Puerto Rican Getaway for $500

I went to Puerto Rico on $500 and you can too, here's how:

1. First it is always important to do your research. Investigate online. Your best bet is participating in online promotions and booking your trip as a package. They truly do give you discounts if you book as a whole. Expedia appears to be one of the top choices in selecting a vacation and getting good deals. Utilize coupons and discounts that are offerred. They may not appear to add up to much at the time but once you in the tropics you will appreciate them. Especially if you get a couple free meals out of the deal.

2.Things to remember before booking your flight. Flights are more expensive if you fly out on the weekends, say a Friday or a Sunday, and are significantly cheaper if you choose to fly out on Thursday and and say return on a Monday. Also avoid peak vacation times such as holidays, fares will always be more expensive. A good time to book is a week or so after major holidays.

3. Book hotels not necessarily 5 star hotels as you are only going to be sleeping there. You should be on the beach or in the pool! That significantly will cut costs by staying in an inexpesive hotel but you also want the hotel to be within walking distance of the local activity, a great hotel in such a location is the Courtyard by Marriot in San Juan Miramar. Some hotels that are not on the beach are only a 5 to 10 minute walking distance from the beach. A quick walk through gorgeous weather to end up at the beach sounds great especially if you saved yourself alot of money.

4. Upon arrival to your destination, you have situated yourself in you hotel room, and familiarized yourself with your location. You are now hungry. Wait. Before you proceed to a restaurant that will most definitely be overpriced try this idea as a money saver. Go to your local gas station/grocery store and purchase some food for your hotel room, perhaps some dounts, water, and any other snack items you prefer (assuming your hotel room has a fridge in it). Be sure to purchase enough for your stay as that will be your breakfast and snacks for your trip. For lunch or dinner whichever you prefer go to a local fast food place, McDonalds and Subways are everywhere, as a more inexpensive meal and have a nice dinner at one of those restaurants that you have been eyeing as a little splurge. You will definitely save money that way.

5. Its understandable to think that you cannot walk everywhere, however you could try if you are adventurous, but its always your best bet to rely upon public transportation. Again do your research. Some forms of public transportation are subpar but others are quite economical. Cab fares in San Juan, depending upon your destination, can be reasonable as they do have flat fare rates based upon areas of the city.

6. Splurge on activities that you would not be able to do at home, for example snorkeling. There is a great link below to a great snorkeling company that takes you out on a catamaran boat tour off the island to a smaller island where you snorkel your heart out. They provide food, beverages, and equipment. Very beautiful views and priced quite decently. If you want to have a great inexpensive vacation spend your money wisely and be realistic on what you feel is more important, an expensive hotel room or an adventurous activity. If you have the money to do both then more power to you but if you are reading this then I would assume otherwise.

7. Last but not least a great way to enjoy your vacation without spending a dime is to immerse yourself in the local culture. Old San Juan is absolutely beautiful and has a lot of old charm. They have great shops, great outdoor local music, and a beautiful ocean that goes on for miles.

**A tropical paradise is a great way to relax and rejuvenate yourself. Another great way to relax is knowing you saved money on this tropical adventure without affecting the quality of your trip. Links below are for your convenience to book your own Puerto Rican vacation.

Extra Tip: Be sure to pack light. One suitcase is cheaper than two! Check out this hub for more details How To Pack Light For A Trip -- Tips For Packing Light.