One of my favorite features of El Convento is its interior courtyard.  During my recent stay, it served as a constant reminder that I was in Puerto Rico–or at least a much warmer climate than Vermont.  Every time I walked to the balcony railing to gaze upon the courtyard, my glasses steamed up. At times [...]

Anyone who says that to have a luxury hotel experience, you must sacrifice character, history, and culture hasn’t stayed at El Convento. This boutique luxury hotel, located on Calle Cristo in the heart of Old San Juan, is one of the city’s oldest structures.  Founded in 1651, it served as a convent for 250 years.  [...]

Travelers love Ziploc bags.  Oh yes, we do. They have so many wonderful uses.  We have to pack those 3 oz bottles of liquids in them, and they’re good for containing anything that might leak in your luggage.  You can use them as a doggie bag for meal leftovers, as an organizational tool, and if [...]

One of the things you will read about Puerto Rico before going there is that the pace is much slower than what many of us are used to, particularly here in New England.  We tend to be very time-bound, rushingrushingrushing from place to place, activity to activity, trying to squeeze as much in during the [...]

Old San Juan is filled with cats.  Not to the point where you’re tripping over them or anything, but enough that it’s noticeable.  I’m sure some are pets, but many are feral cats.  Some residents think they’re a nuisance, while others think they’re part of San Juan culture and welcome them.  There’s even an organization [...]

I take public transportation regularly at home and try to do so when I travel as well. It’s an inexpensive way to get around and get the lay of the land when you’re tired of walking. As a solo traveler, I also welcome the opportunity to interact with others, and that’s easier when using public [...]

On every trip I take, I learn a little bit more about my travel style, my likes and dislikes. On my trip to San Juan, I came to the startling revelation that generic chain resorts–especially if they’re not within easy walking distance of the local culture, a variety of dining options, and nighttime entertainment–are not [...]

It was nighttime when my plane landed in San Juan.  I love flying into cities at night, trying to identify areas of the city from the plane using the patterns of the lights the way you would identify a constellation by the stars.  I saw two cruise ships docked in port, which helped me figure [...]