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BY  Pijus Maity Nov 20, 2024

Puerto Rico is more than just a beach vacation. There is a reason why it is all over the internet, with a 22% surge in the search volume in 2024 (year-on-year). The UN Tourism report further highlights Puerto Rico as the second-most searched Caribbean destination.  The tourism attractions in Puerto Rico are diverse, and there is a sincere attempt from the government to develop the tourism infrastructure.  San Juan, the capital of Puerto Rico, has a vital role to play in the tourism boost of Puerto Rico. Along with being a stunning destination, San Juan also has vibrant street art and a happening neighborhood. Moreover, it is a quintessence of joie de vivre.  Need more reasons to head to San Juan? It has many activities that will not charge you a single buck. Sounds fun, right? Let’s explore the best things to do in San Juan, Puerto Rico, for free.  You Can Try The Following Things To Do In San Juan, Puerto Rico, For Free | Budget-Friendly Travel Ideas In The Caribbeans  It will not be a jugglery of words if I call San Juan a “Caribbean Gem.” By the end of the 1800s, San Juan became a part of the USA. Further, San Juan, the capital of Puerto Rico, is the oldest city under the USA jurisdiction. Did You Know?Some airlines in Puerto Rico have increased their line of flights. Avelo Airlines is one of them and it has added a flight in “The Lakeland (LAL) – San Juan (SJU) route.” Further, it is the second route it has added to its itinerary outside the continental USA.  The flight will have 20000 more seats, and this addition is expected to yield an economic impact of $6.3 million only in the first year of the line’s operations. This news corroborates the prospects and boost of tourism in San Juan.“The strengthening and expansion of air access to the island is key to the full development of the local tourism industry, so negotiations to attract new airlines and the increase in routes and frequencies is decisive for everyone. We share the enthusiasm of Avelo management with this new non-stop route since this new service between Puerto Rico and Florida will result in economic benefits for the entire tourism industry.”Carlos Mercado-Santiago, Executive Director, Puerto Rico Tourism Co. (PRTC) The city has rainforest, beaches with cobalt blue waters, century-old architecture, heritage, and of course, the things to do in San Juan, Puerto Rico, for free.  So, why not try them? 1. Explore The Street Art In Santurce El Patio de Sole is a local restaurant on Calle Cerra and it is one of the highlights of Santruce, the most happening neighborhood of San Juan.  Murals and larger-than-life art pieces by street artists have transformed this locality into a vibrant art gallery.  Calle Loíza, the “Foodie and Arts Avenue” of Santruce, is another great place to explore street art here. Moreover, Aguacates and Las Musas are some of the best larger-than-life installations here. Did You Know?Almost 10 years back, San Juan, Santurce, and the entire Puerto Rico were going through an economic crisis. Through the Santurce Es Ley street art festival and the Color Libre engagement project, the street artists addressed social problems.   2. Enjoy Bird Feeding At Parque de las Palomas Parque de las Palomas is a public park and it is a place to relax amidst or after a tiring day at work. You can just sit on the benches overlooking the ocean and enjoy the cool breeze here.  Further, feeding birds at Parque de las Palomas is one of the best things to do in San Juan, Puerto Rico, for free. This park is home to pigeons. You can collect bird seed from the park kiosk and feed these playful creatures.  3. Indulge In Street Food At Piñones Piñones on the beach bustle with local street foods. You can have fresh coconut here. Also, the alcapurrias and empanadas available at the local kiosks are amazing. Tour And Travel Note Don’t forget to get some honey and souvenirs from local vendors and artisans here. You can also take a stroll along the boardwalk or enjoy a bike ride in the mangrove forest.  4. Flying Kites At El Morro El Morro, a famous fort in San Juan, is located on the top of a hill, and it overlooks the bay. The grassy land in front of the fort is a big draw to the visitors.  The high winds here make the grassy stretch ideal for flying kites. You can carry your own kites or buy one from the local vendors and enjoy your time with kids and the ones young at heart.  5. Sunbathing Playa Ocean Park, a hub of offshore reefs, is the highlight of Condado, the most popular beach in San Juan. Condado and all other beaches of Puerto Rico are free as those are public land. Further resorts like Condado Vanderbilt Hotel and La Concha make visiting Condado one of the best things to do in San Juan, Puerto Rico. Moreover, you can go kitesurfing or just relax on the beach and enjoy a sunbath.  6. Paseo De La Princesa Scenic Walk Paseo De La Princesa is an esplanade. This 19th-century promenade from the cruise port to El Morro fort stands out due to its European vibe. As you take a walk along Paseo De La Princesa, just outside the city wall, you will find large trees making arches. Further, the antique street lamps will grab the attention of any connoisseur. Moreover, you will find many food vendors as you enjoy the scenic walk. Are you travelling with your partner? Visit Paseo De La Princesa during sunset for the most romantic experience.  7. Experience The Best Of Night Life At La Placita De Santurce Do you want to experience the happening nightlife of San Juan? You must visit La Placita De Santurce after 9 PM as most of the bars here open after 9 or 10 PM and remain functional till early morning. Especially on the weekend, La Placita, or the famous market square, is the most vivacious with people on the street. Enjoy the Salsa moves and the grooviest reggaeton music.  8. Take A Walk In The San Juan Botanical Garden Operating Hours: 6 AM to 6 PM The San Juan Botanical Garden is a great place for the study of local plants and animals. The botanical garden is on the University of Puerto Rico campus. You can take a free entry here, and you also don’t need to pay any charges for parking.  This is a great place to relax and exercise in San Juan. It is also perfect for a picnic. Moreover, you can explore the Japanese bridges and trails to make the most of your time here.  9. Pray At San Juan Cathedral Operating Hours: 8 AM to 4 PM (Sunday - Up to 2 PM) Mass Times: 7:25 AM and 12:15 PM on Weekdays, 7 PM on Saturdays, 9 AM and 11 AM on Sundays The Catedral de San Juan Bautista, or San Juan Cathedral, is the oldest church in the entire Western Hemisphere.  Juan Ponce de Leon rests here, and the church also houses the mummified remains of a martyr from the first century, St. Pio.  Attending the Noche Buena mass on 24th December is a one-of-a-kind experience at this church.  To make the most of these fun and free things to do in San Juan, Puerto Rico, you need comfortable accommodation in the city. The table below has a list of some of the best hotels in San Juan with contact details.  Hotel In San Juan, Puerto RicoContact Number Courtyard by Marriott Isla Verde Beach Resort+1 787-791-0404Residence Inn Isla Verde+1 787-961-1155Hyatt House San Juan+1 787-977-5000Dream Inn PR+1 787-200-6340Condado Vanderbilt Hotel +1 787-721-5500Tropica Beach Hotel+1 787-728-8119La Concha Renaissancece San Juan Resort+1 787-721-7500Dreamcatcher by DW+1 787-455-8259Hotel El Convento+1  787-723-9020AC Hotel San Juan Condado+1 787-827-7280 If you are planning to explore the best things to do in San Juan, contact any of the hotels first to book your accommodation.  Also read Top 10 Most Popular Paraguay Food That You Must Try. Top 13+ Famous Wonders Of India That You Must Visit. Top Tips For Motorbike Rental In Phuket – A Guide To Exploring The Island On Two Wheels.

BY  Sibashree Mar 10, 2026

Shipowners and maritime operators are increasingly facing a serious challenge that threatens operational stability and crew retention. Crew retention is similar to any form of employee retention. So, it means retaining the crew members or workers who have been working within the fleet for a long time.  Unfortunately, the turnover rates in the maritime industry have shot up suddenly. The factors that have prompted people to leave the profession entirely are: Long Contracts Time Away from Family Regulatory Pressures Competition from Shore-Based Roles  So, finding skilled maritime professionals was already a challenge in the expanding shipping industry. Now, it is a different HR concern to retain the crew members for longer.  Furthermore, crew retention is something of strategic importance because it has a direct impact on the following factors.  Vessel Performance Safety Operational Costs Long-Term Profitability Hi, in today’s blog, I will discuss why crew retention is such a challenging aspect in the maritime and cruising industries today. I will also discuss the ways to address it.  How Is Crew Retention Measured? You can measure the crew retention rate using the following metrics.  · Percentage of crew returning after contract completion · Average employment length with a company · Turnover rates across vessel fleets · Rehire rates for officers and senior crew When shipping companies ensure a strong retention rate, the workforce becomes stable.  Why Is Maritime Travel Crew Retention So Important? The maritime travel crew works in isolated environments. So, the following elements become important for safe operations.  Teamwork Trust Experience Also, you will make a mistake if you consider the vessel crew just as a group of employees. They are all part of a tightly coordinated team with the following responsibilities.  Navigation Cargo Safety Emergency Response Engineering Reliability So, crew retention becomes very crucial. Moreover, when the crew retention rate is higher, a maritime crew company can enjoy the following benefits.  1. Operational Consistency When a crew member is working in a crew company for a long time, they can understand the following aspects better.  Company Policies Safety Management Systems Operational Expectations Thus, they can eliminate or minimize mistakes and improve operational efficiency.  2. Stronger Safety Culture Returning seafarers are more familiar with emergency procedures and risk management practices. 3. Faster Vessel Turnaround Times An experienced crew can handle port operations and cargo management more efficiently. 4. Improved Morale Onboard Crew members who have been working together for a long time will trust each other better. Thus, their efficiency will be higher in managing under-pressure or bottleneck situations.  Moreover, if the retention rate of your company is higher, you will have a stronger reputation among seafarers. As a result, it will be easier for you to attract highly-skilled candidates.  Efficient shipping operations are essential for global trade networks.  For example, complex international cargo routes such as those discussed in this guide to container shipment in Hawaii demonstrate how maritime logistics relies heavily on skilled professionals who can operate vessels safely and efficiently across long distances. Rising Crew Turnover In The Maritime Industry Over the past decade, several trends have contributed to rising turnover rates among seafarers. 1. Changing Workforce Expectations Younger generations who want to work in the maritime travel industry have different expectations from their jobs.  Unlike the previous generations, they look for: Work-Life Balance Career Progression Mental Wellbeing Hence, they will not sign for anything related to working for extended periods.  2. Increased Competition For Talent Many seafarers, especially those who struggle to deal with the extended working hours of a maritime crew, often get into land-based maritime roles.  Their roles include: Port Operations Ship Management Marine Surveying Logistics Coordination. Moreover, these roles often offer more predictable schedules and family stability. As a result, experienced officers and engineers are frequently leaving vessels earlier in their careers. 3. Regulatory And Operational Pressures According to the International Maritime Organization’s seafarer welfare resources, improving working conditions and supporting seafarer wellbeing has become a priority across the global maritime sector. So, the regulatory frameworks for modern vessel operations are very crucial. Furthermore, these frameworks ensure safety, environmental compliance, and operational reporting.  Now, following the compliance is also a lot of work for the crew members. Often, the fatigue of following the compliance surpasses the actual reason for safety and sustainability. The True Cost Of Poor Crew Retention For Shipowners High crew turnover can create significant operational and financial challenges for shipowners. 1. Recruitment Costs When the turnover rate is high, you will have to hire new crew frequently. Now, hiring crew members involves the following costs.  Agency Fees Recruitment Processes Background Checks Administrative Onboarding So, all these costs shoot up when a maritime travel company has to hire its crew members frequently due to a poor retention rate. 2. Training And Familiarisation Every new team member will need training in the following areas.  Vessel Systems Company Safety Procedures Operational Workflows Moreover, when a crew member is learning these things, the productivity will be lower. Also, as they are not familiar with the entire scenario, the chances of mistakes will be higher.  3. Disruption To Team Dynamics A vessel crew operates as a tightly coordinated unit. High turnover can disrupt teamwork, communication, and operational rhythm. Moreover, stable crews often develop efficient routines and strong professional relationships. Constant personnel changes can undermine this cohesion. 4. Increased Safety Risks Inexperienced or unfamiliar crew members may take longer to respond to emergencies or unusual situations. So, this can increase the likelihood of operational incidents. Moreover, organisations such as the International Transport Workers’ Federation Seafarers’ Section have highlighted the importance of stable crews for maintaining high safety standards across the global shipping industry. Maritime Travel Crew Retention: Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) Here are the frequently asked questions and answers about the maritime travel crew retention. 1. How Does Crew Retention Affect Shipowners’ Costs? Crew retention directly impacts the operational expenses. If your crew members are staying with you for longer, you will have to spend less money on recruitment, onboarding, and training. Furthermore, a stable crew ensures better operational efficiency.  2. Can Technology Improve Maritime Crew Retention? Yes, you can use technology to improve maritime crew retention. The use of technology can alleviate administrative workloads, improve communication with families, and offer better onboard connectivity. Furthermore, you can take help from crew management platforms so that shipping companies can track training, performance, and career development opportunities. Overall, when you use these tools, the crew members feel more connected to the employer.  3. Is Crew Retention Linked To Vessel Safety And Performance? Absolutely. Experienced crews who have worked together before are generally more effective during routine operations and emergencies. Moreover, they understand vessel systems, safety procedures, and company protocols. Also, high retention leads to stronger teamwork, faster decision-making, and improved safety outcomes across the fleet.

BY  sagnika Jul 21, 2023

Frequent travelers need to know the trends and offers on flights, hotels, and transportation. You can get cheap bookings on Skyscanner, making it an important site. So is Skyscanner legit? Please read the article to know how to use it and why it is legit. Skyscanner is a travel company that has been owned by Trip.com since 2016, yet they function independently. You can make bookings once you visit their official website, www.skyscanner.co.in, for flights, hotels, and car rentals. There are diverse search engine tools for different categories. As a frequent traveler, my goal has always been to save money and enjoy my trips. To do so, I have used Skyscanner to realize that it is an inspiration to travel to new places and utilizes deals and discounts while searching for flights or hotels. Is Skyscanner Legit? Know Your Answer Here! The deals on the travel website are quite affordable but do not expect luxury out of the deals. The deals on Skyscanner are legit and safe to use. Skyscanner is one of the best tools to find travel deals, so is Skyscanner reliable? It is! The company was founded in the year 2003 and currently has 800 employees working in it. The company has created a brand name and operates worldwide in over 30 languages. Along with its services, the brand has collaborated with other brands and services to generate travel deals and discounts. The company has won multiple travel app awards and garners over 100 million users monthly. Skyscanner maintains all relevant regulations and policies as they operate legitimately. What Is Skyscanner? Skyscanner is a comparison website where you cannot make bookings directly. Instead, you will be taken to the travel provider or hotel website to book your travel. Now you will be asking, why is it one of the best? When evaluating the legitimacy of Skyscanner, it is great because it provides you with information related to the best airlines, travel agents, hotels, and car rentals based on the search parameters of the travelers. The website works with reputed travel companies that create reliable and secure travel deals for users. It is the way they work to maintain their reputation that shows their dedication to their customers. All deals and offers on the website are legit, honest, and reliable. Are you looking for the cheapest offers on the website? The Skyscanner cheapest month has been revealed as June as the company informs that this is when you have the most reasonable offers and deals. Benefits One of the biggest benefits you experience when looking for deals on Skyscanner is getting offers on flights, hotels, and car rentals. You can manage your complete trip with this website by booking the deals. Yet, is Skyscanner legit for hotels? It is. It is one of the few websites that allows you to choose "Everywhere" to check out destinations and, accordingly, book available flights based on your budget and specific date and locations. The services provided by Skyscanner are free and genuine; hence, you can easily use them to plan your trip and make your bookings. It is one of the most convenient websites to plan your trip. The local travel and global travel agents need to improve when it comes to Skyscanner, especially if you compare the fares across online travel services. The company has collaborated with well-known and established travel agencies creating some of the best deals and services. Shortcomings One of the biggest issues is that you need to have a valid business that Skyscanner will accept. They check the company's validity and whether it can generate business and bring in new users. Another negative aspect is that you cannot save the old booking pricing. Hence, it will keep changing every minute. It is a flex-fare search; hence, it keeps increasing with each search result. I have also noticed that there are limits. So, for example, even though they promote themselves as free when you make calls for booking or select a certain package, there are a specific number of trials that you can have. Reviews On Skyscanner According to the 953K reviews on Google Play about Skyscanner, the application's rating is 4.7 out of 5, with people really satisfied with the services. Apart from the significant features available on the website when making bookings, you will also be receiving substantial information to navigate your travel. Another review read that this website is one of the best to find destinations. There have been some issues with the updated version as many travelers need help finding some old features, yet the available deals and discounts are too good to be true. Alternatives For Skyscanner You can use certain alternatives if you need access to Skyscanner, which provides services quite similar to Skyscanner. Different options exist for booking your flights, hotels, and car rentals. It is effortless to use these sites, and you can benefit from them. Momondo is one such skyscanner alternative as a travel fare aggregator which you can use to find deals and offers related to travel. Initially, it is another option to search for flights and hotels. However, it is more efficient than other sites. You can also use it as a comparison site. Google Flights is another alternative that can be used in place of Sky-scanner, one of the best services. When comparing Skyscanner vs Google Flights, the service Google Flights is one of the simplest websites where you do not need to make any payment or sign-up. Kayak is another search engine where you can use the internet to find all personalized destinations and travel plans. The metasearch engine recommends the easiest settings and acts as a Skyscanner alternative. Conclusion  I have always been a huge fan of Skyscanner because it was my way of checking out cheap deals and offers even when I did not have a high budget. What can be more exciting for a young girl with dreams in her eyes and an unexplored world at her feet? If you also want to travel under an affordable budget, please read the article and learn how to use Skyscanner to get offers and discounts efficiently. To answer your question, is skyscanner legit? Yes it is. So, where are you travelling next? Comment down below about how excited you are! Give Skyscanner a try to book your flight tickets and hotel bookings. Read Also: Using Flightscanner To Find Cheap Flights In 2023? All That You Need To Know! Hopper Flights Review- Login, Services, And Travel Experiences Myenvoyair Review – Registration, Login And Benefits