HOUSTON – The summer travel season is right around the corner - and if you’re looking for a beachy paradise, Puerto Rico is just a short flight from Houston.
Gabe Saglie, a senior editor with Travelzoo, shared his top picks to help you plan your own trip to the popular island getaway on “Houston Life.”
Saglie recommends staying at the Caribe Hilton in San Juan. The birthplace of the pina colada!
You can also take a step back in time and experience the history of Old San Juan.
The city was founded in 1521 and you can still walk down its cobblestone streets.
Puerto Rico is also known as the “Island of Enchantment” because of its biodiversity – and there are several sites where you can get outside and explore nature.
El Yunque National Rainforest is the only tropical forest in the U.S. National Parks system.
Toro Verde is the longest zip line in the Americas running 1.5 miles long.
Saglie says you don’t want to miss the beauty of the islands of Vieques and Culebra.
And when it comes to food, follow the gastronomic routes, like Pinones – along the northeast coast, where you can find lots of traditional food kiosks.
The island is also getting ready to host its first ever Puerto Rican Day parade on May 18.
The big celebration known as Junte Boricua runs May 1 through August 31.
Find out more at travelzoo.com and DiscoverPuertoRico.com.