory, American citizens do not need a passport to visit. This makes planning your trip a lot simpler and means that you won't have to worry about dealing with customs and immigration when you arrive.
Additionally, this means that even though it is a United States territory, generally speaking, the legal system works based on American laws so there should be few surprises and less corruption among law enforcement compared to other Caribbean destinations.
No Currency Conversion is Required Either
Since Puerto Rico uses the US dollar, there is no need to worry about converting your money or dealing with different currency rates. This can save you a lot of time and hassle when you're trying to budget for your trip. Additionally, as any savy traveler has noticed when traveling in Mexico for instance - the prices in pesos and dollars aren't always equal and while you can pay for goods and services in most markets throughout the Caribbean with good ole' American dollars ... you quickly discover that they are taking advantage of your reluctance to convert to the local currency.
Direct Flights Are Easy To Find
Most major airports in the Eastern United States offer direct flights to San Juan, Puerto Rico's main airport. While there are other airports at different parts of the island that are worth exploring - most American visitors come to Puerto Rico through this airport, with nearly 5 million passengers in 2021.
Puerto Rico Offers All The "Tropical Destination Features"
When you picture a Caribbean island in your mind, chances are that Puerto Rico has everything that you're looking for in an awesome guys weekend getaway destination. From pristine beaches and world-class golf courses to delicious food and vibrant nightlife - Puerto Rico offers it all!
Tropical Beaches?
Puerto Rico has nearly 300 miles of coastline with over 50 beaches to choose from. Whether you're looking for a place to relax and soak up some sun or you're looking for an adventure with surfing, kitesurfing, or snorkeling - Puerto Rico's got you covered.
Unique Food, Drinks and Culture?
Puerto Rico is well-known for its unique food, drinks, and culture. From mouthwatering mofongo to delicious rum - there's something here for everyone to enjoy. And don't forget about the lively nightlife! There are plenty of bars and clubs to keep you entertained long into the night.
Exotic Natural Wonders?
Puerto Rico is home to some of the most breathtaking natural wonders in the Caribbean. From the world-famous El Yunque National Forest to the stunning Bio Bay in Vieques and sea turtles in Culebra - there's no shortage of beauty and wonder to be found here.
Golf?
Puerto Rico is a golfer's paradise with more than 30 world-class golf courses to choose from, the island is affectionately referred to as the Golf Capital of the Caribbean. Whether you're a beginner or a pro, you're sure to find the perfect course to suit your needs.
Puerto Rico Is Probably A Destination Most Of Your Friends Haven't Done
Our final reason to visit Puerto Rico for your next guys getaway is sort of paradoxical since most people want to go to the most popular vacation destinations. However, I think differently sometimes. While I would never suggest that you select something less good just to be different ... Puerto Rico is just as good as any other tropical Caribbean destination but in many ways better than the alternatives.
However, when you return home, do you want to share your stories only to be "one uped" by someone at work who's been there and done that? No ... of course not. You want your epic tales of spearfishing during the day followed by nights sipping rums that you can't get on the mainland to be ones that make THEM want to visit Puerto Rico too.
