Favorite Place to Travel Without US Passport, From Frequent Traveler

I’ve been on several girls’ trips to Puerto Rico, and traveling to the island is convenient for a few reasons.

As a US citizen, I don’t need a passport to travel to Puerto Rico, which cuts down on time spent on immigration lines. Once I arrive, I can simply catch a ride to my hotel and slip into vacation mode right away.

Puerto Rico’s international airport is located right outside the capital of San Juan, which is a perfect place to spend a few days and use as a base to explore the rest of the island.

San Juan offers the best of both worlds: beachfront resorts and hotels and short-term rentals in the city center. This makes it easy to explore both sides of the lively city.

During my last stay, my friend and I booked a room at the beachfront Fairmont El San Juan. We enjoyed morning yoga on the beach and relaxing spa massages.

On my first girls’ trip to Puerto Rico, I stayed in an apartment in Old San Juan, splitting the cost with a few friends.

Staying in the heart of the walkable city was great because we had access to lots of great bars and restaurants. It also felt more adventurous than staying at a resort because we got to explore the island and interact with locals.

Plus, great beaches are still just a short walk or taxi ride away. I recommend checking out Condado Beach and nearby Isla Verde, which both have beach chairs and umbrella rentals.

San Juan has a long list of great restaurants and bars, from fine dining options to family-owned cafés and diners.

Some of my must-visit bars include the iconic La Factoria, a labyrinth of multiple venues (each with its own vibe and drink menu), and El Batey, a pared-back bar with rum-heavy Cuba Libres.

You also can’t go a few blocks without hearing about mofongo, a delicious Puerto Rican dish made from fried plantains and stuffed with shredded pork or shrimp.

I tried it on my first visit to San Juan, and always make it a point to enjoy it when I’m in Puerto Rico. Thankfully, it’s served in almost every restaurant.

On my last trip, I ordered mofongo at Cafe Manolin, which offers four versions of it (chicken, shrimp, fried beef, and churrasco).

Whenever I’m in Old San Juan, I always make it a point to visit a centuries-old fortress called Castillo San Felipe del Morro. It was built to protect the island from invaders, and is now a popular tourist attraction in the city.

In addition to learning about the fascinating history, I love taking in the gorgeous ocean views from the fortress. It’s free to walk the grounds, and when it’s nice out, I like to watch people flying kites on the lawn.

Although it’s easy to spend an entire vacation in San Juan, I also like to explore the surrounding area when there’s time.

For example, on my first trip to Puerto Rico, my friends and I rented a car and drove to El Yunque National Forest, which is about an hour from Old San Juan.

Although you can pay for a guided tour, we followed the signs and hiked to La Mina Falls, which was about a mile and a half roundtrip.

The tropical rainforest had surprisingly cool temperatures, and as we went deeper into the overgrown forest, we could only hear the chirping of the coquí frogs and the nearby rushing waterfalls.

I love visiting San Juan, Puerto Rico, for its balance of culture, stunning landscapes, and activities. In my opinion, the city truly has something for everyone.

Depending on what kind of trip you’re looking for, you can relax at a beachfront resort for a few days or salsa dance in Old San Juan until morning.