Va al Caribe - Caribbean budget travel
If you’re interested in traveling to the Caribbean, you know that there are a many, many islands that you can travel to. Jamaica, Virging Islands, Bahamas, Puerto Rico, and even Cuba for the adventurous. So where to go?
Where to go
Since the Caribbean is the most touristic area (per capita) in the world, it’s hard finding the most “non-commercial” destination. The most attractive destination for the backpacker is probably Cuba, because of its culture and lack of commercialism. Most, including myself, wouldn’t be willing to go through the trouble to get there though.
The next best backpacker destination could possibly be Puerto Rico. Puerto Rico actually has an economy outside of tourism, so it isn’t as saturated with commercialism compared to the Bahamas or the Virgin Islands. So, that should mean travelers can expect to experience a little bit of genuine Puerto Rican culture if they go about it the right way.
Cost
- Flight: from New York to San Juan, Puerto Rico on budget airline Spirit airline is $199 one way. Stick to flying on the weekdays, as I found weekend flights may be $275.
- Accommodation: Unfortunately, hostels are scarce around Puerto Rico. The cheapest rate that I found was $45 a night from Borinquen, in Aguadilla, Puerto Rico. More common budget rates range from $70-95.
- Meals: Are not too expensive. Regular (budget) meals range from $3-9. If you’re feeling classy, high end meals don’t get over $30.
What to Do
For a quick overview of what to do, read this Puerto Rico guide from warmislands.com, a helpful tropical vacation site.
From my research, I recommend combining a few Puerto Rican places and attractions together to make a trip. These include
- Culebra - Small island east of the main land. Awesome beaches. Somewhat “off the beaten path” and less developed than sister Vieques.
- Old San Juan - Experience the charm of the island’s main city. Lots of history here.
- El Yunque - The natural attraction in Puerto Rico. A sweet rain forest.
- Cock fighting - Legal here. Brutal, inhumane, and legal.
- Ponce and San German also look like interesting cities.
There is definitely plenty to to do in Puerto Rico, and it’s impossible to cover the possibilities available in a short blog entry. So consider traveling to the United States’ unofficial 51st state, Puerto Rico, to expand your budget travel horizons.
You forgot to mention that for U.S. citizens Puerto Rico is now the only Caribbean destination which doesn't require a passport.
Our B&B blog in El Yunque Puerto Rico talks about some of the cool stuff here but it would be better to download a podcast on iTunes. Search for Puerto Rico travelcast. Podcasts are great to listen to when you're driving to work but you don't need an iPod as you can also just listen to them on your computer.
For cheap places to stay there are also Robin's cabins above Naguabo and if you want a real Puerto Rican experience our neighbor Ada rents a room out in her house.
[...] Puerto Rico or Florida Travel Increases The United States’ new passport requirement of travelers may mess up some last minute beach vacationers. Since Puerto Rico, and Florida (obviously) do not require a Passport, those who are too lazy or late to purchase a Passport may elect to visit Puerto Rico or Florida instead of other Caribbean destinations. The same goes for cruise passengers who will need to have Passport starting in 2007. [...]