Traveling and relocating to another country is such a memorable time. It is full of exciting new adventures and experiences. However, if you can’t speak the language or understand the slang, then you may become frustrated and feel lost. If you already speak Spanish, then you are off to a great start. In order to experience the culture, navigate your way around, and leisurely explore restaurants, shopping, and history, you’ll need to at least speak Spanish a little bit.  If you have no clue on where to start with learning the language, below are some common used words, phrases, and slang used in Puerto Rico.

A fuego-  Translates to “on fire”. However, this term is also widely used by many to show their feelings that something is really pleasing or attractive.

Chacho- The real word is munchaco, which means boy or young man. Chacho means “Oh, boy!” which is the phrase used when something happens that is either by surprise or unexpected.

Mira- Translates to “look” but it also means “hey” as in you want to get someone’s attention.

Wepa!- A happy and positive phrase! Wepa means “Yay!” “Great job” or “Congrats!”

Nitido- If you like something, then it is nitido, which translates to “cool.”

Chavos- The slang term for cash.

Guagua- The slang terms for the public transportation buses that run through San Juan, Old San Juan, and the surrounding communities. Many Puerto Ricans utilize this public transportation system because it covers lots of grounds in the surrounding areas. However, the buses are usually late.

Estoy perdido- I’m lost

De ida y vuelta- roundtrip

Como se dice?- How do you say?

Estoy buscando solamente, gracias!- I am only looking, thank you!

Pa’lla (contraction of para alla)- Over there

Pa’ca (contraction on para aca)- Over here

Iguaca- A rare endangered parrot found in El Yunque, the Puerto Rican Amazon. It is a symbol of the island and the government is working hard to try and save them from endangerment.

Borinquen- Puerto Rican

So interested in learning how to speak Spanish because you are relocating? Contact us today for your car shipment needs.

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Looking into moving to Puerto Rico? Have you been talking to family and friends about the relocation and unsure of what decision you should make? Moving to Puerto Rico is a huge decision, and there are many myths about the relocation. Below are some common myths about moving to Puerto Rico. If moving to Puerto Rico your dream, don’t let these myths stop you, after all, they are myths!

Inexpensive Cost of Living

The cost of living in Puerto Rico is actually more expensive than the general mainland of the United States. Of course, this depends where you are moving from. If you are moving from an already expensive city like New York or San Francisco or Boston, then this isn’t the case. In 1920, the Jones Act was established and required that all goods imported to Puerto Rico must be shipped to the United States first and then shipped to Puerto Rico by the United States transport. As a result, good are more expensive. Groceries are about 23% higher than mainland United States grocery stores and sales tax is 11.5%. However, unlike the United States, you do not have to pay property tax on primary residences and there are no taxes on passive income such as Social Security and retirement.

Water is Safe to Drink

Most people in Puerto Rico filter their water and/or drink bottled water. However, unlike most neighboring countries, the tap water is safe to drink.

Hurricanes All Year Round

While Puerto Rico does have a hurricane season, it is not all year round. For most of the year you can expect warm temperatures and an overall pleasant climate. However, due to its geographic location, Puerto Rico is prone to tropical storms. Hurricane season for Puerto Rico ranges from June to November. Peak hurricane season is usually in September.

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Visiting Rio Grande is an adventurous experience that will leave you with a vast amount of memories. Also known as La Cuidad del Yunque or Yunque City, Rio Grande is named after the great river that envelops the land. Rio Grande is located in the Northern Coastal Valley and just 30 minutes from San Juan.

Making its home in Rio Grande is the El Yunque National Forest. This forest is full of rivers and waterfalls and offers something to do for everyone. You can jump into the rivers, stop for a picnic along the banks of the river, or just relax with a good book. The El Yunque National forest is especially busy and popular on the weekends and in the summertime. The Rio Mameyes or Mameyes River is the river that runs down El Yunque National Forest and has the hidden gem of a secret swimming pool.

Golfing is a very popular sport and enjoyment in Rio Grande.  The Bahia Beach Plantation Golf Course has beautiful views of the El Yunque Rain Forest. The 18 hole golf course is played by both locals and tourists. Berwind Country Club was a course designed by Bob Holoman in 1960 and players can golf either 9 or 18 holes. Coco Beach Golf Country Club is the only golf course that offers 36 holes. The golf course is accompanied by mountains, oceans, palms, and lakes. Rio Mar has two courses you can play, each being 18 holes each. Rio Mar Ocean Course is a Bermuda Grass course and was designed by George and Tom Fazio. Rio Mar River Course is an 18- hole grass course that was designed by Greg Norman. The fees for all of these courses range anywhere from  $35 to $125.

Looking to visit Rio Grande, and is golf an interest of yours? Contact us today to ship your golf cart to Puerto Rico.

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Since Puerto Rico is a territory of the United States, it takes part in all United States public holidays, which includes Independence Day. Fourth of July in Puerto Rico is celebrated much like it is in the United States. The island celebrates with live music, fireworks, and of course, a spin on the food with the incorporation of Puerto Rican food. Like the United States, many people celebrate Fourth of July in Puerto Rico by spending time with their family at festivals, the beach, or BBQs.

Old San Juan, specifically, the Plaza del Quinto Centenario, is a place to visit when celebrating Fourth of July in Puerto Rico. The plaza is known for its music, food, and fireworks. Staying in San Juan, you could also visit the Condado Lagoon for their Fourth of July celebrations. The Puerto Rico Tourism Company hosts a day long festival packed with live music and food stands. Food and drinks are from various vendors such as Craft Beer Expo, Urban Market, and Farmers Market. After a day of eating and drinking, there is a fireworks display that is synchronized with the Arturo Somohano Symphony Orchestra. About 45 minutes east of San Juan, the Wyndham Rio Mar Resort is home to a large Fourth of July festival. The festival runs all day long with food stations, salsa dancing, bouncy castles for kids, bull riding, and watermelon eating competitions. The day ends with a fireworks display. The actual day long event is free, but car parking is $10.

Although not an official Fourth of July celebration, The Annual Cattleman’s BBQ Competition takes place in July. At this annual competition, you can expect to see over 80 teams, 35 sponsors, and 15,000 hungry competitors. The competitors eat anything from steak, brisket, pulled pork, wings, hamburgers, and seafood.

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Visiting Puerto Rico?

In order to get a true appreciation and get the most out of the island, you will need your car in Puerto Rico. Puerto Rico is known for its scenic views of the Caribbean and there is so much to offer. The older the coastal highway, the more scenic views you will see. With your car, you can visit these highways and scenic views conveniently at your leisure. Take your car out for an early morning drive and park to watch the sunrise. Or, you will have the luxury of taking a cruise after dinner and watching the sunset.

Puerto Rico is known for its beaches. Instead of relying on public transportation and having to carry all of your beach necessities, you can easily pack up your car for a day at the beach. Having your car in Puerto Rico will allow you to beach hop. Some beaches are known to be the best day time beaches such as Bioluminescent Mosquito Bay, El Morro, and Flamenco Beach. Other beaches are known to be popular in the evenings such as Sun Bay (Vieques) and Mosquito Bay. Condado Beach is a  favorite to many sun- lovers, but you will need to venture to it if you aren’t close to San Juan. Therefore, you need your car. The beach has a local parking lot so no need to worry about parking.

You will also need your car in order to explore the vast variety of outlet shopping, restaurants, museums, and rainforests. Your own car will also allow you to explore the Spanish Forts at Castillo San Cristobal. Since there is so much adventure on one island, you can cover multiple parts of the island and sights in a few days. After all, you can drive the entire island of Puerto Rico in just a little over 4 hours.

Let us help you ship your car  so you can take full advantage of Puerto Rico.

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Most people think of Puerto Rico and think of a tropical paradise which, of course, is what it actually is. However, there’s so much more to Puerto Rico than meets the eye. If you are lucky enough to travel there on occasion, there’s another side to Puerto Rico beside all that luxurious white sand and aqua-blue water.
For the Sea-lover
Of course, the number one sport would have to do with being in, on or near the ocean. There are plenty of water sport activities in Puerto Rico to enjoy. Visitors can enjoy activities on top of the water such as boating and sailing. With water as blue as a sapphire, it’s no wonder the people of Puerto Rico and visitors alike enjoy sailing and boating so much.
Diving and snorkeling are wonderful under the sea activities for visitors to enjoy. Not only do you get to take in the breathtaking views of the ocean there along with magnificent sunsets, you get to explore a whole new world underneath the ocean. And this new world is stunning.
You get to experience the thrill of adventure and the possibilities of seeing sights you’ve never seen before when you take to visiting the underwater world in Puerto Rico.
A trip to bioluminescent bay, where you travel through mangroves to see the glowing blue waters of this area that turns blue at the slightest touch will enchant you for a lifetime.
Of course, there’s fishing, swimming and surfing to thoroughly enjoy as well.
For the Land-lover
If you prefer to watch the sunset from afar and stay on dry land, but crave the thrill of and competition of the sporting life, there’s plenty to do on dry land, as well.
Hiking through the rainforest is a great activity to take on during your visit to Puerto Rico. Also with hundreds of tennis courts to choose from, you could play a game or two as you overlook the most beautiful vistas you’ve ever seen.
What’s a trip to the beach without a good game of beach volleyball? There’s plenty of places to play and plenty of beach to play on in Puerto Rico.
Another favorite pastime in Puerto Rico is horseback riding, especially on the beach. If you’ve never gone horseback riding on the beach and are planning to visit Puerto Rico, now’s as good a time as any to take part in what could be a once-in-a-lifetime activity.
What better place to play a round or two than on a cliff overlooking the aqua-blue waters of Puerto Rico.
While all these activities may not put you in the Olympics, they are all enjoyable in their own right just the same. For a truly in-depth article about the part Puerto Rico played in this year’s Olympics, click HERE

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Most people celebrate Memorial Day as the official, “unofficial” start of summer. There are backyard barbeques, beach trips and the long-awaited for road trips that take place, as well. However, the real start of summer is actually June 20th.

 
For many busy people, there wasn’t the chance to celebrate and embrace the idea of the beginning of summer back at the end of May. The weather may have still been cloudy and damp depending on where they live. So, now there’s no running or hiding and no excuses about being too busy. Summer is upon is and it will be officially here.

 
What is Summer Solstice?

 
Factually, summer solstice is the longest day of the year. For celebratory reasons, summer solstice is the day where we can bask in the sun the longest, ride the waves the most and enjoy all of the summery delights we’ve waited so long for to arrive.
A whole 12 hours of summer fun to enjoy. Now, that’s something worth celebrating. Wintertime is full of wet, snowy and icy weather. Springtime can be damp and rainy, but summer is short and oh so sweet. That’s why summer solstice is celebrated so much.
No matter what state you live in, there’s bound to be a summer solstice celebration somewhere whether in the form of a musical festival or even a planned trip to the gorgeous isles of Puerto Rico. What better place than that to celebrate the summer sun.
Here are a few more summer fun festivals to celebrate your way from the beginning of summer solstice to the Labor Day weekend.

 
A New York Solstice

 
If you’ve ever been to Times Square in New York, you know it’s one of the busiest places in the states. Even if you haven’t visited, you know all about the hustle and bustle of it all.
Well, in the midst of all that hustle and bustle, you can join in on the summer solstice fun with Solstice in Times Square. Strike a pose – a yoga pose that is, and get ready to celebrate fun, summer, and the city that never sleeps. Find some Zen in the middle of the busiest place on earth.

 
Sand and Surf

 
If the hustle and bustle of a major city is not your style, then why not try your hand at sand sculpting. The Master Sand Sculpting Competition in Hampton Beach, New Hampshire is by invitation only is for the true artists of sand sculpting. You can enjoy dozens of festivities on the beach throughout the states:

• jazz festivals on the boardwalk
• concerts at the beach
• volleyball tournaments
• catamaran regattas
• arts and crafts festivals
• dance lessons on the boardwalk
• yoga on the beach

 
When it comes to reasons and ways to celebrate the longest day of the year and summer solstice on the beach, there is no shortage of ideas or activities anywhere.

 
Eat Your Way to Fun
Another great way to celebrate summer is with tradition. Every year, Nathan’s hosts its annual Fourth of July hotdog eating contest. Don’t worry if you’re not a participant in the contest, you can still get in on loads of fun. What better way to celebrate summer than to view a world-famous hotdog eating contest?

 
Take a Trip to Puerto Rico
Every year in June, the Festival of St. John the Baptist is celebrated in Puerto Rico. The patron saint of San Juan is loved and adored by thousands. You can watch a parade, dance your way through the streets or take part in the many cultural celebrations surrounding it.
For more info on the special day, check out this article from USA Today.
Whether you start your celebration on June 20th or throughout the summer, there are plenty of ways to enjoy this special time of year.

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Every traveler has their own personal travel style. Some like to over pack while others are perfectly happy with a backpack on their back. Other vacationers might love all the luxuries and amenities while more down-to-earth travelers enjoy roughing it. Then there is always the dilemma of whether or not to take one extended vacation or a bunch of short ones throughout the year to savor the moments.

What style traveler are you – long term vacation or weekend getaway? If you’re planning a trip to Puerto Rico, there are benefits to both styles.

Puerto Rico: Perfect for the Weekend Getaway

The great thing about being a weekender in Puerto Rico is how easy it is to get to. There’s no muss and no fuss and best of all no passport involved. Since it is a commonwealth of the United States, it’s easy breezy to get to; all you have to do is make your plans and several hours later you will have arrived.

What’s great about being a weekender in Puerto Rico? No matter what type of mood you are in, you can find it there. Are you looking to get away from it all and lay helpless on the sugar-sandy beaches for three days on end until you are replenished? Or do you want to get away from the monotony of home life and spice up your nights with a weekend in San Juan? No matter what you are looking for, Puerto Rico has it waiting for you.

If you need to escape for a romantic weekend, there’s no place better than the isle of Vieques where you can wander on the beach by day or stroll under the stars at night.

Have a Long-Term Relationship with Puerto Rico

If you tried island hopping or took several weekends to sneak away to Puerto Rico and are ready for something more long-term, there’s plenty to do and see. Puerto Rico, of course, has stretches and stretches of beaches – some are tranquil and others are perfect for water activities.

However, there is such an exciting mix of things to do and see in Puerto Rico like the lush, plush rain forest known as El Yunque where you can go for a hike thousands of feet above sea level or zip line your way through an adrenaline-raising course. You can venture out on a trip through the Santurce Art District where street art covers the buildings lining the street and where you can find the pulse of Puerto Rico’s music, art, and entertainment culture alive and beating.

Another benefit of going to Puerto Rico for a longer vacation is in being able to lounge all day and rejuvenate on many of the isles like Culebra where you will feel as though you are on a deserted island all to yourself and then at night, you can come to life in San Juan.

San Juan is a vibrant, upbeat city which truly showcases the vibrant culture of Puerto Rico in everything from its food to its music.

Longer vacations to Puerto Rico are perfect if you are experiencing loads of stress and need to get away from it all for a while. Extended periods of time in Puerto Rico have the magical ability to revive and rejuvenate the spirit, mind and body.

If you are burnt from stress at work or on overload as a caregiver, these longer vacations can prove medicinal. Shorter weekend getaways or great to give you a burst of renewed energy.

Either way, short weekend hop or long-term getaway, Puerto Rico has what it takes to soothe your soul.

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Did you ever know someone who, at an early age, grabbed their backpack and threw it on their back as they made their way through Europe? Did you also think this lifestyle wasn’t for you? You can think again. Research and studies are showing those who travel might not be as outrageously bold as once thought of, but these travelers may simply be some of the happiest folks around.

Many shoppers believe that giving or receiving the perfect gift for the holidays will make them happy. However, did you know that some of the happiest people are happy because of their life experiences as opposed to their material possessions? Of course, a new car is awesome, but when that new car smell wears off and your car wears down, the feeling of satisfaction can fade too.

Traveling experiences, on the other hand offer a host of benefits that make your happy moments turn into your happy memories. Here’s a list why some of the happiest people are travelers.

Travel Experience

Whether you are applying to graduate school or applying for a new job, having travel on your resume shows a potential employer or university you have what it takes to survive “out there.” Travel experience speaks volumes about who you are as a person.

Your travel experience does not have to be a whirlwind tour of European countries; it could be as simple as hiking and camping throughout the United States. Either way, travel experience helps you make mistakes along the way and learn from them. Your travel mistakes turn into your life experience.

Exciting Conversation

If you are like most people, new situations or social gatherings are a bit intimidating. Did you ever go to a marketing event and worry about what to talk about when meeting new people? Anywhere you go, when you have travel experience under your belt, you have plenty to discuss.

When you relay your travel experiences, you create exciting conversations which, in turn, has an added benefit – you gain self-esteem. If you are a speaker or leader in your industry, you can relate almost any travel experience to a real-life experience that others can relate to, as well. Confidence gains momentum, causing other positive events to follow. Talking about your travels can give you an edge in the crowd.

Life Skills

As a traveler, you learn some valuable life skills. Some life skills while traveling, you learn the hard way – like whom to trust and not to trust. You also learn the most valuable tool there is – self-reliance. As a traveler to a new locale, you learn to adapt to the culture and the surroundings quickly and, as you do so, you learn how to rely on your own natural instincts.

Frequent travelers have an opportunity to gain another life skill known as resiliency. If you’ve ever traveled, you know how easy it is to get bumped from a flight or miss a connecting one. Unexpected weather and airport delays are another part of travel sometimes. However, the more you travel, the more you learn to bounce back from these incidences. You learn to take action instead of getting upset. You learn to find a Plan B when it seems like none exist.

The next time after experiencing a cancelled flight, you learn to look at surrounding airports and alternate flights before you travel. This way you have a backup plan.

Memories over Material Things

Material goods purchased given or received from the holidays are great when you first open them – part of the joy is in wondering what someone else bought you. Once you receive the gift however, it might seem like the fun is over.

When you travel and it’s time to come home, you don’t forget the experience of travel. Sure, you can buy yourself plenty of materialistic goods for the holiday, but a trip somewhere will leave you with a lasting gift – the gift of memories.

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Sure, we’ve all heard the colorful descriptions of the azure waters of the Caribbean’s best destination, also known as Puerto Rico. You’ve probably seen your fair share of spectacular beaches, and you’ve probably spent a summer’s night somewhere at the water’s edge looking up at the stars too. No matter where you were, in your own backyard or on a tropical vacation, you’ve been dazzled by the spectacular light show of the sky. You may even be lucky enough to say you saw the aurora borealis.

Nothing compares to the reflection of the stars on the ocean on a balmy night. Imagine, though, being able to see a dazzling show of sparkling lights right in the ocean beaches only at night. This spectacular light show is called bioluminescence. Bioluminescence is one of the most dazzling phenomenon earth has to offer.

Micro-organisms in the water are busy at work during the night lighting up the ocean with their dazzling display. This is what creates bioluminescence. If you’ve never seen it before, it’s like nothing else you will ever see and indescribable.

Here is a list of some of the bioluminescent waters of the world.

San Juan Island, Washington

If you want to be part of the bioluminescent party, grab your kayak and start paddling your way through the North Bay shoreline. Here you will see liquid starlight sparkling in colors of blue and silver swirling through the waters as you make your way. Hang out in one of the coves for the best seat in the house.

Bioluminescent Bay, Puerto Rico

Along the south shores of Vieques lies one of the island’s most curious spectacle known as Mosquito Bay. This is one of the most vibrant and active bioluminescent bays for visiting. The organisms emit a bluish-green glowing light especially when they are disturbed. While there are a few bioluminescent bays in Puerto Rico such as in Fajardo, Mosquito Bay is said to be the most vibrant, lit up bay there is.

Night time tours might take you through the bay down toward a lagoon where all the action is. As you paddle your kayak through the waters, the movement of both the kayak and the paddles through the water causes it to light up the night. Some describe it as other-worldly.

The Blue Grotto, Malta

There is a curious mix of ingredients that go into making the Blue Grotto such a dazzling spectacle. The water pounding against the cliffs, the caves, and the sun all make up the necessary parts of this spectacular natural sight.

Hundreds of thousands of tourists come to visit for many reasons – one of them being to see the spot where the film, Troy, was featured starring Brad Pitt, and another to dive there. The phosphorescent colors of the underwater life mix and mingle with the deepest of ocean blues to create a dazzling spectacle for visitors in the hundreds of thousands.

The Blue Tides of San Diego

While this is not something you can set your watch to, the blue tides of San Diego when they do occur are spectacular. Believe it or not, the algae in these waters give it a reddish tint during the day, but at night, the show begins. As the waves crash and the tide ebbs and flows, the algae converts to the brightest bluest color illuminating the sea.

Thousands of people will gather on the beach at night to try to catch a glimpse, snap a photo or take a video of this amazing spectacle of nature.

Toyama Bay Japan

While not caused by bioluminescent reasons, Toyama Bay Japan, is an amazing spectacle. Millions of tiny squid light up the bay every year as these squid come to breed. They are called firefly squid for a reason as they light up the waters like a million fireflies on a summer’s night.

You never know when you might find yourself in one of these locations and see a dazzling spectacle looking like millions of fireflies or the entire body of water glowing blue. Plenty of people chase plenty of passions from finding antique jewelry to ghost chasers. You never know, you might want to consider adding bioluminescent chasing to your bucket list.

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