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Resources & References

Resources & References

Puerto Rico

Digital Travel Tools

Essential Navigation & Communication Apps

  • Google Maps:

    For navigation, walking directions, public transport. Download offline maps for use without data.

  • Uber/Lyft:

    For ride-sharing services throughout the San Juan metropolitan area.

  • Google Translate:

    An invaluable app for language assistance. It features offline translation and camera features for signs.

  • WhatsApp:

    Widely used for communication in Puerto Rico. Many tour operators and locals use it.

  • Hotel/Airline Apps:

    Useful for managing your bookings, checking flight statuses and online check-in.

Useful Websites for Planning

  • Weather App:

    A reliable weather app for checking daily forecasts. Monitor for tropical weather during hurricane season.

  • Discover Puerto Rico:

    The official tourism website (www.discoverpuertorico.com). It offers comprehensive information.

  • National Park Service:

    For El Morro and Castillo San Cristóbal, including hours, fees (www.nps.gov/saju).

  • Puerto Rico Department of Health:

    For current health advisories and public health information (www.salud.pr.gov).

  • Recreation.gov:

    If planning a visit to El Yunque National Forest, check this site for any reservations or permits.

Tangible Travel Aids

Guidebooks and Maps

A detailed physical map of Old San Juan is practical for navigation. Free tourist maps are often at hotels.

Local Publications

'Puerto Rico Daily Sun' (English news) gives local news. Free tourist brochures highlight events.

Staying Safe and Prepared

Important Contacts

  • Emergency Services (Police, Fire, Ambulance): Dial 911
  • Hospitals: Hospital Auxilio Mutuo, Ashford Presbyterian, Hospital Pavia Santurce
  • Pharmacies: Walgreens, CVS widely available
  • U.S. Citizens: No U.S. Embassy/Consulate. Contact federal agency for lost passport.

Lost Documents & Natural Disasters

  • Passport Lost: Report to local police for a report, then contact your embassy.
  • Cards Lost: Contact bank immediately to cancel.
  • Hurricane Season: June 1 - Nov 30. Monitor local news and advisories.
  • Evacuation: Follow local authority instructions.

Deepen Your Connection

Films and Documentaries

  • Explore films on Puerto Rican history, music, and culture.
  • Films by Puerto Rican directors.
  • Rich visual and narrative insights.
  • Feature the island's beauty.

Music and Art

  • Immerse in salsa, bomba, plena, reggaeton.
  • Listen to Marc Anthony, Daddy Yankee, Bad Bunny.
  • Tune into local radio.
  • Art galleries in Old San Juan.

Online Communities

  • Join travel forums or social media groups for Puerto Rico.
  • Practical tips and answers from recent visitors.
  • Advice from locals.
  • Connect with fellow travelers.

Important Digital Prep

Backup Your Documents

Digital Folder

  • Create a digital folder for all important documents.
  • Scan passports, visas, flight confirmations.
  • Keep copies of hotel bookings.
  • Store insurance details.

Share Securely

  • Share this folder with a trusted family member.
  • Share with a close friend.
  • Grant access to emergency contacts.
  • Secure cloud storage is good.

Access Anywhere

  • Access documents from anywhere.
  • No need for physical copies always.
  • Peace of mind during travel.
  • Quick retrieval if needed.

Health & Protection

Stay Hydrated

  • Carry a Reusable water bottle. Drink often in tropical heat.
  • Use high SPF Sunscreen (reef-safe recommended), wear hats.
  • Seek shade during peak sun hours.

Currency & Spending

  • Carry cash for smaller establishments, local fondas, street vendors.
  • Have small denominations ready.
  • Some places may be cash-only.

Driving & Mobility

Driving Habits

  • If renting, be prepared for assertive driving.
  • Prioritize defensive driving and use GPS.
  • Be aware of local road manners.

Strollers & Carriers

  • Cobblestone streets: consider a Baby carrier or sturdy Stroller.
  • Kids enjoy kites on El Morro, Pigeon Park, fort tunnels.
  • Luquillo Beach for calm, shallow waters.

Traveler-Specific Guidance

Solo Traveler Insights

  1. Old San Juan generally welcoming for solo travelers.
  2. Exercise standard precautions: aware of surroundings.
  3. Avoid walking alone in deserted areas late night.
  4. Stay in hostels with common areas to meet others.

Group Travel Management

  1. Pre-booking restaurants, tours, activities for groups.
  2. Many places have limited capacity, especially dinner.
  3. Shared ride-shares or taxis for group transportation.
  4. One person manages reservations and communication.

Special Considerations

Art & Culture

Explore works by Puerto Rican authors, visit art galleries.

Musical Rhythms

Salsa, bomba, plena, reggaeton are sounds of Puerto Rico.

Accessibility

Old San Juan's historic nature has challenges. Research venues for features (ramps, elevators).

Traveler Tip

Carry a small, Portable power bank for phone charging on the go.

Language Learning

Improve Your Spanish

Language Learning Resources

  • Language Apps:

    Utilize apps like Duolingo, Babbel, or Pimsleur.

  • Basic Phrases:

    Even a basic grasp of common phrases deepens your interactions.

  • Cultural Connection:

    Shows respect and opens doors to more genuine interactions.

Phrases

  • ¡Qué chévere!:

    How cool/awesome!

  • ¡Wepa!:

    A versatile exclamation of excitement, greeting, or acknowledgement.

  • ¡Buen provecho!:

    Enjoy your meal (often said to others dining nearby).

Local Insights for Travelers

Common Tourist Mistakes

Do not assume English is spoken everywhere. Not hydrating enough. Underestimating the sun. Not carrying cash.

Local Customs

Greetings like "Hola" go a long way. Patience is appreciated; embrace a relaxed pace.

Unofficial Rules & Social Norms

Personal space can be smaller. Conversations can be animated and loud. Public displays of affection are generally accepted.

Phrases That Impress Locals

Common Appreciated Phrases

  • "¡Qué chévere!" (keh CHEH-veh-reh): How cool/awesome!
  • "¡Wepa!" (WEH-pah): A versatile exclamation of excitement, greeting, or acknowledgement.
  • "¡De nada!" (deh NAH-dah): You're welcome (more common than "por nada").
  • "Me encanta Puerto Rico." (meh en-KAHN-tah PWEHR-toh REE-koh): I love Puerto Rico.

Dining and Everyday Phrases

  • "¡Buen provecho!" (bwen proh-VEH-choh): Enjoy your meal (often said to others dining nearby).
  • Shows respect and genuine interest.
  • Can open up more interactions with locals.
  • Connect with the culture.

Solo, Family, and Group-Specific Advice

Solo Traveler Safety and Social Opportunities

  • Old San Juan generally welcoming for solo travelers.
  • Exercise standard precautions: be aware of your surroundings.
  • Avoid walking alone in deserted areas late at night.
  • Stay in hostels with common areas to meet other travelers.

Family-Friendly Adaptations and Kid-Specific Tips

  • Cobblestone streets: consider a Baby carrier or sturdy Stroller.
  • Kids enjoy kites on El Morro, Pigeon Park, fort tunnels.
  • Vacation rentals ideal for families. Quieter parts of Old San Juan or nearby Condado.
  • Keep children well-hydrated and sun-protected (hats, sunscreen, shade).

Accessibility Considerations

Old San Juan has accessibility challenges due to its historic nature. Research specific venues and contact them about features (ramps, elevators, accessible restrooms). For mobility challenges, consider accessible transport and focus on known accessible attractions.