If Bad Bunny’s Super Bowl LX show has you googling Puerto Rico this morning, well then, I have some news for you: you absolutely should go! US citizens don’t need a passport to visit. (And if you don’t know why, here’s a primer on how it is but isn’t part of the US. When I say isn’t, it’s in respect to people who feel colonized by the US. And while I can’t speak to the nuance of that, I do want to mention it as a sign that I understand not every single Puerto Rican feels the same way.)
Learn how Bad Bunny’s halftime show was loaded with cultural storytelling and symbolism with this post on IG.
In fact, I want to go back. I’ve had the privilege of visiting a few times. The first was many, many years ago now. I went alone for one of my birthdays and dug deep into the island’s food, people, and culture. I even poured some out for a friend who had died. And I did a lot of walking in the village where I stayed, just outside San Juan. But I no longer have my photos from that trip. 😭 That’s a long story. One that makes me pretty sad.
🥰 I have been able to visit twice since then, as a member of the media, to stay at The Ritz-Carlton Reserve’s Dorado Beach. One time was for the Culinary Getaway with Jose Andres, Eric Ripert, and Anthony Bourdain before he died. Another time was to dive with Jean-Michel Cousteau and learn about the sustainability programs in the sea around Puerto Rico.
Both visits were a privilege I do not take for granted. I am grateful to The Ritz-Carlton for making those experiences possible. And I do recommend a stay at the resort. As well as a visit to their spa, which is one of my favorites in the world.
The Bad Bunny Effect
🇵🇷 Yet if you were watching Bad Bunny’s Super Bowl LX show, you are probably craving a different kind of experience in Puerto Rico. One that allows you to experience more of the food, culture, and people than you can inside the walls of a resort. And you should be!
In fact, before I go any further, I want to provide you with an article from Alisha, who was born in Puerto Rico: A Do Good, Ethical Travel Guide for Tourists Visiting Puerto Rico.
I loved my birthday visit so long ago and can still hear the music as I danced on the beach one night, just outside a sort of nightclub after being invited to join a group of village residents, making friends within minutes.
So, while I don’t have my own photos of that type of travel to Puerto Rico to show you, I do want to share some resources!
The Book
The first is the book The Dining Traveler Guide to Puerto Rico. It was made by my friend Jessica, aka Dining Traveler, who is Boricua, now living in Brussels with family still in Puerto Rico and the US. One of the most incredible ambassadors for PR and what it means to be Boricua, she is a person you should follow regardless of whether you plan to visit or not. For her cooking videos alone. You will up your game in the kitchen so much!
The book is the size of a coffee table or art book and is a cross between that and a travel guidebook. It’s a good one to keep on your coffee table whenever you need to dream of a tropical place. Or on your desk when you need a visual break from work. The text is a wonderful journey into an oft-misunderstood place, and the photos will transport you to PR with joy in your heart. They’re a feast for the eyes, not unlike Jessica’s cooking videos, which are a feast for the soul.
You can buy the book directly from her on her website. It will cost anywhere from USD $40-50 with shipping.
And I have 8 copies of the book to sell. With it, you’ll receive an original photo of Puerto Rico, from me, that’s signed and authenticated. You can frame it, keep it with your book, gift it, or send it as a postcard to a friend. The bundle is $50, with USPS tracked shipping included, to US addresses, from the US. Please email me if you are outside the USA to calculate shipping and make a custom purchase. ❤️
Planning Resources
The rest of the resources are articles and blog posts that I have found to be very helpful in planning my own return to Puerto Rico. Which I hope to make happen sooner rather than later.
Amanda, of the A Dangerous Business travel blog, shares 20 Unmissable Things to Do in San Juan, Puerto Rico.
Islands Magazine talks about San Juan’s Walkable Neighborhood that’s an Artsy Enclave with Peaceful Vibes.
Jessica, aka Dining Traveler, shares where you should go outside of San Juan.
Atlas Obscura gives you 57 Cool, Hidden, and Unusual Things to Do in Puerto Rico.
Shane at Travel Age West shares 5 Ways to Go Beyond the Beach in San Juan.
Discover Puerto Rico shares how you can participate in The Green Path when you visit.
And finally, Rachel Off Duty shares “everything” you need to know!
I hope these help you. And maybe I’ll see you in Puerto Rico?
Enjoy! Let me know if you book your trip!
