Summer is low season on this Caribbean island, and snagging a cheap fare on one of the budget airlines that fly to San Juan can make the getaway gettable if you can abide the heat and hurricane threat.

Once there, you could head east to explore the white-sand beaches on the island of Culebra or west to the cliffs of Cabo Rojo. Or you could just get off the plane in the U.S. territory’s capital and start your vacation pronto.

“There is a beach right there, Isla Verde, just minutes from the airport,” said Concepcion, who was born and raised in Puerto Rico. The city is full of restaurants, things to do, nightlife options and places to stay — including many under $200 a night.

Advertisement

Concepcion said the option is great “for someone that wants to feel they’re going to an exotic destination and does not have a passport.”