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How to Book a Puerto Rico Beach Trip

How to · Travel

How to Book a Puerto Rico Beach Trip

A week of sun in Puerto Rico is better in late April after the crowds head home and prices drop.

VoAtlas editorial Updated · 3 min read
Typical cost $2,200 before anything else
Across the 0% window $122.22/mo 18 months, no interest

How we got that: $2,200 spread evenly across the 18-month introductory window on the Citi Simplicity® Credit Card. Checked · at the bank Carry a balance past the window and the standard APR applies to what is left.

Puerto Rico in late April hits the sweet spot. The winter crowds are gone, the weather is still perfect for the beach, and you can actually find a spot to sit on the sand without fighting for it. It is the kind of trip where you trade your commute for a cold drink and a view of the Caribbean.

Most people budget about $2200 for a week of travel. To make that work without stressing your bank account, you can use the Citi Simplicity® Credit Card, which offers 0% for 18 months on purchases and balance transfers from date of account opening. This lets you break up the cost into smaller, manageable chunks.

Remember that the 18-month window is a deadline, not a gift. If you still have a balance on the card after the intro window ends, you will start paying interest on whatever is left, which defeats the purpose of the plan.

The steps

  1. 01

    Lock in your dates

    Aim for the last two weeks of April. You will avoid the spring break surge and the start of the rainy season. Booking now helps you avoid the price spikes that happen when inventory gets low.

  2. 02

    Use your card window

    When you book your flights and stay, use the Citi Simplicity® Credit Card to pay. You get 0% for 18 months on purchases and balance transfers from date of account opening. This gives you plenty of time to pay off the $2200 trip without piling on interest fees.

  3. 03

    Set your payment plan

    Divide your total trip cost by 18 to see what you need to pay each month. For a $2200 trip, that comes out to $122.22 per month. Set up an automatic payment for this amount so you stay on track.

  4. 04

    Book your stay

    Look for a spot in San Juan if you want to be near the action, or head to the west coast for a quieter vibe. Compare a few different areas before you commit to the one that fits your travel style.

  5. 05

    Book your flights

    Check prices on a few different airlines. Prices change often, so set a price alert if you have a few weeks before you need to finalize your travel plans.

  6. 06

    Check the card terms before you commit

    Every figure we publish for the Citi Simplicity® Credit Card carries the date a person verified it against Citi and a link to where they checked. Intro windows and APRs change without notice, so confirm the current terms before applying.

    See Citi Simplicity® Credit Card terms →

Common questions

Is the trip actually free because of the 0% interest?

No. 0% interest just means the bank is not charging you extra fees for a set period. You still have to pay back every dollar you spent on the trip.

What happens if I miss a monthly payment?

Missing a payment can lead to late fees and might cause the card issuer to end your 0% rate early. Always make at least the minimum payment on time.

Can I pay it off faster than 18 months?

You definitely should. Paying it off early means you are done with the debt sooner and leaves you more room on your card for other things.

What if I can't pay the full balance by the end of the 18 months?

You will start being charged interest on the remaining balance at the card's standard rate. That rate is usually high, so try to get the balance to zero before the time is up.