While Puerto Rico is considered part of the United States, your experience there will make feel as if you're visiting another country, not another U.S. city. Especially if your family enjoys eco-tourism, participating in beach activities, visiting historical sites, and exploring nature, Puerto Rico has a lot to offer.

Before leaving home, you can learn all about the resorts, hotels, restaurants, activities, and attractions this tropical island has to offer by contacting the Puerto Rico Tourism Company (www.gotopuertorico.com).

The Puerto Rico Tourism Company has several offices you can visit within the United States. These offices are staffed by travel experts who can help you plan the best possible vacation to Puerto Rico. You'll find the tourism offices in the following places:

666 Fifth Avenue, New York, NY 10013

800-223-6530, 212-586-6262

3575 W. Cahuenga Blvd., Suite #405, Los Angeles, CA 90068

800-874-1230, 213-874-5991

901 Ponce de León Blvd., Suite #101, Coral Gables, FL 33134

800-815-7391, 305-445-9112

From the Puerto Rico Tourism Company, you can request free, full-color vacation-planning brochures and other information. The island offers all of the conveniences of vacationing within the United States, but it's culture and history is unique to the Caribbean.