This is a Sponsored post written by me on behalf of Puerto Rico, The All-Star Island. All opinions are 100% mine.
A family vacation in Puerto Rico has been on my bucket list for some time because it’s like taking an exotic holiday without many of the hassles associated with international travel. Here are 5 reasons to Live your own 5-star vacation story in Puerto Rico.
See also: 5 Best Foods to Eat in Puerto Rico
1. Some of the Best Beaches in the World
Puerto Rico offers 270 miles of coastline and is featured in the Top 10 beaches from Travel Channel. Flamenco Beach in Culebra, often cited as one of the best beaches in the world.
2. Spectacular Rainforest
El Yunque is the only rainforest under U.S. national park service with the interior kept totally pristine. Visitors hike through the clouds and snap photos near the famous La Mina waterfall. Yes, you can dive in and swim, too.
3. To Eat and Drink
Puerto Rico is becoming the gastronomic center of the Caribbean. Book a culinary tour to learn more about the unique combination of Taàno, Spanish and African cultures, recipes and ingredients. Try the mofongo, a delicacy of fried, mashed green plantains often stuffed with seafood, pork or vegetables. Over 70% of rum sold in the U.S. is from Puerto Rico so why not head straight to the source?
4. Historic Sites
In addition to the gorgeous beaches, it’s always important to my husband to inject a little history and culture into our family vacations. Puerto Rico’s buildings are an interesting blend of colonial architecture and bright colors. In addition a number of historical sites ranging from the Coamo Museum of History to the Castillo de San Felipe del Morro, where you can actually step into a sentry box (pictured above) to see how soldiers lived hundreds of years ago while protecting the ever-important shipping route.
5. A Bioluminescent Bay
This type of experience is one the kids are sure to remember. There are only a few bio bays left in the world and Puerto Rico has three of them. The Vieques Biobay is one of the most bioluminescent bays in the world where the water glows with a green aura. When tiny single-cell organisms called dinoflagellates thrive, they release energy when agitated in the form of light and cause the water and everything around them to glow. Go when the moon isn’t full.
No Passport Is Required
Remember that Puerto Rico is a U.S. territory so there is no passport required for U.S citizens, making it very easy to get on a plane and go. Spanish and English are the official languages, but most Puerto Ricans speak English. There’s also no need to exchange currency as the U.S. dollar is the official currency.
Learn More About Puerto Rico
As an aside, I have to say that I’m pretty impressed by the Puerto Rico Tourism website especially with how they integrate user Instagram photos to provide a feel for the tiny island. Also, don’t forget to like SeePuertoRico.com on Facebook and follow @PRTourismCo on Twitter.
Have you been to Puerto Rico yet? What did you like about it?
See also: A New Option for Travel Insurance (And Why I Buy It)
Photo credit: istockphoto/pyzata
I’ve been to Puerto Rico a couple of times via cruise ship, but the time was too short! I’d love to return and explore El Morro or see a bioluminescent bay.
what fun! i’ve always wanted to go visit – this made me want to even more! time to plan! 🙂
OK, you sold me. Checking into it and their Facebook page now. I am always looking for great family getaways.
You only got one thing wrong, the majority of the population speak spanish not english. But everything else is perfect.
Thanks! I was told by the tourism board that the majority can speak English, which doesn’t mean that they do, but that’s an important distinction to make. Appreciate you pointing that out!
We were in PR early las year and it was just incredible. I highly recommend Culebra.
I don’t think I came across anyone who didn’t speak English when I went to Puerto Rico a few years ago. It felt like a cool blend of Americana + foreign land to me!