The One Thing That Got Me Through Our Island Adventure (and It Wasn’t Sunscreen)

The One Thing That Got Me Through Our Island Adventure (and It Wasn’t Sunscreen)

When we packed for Puerto Rico, I thought I was prepared: bathing suits, reef-safe sunscreen, travel snacks, bug spray, chargers, even extra goggles. What I didn’t know is that the thing I’d end up most grateful for — besides the beach towels — was the book I brought.

Here’s how it went.

We started off in Rincón, a laid-back surf town on the west coast. We’d rented a condo through VRBO, and just down the road was Steps Beach, a calm little cove with great snorkeling and colorful fish that made us all feel like we’d swum into a documentary. The kids were obsessed. Every morning, they’d gear up with their snorkels while I sat under a tree, toes in the sand, with my book in hand. I’d read a few pages, glance up to check on them, and repeat. It was the perfect rhythm.

One day we took a ferry from the main island to Culebra, and that’s when the real test began.

We boarded expecting a quick 45-minute ride. Two hours later, we were still rocking at sea, the boat lurching with every wave. My daughter and I stayed inside, surrounded by passengers who were slowly turning green. Meanwhile, my husband and boys decided that this was the perfect time to hang out on the open-air top deck. Apparently, getting sprayed with saltwater and whipped by wind was their idea of a good time. They came back soaking wet and grinning like maniacs.

Back inside, with Dramamine doing its job and my daughter quietly leaning against me, I opened my book and read. The stormy seas faded a bit as the story took over.

Culebra was worth the ride, by the way. We swam at Flamenco Beach, where the water looked like a photoshopped postcard and the sand squeaked under our feet. We ate our weight in empanadillas from a little beachside stand — crispy, cheesy, and life-changing. Total island magic.

But here's the thing I didn’t expect: we lost power almost every day of the trip. Rolling blackouts are common on the island, especially in more remote areas. It was usually just for a few hours, but every time the fans went quiet and the lights blinked off, I was grateful for my paperback. No WiFi? No problem. While everyone else reached for their phones and groaned, I just kept reading.

So if you're planning a tropical getaway — especially to an island like Puerto Rico — I can’t recommend this enough: pack a great book. Or two. You’ll want it on the flight, the ferry, the beach, and when the electricity says “see ya later.”

Here are a few I’d bring again in a heartbeat:

📘 Where the Crawdads Sing by Delia Owens
A lush, lyrical mystery with unforgettable marsh landscapes. You’ll lose yourself in this one.

📕 Little Women by Louisa May Alcott
Comfort reading at its finest — sisterhood, growth, and timeless charm.

📗 The No. 1 Ladies' Detective Agency by Alexander McCall Smith
Easy to dip in and out of, perfect for vacation days that come in waves (literally).

📙 Anne of Green Gables by L.M. Montgomery
Wholesome, witty, and full of heart — just like a good beachside afternoon.

📘 Lessons in Chemistry by Bonnie Garmus
A quirky, empowering read about a brilliant woman defying 1960s norms—with just the right mix of science, sass, and heart. A perfect travel companion.

So yes, bring the sunscreen, the bug spray, and the extra goggles. But don’t forget the book. It may just be the real MVP of your trip.

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