An absolute must-do when visiting Puerto Rico is to take a walk on the wild side at El Yunque National Forest, but exploring Guánica Dry Forest, Guajataca Forest, and Toro Negro State Forest are absolute musts as well! The north-western forest is the tropical rain forest that offers the best hiking trails on the island, all of which are lined by breath-taking mountains, stunning views, and jaw-dropping waterfalls. Puerto Rico is home to some seriously interesting archaeological sites, so if you’re feeling like taking it slow, a day spent exploring fortresses and castles is a must on your itinerary! The Old City of San Juan is one of the most colorful places in the world, so a day exploring it is one of the coolest things to do in Puerto Rico.

And while it’s not your typical spring break destination, here’s why it’s one of the best national parks to visit in the spring. Grand Canyon National Park is one of the best national parks to visit in the spring. One important thing to note if you plan to visit Grand Canyon National Park in spring is that the canyon’s south rim is open year round, but the north rim, which is higher in altitude, doesn’t usually open until mid-May, as it gets snowed in over winter. It’s one of the best national parks to visit in the spring because the weather in the Channel Islands is usually sunny but cool.

The best activities include taking photos of the colorful houses in the street Calzada de los Frailes, buying fresh food at the Mercado Municipal, or visiting the famous church Iglesia de San Servacio, which is located at the main square. Drive just an hour away from Puerto Vallarta and you’ll find the bohemian town of Sayulita, known for its surfing, amazing food scene, and colorful streets. This small town is deceptive because of the cruise ship port, but what you’ll find (especially when cruise ships are not in port) is a small Mexican town with authentic flavor and experiences. Whether it’s your first time traveling to Mexico or you just want to explore beyond the big tourist destinations, these hidden gems in Mexico are a great way to get to know the country in a more authentic way.

Even though I love to wing my travels and not plan too much (I love leaving room for a few surprises!), there are things I always like to make sure to prepare before I leave to make sure my trip is as easy-going as possible. You don’t need to know the price of every single thing, but it’s always good to get a little idea so you can better plan your budget and avoid getting scammed. Moreover, make sure to research festivals and important dates – either to join in or to plan accordingly (i.e. I found it almost impossible to move around Sri Lanka when I visited during a major public holiday). Let your bank know you’ll be traveling Speaking of banks, make sure to let your bank know you’ll be traveling abroad.