Stuff you need to know – A new law, prohibiting the use of handheld mobile phones while driving, goes into effect in Puerto Rico on 01 January 2013. The law specifically bans drivers from texting or talking on cellphones, without the use of hands-free equipment. Violations carry a $50 fine.

Do you know someone who loves amusement parks or carnivals? Then La Feria – The Park will be right up their alley. This annual carnival runs from mid-November through the end of the first week of January. This family-friendly fair is full of amusement park rides and games, food and refreshments, live music and shows, holiday light displays and even a petting zoo.

As we all know by now, the 2012 Summer Games of the XXX Olympiad are being held in London from 27 July to 12 August. Puerto Rico will be represented by 25 athletes at these Olympic Games. They will be competing in Athletics, Boxing, Gymnastics, Judo, Shooting, Swimming, Weightlifting, and Wrestling.

If you are a foodie, then Puerto Rico is a place for you! Besides the multitude of award winning chefs and restaurants, there are a number of special food festivals and events held throughout the island every year. They range from local specialty-food celebrations to professional chef competitions. Make a point to attend one of these festivals, then get ready to enjoy Foodie Paradise!

Puerto Rico has an extra-long holiday season. It starts at Thanksgiving and runs until mid-January. While you may think that Christmas is the big day, tradition dictates that Three Kings’ Day, or El Día de los Tres Reyes Magos, is the biggest holiday in all the island.

Felicidades y Próspero Año Nuevo to all of our readers!

Whether you’re looking for something to do on a rainy day on vacation, a night on the town, or a little dose of the arts, you are sure to find something to your liking here in Puerto Rico. From local talent to world-renowned superstars, we have it all — concerts, performing arts, family entertainment. The lively entertainment scene on the island generally kicks into high-gear for the Christmas season.

Since we first wrote about the Lionfish invasion, about a year ago, this fish species has continued its expansion in the waters of Puerto Rico, and throughout the Caribbean. In order to really make a dent in the population explosion, more people need to get involved in the eradication effort. Here are some things that you can do to help.

A trip into a biobay is one of the best things you can do during your visit to Puerto Rico. Something as fascinating as the biobay certainly qualifies as a Kodak Moment, right? Well, yes and no. It’s really difficult to take even mediocre photos of the bioluminescent glow. You can spend lots of time trying to get the perfect photo, or you can spend your time enjoying this natural phenomenon. If you want to try for the photos, we have some tips for you.

Save a Gato is a volunteer organization that manages the care and feeding of the colonial cats of Old San Juan. Through an agreement with the National Park Service, Save a Gato provides food, water and medical assistance for these cats. They do what they can, as a completely volunteer organization, run on donations. But every trap-neuter-release costs money. Find out how you can help.

Once you decide to venture away from the San Juan metropolitan area, your best bet (and the cheapest way to get around) is to rent a car. You may have heard horror stories about Puerto Rican drivers, but, in reality, it is not that bad! Here are some tips to make your experience driving in Puerto Rico as painless as possible.

Puerto Rico has many great "selling points" to attractive visitors to our shores — beaches, forests, adventure, history, food, music and friendly locals. Being an inexpensive vacation destination is not one of the island’s strong points. However, don’t be discouraged. With some careful planning, you can have a fun-filled vacation and still remain within your budget.

On 26 February 2010, the Puerto Rico Department of Health declared that we have a dengue epidemic in Puerto Rico. If you have plans to travel to Puerto Rico in the next couple weeks or months you might be concerned. But, before you get all freaked out and start canceling your trip, do a little research, understand the facts, and make an informed decision.

The Flavors of San Juan Food & Culture Tour is a guided walking tour in Old San Juan. Throughout this tour, you’ll get to sample food & drinks at different restaurants, learn about the history & culture of Puerto Rico, see some of the sites in the city, and learn about some of the local arts & crafts. We thought it was an interesting & enjoyable couple of hours.

Many visitors to Puerto Rico get the bright idea that they want to take their rental car on the ferry from Fajardo to Culebra or Vieques. Not only is that not recommended, it’s difficult to do and doing so may void your rental car contract.