While it may be easier to road trip multiple states in the contiguous US, we still need to shine a light on Alaska, Hawaii, and Puerto Rico. Even though Puerto Rico is not a state, it is a gorgeous part of the united states (as of this writing) and worth the flight over! The roads can be windy but offer gorgeous mountain and ocean views across the 100 mile island.
My parents and youngest brother live on the island so we went to celebrate my brother’s 18th birthday with a party bus road trip around San Juan! This was easily the best birthday I’ve been to, check out the highlight reel below:
If that made you ready to fly to Puerto Rico and rent your own party bus, here is some helpful information:
Not All Busses Are Created Equal.
Our party bus was amazing, it had a bi-lingual driver, Bluetooth connectivity to blast your own music choice, its own bathroom, and air conditioning. Honestly, it was a deal considering all the amenities and how excellent our driver was. You also work with them before to plan the best and most bus accessible route. There are busses out there that are open air, no bathroom, no music control, etc. They will cost you less but you’ll likely end up dehydrated, sweaty, and potentially waiting for a bathroom. It’s all about the experience you’re looking for.
When in Doubt Plan Your Route.
It’s best to have a general idea of a route planned before the bus tour begins. Some busses may offer recommended routes, but if you’re unsure you’ll want to have a plan ready to be submitted to avoid any delays. Most larger busses need to review the itinerary to make sure there is a place they are able to park nearby or that it isn’t on a road the bus can’t access. Remember, most businesses in Puerto Rico use Facebook as opposed to a website.
BYOB.
Our bus had a cooler and a bar counter and provided common mixers but we were responsible for bringing any on board alcohol or extra mixers we wanted. Other busses may provide even less and expect you to bring any and all beverages on board, including water. Make sure you’re clear on if there is alcohol/beverage storage on board and what you’re responsible for. We also were provided water cups but brought our own larger cups for mixing drinks.
Don’t Forget the Food.
Food in Puerto Rico is incredible, you can’t really go wrong with mofongo, arroz con gandules, sorullos, and any kind of pernil. Not feeling adventurous? Get the empanadas/empanadillas they will never disappoint. But make sure you’re remembering to eat, especially if you’re partying hard like we did!
Bathroom Breaks.
Not every restaurant or bar will have a bathroom available to you. If you forgo renting a bus with a bathroom make sure you’re taking the opportunity to go when it presents itself.
Have the Time of Your Life!
Seriously, no matter what you’re in the mood for – a sightseeing foodie trip, a low key bar tour, or an insane party bus night out, you can’t go wrong renting a bus and traveling around the island seeing the sights and trying the cuisine.
Remember, while every state in the US seems to have it’s own mini culture within our larger American one, Puerto Rico also has its own culture and everyone speaks a different language. Remember to be polite, attempt the local language, and stay respectful of your surroundings, you’ll be treated well and others will also attempt to speak English to help accommodate you.
Let me know if you have any questions or need the party bus recommendation!
Next week I will be back to the contiguous United States, and next year look out for my new podcast, launching early 2023!
-Taysia