COVER THE PROGRESS PART I: WALKING OLD SAN JUAN WITH ACROSS CARIBE ONE YEAR AFTER HURRICANE MARIA SLAMMED INTO THE ISLAND, PUERTO RICO AND ITS RESIDENTS ARE RECOVERING, REBUILDING AND ANXIOUSLY AWAITING VISITORS TO RETURN. IN DECEMBER 2018, I DECIDED TO VISIT THE ISLAND TO SEE FOR MYSELF THE PROGRESS THAT HAS BEEN MADE. IN A FOUR-PART SERIES, I’LL BE CHRONICLING MY TRAVELS THROUGHOUT PUERTO RICO AND SHARING THE INSPIRING STORIES OF THE PEOPLE IN THE TOURISM INDUSTRY WHO I MET ALONG THE WAY. MY HOPE IS TO USE THESE STORIES AND PHOTOS TO PUT A FACE TO THE RECOVERY EFFORTS AND TO ENCOURAGE OTHERS TO VISIT THE ISLAND OF ENCHANTMENT. IN PART I, WE’RE HIGHLIGHTING ACROSS CARIBE, A HUSBAND-AND-WIFE TOUR OPERATOR SPECIALIZING IN OFF-THE-BEATEN-PATH EXPERIENCES ACROSS PUERTO RICO. “Her name means ‘movement.’” At El Jibarito, a popular local lunch spot…
Traveling is stepping out of the routine, out of the space that we are used to, learning about different cultures, seeing completely different realities up close, getting to know different places, different people and different languages. The trip isn’t as fun if you don’t do it like a local. You have to forget about all…
Puerto Rico is an island full of charm, adventure, and beautiful landscapes. It is located between the Caribbean Sea and the Atlantic Ocean, shining bright with pristine beaches and a constant tropical climate throughout the year. It’s considered a top destination that attracts thousands not only for its unique beauty but also for that “eternal summer vibe” that attracts those who prefer to travel and pack light. Note these 5 essential items that you can’t forget to pack in your suitcase: Sun block As I mentioned before, Puerto Rico enjoys an “eternal summer” 365 days a year. Which means that many of the activities you can enjoy will mostly be outdoors and will have you exposed to the burning Caribbean sun. I know, that you’re completely focused on developing the perfect summer tan, but do not overestimate how important it…
When you dream of vacationing in the Caribbean the first image that comes to mind is probably laying back and enjoying a turquoise beach, with white sand and a cocktail in hand. Imagine being able to enjoy that image repeatedly throughout the course of your trip on an island in the Caribbean Sea on one side and the Atlantic Ocean on the other. Well, this is just the case in Puerto Rico, where you can enjoy this amazing scenery at any time of the year. Nothing beats the advantages of having summer all year round and being surrounded by some of the most beautiful beaches in the world. From East to West and from North to South, the Puerto Rican ocean harbors the top attractions on the island, offering up all kinds of maritime activities, such as snorkeling, diving, surfing,…
There’s always been something special about walking through old colonial cities. They make feel like you’re an ancient explorer. And if there’s no one around, you can easily imagine that you’re strutting around dressed in colonial attire with everything coming to life just like hundreds of years ago. This is just one of the many feelings the Old San Juan City can give you from the first moment you step foot. The city is characterized by its narrow, blue cobblestone streets and stone buildings, which date back to the 16th century. It is connected to the mainland island by three bridges and the geographical shape and proximity to the metropolitan area make it easy to go from one end to the other on foot. As soon as you start seeing the brightly colored buildings you will start smiling and accelerating your pace just to be able to see as many Spanish style façades as possible, so remember to wear comfortable…
I am sitting in my home where it is a gloomy 55 degrees and wishing I could be right back in beautiful Puerto Rico at this moment! My husband, Tony, and I visited the island in May, 2016 to celebrate our 25th wedding anniversary. For me, though, it was so much more than just a…