Solo Travelling Tips: Backpacking to Puerto Rico

When you hear the phrase solo adventure, you firstly think of travelling somewhere to Iceland, Miami, but not Puerto Rico. Nevertheless, Puerto Rico is an amazing place to go on a solo trip! Solo travel can be an epic adventure, and Puerto Rico should be one stop on your list of must-visit places. This country is perfect for backpacking with its historic fortifications and architectural treasures, magical caves to explore, lighthouses across the country and a large radio telescope in Arecibo to check out. Here’s a guide on how to have a safe and memorable trip in the Caribbean island if you’re travelling solo.

When to Go

If you think of your finances, the best time to visit Puerto Rico is during the long off-season, which takes time from May to November. The peak of the summer is travel time for many destinations around the world, in the Caribbean it’s hurricane season. With the arrival of the storm comes a drastic drop in prices for hotels and airfare, as the tourist industry seeks to lure visitors. Puerto Rico is rather attractive with cheap proposals: there are ample reasons to make a trip during these months, and at the top of the list is the great values you’ll find on lodging. Thus, you can find found four-star hotel at two-star prices during the off-season. Even so, it’s always a good idea to check the local weather forecast before you travel to be sure.

Travel to, and around Puerto Rico

Getting to Puerto Rico is relatively easy, since large and well-known airlines such as American Airlines, Delta Airlines, and Southwest Airlines all stop at San Juan’s airport, the Luis Munoz Marin International Airport. The other airlines like Iberia, Copa Airlines, Spirit Airlines, and United Airlines are also spread out throughout the island. It’s not a problem to hire a car from car rental Puerto Rico under 25 location just in the airport and build up your trip in your own way. Don’t think of taking taxi! Within the island, travel by taxi is an option, though for solo travel renting a car might be best for ease of travel and independence. While both English and Spanish are spoken in Puerto Rico, knowing Spanish words, especially when it comes to directions, is an advantage.

Must-Visit Attractions in San Juan

The best notable places to visit in the historic district of Puerto Rico’s capital definitely include the capitol building, known as El Capitolio, El Morro Castle, Fort San Cristobal, the San Juan Cathedral, art galleries. The main touristic attractions outside of Old San Juan for solo travelers take you to the Puerto Rican Museum of Art and beautiful beaches like El Escambron and Ocean Park. There are also awesome restaurants serving delicious dishes in Old San Juan and coffee shops too. They are definitely worth your time and money. Finally, it’s a good idea to be careful while you are travelling, especially when traveling alone, but San Juan is mostly a safe city to visit.

Must-Visit Attractions outside of San Juan

Beyond San Juan, many options are available for lone travelers. You should visit the Serralles Castle, the Tibes Indigenous Ceremonial Center, walk along La Guancha and take a look at the Old Ponce Fire Station, which are fun attractions in Ponce. A trip to one of the coffee plantations in Puerto Rico also makes your time interesting. It allows visitors to take in some of the natural scenery on the island. There are good restaurants throughout Puerto Rico in such towns like Cabo Rojo, Vieques, and Mayaguez, among others.

Where to Eat

Dining in Puerto Rico can be hazardous to your health because there is no shortage of rib-sticking, gut-busting criollo specialties to challenge your appetite. Fortunately, it doesn’t cost much to stuff yourself silly with excellent local food. Here are just a few recommendations:

Restaurants in San Juan

Cheap food kiosks abound in Puerto Rico, selling all kinds of fritters and bite-sized snacks. A visit to the ones in Pinones and Luquillo should not be missed.

Panaderias, which are Puerto Rican bakeries, offer a lot more than your neighborhood bakery, and are a great place to grab a cheap lunch and mingle with the locals.

Helpful Tips for a Puerto Rico Trip

You can find a lot of helpful tips on the web. It is needful to read related articles and feedbacks from people who travelled there before. Some of their best advice is as follows: use sunblock due to the hot weather and intense sun rays; wear comfortable shoes especially in Old San Juan and when planning long treks; carry an umbrella or another item to shield you from the rain in the tropical setting; bring a variety of clothing since some businesses, such as restaurants, have a dress code. There are many other tips you can discover on your own.

It’s an Easy Transition Into Hostel Life

There’s no doubt about it, hostels are the easiest way to meet fellow travellers on your first solo trip. Travelling with friends is always more pleasant. If the concept makes you nervous, hostels in Puerto Rico are full of solo travellers just like you, who will inspire you and help to put you at ease. How can you find them? Puerto Rico can be easily your first solo trip, and the first place to visit. Also, this can be the first place you’ve ever stayed in a hostel dorm room without knowing anyone else! This is your chance to meet some amazing people, men or women, who had all traveled to Puerto Rico by themselves. So, you can meet your new friends in the hostel and then travel together.

If you want to take a solo trip, but don’t want to spend your days solo, hostels are a great place to meet adventure buddies. You are recommended staying at Mango Mansion. Of course, there are plenty of hostels, but Mango Mansion is still considered to be the most friendly and attractive to stay.