I plan on travelling to Puerto Rico by myself (female) for the weekend of July 4th. Any recommendations?

Question

Hi -
I need to get away.
So I'm thinking of planning a weekend away (last minute, I know june 30 - july 4) for myself - no cell phone, etc.
I'm mid-20's so I do like to go out. I like adventures, being active. I also enjoy a bit of nightlife. However, I am realistic and am open to any warnings about where not to go, what not to do as a female alone in a foreign place.
Overall, I'm looking to relax and have fun and try something new. I would be very appreciative of any advice - where to go, where to stay, where to visit, what to see, what to do, what not to do...
Appreciate any and all advice!
Thanks!

Answer 1

I read most of the replies, I cant believe some of the things said, you would think you were traveling to some place where crime is at every turn, I am Puerto Rican and probably the most critical of my own kind, I have traveled to Puerto Rico and have grown to realize that it is not like miami if you have been there, where you can expect to have eyes on the back of your head. Puerto Rico can be a wonderful place to live of course you can run into trouble just like in any city in the United States, you dont need a passport since it is an american territory, I will caution you, durring time of festivities, like the 4th of july, traffic is a total nightmare not like anything you can immagine, I was shocked that people park anywhere even the middle of the streets if they cant find parking, oh and as for the beaches best time to visit is during the winter months, the only place you will find a clean beach now is in front of a expensive hotel since a large majority of then rake the sand daily. If you want night life then look to the major cities, if you want adventure, visit a tourist site and learn of the many things to see and do, most of wich are free, some places do charge a very small fee. if you plan a short stay, like under a week you may want to visit places near where you plan to stay. If you dont want the massive crouds you can fly to Rafael Hernandez international on the north west end of the island but travel to san juan will be long, but in the west you can find some of the cleanest beaches and the true Puerto Rican culture, unkike the americanized version of it in San Juan. all small towns have events in the main plaza, performances, food vendors, arts and crafts and best of all the classic latin beat that draws people to the island and its rich culture.

Answer 2

I lived with a family there, so I'm not a great source of where to stay hotel wise. If you can get transportation to Fajardo definitely take the ferry to the island of Vieques. Vieques has the bioluminescent bay, where you can actually swim in glow in the dark water. It's so cool. There also are a lot of smaller and more affordable hotels there. I would just be careful when you're out at night. But otherwise I think you'll be fine! Enjoy! Puerto Rico has the greatest beaches!

Answer 3

Go! You'll have fun!! I'm a female and I just got back from Puerto Rico; by the way I went by myself and nothing happened to me. Puerto Rico is beautiful (and so are the men!) I would recommend going to El Yunque rain forest; it's absolutely beautiful. Old San Juan is very interesting; you can see 500 year old forts and modern constructions side by side. If you like to shop, you have to go to Plaza las Americas. It has like three or four floors of stores to browse in. I stayed at the Paradisus; it's very nice, but a little expensive. I'm sure you can find a cheaper (but still safe) place to stay. You will have so much fun if you go; just take the same precautions that you would here. For instance, don't go off with strange men or leave your drinks unattended. Other than that you should be good to go. I enjoyed my trip so much that I'm going again!

Answer 4

My advice go with a friend... im living in the Caribbean and mainly becasue i fell in love and stayed here and even when we were just geting to know eachother i mentioned id like to go to peurto rico and Jamaica and i was order not to go alone under any circumstances... now i dont want this statement to offend anybody, but i was told being white and female in a place like that was asking for trouble...i am not sure of your ethnicity... and i dont want to say it would be anymore or less safe for you if you arent "white" but thats what i was told

Please please please be very careful...

travelliing alone anywhere in the world is not safe... i have copies of my passport and any other inportant documents at home...i also have a policy that i call my dad every friday... and if i cant i email... that way if he doesnt hear from me he knows where i last was..
leave your exact itinerary with someone, if you change anything let that person know... tell them where you staying for how long, flight numbers and times...

i know that this sounds a little like paranoi but better to be safe than sorry... if your passport gets stolen haveing a copy of t back home will speed up the process for getting a new one... keep a photocopy with you seperate to your actual one too...

Have fun up there.. i still wanna go but im not allowed until my fiance has time off to escort me...

Answer 5

You can stay in San Juan which is the capital of Puerto Rico, but this is a tourist trap, trust me, it might have the whole spanish background and look but they actually charge you for that too. Two words: very expensive. The only good thing is the variety in Night clubs. A good place to stay is in Isla Verde. It's in the north and it has great hotels and they're not that expensive. For shopping, you have Plaza Las Americas in Hato Rey and that is one of the biggest, if not the biggest mall in Puerto Rico. If you like hiking and rainforests you can go to El Yunque which is known for it's wildlife and beautiful waterfalls.

Answer 6

If going to PR the best nightlife is in the Old San Juan, but since you are going alone you shoud be very careful. You could also stay at Isla Verde and most of the hotels there have their own clubs so it's more safe!!! Good luck and enjoy your visit!!!!!!

Answer 7

You may look up all inclusive resorts that way your food and drinks are included you won't have to venture far and they usually have guided tours so you go with a group and a tour guide to explore a lot safer I say if you are determined to do this alone. I say do not venture out at night by yourself not a good idea I think. I am sure a all inclusive resort can entertain you good luck!! PS they usually pick you up at the airport and take you back.

Answer 8

If you know how to dance salsa and merenge and reggeton I would say Isla verde "Piñoles" the rave. for shopping Plaza Clarolina y Playa las Americas But if you want to go to el pulgero(which are the 3 B's in spanish are BUENO,BONITO y BARATO) is in Rio Piedra by Plaza de De Diego(real nice) to a site seen el Yunque but dont get loss! Las Cuevas de Camuy. for swimming Isla verde beach, Luquillo, la posita, el Escandron. mennnn there is a lot of places. but have fun!!! bring me unas binbo and gofio, best of all some Ganya!!!

Answer 9

TRY STAYING IN CONDADO,@ THE CORAL PRINCESS INN. THIS HOTEL IS VERY REASONABLY PRICED, RATE INCLUDES A GOOD CONTINENTAL BREAKFAST, HAS A SMALL POOL, AND A ROOF TOP JACUZZI. CONDADO IS CENTRALLY LOCATED TO BOTH OSJ AND ISLA VERDE. THIS HOTEL IS WITHIN WALKING DISTANCE TO MANY RESTAURANTS, CAFES AND NITELIFE. GREAT BEACH IS ALSO A BLOCK AWAY. I DO NOT RECOMMEND STAYING IN SAN JUAN IF PLAN ON DOING ANY THING AT NITE AS IT IS NOT SAFE FOR TOURISTS TO WALK AROUND SOLO AT NIGHT.

Answer 10

try The Water Club hotel in Isla Verde