We are thinking about taking a vacation to Puerto Rico next year in the spring with our boys who will be 2 and 6. We would be staying at a resort and would be looking to just hang out at the beach and pool, maybe go on some hikes, and visit some of the historical sites. No clue which particular area yet and a little bit overwhelmed by all the options. I was talking to my dad about it though and he was acting like it is not a safe or family friendly vacation spot. Has anyone been? Did you feel safe?
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Take this with a grain of salt because I was there like 15 years ago on a girls trip so it was well before all of the hurricane devastation and all that. However, I will say that when we went, I never felt unsafe. I can't remember the specifics of where we were but we spent some time in San Juan and took a ferry to an island that began with M to the most beautiful beach I have ever been to in my life. We were definitely morons and partied pretty hard and no one took advantage of us. I know, not the vacation you will be having.
One of my girlfriends got married there 10 years ago and loves the island. If you're staying at a resort, I don't see why it wouldn't be safe or family friendly. There was a lot of really cool things that we didn't get a chance to do. I think I would feel more safe taking my family there than Mexico or Jamaica, especially if you're going off resort.
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I have been! DH and I went with my in-laws 5 years ago (pre-hurricane), before we had children. We flew into San Juan and stayed two nights there. It was beautiful. The architecture was stunning and the views were incredible. The coffee and food was so delicious. We also really enjoyed the night life.
Next, we took a tiny, like 8 passenger plane, to a smaller island called Vieques where we stayed 5 nights. The town we were in was called Esperanza. It was much more rural, like dogs, chickens, and horses roaming the island. It was so neat! We took kayaks to a bio-luminescent bay and it was seriously magical. We also hired a guy to take us out on a catamaran to snorkel. Probably one of the coolest experiences of my life. We stayed in a small bed and breakfast that was in a neighborhood, and we rented a jeep. We drove a few miles to the beach everyday and it was totally secluded and so gorgeous. We flew back to San Juan and stayed 2 more nights before flying home.
I know it’s not the kind of trip you have in mind, but my experience in Puerto Rico was amazing. I’d go again in a heartbeat. We actually plan to take our kiddos back with us in a few years! We felt totally safe.
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@Mommy Finger: @Jessiemuller88: thank you both!
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@Jessiemuller88: That sounds amazing! That might go on my bucket list of travel destinations.
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We went in 2014 before the island was devastated by the hurricanes. I think things are better but they will definitely appreciate your tourist money!
We stayed in El condado at La concha. We don't do resorts.... but the area was a little touristy which I hate. I wish we found somewhere more off the beaten path. I felt safe the entire time.
I think Puerto Rico is one of the most underrated places. It was so easy for Americans to travel, no passport and nice flights. The Caribbean was pretty aggressive and there were lots of warning signs about swimming. Not sure if /when the seas calm down.
We did a food tour with Spoon Tours and it was awesome!
We really want to go back with our two kids, doing more hiking and more authentic experiences.
We did a charter boat tour and that was awesome. Like everything, you get what you pay for in terms of accommodations and tour companies.
I would try Vieques for sure!!! -
I was there in Feb 2020 (pre-pandemic) off of a cruise and have been there before and stayed for several days at a time. We love El Yunque national rain forest, lots of trails of different abilities and waterfalls some you can even swim in. The forts in Old San Juan are great. We have stayed all over the island and have driven many places and have never felt unsafe even in random towns/villiages late at night. We have stayed mostly at smaller hotels or air b&bs.
One of my girlfriends got married there 10 years ago and loves the island. If you're staying at a resort, I don't see why it wouldn't be safe or family friendly. There was a lot of really cool things that we didn't get a chance to do. I think I would feel more safe taking my family there than Mexico or Jamaica, especially if you're going off resort.
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