Last year, Puerto Rico was sadly hit with a Category 4 Hurricane Maria and affected many. Now that you can now travel to Puerto Rico, here are some many reasons why you should visit Puerto Rico!

11 Reasons to Visit Puerto Rico

1. Help rebuild the island

Your tourist money will go a long way in helping rebuild the island and its economy, because Puerto Rico heavily relies on tourism. Therefore, the more people that visit, the quicker they can rebuild their island after Hurricane Maria.

2. A Passport is not required

Since Puerto Rico is a U.S. territory, a passport is not required to travel there and back. As long as you’re a U.S. citizen, all you need is a government issue ID or your original birth certificate.

3. Average 80s year-round weather

If you having the winter blues and are craving sunshine and warm water, Puerto Rico is the perfect place to go!

4. Beautiful beaches

Puerto Rico is located in the Caribbean, so the water is warm and blue. While the water is clear on the mainland, Puerto Rico’s islands have even more gorgeous beaches. I highly recommend taking a cruise from Fajardo to one of Puerto Rico’s Islands. I went to Cayo Iacocos during my trip and the (crystal clear) water was absolutely stunning!

5. The currency is the U.S. dollar

No need to convert your money if you’re from America because Puerto Rico’s currency is the U.S. dollar.

6. No roaming international charges

Since Puerto Rico is a part of the U.S., you will not incur hefty international charges on your cell phone bill. Therefore, you can freely use your cell phone while in Puerto Rico without any extra charges (as long as you’re from the U.S.).

7. Affordable airfare

I was able to snag a roundtrip from Newark International Airport for only $250 with Jetblue. I was surprised, because I’m used to playing $500+ for airfare to California.

8. Affordable prices

I stayed in Condado (one of the nicest neighborhoods in San Juan) and I was able to find veggie burgers at restaurants for only $10.99  and freshly made organic Tofu wraps for only $4.49 at a market. Let’s just say, it won’t be hard to find water for $1 at delis or shops there and super cheap alcoholic drinks. Oh, and make sure to get your odds and ends at Walgreens and CVS there, because the prices are very reasonable (especially with your membership cards).

9. Delicious food

The one thing you should know: Puerto Ricans do not like spicy food!  However, Puerto Ricans like spices and season their food very well. Make sure to not leave the island without trying the very popular Puerto Rican dish, mofongo! Don’t you worry if you’re vegetarian, because they also have vegetarian mofongo!

10. Puerto Ricans are warm and welcoming

If you don’t speak Spanish, no worries! I think I only met one person in Puerto Rico who did not speak fluent English. I am happy to say that from all of the Puerto Ricans I came across, they were all so warm and welcoming—whether it was my uber driver or waiter, they were all giving me suggestions on where to go and what to see.

11. Countless excursions

Don’t expect to lounge by the beach/pool your entire time when vacationing in Puerto Rico. Puerto Rico is a vacation you come home tired because you did so much exploring. Between the beautiful warm beaches to the lush sub-tropical rainforest, you will certainly keep busy in Puerto Rico!

Have you been to Puerto Rico? I just came back from Puerto Rico and I highly recommend booking a trip there someday!