Should You Travel To Europe or Puerto Rico Next Summer?
Summer has only just ended but that doesn’t that your thoughts aren’t already turning to your next holiday. For most people, their annual trip abroad is the highlight of the year. Planning a holiday well in advance means that you have plenty of time to find the ideal destination, save up and secure your perfect hotel. Two of the top destinations for the upcoming year are Europe and Puerto Rico, in the Caribbean. Each one is popular among tourists and travellers alike for a variety of different reasons, here’s our handy guide to help you choose.
Price
The first thing that will occur to most people when considering where to go on holiday is the cost. Of course, the cost of your holiday is relative to where you are currently based in the world. The cost of travelling from the UK to Europe is relatively low but it would be higher if you were travelling from America. Likewise, travelling to the Caribbean tends to be more expensive if you are taking a long haul flight. Despite this, Europe is known for being a relatively affordable holiday destination. The cost of dining out, travelling between countries via train and accommodation is relatively low in most European countries.
Puerto Rico is an extremely popular Caribbean destination which is known for its luxurious, private resorts. Hotels tend to have all the necessary facilities for your holiday based in one place, including pools, entertainment for the children, restaurants and spas. If an island holiday appeals to you and you are not on a budget, there is no better destination than Puerto Rico.
Required Documentation
When preparing for your holiday, you’ll need to make sure that you have all the necessary documentation which can add additional expense to your trip. To visit Europe, you need to hold a valid passport and travel insurance to protect you in case there are any potential problems. If you are an EU citizen you also need to travel with your EHIC card, as this will cover you against any costs of medical treatment abroad.
To visit Puerto Rico from the US, you will only need your passport as the country has been controlled by the US since 1917. Americans don’t need a visa to travel to Puerto Rico but individuals from other countries will need one. There is no equivalent of the EHIC card in Puerto Rico, so you will need to make sure you have taken out adequate medical insurance to avoid expensive bills if you require treatment while abroad.
Safety
Whether you’re travelling solo or with your family, safety is usually a top concern for most people when planning their holiday. In recent years, there have been a number of terror attacks across Europe, in countries such as the UK, Spain and France. This has made many people concerned for their safety when travelling to Europe. However, despite the increasing frequency of terror attacks in Europe there is not currently a high-risk to travellers. Although these attacks receive a large amount of media attention, the likelihood of a terror attack occurring while you are on holiday is extremely rare. Remember, the quality of medical care and policing is extremely high throughout Europe. The reassurance your EHIC card provides can also help you to feel safer when travelling to European countries.
In Puerto Rico, the safety concerns are considerably different. The island is not prone to terror attacks but natural disasters may be a concern for some. Recently, the island has been battered by hurricane Maria which has caused widespread damage and flooding. However, natural disasters are extremely rare and it is very unlikely that you would be involved in one whilst on your holiday.
Things To Do
Finally, the variety of things to do on holiday and whether they match up to your interests will influence your holiday choice. Europe has a wide variety of things to do, depending on which country you choose to visit. You can find everything from mountain hiking, beach breaks or cultural city trips in Europe. This means that there’s something for just about everyone, regardless of the age of travellers or your personal interests.
Like the rest of the Caribbean, Puerto Rico is famed for its stunning sandy beaches. If you are looking for a relaxing seaside holiday, or prefer to spend your time poolside with a cocktail in hand, then this is the place for you. That’s not to say there’s not activities and adventure to be had, you can try out a range of different water sports, learn about the local history at the museums or visit other nearby islands.
Both Europe and the Caribbean are excellent holiday destinations, offering completely different experiences. Your choice will be ultimately influenced by your personal preferences for things to do and your budget.
