A couple of weeks ago, one of my Twitter acquaintances (@retroguy777) asked me: “As a solo traveller, where should I go next?” This of course begged two follow-up questions from me, which were: “Where have you been before?” and “What are your interests?” He replied that his interests were “history, urban setting, architecture” and that [...]

When I traveled to San Juan last winter, I did what most tourists do–visited the forts of El Morro and San Cristobal.  These were the outposts of protection for the island of San Juan against attacks by sea and by land, respectively.  I enjoy touring historic sites whether I’m traveling with others or not, but [...]

A few weeks ago, I described El Convento in Old San Juan as a perfect choice hotel for the solo traveler on a large budget.   But let’s face it, not every solo traveler going to San Juan will be able to afford this lovely, historic hotel.  One way to add it to your itinerary and [...]

San Juan, Puerto Rico. Famed for its sun, is beaches, its old city of Spanish colonial architecture and cobblestone streets. . .and rum.  Rum being the most important.  Because of its impact on the economy, of course.  Certainly not because it tastes mighty fine mixed with Coke or anything. (That’s my story and I’m sticking [...]

One of my goals for my trip to San Juan was to try mofongo, a local dish made of mashed plantains.  I was finally able to do this one night when I had dinner at Raices, a restaurant on Recinto Sur Street which was recommended to me by both locals and a tourist and seems [...]

Eating nothing but Puerto Rican cuisine in Puerto Rico was a goal at which I failed miserably.  There were two nights at the Caribe Hilton when I didn’t feel like taking  a cab somewhere for dinner.  On one of those nights, I had hoped to make new friends at either the Oasis bar or the [...]

I just want to go on record as saying that, even though I am a (guilty) carnivore, I do like to go meatless sometimes.  But finding good vegetarian options can often be difficult when traveling.   Before I went to San Juan, I had read about this little cafe that served quite a few vegetarian [...]

Independent travelers often avoid organized group tours in favor of sightseeing on their own.  Sometimes this is because they dislike the idea of being herded around on someone else’s schedule, sometimes it’s to save money, and I’m sure there are a myriad of other reasons.  I am all for saving money when I can, and [...]