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When you’re ready to travel, these lodgings offer a quintessential island escape.

Marine life is as vibrant as overland life.

During quarantine, use this itinerary with tips from locals to recreate the best parts of a day in San Juan from the safety and comfort of your own home.

For years, writer Sally Kohn didn’t stress about how the world perceived her relationship with her partner, Sarah. But then they started traveling with their kid. Suddenly, every interaction mattered.

36 destinations to kick-start your travel dreaming and scheming.

As residents of the Caribbean island rebuild in the wake of two devastating hurricanes, the commitment to community—and each other—is stronger than ever.

Here’s your chance to help an island on the rebound—and take advantage of some sweet loyalty program incentives.

Overview

On Puerto Rico, horses roam the farms, the mountains, the town centers—and also the beaches. A couples’ horse ride at sunset is a perfect way to kiss the day good-bye. With Tropical Trail Rides, in the northwestern municipality of Isabela, you can take a two-hour ride through the forest and by the beach as the sun sinks down toward the water. Make sure you take the opportunity to break for a hike or a swim along the way. On the north side of the island in Manatí, Kerry’s Horses designs personalized sunset rides by the beach or through nature reserves.

Vieques, off Puerto Rico’s east coast, is known for its quiet island life and tropical vibe. Get away from the hustle and bustle of the mainland and enjoy a relaxing day riding horses, kayaking in the bioluminescent bay, and dining on local tapas, even if you only have one day. Often overlooked by visitors who seek the mainland comforts, be sure to take some time to explore this tiny island and its secluded tropical vibe. A day trip to Vieques will not be forgotten.
(The venues on this list have been confirmed reopened since Hurricane Maria.)

We were lying in the sand in Vieques. We’d been told to watch out for horses, but nothing could prepare me for this. What a majestic experience to see wild horses free on the sands of Sun Bay Beach.

For over 50 years, Vieques was used by the US Navy as a training and bombing range. After much controversy and major protests by environmentalists and Puerto Ricans, the operations finally ceased in 2001. Although the five-decade occupation displaced many local residents, it also prevented the land from being overdeveloped. The military land was returned to the Puerto Rican government and was designated as the Vieques National Wildlife Refuge, a protected area that covers 70% of the island. This patriotic photo was taken from a neighborhood beach east of Isabel Segunda in the area that borders the refuge park.

Vieques is a 21-mile wide island off the eastern coast of Puerto Rico with unspoiled, Caribbean shoreline. It’s an ideal destination for independent travelers seeking a tropical escape sans the gaudy resorts. Secluded white sand beaches? Check. A magical bio-luminescent bay? Check. Laid-back towns with diverse food options, affordable inns, and boutique guest houses? Check.

At Mosquito Bay Beach—also known as Starfish Beach—on Vieques Island in Puerto Rico, you’ll find tons of colorful starfish. While the beach itself is small, it’s still beautiful and perfect for a scenic walk. You won’t get bored searching for sea creatures in the water.

Esperanza is located on the southern side of Vieques island with a laid-back vibe reminiscent of Key West. This small town has an main street that runs parallel to the ocean called “El Malecón” that is dotted with friendly guest houses, funky bars and even gourmet restaurants. It makes a great base for exploring the island’s treasures: it’s walking distance to Playa Esperanza and Sun Bay and only a 10-20 minute drive to the secluded beaches in the wildlife refuge.