2025 is set to be a year of new adventures for many as travel has made an epic comeback with no signs of pumping the brakes.
While certain places have become overcrowded, that doesn't necessarily mean travel will slow down, but travelers will seek out the next best thing.
Solo travelers are the freaks of the bunch, braving the world on their own with no looking back. And yes, “freak” is a term of endearment I've learned to embrace as an avid solo tripper myself, so no offense.
While I've only been to a couple of Caribbean destinations on my own, next on my list might just be Puerto Rico, recently revealed by HuffPost's travel experts as a top solo getaway for 2025.
As you probably know, Puerto Rico doesn't require a passport for American travelers since it's considered a domestic trip, making this exotic, cultural island even more enticing as 2025 will see numerous countries become more bureaucratic when it comes to welcoming foreigners.
Puerto Rico: A U.S. Loophole With A World-Class Capital
San Juan is the obvious starting point as the easiest entry point to Puerto Rico. Chances are your favorite airline flies here.
This vibrant, culturally rich city is more than a tax haven for wealthy Americans; it's a phenomenal vacation spot for all types of travelers, but solo travelers will love the seamless transition into the Caribbean without customs lines, sim card swaps, or currency calculations.
Plus, unlike some of the Caribbean's sleepy islands, you'll never have a dull moment here unless you choose to catch some rays on one of Puerto Rico's seemingly endless beaches.
Whether you stay in San Juan for the entirety of your Puerto Rican adventures or not, it's arguably the best base, even if for only a night or two.
The city has a buzzing nightlife scene, sensational cuisine, captivating museums, and affordable stays ranging from modern hostels to boutique hotels.
For sample size, the boutique hotel, Hotel San Jorge, is only $56 and conveniently located within walking distance from Museum of Art of Puerto Rico, among other popular bars and cafes, and a 15 minute bus to Old San Juan – a picturesque glimpse into San Juan's past with cobbled streets lined with historic forts, cathedrals, and savory hole-in-the-wall eats.
Most importantly, San Juan is very safe to explore at all hours (minus some sketchy neighborhoods off the traditional tourist path).
Puerto Rico's Best Beaches
A trip to the Caribbean always requires multiple beach visits, but Puerto Rico is so culturally contagious that it's easy to forget you're visiting an island when you're magnetized by Old San Juan and other vibrant neighborhoods.
But Puerto Rico's coastlines don't disappoint, especially since there are secret islands to visit off the U.S. territory's mainland.
San Juan's beaches are great but can draw a crowd, being a cruise hub and popular vacation spot. Going deeper into the country becomes part of the fun for solo travelers.
Actually, there are two other Puerto Rican beach towns with nonstop flights from the U.S.:
- Ponce
- Aguadilla
Both offering incredible beaches and an authentic feel for Puerto Rico away from some of San Juan's curated experiences.
Those in the know opt to visit a couple of tiny islands off-shore:
- Vieques
- Calebra
These blips on the map may be small, but pack a punch including Calebra's Flamenco Beach, often regarded as one of the prettiest places on Earth and #1 on TripAdvisor.
Travel Tip: For an Instagram-worthy hidden gem, check out the ‘cotton-candy pink' lake in Cabo Rojo.
Cheap To Reach
Whether you're flying into San Juan, Aguadilla, or Ponce, you'll have budget airlines to choose from.
Although some take the fun out of flying with eagle-eyed bag inspectors, it's all worth it in the end once you reach paradise.
In fact, HuffPost's inclusion of Puerto Rico as a top solo getaway factored in cheap flights as a key reason.
Reaching any of the 3 destinations can be done easily, but San Juan is the most connected. HuffPost claims round-trip fares can be found under $200 through the following low-cost carriers:
- Frontier
- Spirit
- Allegiant
- JetBlue
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This article originally appeared on TravelOffPath.com
Opinions expressed here are the author’s alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, hotel, airline, or other entity. This content has not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of the entities included within the post.