Puerto Rico Spring Break Packages
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Airfare to Puerto Rico
For the forgetful student, lighten your to-bring list when traveling to Puerto Rico: strike off your passport. That’s right. Technically Puerto Rico is a Commonwealth of the US, so there are a few benefits of being a US citizen when traveling there, one being that you don’t need your passport.
When will your Puerto Rico Spring Break adventures? The best time to travel so happens to be December to April. “Why?” you ask. Because the weather is just heavenly. Although this is the most pleasant time to visit, the dreaded attack of tourists is also at its peak. Some recommend that if you want to prolong your excursion, you should travel during hurricane season (May-November) – are you kidding me?! Yeah right. I’ll take looking like a tourist and paying higher prices for those short few months, over getting caught in the next El Niño. They say hurricanes are “rare,” but what does that really mean? Why risk it, right? Tourists can be fun.
On a lighter note, maybe you can see the American and Puerto Rican heartthrob Ricky Martin, a native resident of Puerto Rico. While livin’ la vida loca in Ricky’s home country, if you are feeling a little lucky lay your bets on the table and let the dice roll! Gambling is everywhere. Maybe Ricky Martin shouldn’t have gambled on being a lasting performer in the US? Stick to the tables instead, Ricky.
Money will go quickly, but not necessarily in the casinos. Spending your hard-earned dough will go primarily to Puerto Rico’s cost of living. Moderate costs range anywhere from $150-$200 a day, but that’s hotels and eating in nice restaurants. You can get by with $5-$15 for food on a budget and $40-$75 a day for housing, but you can probably bet (get it?) that you will spend more. Another relief kiddies, the US dollar is the currency of choice in Puerto Rico, although they do refer to it as the peso.
Anyone with a valid US drivers license can drive in Puerto Rico. That is not the only thing the US has its influence on in Puerto Rico though. For emergencies dial 911 (clever, huh?). The postal system is the same as the US, and don’t fear, the largest mall in the Caribbean is located on the island and hosts Macy’s, J C Penny and Sears. You can also find Wal-Marts and Kmart along side local stores, and there are Puerto Rican chain stores across the country.
Well hot damn, I never knew kite flying was considered a sport, but apparently the grassy knolls of El Morro – the 300-year-old fortress surrounding San Juan (Puerto Rico’s capital) is said to be the best kite-flying spot in the world. For all those interested in participating in an American illegal sporting event have no fear, cockfighting is legal in Puerto Rico. You might have to venture out into the country a little, but find a gallera and you will find a cockfighting playground.
These are some of the rather unusual attractions in Puerto Rico, but you also have the usual and much-loved surfing, swimming, diving, snorkeling, windsurfing, yachting, deep-sea fishing, hiking, bird watching, whale watching and cave exploration. Although the beaches are beautiful and there is an abundance of activities to do around them, remember this strange fact if planning to get a little jiggy while in the country: nudism is illegal. EEK.
You can’t be naked in the cars either, but because the island is only 100 by 35 miles renting a car is the most ideal for the luxury traveler. This will enable you to cram tons of things to do in your schedule for a short stay. Many suggest staying a few nights living up the tourist scene, but don’t limit your stay to the tourist hotels and resorts. For best results get off the beaten path. Most student travelers going to Puerto Rico will experience a great time if they break their trip into parts, so by all means stay at the downtown beaches and high-rise hotels, but for the real meal deal take a ferry to an island, rent a guest house (and save money at the same time) or take day trips to the rainforest.
Let the party start. Oh wait, I have forgotten one important fact: Puerto Rico is the world’s leading producer of rum. Rum is the national drink and comes in all shades of the sweet color brown. About 80% of rum consumed in the US comes from this little island in the Caribbean Ocean. Puerto Rico just seems to be getting better and better, huh? But wait for it – the moment you have all been waiting for – drinking is legal for all those over the age of 18. You may clap now.
So what are you really waiting for? Forget your passport, book a ticket and keep your US drivers license handy, cause that is all you will need in fabulous Puerto Rico. PS, tell Ricky hello.
