Image Source: Getty/John and Tina Reid
Like many women of color and children of immigrants, I'd always dreamed of embarking on my first solo trip. It was something I craved but delayed for years because of safety concerns. Raised in a Dominican household where caution was second nature, I was taught to be wary of everything, from sleepovers to late-night outings.
My mom, tías, and abuelas who married young and transitioned straight from their family homes to marriage rarely ventured out alone. That protective instinct extended to me, my sister, and my girl cousins. But I grew up in a generation of more independent and empowered women. My desire to explore the world couldn't be overshadowed by fear. When the opportunity arose to curate a solo trip to Puerto Rico for my birthday in partnership with Discover Puerto Rico, I seized it.
The island, with its rich culture and welcoming people, felt like the perfect place for this milestone. I've always been a fan of Puerto Rican culture, as someone who grew up around many Nuyoricans. In recent years, I've traveled there several times. While I've technically traveled alone to Puerto Rico and numerous other places, including Mexico, it was always for work, a gig, a press trip, or to eventually meet up with a friend - even if it was just for half of the trip. I've never gone on a vacation entirely by myself for a couple of days.
But this year, ringing in my birthday with a solo trip felt imperative. In my late thirties, I've found it increasingly important to embrace this milestone before I eventually enter my forties. Solo travel offers a unique opportunity for self-reflection and growth, and I wanted to normalize it as a regular practice. And Puerto Rico really felt like the best place to do so: I planned an itinerary filled with plenty of alone time, nature, delicious food, and live music, all while celebrating my journey of self-discovery.
Typically, my visits to Puerto Rico have mostly centered around San Juan, a city I adore for its vibrant culture. This time, I craved peace, quiet, and immersion in nature, away from typical tourist spots. The island's east coast, with its lush mountains and serene beaches, was the perfect choice. I stayed at The Serene House in Luquillo, which was precisely that. It's a gorgeous bed and breakfast owned by a Puerto Rican couple named Pablo and Maribel, who were incredibly kind and hospitable.
Image Source: Johanna Ferreira
Image Source: Johanna Ferreira
Despite the allure of social media showcasing picturesque solo adventures, I knew a backpacking trip wasn't for me - no, thank you. Hostels have lost their appeal, and I prefer luxury and comfort. My decision to stay at The Serene House was intentional. I wanted to be in the mountains surrounded by nature, and supporting a Puerto Rican-owned business was crucial for me, especially on an island where gentrification has made it impossible for many Puerto Rican citizens to afford to live comfortably in their own country.
Each morning began with fresh local fruits and a custom breakfast, crafted by Pablo, who is also a fantastic chef. I spent my days walking the nature trails surrounding the property and reading in my outdoor hammock right outside my private casita. I also explored El Yunque National Forest through the Boricua diasporic Sofrito Tours. Its founder, Laura Beatriz, gave me my own private tour, where we visited Finca Neo Jibairo, a tobacco and coffee farm in Luquillo.
I also dined at a handful of Boricua-owned restaurants that had been on my bucket list, including La Parilla, a restaurant right on the beach, which is part of los kioscos de Luquillo and known for its delicious seafood dishes, and La Estación, a family-owned restaurant known for its Caribbean take on American barbecue.
My actual birthday was marked by a snorkeling boat trip with the Sail Getaways in Fajardo. I mingled with strangers and made new friends, who I learned were also planning on attending a vogue and ballroom party at Kweens Club in the Santurce neighborhood of San Juan later that night. My friend Juan, who lives just a few minutes from where I was staying, had invited me to that party after I told him I wanted to go to a live music event or a party where I didn't have to worry about straight men harassing me. Juan also joined me for dinner at Sama, a Boricua-owned, fine dining restaurant. It was the only part of the trip where I was open to celebrating my birthday with someone familiar.
Image Source: Johanna Ferreira
Image Source: Johanna Ferreira
That's because I was still prioritizing independence during the trip. As someone who has chosen to be mostly single throughout my thirties - after coming out of a nearly 10-year relationship that dominated my 20s - independence and freedom have become my core values. Choosing to be single in my thirties has felt like a gift to myself. It has allowed me to prove that I can excel in my career, live alone in expensive New York City, and travel the world. My entire trip allowed me to finally feel comfortable embracing that last goal. As a Latina, I try to avoid perpetuating the narrative that Latin America is unsafe for travelers. Though my travels in the Dominican Republic and Mexico have generally been safe, I sought a destination where potential harassment would be minimal. Puerto Rico was that place where I felt both safe and comfortable.
I believe we don't talk enough about Puerto Rico as a prime destination in Latin America for solo women travelers. Planning is key, though, whether utilizing Uber in San Juan or coordinating transportation on the East Coast.
This trip was a testament to my commitment to independence, supporting local businesses, and embracing a new love for solo travel. Those who know me understand how much I cherish my own company, and spending my birthday alone in Puerto Rico was truly magical.
Johanna Ferreira is the content director for PS Juntos. With more than 10 years of experience, Johanna focuses on how intersectional identities are a central part of Latine culture. Previously, she spent close to three years as the deputy editor at HipLatina, and she has freelanced for numerous outlets including Refinery29, Oprah magazine, Allure, InStyle, and Well+Good. She has also moderated and spoken on numerous panels on Latine identity. Read More Details
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