If you are a first-time traveler to Puerto Rico, then you are headed to one of the most vibrant hot-spots in the Caribbean. Puerto Rico offers an eclectic mix of vibes from energetic to serene. While getting lost in paradise, you may lose yourself to all the beauty and excitement for a little while, as well. While you may (understandably) be excited for your visit to Puerto Rico, there are a few safety tips that might come in handy while traveling there.
Brush up on your Spanish – If you speak a little bit of Spanish or took some back in college, it’s a great idea to brush up on your Spanish. If you don’t know a single word in Spanish, why not take the opportunity before you go to learn a few key words and phrases.
With the internet and its abundance of knowledge, you can learn some Spanish quickly and easily. From Rosetta Stone to YouTube and Google Translate, you can pick up a few things in a short amount of time.
Develop Your Sense of Direction – If you are going to be doing any driving in Puerto Rico, you will need a good sense of direction. Driving in Puerto Rico is something that takes getting used to, but you need to do it in a hurry. Be aware and alert at intersections and during rush hour. This is where learning some Spanish will come in handy – the road signs are in Spanish, although they look the same as elsewhere in the United States.
Get acclimated with the culture – Whenever traveling somewhere that has a different culture, it is a wise choice to learn about that culture as much as possible. Whether it is taking time to learn about the people, the food they eat, or their particular customs, it is always a smart idea to get a bit acclimated with the culture.
Always have a Plan B – When driving to out-of-the-way places in Puerto Rico, leave before morning rush hour. If you are running late, then think about taking your road trip another day. Getting stuck in rush hour in Puerto Rico is a challenge. For tourists it can be enough to make you not want to venture out again. Make sure to leave plenty of time for getting lost, as well. It is not uncommon to go on a road trip and get lost a bit due to directions you cannot understand, roads you simply cannot locate and maps that are outdated.
Dress right – While all that fun in the sun might make you smile from ear to ear, it’s a wise choice to be prepared for those hot, hot days in Old San Juan. Dress in cool comfortable clothing and use sun screen frequently throughout the day. Don’t forget sunglasses to protect your eyes and a hat, as well. Good, comfortable walking shoes are always a must.
Food and Drink – Be aware that everywhere you turn, there will be rum. As tempting as it may be to drink as much rum in as many different variations as you can find, be mindful of the heat, dehydration and the beckoning of rum everywhere you turn.
Be aware of your surroundings – If you want to enjoy Puerto Rico above and beyond the usual experience, you might want to stay away from the tourist traps. Whether you are in a popular tourist destination or an off-the-beaten path destination, always be aware of your surroundings while enjoying your time in Puerto Rico, as well.
With a little bit of knowledge, some common sense, and a spirit full of adventure, you can enjoy and be safe while traveling in Puerto Rico.
