The activities you plan to pursue in Puerto Rico will dictate what you will need to pack. If you plan to sunbathe by day and hit the discos by night, pack your swimsuit and trendiest club wear. If a shopping marathon is on the agenda, pack comfortable walking shoes and an empty duffel bag for carrying back your loot. If you want to go hiking in the mountains, long lightweight pants and hiking boots are in order. If you stay in the mountains overnight, bring a light jacket.

No matter what you do, bring sunscreen, bug spray, a wide-brimmed hat, an umbrella, and some bottled water. You’ll need protection from the sun and the occasional sand-flea attack while you’re on the beach. And if you’re traveling during the rainy season, expect a brief shower every day. You’ll be grateful for some light raingear such as a poncho and waterproof shoes or sandals.

Light cotton fabrics are always recommended. Puerto Rico’s temperatures fluctuate between 76–88°F on the coastal plains and 73–78°F in the mountain region. The humidity hovers around a steady 80 percent. Note that wearing bathing suits or short shorts is inappropriate anyplace other than the pool or beach, and a few restaurants require a jacket and tie.

If you plan to navigate the island by car, bring a Spanish-English dictionary and a current, detailed road map. Just about every business on the island accepts credit cards and debit cards, and virtually every town has at least one ATM. The only time you’ll need cash is if you plan to shop or buy food from roadside vendors, which you definitely should do.