To really see Puerto Rico, you need to get out and explore. Whether you are in port for the day with a cruise ship or you’ve flown in for a couple weeks, renting a car is a great way to get around. There are loads of agencies that have all types of cars and vans, so even with a large family, you’re sure to find something that suits your needs.

If you are planning a trip to Vieques, you need to plan on renting a car or jeep while you’re there. This may seem odd because it is such a small island, but be forewarned — things you want to do can be spread out across there island. There are limited routes servied by the local public transportation, and many things of interest to tourists are not on these routes.

If you’re embarking on your cruise from San Juan, then you’ll be able to purchase duty free liquor and cigarettes at the pier before you board the ship. We were in Old San Juan the other day and came upon a copy of ad for the duty free store at the cruise pier, which we’ve scanned so that you have some idea of what’s available and how much it will cost.

Finding a restroom while visiting a strange city can be difficult. We’ve scouted out some of the public (and not so public) places you can find a restroom during your time in Old San Juan. This is one list that you’ll want to keep with you!

Biking on the boardwalk in Piñones is a favorite activity of locals and tourists alike. It’s just minutes from Isla Verde, and it has bike paths go along the beach and through the mangrove forest, where the views are fantastic.

Every year the Bacardi Corporation in Catano holds a free Artisan Craft Fair that helps raise money for local charities. This year the fair will be one day only – Sunday, December 14, 2008. There will be over 460 artisans displaying and selling their crafts.

Twice a year the restaurant community in Old San Juan pulls together for their SoFo Culinary Festival. These festivals, typically in June and October, feature lots of great food & drinks, live music, outdoor dining and artisans selling their wares. This fall the festival is being held from October 29 – November 2, 2008.

I am always looking for ways to save some money, especially on vacation, and I thought that I would share this with our readers. The San Juan edition of the Entertainment Book is filled with 50% discount coupons for restaurants and activities across Puerto Rico.

Getting married on a tropical island, on the beach, with the sun setting behind you … How romantic! Or how about getting married in a garden surrounded by tropical flowers … or in the rain forest … or just about anywhere your heart desires! If that is what you are looking to do while visiting Puerto Rico, you have many options.

We are now offering resources from AccuWeather for current weather conditions and 15-day weather forecasts. We have satellite imagery from the National Hurricane Center so you can get a snapshot of weather systems in our vicinity. We offer a great tool from Stormpulse.com that tracks developing and established storms in the western Atlantic and Caribbean regions.