Pre-Trip Essentials: Rincon

Strategic Planning

A well-structured plan ensures all useful details are covered before you travel.

Your Travel Timeline

Steps to take at various stages before your departure.

-6 Months Ahead

Book Flights & Stays

Secure flights and accommodations early for best rates, especially for high season.

Rental Car Secured

Essential for Rincon, book your car right after flights.

Passport/Visa Check

Non-U.S. Citizens check passport validity and apply for any required visas or ESTA.

-2 Months Ahead

Travel Insurance

Purchase comprehensive travel insurance, including hurricane coverage if needed.

Plan & Book Activities

Research day trips and activities; book popular tours like surf lessons or whale watching.

Health Consultation

Consult your doctor regarding recommended vaccinations.

Final Weeks

Packing & Confirmations

Start packing, confirm all bookings, and notify banks of your travel dates.

Home Preparations

Secure your home, arrange mail, and organize pet/plant care.

Charge Devices

Fully charge phones, cameras, and power banks.

Booking Priorities

Focus on these items for early booking to secure your trip details.

Reservations

Flights are the most important early booking.
Accommodation comes next, especially for specific properties.
Rental cars are useful and should be reserved well ahead.
Popular tours or lessons benefit from advance booking for availability.

Pre-Trip Research

Insights to enhance your understanding of Rincon before you arrive.

Cultural & Geographic Awareness

Understand basic Puerto Rican culture.
Familiarize yourself with a few Spanish phrases.
Know Rincon's geography: beaches, town center, main roads.
This knowledge will ease navigation upon arrival.

Home Preparation

Ensure your home is secure and cared for while you are away.

Security Measures

Lock all doors.
Secure all windows.
Turn off unnecessary lights.
Unplug non-essential appliances.

Property Care

Arrange for mail collection.
Suspend newspaper delivery.
Organize pet care.
Arrange for plant care.

Longer Stays

Have a trusted person check on your home.
Consider smart home security systems.
Adjust thermostat for energy saving.
Turn off main water supply if away for extended time.

Smart Tip

Familiarize yourself with Rincon's geography and main roads to easily navigate upon arrival.

On Arrival & Departure

Smooth transitions mark the beginning and end of a memorable journey.

First Steps in Rincon

1
Immigration & Customs:
U.S. Citizens have a simpler process; non-U.S. Citizens proceed through CBP.
2
Rental Car Pickup:
Head to the car rental desk at BQN or SJU to complete the process.
3
Orientation & Essentials:
Use GPS to your accommodation. Find nearby supermarkets, gas stations. Withdraw cash for immediate needs.

Departure Checklist

Souvenirs & Shipping:
Buy souvenirs throughout your trip. Understand USPS procedures for shipping items home.
Pre-Departure Timing:
Allow ample time for rental car return. Arrive 2-3 hours before domestic flights (SJU), 1.5-2 hours (BQN).
Final Homebound Prep:
Confirm all belongings packed, documents ready. Follow accommodation check-out. Do one last sweep.

Getting Oriented

Local Layout

Familiarize yourself with Rincon's geography. Know where beaches, the town center, and main roads are.

This knowledge aids navigation upon arrival and throughout your stay.

Initial Purchases

Use an airport ATM or local bank for immediate cash. The U.S. Dollar is the currency.

Purchase necessities like bottled water, snacks, or a local SIM card (if applicable).

Travel to Accommodation

Follow your pre-planned route. This could be by rental car, pre-booked taxi, or shuttle.

Have the exact address and clear directions on hand for your driver or GPS.

Before You Go

A thorough check before leaving ensures a worry-free vacation.

Departure Timing

Allocate enough time for rental car return and checks.
Remember to refuel your rental car before returning it.
Arrive at Luis Muñoz Marín International Airport (SJU) 2-3 hours before domestic flights.
For Rafael Hernández Airport (BQN), allow 1.5-2 hours for check-in.

Final Preparations

Confirm all your belongings are packed.
Double-check for forgotten items in closets or drawers.
Have your passport/ID and boarding passes readily available.
Follow your accommodation's specific check-out procedures.

Expenditure Tracking

Keep tabs on your spending to stay within budget.

Cost Breakdown

Flights$$$
Accommodation$$$
Rental Car$$
Activities & Tours$$-$$$

Departure Overview

Reconfirm flight times and any connecting transfers.
Check the weather forecast for Rincon for final packing tweaks.
Make sure all luggage adheres to airline size and weight limits.
Do a final sweep of your accommodation before leaving to avoid forgotten items.

Consider This

For long-term travelers, consider forwarding your mail to avoid accumulation.

Ensure all recurring bills are set for auto-pay or paid in advance.

Pre-Trip Essentials