Things to Know Before Traveling to Puerto Rico
There are a few things to know before traveling to Puerto Rico. These precautions include Safety measures, Language, and Weather. The island’s natural beauty makes it a perfect destination for family vacations, as well as a business trip. Read on to learn more. Once you’ve learned about the island’s culture, you’ll feel confident traveling here.
Precautions to take
There are a number of precautions that you can take when traveling to Puerto Rico. Because crime is a problem on the island, it is important to be extra careful with your belongings. Avoid hanging your bags from a chair, and keep your passport and cash in a safe place. Also, it is a good idea to learn some Spanish, as it will help you communicate with police officers. You may need to use a translator app on your phone if you are not fluent in the language.
Although Puerto Rico is free of dog rabies, there is still a risk of contracting the disease from bats and other wildlife. For this reason, it is important to be immunized against rabies. The CDC recommends rabies vaccination for individuals who work with wildlife in Puerto Rico, including veterinarians, animal handlers, and lab workers. However, this is not a requirement for most travelers. It is a good idea to familiarise yourself with the local public health measures and know whether they will be applicable to you before traveling to Puerto Rico.
It is best to avoid driving alone at night. The island is prone to car theft, so you should try to stay in a safe neighborhood during the day. Also, avoid walking on moonlit beaches at night. Alternatively, use the public transportation to move around the island.
Safety measures
There are many safety measures that travelers to Puerto Rico should follow, especially if they are traveling alone. For example, it is important to keep valuables locked in a safe at all times. Travelers should also be aware of the risk of theft, particularly when they are on the beach. Likewise, they should be vigilant when looking for beaches away from the beaten path. Another big issue to be aware of when traveling to Puerto Rico is drug use.
Although the island is a part of the United States, people traveling to Puerto Rico must follow local health guidelines. These include getting a COVID-19 test. Also, travelers should wash their hands frequently and avoid high-touch surfaces. Infants aged six to 11 months should get the Hepatitis A vaccination. While the vaccine does not count towards a routine two-dose series, travelers should keep in mind that there are some rural areas in Puerto Rico where disease is prevalent.
In addition, visitors should avoid leaving valuables in their rental cars. They should also avoid driving at night and leaving important documents in their vehicle. Taking public transportation is also an option.
Weather
In the summer, the weather in Puerto Rico is usually sunny and warm. However, the island is susceptible to hurricanes. The hurricane season is from June to November, which makes the island prone to hurricanes. It is best to check with a travel agency to determine if there are any hurricane warnings before traveling to Puerto Rico.
The rainy season is the wettest time of the year in Puerto Rico. Expect heavy downpours during the day but most often, it only lasts a few minutes. However, the rainy season also features fast-moving storms. The rainy season typically lasts from April to November.
The average annual temperature in Puerto Rico is in the mid-eighties Fahrenheit. The humidity level can make it feel even hotter. You should dress appropriately for the weather. The rainy season can be humid, so bring your favorite clothing with you to keep your cool. The driest months are December and March. However, the hurricane season affects Puerto Rico from June to November.
Travelers should consider the weather before booking a flight to Puerto Rico. It is best to avoid the rainy months of July and August. The temperatures in these months are comfortable for swimming and the crowds are moderate.
Language
You’ll likely want to learn the local language when you’re traveling to Puerto Rico. The island is largely Spanish-speaking, but English is also spoken widely. While many people on the island speak English, it’s better to learn the local tongue if you plan to venture outside the resorts and urban areas. Although Puerto Ricans are largely welcoming, you may find it necessary to learn a few phrases and words if you plan to have any meaningful interaction with the locals.
Puerto Rican Spanish is similar to English, but it’s also different. For example, there’s a concept called relajo, which is a form of politeness that discourages direct criticism or confrontation. Instead, the term refers to a playful joking manner. Visitors will want to be aware of this, as they may need to read the intentions of the locals.
The language in Puerto Rico is more than just words; it’s also about body language and gestures. You’ll notice that most people greet each other with a friendly handshake or nod of the head. Women may even give each other a kiss on the cheek, which is considered polite and respectful.
Whether you’re traveling to the island or simply exploring its beautiful landscape, it’s crucial to learn the local language and etiquette. While English is the official language, Puerto Ricans prefer Spanish. And although the territory’s official currency is the United States dollar, most people refer to money in peso or dollar.
Outdoor activities
There are a variety of outdoor activities to enjoy when traveling to Puerto Rico. For example, try kayaking on the pristine water near the island of Culebra. This activity will give you a unique perspective of the island’s coastline and the bioluminescent bays. It will also give you an opportunity to explore mangrove lagoons.
If you’re looking for a way to escape the crowds and maintain your physical and mental fitness, then Puerto Rico is the perfect destination. You’ll be able to engage in a number of different outdoor activities, including surfing, snorkeling, ziplining, fishing, and more.
Flyboarding is another fun activity to enjoy while visiting Puerto Rico. This exciting activity is popular on almost every beach in the island. Flyboarding is like a hoverboard for the ocean, with a jet of water propelled into the air. You’ll be able to stand on the board while floating in the air. Popular beaches to try this activity include Luquillo Beach and Sandy Beach. Caves are another great way to experience the island’s natural beauty. There are numerous caves and rock formations to explore, including the Window Cave in Arecibo. There’s also a free spelunking excursion in the region, which is only an hour’s drive outside of San Juan.
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