Firstly, Puerto Rico is not a country. I have to get that out of the way in order to write this calmly and to explain the unique intrinsic character of this United States territory, which makes it the subject of this article and an ideal travel destination. Located in the northern Caribbean Sea, officially known as the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, this group of islands (yes, there is more than one) provides a unique opportunity to travelers, both foreign and domestic, and not just because of its unique attractions.
Yes, Puerto Rico does offer incomparable experiences and opportunities, such as visiting El Yunque, the only tropical rain forest in the US, or experiencing the breathtaking nature of some of the world’s last remaining bio-luminescent bays. But there is also so much more. You see, after being discovered by Christopher Columbus in the late 15th century, Puerto Rico became an important and prized Spanish colony. Such much so, that it was constantly under attack by English and Dutch buccaneers and navy ships, who wished to take over the centrally located colony. It was not until almost five centuries later, that Puerto Rico’s history would be fundamentally altered. In June of 1898, American troops landed in the southern town of Guanica, and in what would be described as a “picnic war” because of the ease with which it took over, the United States took possession of the colony from Spain.
From that point on, the position of Puerto Rico within the American legal, social, economic and logistical landscape has been a particularly interesting one. Because of the centuries-long history with Spain, strong cultural and linguistic ties remain between the territory, the rest of Latin America, and Spain itself. While it is a US territory, Spanish is predominantly spoken by the 3.5 million American citizens who live on the islands. And yes, we are full-fledged, US dollar-using, passport-carrying, naturally-born American citizens, ever since Congress passed the Jones Act of 1917, which granted citizenship to all Puerto Ricans.
Which leads me to an important point: as a US territory, Puerto Rico is considered domestic travel for most purposes. This means that if you are an American, no passport is required to travel there. And that is important if you happen to want to discover “overseas” travel for the first time, or are waiting for your passport to be processed, or you need to wean your family from having you around while needing regular phone access (all US phone carriers work there, even Verizon). Or even if you wish to experience what it is like to live away from home, while not going so far as being in a foreign country.
Through a series of unique, unconventional and fortunate events and circumstances, Puerto Rico is an excellent travel destination that is as easy to access as going to Florida, but with much more exotic flair. Because it is an island, Puerto Rico has a very insular character in its day to day life, which can offer a very different experience than visiting any of the contiguous 48 states.
There are student exchange programs with universities on the mainland, establishing Puerto Rico as a semi-study abroad destination that can either be your starter destination if the idea of a foreign country seems overwhelming, or even as a more relaxing alternative, where you can experience another version of America while still being just a two hour flight away from Miami. And while on that note, know that flights to Puerto Rico are very cheap in and out of the South Florida area.
Once you are there, you can see the 500 year old Spanish forts, walk through the charming cobblestone streets of Old San Juan, explore the ceremonial parks of the native Taino people in Utuado, hike through the caves in Camuy, see the amazing view of the world’s largest radio telescope in Arecibo (where the movie Contact was filmed), paddleboard through the Laguna del Condado, explore historical sites like one of the oldest church structures in the western hemispheere, Porta Coeli in San German, or sit back and relax on a beach with crystal clear waters in Culebra or Cabo Rojo, all without having to worry about passports, exchange rates, foreign transaction fees, or border checks.
Another plus: if you like to travel with your four legged friends, you can do so to Puerto Rico! All you need is a health certificate certifying good health and rabies vaccination, a plane sized carrier and you are set.
I recently arrived from a short one-week trip there, and I became painfully aware of how unaware most Americans are of Puerto Rico, and its relationship with the US. Skepticism from my significant other that the passport was not needed to board the plane (a state issued driver’s license is all you need), questions about how to convert prices to US dollars (when the territory uses the same exact currency) and comments about how importing pets from “foreign countries like Puerto Rico” was difficult (we adopted a puppy while on the island), almost made me scream, but also made me write this piece. The world needs to know that Puerto Rico is not a country; it is a US territory, but also an exquisite choice for your next travel destination.
You are welcome.
So pack up your bags, grab your license and hop on a plane, leaving your passport at home (if you want to). For pleasure, education or business, you are sure to find something that entices you and keeps you coming back for more.
Just make sure you have more than a week so you can do everything.
[accordion_tab title=”Web Developer: William-Jose Velez González” default]
William-José Vélez González is a graduate from Florida International University in Biomedical Engineering with a minor in International Relations. He currently pursues a Master of Science degree in Engineering Management at FIU. Born in Mayaguez, Puerto Rico, he lives in Miami, Florida.[/accordion_tab]