Our mommy/daughter getaway is coming to an end. Getting the chance to soak up a little sunshine in the middle of bitterly cold March is such a gift. We spent time at the pool, beach, checked out different restaurants and cafes, did lots of walking to check out some of the historical sites, hung out with some of the locals, but one of the best parts of the trip was driving out to El Yunque Rainforest to do some Zip lining (it was my daughters first time), checked out the scenery and waterfalls…it was absolutely beautiful.
Mother daughter trips are a lot of fun and a great way to make memories that will last a lifetime. This is something I didn’t do with my mother as a child, and although finances were a little different when I had my son (I was a young mother), I still made it a point to do these things with him too, even if it was a road trip to Las Vegas for a few days, different hidden gems around California, Arizona and for two years straight I took him to Disneyland and California Adventure at least twice a month.
I’ve been really trying to make mother & daughter traveling a tradition, but I still think it’s very important and I highly encourage that people plan trips with just your girls/fellas, your spouse (one on one time is important) and even solo trips. I thoroughly enjoy our mommy/daughter trips, these experiences help us discover a little bit more about who we are and how we respond to unfamiliar territory. I’ve never been afraid to go anywhere new and learn about the culture, and one thing I have to always remember is that I’m dealing with a child that can get a little cranky so I definitely have to lay out the rules and also make sure I fit in some downtime so she is not overwhelmed. I am glad that I have a mini-me that loves to travel as much as I do, she has been to more places than most adults. Lately, she has found an interest in taking different foreign languages so she can better communicate with others when we visit new countries.....Such a great idea!
As life happens and work or family obligations take you farther apart from one another, it's nice to spend time together that isn't over a holiday, birthday or shared with several other family members. Even if you can only take one trip a year…DO IT! The memories, pictures and stories you'll share will be with you forever—and what could be better than that?
When is the last time you went on a mommy & daughter or son trip? Where did you go?
Here are a few tips if you're planning to visit Puerto Rico:
Embrace in the culture
Puerto Rico uses the U.S. Dollar so there is no need to exchange money if you are traveling from the U.S. Cash, credit and debit cards will work just fine.
No passport is needed, you wouldn't believe how many people don't realize the Puerto Rico is a commonwealth of the U.S.
It wouldn't hurt to brush up on your Spanish although, but it's not very important because most people locals speak English on the island.
All arriving passengers must complete an online Travel Declaration Form and you must show negative molecular (PCR) Covid-19 results no more than 72 hours prior to departure.
Check Airbnb experiences for excursions, cooking or dance classes, tours, etc. You can find so many activities on there and often times you'll get to experience these activities with a local.
Visit El Yunque Rainforest, it's absolutely beautiful! We rented a car for a couple of days to explore. But you can always hire a driver or use Uber & Taxi's. El Yunque is about 30-45 minute drive from Old San Juan (depending on traffic).
Take a short flight or the ferry to Culebra Island, there are some beautiful beaches there.
Explore the colorful streets of Old San Juan, I love all the architecture of the Spanish Colonial buildings. You can walk around, shop, eat, drink and this area is great to take some colorful pictures.
Visit El Morro - it's 400 year old fort in Old San Juan.
Visit the Bacardi Factory- they offer tours, some include cocktails, recipes and a little keepsake you can take home with you. Pack comfortable walking shoes.
Best time to travel to Puerto Rico is between March and July. Check cruise schedules when you go, areas around the ports are busiest during high peak season.
For additional information on how to travel safely to Puerto Rico click here.
