My trip to Puerto Rico almost didn’t happen. Due to a ticketing error, the name on my passport did not match my flight reservation and I was not allowed to check in. After hours on the phone with the airline and my travel agent, an endless line at security and a ‘Hail Mary’ dash through the terminal, I was able to slump myself down in a not-so-comfy airplane seat and finally catch my breath.
As a casual believer in fate, I had an uneasy feeling as I sat on the tarmac. Perhaps I was supposed to miss this flight. After all, the travel agent who provided emergency, middle-of-the-night assistance was named Heaven. The woman at check-in was most certainly from Hell.
As the howling winds passed and we got over the usual bumps and jolts of takeoff, my initial fears were put to rest and I settled in to a well-deserved sleep. I awoke again just as the plane swept through the clouds and toward our final destination. I was quite certain that I had survived my flight, but nevertheless awoke in paradise.
Over the next week, I’d soon discover that Puerto Rico is arguably the most complete island in the entire Caribbean, and all clichés aside, really does offer something for everyone.
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Getting There
Puerto Rico is just a short 3 to 4 hour flight from North America’s populous east coast and Great Lakes regions, but better yet, Americans do not require a passport to enter.
There’s no exchange rate to wrap your head around; no tricky plug adapters and voltage converters; no driving on the wrong side of the road – just sun, sizzle and salsa (dancing, not the sauce). But notwithstanding the steady stream of cruise ship day trippers who pile off their vessels and flood old town San Juan, Puerto Rico as a destination in and of itself is often overlooked by Canadian and American vacationers.
Just the Facts
Sandwiched between Hispaniola to the west and the Leeward Island chain to the east, Puerto Rico was “discovered” by Columbus on his second voyage in 1493. The natural bounty of the island ensured that it soon became an integral part of the Spanish Empire.
None other than the legendary Conquistador and dreamer himself Ponce de Leon established the first permanent European settlement on the island in 1508. Ol’ Ponce even acted as Governor of the colony for many years before venturing abroad in search of the mythical Fountain of Youth.
Puerto Rico remained a possession of Spain for several hundred years until her defeat at the hands of the Americans in the 1898 Spanish-American War.
Today the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico is an unincorporated, self-governing territory of the United States, but not a State itself. Barack Obama is currently the official head of state, but Puerto Ricans cannot vote in US federal elections – despite being awarded legal citizenship rights in 1917.
Traditional Puerto Rican culture offers an exciting mix of Spanish, Amerindian and African influences that have more recently been impacted upon by the cultural and political imperialism of the United States. Having its collective wagon hitched to the star of the 20th century’s most dominant power, modern Puerto Rican culture is significantly shaped by America. In fact, the Puerto Rican Diaspora across the United States is tremendous: more people of Puerto Rican heritage currently live in the continental United States than in Puerto Rico itself.
Get outside of the resorts
What really sets Puerto Rico apart from other Caribbean destinations is that there is no need to limit yourself to the secure inner confines of an all-inclusive resort. Save for a few grimy San Juan barrios, the island is very safe and chances to interact with local people and really explore the island abound. If you’ve got a car, a tank full of gas and a sense of adventure – then check out Puerto Rico’s second city of Ponce located on the island’s southern shore for an unforgettable road trip.
Discover more about this incredible destination our Puerto Rico Travel Guide, including the best of Puerto Rico for shopaholics, history buffs, foodies, sports fans & nature travellers.