For my 30th birthday, I decided to treat myself to something truly special my first international trip! I chose to stay at the Hotel Riu Palace Paradise Island, an adults-only resort in the Bahamas. It was the perfect getaway, offering stunning beachfront views, delicious food, and endless drinks to celebrate my milestone birthday.
The resort was filled with couples and groups of friends, but honestly, I never felt lonely. Everyone was so friendly, and the staff were genuinely welcoming. Although the men in the Bahamas, along with some of the hotel staff, were quite flirtatious, I didn’t feel unsafe at any point. That was until I had an odd experience on the beach. A gentleman staying at the resort approached me and asked if I was also staying there. He even went so far as to ask what floor I was on. I was completely stunned and immediately recorded the exchange. After a brief conversation, I was able to politely get him to leave.
I was proud to have planned and booked everything myself. From airport transfers to activities, I handled it all! I booked a walking food tour and another van tour, both through Viator. I also made sure to arrange my cab service ahead of time for smooth airport pickups and drop-offs. I did have one experience with a driver who I wouldn’t book again. Although nothing about his service was overtly wrong, his flirtation was uncomfortable and off-putting.
The Bahamas as a whole was absolutely amazing, and I’d definitely return to Riu Palace Paradise Island again. That said, I’d prefer to explore other locations to compare. For solo travelers, this hotel is a perfect first stop, but I would recommend taking a few precautions. I’d suggest purchasing a door stopper for added security and being mindful of your surroundings, especially when traveling alone.
A highlight of my stay was when they upgraded my room at check-in to celebrate my birthday and even offered me a complimentary drink. Such a thoughtful touch!
Overall, my first international birthday trip was unforgettable. The Bahamas welcomed me with open arms, and I can’t wait for my next solo adventure.
For my birthday, I decided to take a last minute trip with my daughter and Puerto Rico was calling our names. I wanted something warm, easy to get to, and rich in culture without the stress of international travel since it was a spurge trip. San Juan delivered all that and more.
I Love PR Sign
One of the best parts? You don’t need a passport to travel to Puerto Rico if you’re coming from the U.S. It’s a U.S. territory, so a state issued ID is all you technically need to fly in. That said, I still recommend bringing your passport. Anytime you’re flying over water, it’s smart to have one just in case your plane needs to land in another country, you want the option to actually leave the airport if that ever happens.
Now, let’s talk about when we got there, where we stayed, what we ate, and why this trip was one of my favorites.
We landed in San Juan with no issues. I had pre booked an airport transfer through Viator, which I always do for international trips. If you’ve never used it, Viator is a travel booking app where you can reserve everything from tours to airport pickups.
Our driver was already waiting when we landed, holding a sign with my name on it. After a cool ride, we pulled up to our hotel, quickly.
We stayed at the DoubleTree by Hilton San Juan, and it was perfect. Check in was smooth, the staff was super friendly, and bonus our room was ready early. The hotel had such a chill, modern vibe and just enough to feel like a treat without being over the top.
The pool and hot tub area is so stunning. At night, the hot tub lights up. There’s a beach within walking distance, but if you’re not in the mood, the hotel has a complimentary shuttle to take you there and back. Convenience? 10/10.
Another major win: the location. We were in a safe, walkable neighborhood with a Starbucks, local restaurants, and even a grocery store right across the street. It made grabbing snacks, souvenirs, or a quick bite super easy. And as a mom, feeling safe walking around with my daughter meant everything and why I picked this hotel.
Puerto Rico is a foodie’s dream and San Juan really showed out. I don’t understand why others don’t brag about their food. It’s slightly different from your usual Spanish food but in a good way. While we didn’t go too adventurous, the cultural flavor still came through. From street side empanadas to mofongo plates, the food was so good, flavorful, and full of love. We tried many dishes on a food tour as well. It’s the best thing you can do on any vacation.
One of my favorite parts of Puerto Rican culture is how much art and history is infused into daily life. Whether it’s the colorful murals on every corner or live music in the plaza, it feels like the island is always celebrating something.
Our trip was 4 days but was packed with so much in little time. We kept it chill but everything we did was worth it.
Cuartel de Ballajá
We took an Old San Juan City Walking Tour (booked on Viator too), and it gave us so much insight into the island’s history. The cobblestone streets, colonial architecture, and historic forts make you feel like you’ve stepped into another era. Our guide walked us through stories of Spanish rule, local legends, and even pointed out some of the oldest buildings on the island. Just please wear sneakers ! The cobblestone and hills almost took me out.
Another memory was visiting El Yunque Rainforest Puerto Rico’s main attraction. It’s the only tropical rainforest in the U.S. National Forest system, and even though we didn’t hike every trail, just being surrounded by the greenery and hearing the waterfalls made the experience unforgettable.
One of the highlights of our trip was visiting the Museo de Arte de Puerto Rico. This museum is so stunning, has lots of Puerto Rico’s artistic heritage. From contemporary pieces to historical works, it’s a nice space that brings together local talent and cultural pieces. We spent 2 hours exploring and I loved how the museum felt like a mix of art, with history. It was a perfect way to end the trip.
Final Thoughts: Why Puerto Rico Stole My Heart
San Juan gave everything I wanted from a birthday trip and more. It felt like stepping into another culture, without leaving the comfort of U.S. territory. From the food, to the friendly locals, to the rich history and laid back beauty, Puerto Rico has officially earned a spot at the top of my favorite places list. It’s a trip I always talk about.
It was the perfect mix of culture, good vibes and tropical.
We flew into Miami the day before the cruise, mostly to avoid the risk of something going bad, like missing flight. Trust me, it’s worth it. We stayed at the Holiday Inn Port of Miami which is seriously just a few steps away from Bayside Marketplace. The hotel? A solid choice. It’s clean, central, and has great access to the city without the Miami hustle. I would stay there on a casual Miami vacation, only a one night thing. We walked around Bayside Marketplace, shopped a little and I tried not to buy everything and grabbed food at Bubba Gump Shrimp. A great way to start the trip with zero stress.
Day 2: Embarkation Day – The Process of Trying Not to Lose Your Mind
Miami Cruise Port
If you’re new to cruising, don’t worry. I was too, and I made it through, barely. Embarkation day is chaotic, but not too bad once you get the hang of it. After no breakfast, we headed over to the Port of Miami to board the Freedom of the Seas. Here’s a quick rundown of what to expect:
1. Check-in – You’ll drop off your luggage, go through a security line, and then it’s time for paperwork. Luckily, I checked in online ahead of time, so I wasn’t dealing with a giant line at the desk.
2. Muster Drill – Yes, you’re required to attend. It’s like a fire drill but for cruise ships. Don’t skip it.
3. Getting Onboard – Once you’re through, you’re on the ship! They hand you a key card, which you’ll need for everything. Seriously, you’ll lose it a dozen times before the trip is over. My daughter lost hers day 3.
4. Settling In – So my child was still recovering from a broken leg 2 months before, so we got a balcony room which I highly recommend. This was a concern but she was cleared by the doctor. The room we got because we let Royal pick, but it was far from the elevator. So that was a lesson, pick your own room. We spent the first few hours just getting cozy and adjusting to our “new home” for the next several days.
Day 3: Getting to Know Freedom of the Seas
We immediately hit up Windjammer Café for lunch (because, let’s face it, that’s what you do on a cruise). That was actually not opened yet. So we had EL LOCO FRESH. The ship was gorgeous, and while I know Freedom of the Seas isn’t one of their newer ships, it definitely doesn’t disappoint. I would’ve preferred more dining options, but I was too busy just really admiring the ship, and feeling blessed to be there.
Chops Grille
So here’s the thing: if you’re a first-time cruiser, don’t be like me and assume you’ll just figure it out. Nope. The ship is huge, and you will get lost at least twice before you get the hang of where everything is. We wandered around, took a million pictures, and just checked out the pools and shows. We planned on having my daughter try the kids’ club, but that lasted all of five minutes before she decided it was “too much.” I guess that’s what happens when you’re mature for your age or just too cool for a kids’ club. The process was hectic anyways, the staff wasn’t very helpful and was unorganized. I didn’t needed it but we considered it.
Day 4: CocoCay – A Private Island, Sun, and Overhyped Drinks
Our first port stop was CocoCay, Royal Caribbean’s private island. Now, if you’re expecting a Bahama mama vibe with endless drinks and no responsibilities think again. The island was amazing, but don’t expect luxury beach clubs. It’s laid-back and full of huge seagulls that will take your food faster than you can say “Don’t eat that.” We spent most of the day just chilling by the pool and beach.
The pools and beach were just gorgeous. I just wanted to relax and soak up the sun. We spent hours in water.
Day 5: Nassau – Shopping, Sun, and Some Sketchy Taxi Rides
This was a port day at Nassau, Bahamas. We took a taxi , no we didn’t book an excursion we’re rebels like that. While I’ve been to Nassau a few times, this was my daughter first go-round. Let’s just say, the taxi ride was an experience because in Nassau, anything goes. The driver was friendly but had questionable driving habits. We were in a taxi to the fish fry with a nice couple who was going to Atlantis Paradise Island Resort. We got a good food then back to Junkanoo Beach to be close to port.
We relaxed by the water, enjoyed some local food there was a whole lot of good choices, and I was here for it, and just had a laid back afternoon. If you’re ever in Nassau, don’t expect it to be as “polished” as some of the other islands. My daughter saw the friends she met 2 days ago so she was living her best life with her new friends. Oh, and side note beware of the aggressive panhandlers. I had an experience with some men saying inappropriate things to me in front of my child and it put a bad taste in my mouth. Which sucks!
Day 6: Sea Day – Getting Cozy, Getting Lounged, and Getting Bingo
After a few days busy , we had a Sea Day that was a godsend. We spent the day doing absolutely nothing. Well, except I played bingo and got a bingo card full of nothing. But it was the perfect chill day. My daughter went with her new friends who played golf and the games on ship and arcade. Probably at 10 ice cream cones…each. I wandered , ate, shopped and went to the casino.
Last Night Of Cruise
The final dinner that night was beautiful and a great way to end the trip. I made sure to tip the waiter I had every night. The staff ate truly what makes the experience great.
After the Cruise: One More Night in Miami at YVE Hotel
Once we docked, it was time to disembark. As a first-timer, I thought getting off the ship was going to be a nightmare. Nope. We had the 9:30 AM checkout time because I’m an overachiever and it was smooth. We grabbed breakfast at Windjammer and then we were off the ship and onto the hotel.
We stayed at YVE Hotel in Miami, just to hang out for one more night before flying back to Atlanta. It’s a nice, no-frills spot to rest your head after all the excitement. It wasn’t much, but it was exactly what we needed.
End Of The Road
Disembarkation is always a bit of a hustle, but it’s all part of the cruise experience. It’s like the reality check that you’ve had your fun, and now it’s time to get back to real life. The process starts early, so don’t expect to sleep in. You’ll get a color-coded luggage tag, which is your golden ticket to figuring out when you’re supposed to head down to disembark. The ship’s crew gives you clear instructions, but there’s still that moment of, “Am I doing this right?” The lines can be long, and while you’re waiting to get off, you’re just thinking about how you could go for one more meal at the Windjammer or one more show. But soon enough, you’re off the ship and into the chaotic yet orderly madness of the port. It’s a little sad, but the feeling of relief when you’ve cleared customs and finally get your bags is feels good too.
The Verdict – Would I Cruise Again?
The short answer is, yes. Would I cruise with Royal Caribbean again? Definitely. I loved it. Freedom of the Seas was perfect for a first-timer like me, and I felt safe, comfortable, and kinda badass by the end of it. Even with my daughter who recovered from a broken leg, she did so good and had no issues .
Now, if you’re cruising with kids or solo, prepare to be patient. Things can get busy, but that’s part of the fun. There’s something about being surrounded by water for days that makes you feel like you can conquer anything. It can get scary at night looking into the dark sea, if you have a balcony.
So, yeah book it. Don’t stress it. And go live your best life on a ship with questionable Wi-Fi.
Must-Do Things Before You Cruise:
1. Check in online to make the check-in process smooth and quick.
2. Pack a travel folder with all your paperwork (passports, boarding passes, etc.).
3. Download the cruise line app for easy access to schedules and activities.
4. Call ahead if you have specific questions about dining or accessibility.
5. Arrive early to give yourself time to adjust before the big day!
Superior Sista Travels 