JCS82

I have been searching for vacation ideas for the week of April 3-10 to share with my husband. I want something that will allow us to relax but also allow us to hike/snorkel/kayak, etc. PR seems to be a place that we can do it all. I have never booked a trip like this before as I have only been on cruises and to All inclusive resorts. I am looking for suggested itineraries for 5-7 nights in PR. that would allow us to experience the best of what the island has to offer. Also looking for accomodations, transportation, and dining suggestions on a budget. It would be great to keep the trip, including airfair (about 850 right now from CLT) to about 2400 or less. Suggestions are extremely appreciated!! Thank you!

jefmol

Wow! 850 would be really low for Puerto Rico. You'd probably have 2 connections and for not alot more you could get a direct flight.

Be really carefulwhen choosing a hotel! We are completely in love with Puerto Rico and plan to buy a place there, but I would NOT stay anywhere with less than 4 stars. We love La Concha, but it is a little pricey. The benefit is that everything is right there. I would highly recommend looking at the reviews of any hotel/resort you are considering. PR is funny because there isn't as much beach as you would expect. Very rocky with a coral reef around the island. There are alot of good tour companies. As far as food, I'd stay away from an all inclusive and just make it a point to eat local. The food is amazing and a way better deal if you get away from the hotel/touristy spots. Between all of the activities, walking and healthy yummy food, I lost 5 pounds the last time I was there.
Hope that helps! Enjoy! We were there in January and are going back in March (but we rented a condo this time).

jefmol

Sorry I misread your note. I thought your package price was 850. You could probably do it for 2400 if you were really careful about the food. But again, don't skimp on the hotel!

Continental_Drifter

I think that the hotel choice depends on your expectations. It's in the Caribbean and if you've been there before, then you likely know that the "star" ratings are a bit off.

If you are types who don't mind things a little rustic, PR has wonderful B&Bs and Paradores. You can google them. They must meet minimum standards and are government sanctioned family-owned hotels and inns. If you're posting to Fodors, you likely know about TripAdvisor. Check there, as they have some great discourse on the current status of inns and B&Bs in PR.

That being said, you're trying to book for spring break and your options are waning. Since no US Passport is required, PR seems to be a very popular destination for those who used to go to Mexico or the Bahamas on a driver's license or birth certificate.

We are independent travelers and I've never been on a cruise. If you are someone who likes everything planned for them and to be back at the ship at 4:00, you might want to consider an AI, tour or package.

JCS82

Thank you for the input! I have been doing a lot of reading on PR and am thinking that we would spend a day in San Juan to experience Old San Juan and then head to the East Coast and possibly stay a night in Rio Grande and visit El Yunque. We were then thinking of staying in Farjado (possibly at the Farjado Inn) and doing a snorkeling excursion, visiting luquillo beach, and anything else we can find. I also think a night on Vieques would be great to experience BioBay. Does this sound feasible? We are game for rustic, maybe booking one night in a 4-5 star resort/hotel. I am using Fodor's PR guide to help us find bargains. I am just concerned about getting everything booked, and going about it in the easiest way from renting a car, to transportation to and from Vieques, booking all hotels and excursions, etc. What is the best way to do this when I am used to booking things as a package?