Puerto Rico Vacations: Travel Tips, Protection, & More

A lot of people don’t realize this, but it’s true! Puerto Rico is a U.S. territory. That means U.S. citizens don’t need a passport to visit.

Puerto Rico’s status also means that federal health regulations apply to American travelers. In other words, if you’re an American citizen visiting Puerto Rico, you won’t have to quarantine to enter unless you test positive while on the island. Discover Puerto Rico has the updated details.

U.S. federal laws apply, though Puerto Rico can pass laws and govern itself, as long as those laws don’t conflict with U.S. statutes. That adds a layer of comfort and familiarity. In addition, your cellphone works. You don’t have to fight the SIM-card battle when you vacation in Puerto Rico. And no need to exchange your cash, dollars are the legal currency.

The fewer the hassles, the greater your chances of enjoying your vacation. And Puerto Rico doesn’t put up many obstacles in the way of your enjoyment.

Also read: How Travel Insurance Helps When You’re Sick and Stuck Abroad

Puerto Rico was hit hard by three hurricanes – Irma and Maria in 2017, and Dorian in 2020 – a major earthquake, and the pandemic.

Most of the damage is cleaned up and infrastructure repair is largely complete. In general, if you didn’t know about the hurricanes or the earthquake you wouldn’t know the extent of the devastation, though people returning to the island after several years away will certainly notice changes.

Probably the best news in regard to disaster recovery is that after several years of work, the trails and lodges in the incredible El Yunque National Forest are restored and open. This natural wonder takes you from rainforest to mountain waterfalls and is one of Puerto Rico’s must-sees.

Read about the Top 6 Travel Emergencies and How To Deal With Them

“Vibrant” is the operative word when describing Puerto Rico. San Juan, the capital, came through the disasters and the pandemic more alive than before. The food and art scenes have been revitalized, and the city’s tempo is definitely picking up.

While the tempo slows down in outlying areas, the friendly people and beautiful scenery more than make up the difference.

Whether you stay close to San Juan, investigate Ponce, or opt for the rural areas, Puerto Rico can deliver an amazing vacation experience.

Also read: 6 Fantastic Food Tours and Travel Destinations Around the World

The crime rate in Puerto Rico is lower than in many large American cities. Even so, travelers need to be aware of potential safety issues.

As in most large cities, petty theft can be a problem in San Juan. Dress to fit in and keep your belongings close, and you should be just fine. In addition, walking alone at night through less well-lit areas of the city isn’t advised. As always, there’s safety in numbers.

Mosquito-borne illnesses aren’t as concerning as they were when the Zika virus was more prevalent, but mosquitoes that carry the Zika virus as well as Chikungunya virus and other diseases are still around and can be a problem. Mosquito repellent containing diethyltoluamide(DEET) and window screens without tears or breaks are your best protection.

Finally, be smart about when, where, and how much you drink, and don’t drink and swim.

Also read: How to Keep Your Bags and Valuables Safe While Traveling

Puerto Rico has a lot of rental properties. Discover Puerto Rico claims a total of 4,000 vacation rentals. You’re assured a wide selection of locations, amenities, and properties in all price ranges.

A wide variety of properties can also mean a wide variety of rental experiences. While going through a well-established rental site can lessen your chances of unpleasant surprises, you should still take a number of precautions.

For instance:

• If you’re checking out the property from your home, use Google Street View to investigate the surrounding area. Sometimes listing photos don’t tell the whole story about neighbors, neighborhoods, or things like beach access.
  
  
• Ask about parking. Do you have a designated parking space, or will you have to rely on street parking?
  
  
• Ask whether the owner/managers are local or remote. That can be a big deal if problems crop up.
  
  
• If you’re looking at a long-term rental, will you have to pay for things like pest control and maintenance? Also, who will be doing the maintenance?
  
  
• If you’re checking out the property in person, pay special attention to window screens, air conditioners, the plumbing, and the condition of all appliances. Also check for cellphone reception in every room.

Also read: 6 Tips For Choosing a Great Vacation Rental For Your Next Family Trip

Puerto Rico is a great place to vacation – it’s warm, colorful, and dynamic, it’s part of the United States, and rentals are plentiful.

6. Travel Protection for Puerto Rico is simple

Arranging travel protection for a trip to Puerto Rico may be easier than you think. It's a good idea to have travel protection that can help cover flight cancellations, cruise line delays and lost or missing baggage. Those things can derail any vacation.

If you’re planning a trip to Puerto Rico, be sure to include travel insurance from Generali -- getting a quote is easy. We can provide coverage for all types of trips and even have plans designed for vacation rentals.

Additional Travel Tips for Puerto Rico 

Although Puerto Rico is a commonwealth and unincorporated territory of the United States, you should be aware of several things. For example, U.S. citizens don't need a passport or visa to enter the country, but when departing Puerto Rico for the U.S. mainland, you must go through a U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) inspection.. Read the rules before bringing food back as a souvenir from your trip.

Consider the following travel tips: 

1. Respect the dress codes. While beachwear and flip-flops are appropriate for the beach, you need to cover up to visit religious sites, and some destinations have conservative dress codes, so you should pack appropriately.

2. Book excursions in advance. Puerto Rico is a popular tourist destination, and some of the main attractions are incredibly busy. You could have more fun and reduce the risk of missing out on tours if you book tickets ahead of time.

3. Spanish is the main language. Many Puerto Ricans speak English, especially in the cities. However, outside of the tourist-focused areas, you may find fewer people are fluent in English. Learning some basic Spanish phrases can go a long way toward making connections.

4. Pay attention to hurricane season. Between July and November, the Caribbean is at risk of being hit by hurricanes. Invest in travel protection for peace of mind in case your flights are delayed or diverted due to extreme weather.

5. Be careful after dark. Most parts of Puerto Rico are safe for tourists, but some neighborhoods may be less secure at night. Beaches, in particular, aren't heavily policed at night, and street lighting is limited. Try not to be out alone after dark, especially when traveling with kids, and research the area around your accommodation before booking.

6. Pack bug spray. Mosquitoes  love to come out at night in Puerto Rico, and they carry a range of tropical diseases. Use bug spray to protect yourself from mosquito bites, especially if you plan to spend time near standing water.