Tag Archives: Puerto Rico

Take Me Back Tuesday – San Juan, Puerto Rico

Well it might not be too surprising, living in the Northeast right now, that I would bring back Take Me Back Tuesday.  And how fitting that I just got back from San Juan, Puerto Rico last week!  Yes, please Take Me Back, Tuesday. Thanks!

I booked this last-minute trip with my girlfriends.  We were looking for a cheap getaway where we could escape from the snow to the SUN! Puerto Rico was the perfect destination for our Girlcation!

Where We Stayed

El San Juan Resort and Casino

This hotel was great.  It is in the Isla Verde section of San Juan, which has a bunch of hotels and resorts and some great restaurants.  It seems most people stay here or in Condado which is another tourist area not too far.  El San Juan had everything we needed during the day; beach, two pools, swim up bars, a couple of restaurants, and even a Starbucks (yes we went to Starbucks in Puerto Rico…it’s still the US).

Not to mention it was a beautiful hotel.

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They even offered free yoga! I was so happy that the girls wanted to do it with me.  It was such a nice way to start our first day.

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The first day we spent plenty of the time on the beach and of course taking some selfies to make everyone at home in the snow jealous.

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We enjoyed the swim up bar of course.  Our drink of choice on this vacation were Mojitos!  The swim up bar had the best pineapple mojito.  Oh what I would do to jump back in this picture right now!

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Packing For a Caribbean Getaway

Happy Friday from  Puerto Rico!  I’ll try no to rub it in too much for those of you in the Northeast.  It’s so nice to be in a warm and sunny place after the past few snowy weeks we’ve had!

I planned this girls getaway with three of my best girlfriends.  Sometimes you just need a girlcation!  Since we are only here for four nights we didn’t want to pack too much and have to check a bag.  This means strategic packing was in order.  I think I pride myself on being a good packer.  Having studied abroad, travelled throughout Europe, and backpacked through Peru, I’ve had a fair share of practice!

Things to think about when packing:

  • How long are you staying?
  • How will you spend your days? Beach? Pool? Sight seeing?
  • How will you spend your nights?  Casual nights out? Fancy dinners?
  • Will you be exercising at all?
  • Will you be doing any excursions / tours /activities?
  • What items do I use on a daily basis when getting ready for a normal day?

These are some questions I think about before packing for a little getaway.  It helps break it down and get your mind wrapped around what you need.

Here’s my packing list for a Caribbean Getaway:

Clothes

  • 3 bathing suits

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  • 2 nice dresses
  • 1 pair of nice shorts
  • 1 pair of pants for going out
  • 1 nice tank top for going out

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  • 2 pairs of yoga pants
  • 2 tank tops for working out
  • 2 sports bras

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  • 2 pairs of shorts for bed
  • 4 tank tops for bed / lounging around / beach
  • 4 beach cover up / dresses

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  • 1 pair of wedge sandals
  • 1 pair of flip flops
  • 1 pair of sandals

Toiletries (All 3oz or under)

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  • Sunblock
  • Shampoo / Conditioner (I had some samples I saved)
  • Body Wash
  • Body Lotion
  • Face Wipes
  • Body Splash
  • Q-Tips
  • Contacts
  • Toothbrush / Toothpaste
  • Razor
  • Small Brush
  • Curling Iron

Annnd….it all fit!

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Okay, off to enjoy my vacation!