5 Reasons to Put Puerto Rico on Your Travel Radar

Family travelers looking for a warm weather vacation spot with a touch of the exotic without having to travel internationally should consider Puerto Rico. Here’s why:

You Don’t Need a Passport
Although it’s not the cheapest place to travel, for Americans, Puerto Rico is a real bargain in the Caribbean. Because it’s part of the United States, U.S. citizens can go there without passports, a considerable savings for traveling families.

It’s Easy to Get There
Not only can you fly there without passports, but you also don’t need to pay for international flights and can fly directly from cities all over the country. As anyone who has traveled with young children knows, direct flights are a parent’s best friend. You’ll find direct flights from Atlanta, Boston, Chicago, Dallas/Fort Worth, Houston, Miami, New York, Orlando, Philadelphia, Washington, D.C., and other cities.

The Beaches are Beautiful
Without leaving the capital city of San Juan, your family can find golden sand beaches. Head for the lively Condado neighborhood for the beach and its hip vibe. The mile-long crescent beach and calm turquoise sea at Luquillo Beach, 30 miles east of San Juan, is great for swimming, and surfing teens will love the beaches around Rincon.

The Local Culture is Contageous
You’ll soon tap your foot to the rhythms of the culture and be dazzled by colorful festivals. The best known are Fiesta de Reyes Isabelinos in Isabela and Fiesta de Reyes Juanadina in Juana Díaz. On Jan. 20, Fiestas de la Calle San Sebastián is in Old San Juan, and all over the island Puerto Rico celebrates Three Kings Day, or Epiphany, on Jan. 6.

The Street Food is Good (and the Coffee is Great)
Forget expensive restaurant lunches and treat your family to the local grab-and-go favorites sold by street vendors and open-air counters. Empanadas are hand pies filled with beef, seafood or cheese, deep fried until crisp. If you’d rather avoid fried foods, look for pichos, skewers of chicken or pork grilled over charcoal.

Puerto Rico is known for its coffee, grown on local fincas and roasted in small batches. Try several brands to find your favorite. You can even visit a coffee plantation to see how it’s grown and roasted.