Since Puerto Rico isn’t the largest of islands (only 100 miles long and 35 miles wide) you’ve decided to make San Juan your home base for your upcoming visit to this effervescent and diverse Caribbean paradise. Now, you’ll have the historic city at your fingertips along with the beach, plenty of cafes, night clubs, and boutiques. Visiting the lush rain forests in the interior of the island means less than an hour’s drive, so it sounds like you stand a good chance of seeing it all.

One thing you don’t want to see, however, is another cookie-cutter place to stay. Hotels line the streets of the resort district, but in the spirit of this eclectic nation you’ve decided to do this trip a little differently. By renting a vacation property, you’ll be sure to make this a trip unlike any you’ve taken before.

You plan to do a little of everything while you’re here. Old San Juan, the celebrated neighborhood screaming with history and offering constant glimpses of days gone by, tops your list of tourist destinations. You’d like to take a walking tour in order to be properly informed of all that you see, and you’d also appreciate a little time on your own to just soak it all in at your own pace.

You’d also like to tour the rum distillery and check out the old castles that once protected this port from enemy forces. Cemeteries, cathedrals, and coffee plantations have caught your eye as well, so at this point you’ve realized that your visit to San Juan and the surrounding area is going to be jam-packed with activities and cultural education.

The decision to stay in a vacation rental will make all of your sightseeing a breeze, as many properties are conveniently located near the major attractions. If you’d prefer to be a little removed from the pulsing city life, that’s possible as well, but keep in mind that an urban-style apartment located in Old San Juan will feel comfortable and private if it has been designed and decorated just so.

From three stories above the ground, the noise of nighttime revelers probably won’t disturb you, and your view of the sea will make you feel lucky to be alive. A kitchen equipped with all the basics means you won’t have to eat out every meal, thus you’ll have more money to spend on souvenirs for the poor souls back home that couldn’t make the trip.

Your investigation of a property like this might turn up the tidbit of information that you’re staying in what was once a Spanish orphanage, and the tasteful artwork practically makes this an education in itself. Don’t think this will be like you’re staying in a museum, however; the master bedroom, DVD player, and 600 thread count sheets will pamper and please you like you’ve never been before. When you return to your normal life after a few days, you’ll be refreshed, relaxed, and perhaps a bit worldlier.

Of course, if your heart is set on hearing the sound of the surf from your open window as you nod off to sleep at night, there are plenty of properties available right on the beach. From cozy and quaint to family-sized, you’re sure to find a place that’s just feet from the shoreline and fully outfitted with towels, beach chairs, and information about all the recreational activities available.

Spend your days surfing, snorkeling, or sailing, and then remember that the diversions of the town aren’t too far away. To top off a lovely day, celebrate with your fellow travelers amongst the friendly people of San Juan. This means sampling the local food and drink before blending into the crowd of dancers that will certainly begin congregating once the music starts.

Your time in San Juan will be well spent, especially if you reserve a distinctive place to stay. The small effort of going online will be worth it once you lay eyes on the San Juan Vacation Rental you have chosen, so start looking well in advance of your trip to ensure that you end up exactly where you want to be.