So you've made the decision to finally treat yourself to a wonderful tropical vacation in Puerto Rico. You've searched the internet and studied the brochures, so you know just what you want to see and do. You have your lodging reservations and are in the process of packing your duds. But have you given any thought as to how you'll get around the island once you've arrived? Without a little transportation primer, traveling around Puerto Rico can be a little scary and unpredictable.

If you arrive by commercial airline, your point of entry will be San Juan's MLL International Airport. If you come on a cruise ship, you'll arrive at either San Juan or Ponce. You can rent a car at the airport or take a taxi to your hotel. Some of the larger resorts and hotels offer a shuttle service for a small fee.

Once you're ready to do some sightseeing and check off the points of interest on your list, get a map and become at least a little familiar with the island's layout. Puerto Rico is only 100 miles long and 35 miles wide, so it shouldn't take you much more than a couple of hours to get from point A to point B. The major highways, PRs 1, 2, and 3, basically skirt the coast, with the exception of part of PR 1, which intersects the eastern third of the country, running north and south.

In the larger cities, traffic jams are common. In the rural areas, you might have to stop for goats and cows. Speed limits are posted, but for native motorists, they really seem more like a suggestion than an actual law. If you still want to drive yourself, be careful. Drive defensively.

Taxis are expensive on the island. A cheaper alternative is a Publico, which is basically a  taxi you share with strangers. The drawback is that you can't accurately figure travel time in a publico. You might think that going just a mile or so won't take long, but you must keep in mind that the publico is constantly stopping to pick up more passengers and to let other passengers off.

If you just want some form of transportation for running around town, beyond what your two feet can comfortably travel, you might want to rent a scooter or a bicycle. Both are found at numerous resorts, hotels, and rental outfits around the island.

If you're staying in San Juan or Old San Juan, you're in luck. You'll most likely be within walking distance of plenty of restaurants, beaches, museums, historical sites, shopping, beaches, and nightlife. Another choice in San Juan is the Tren Urbano, or City Train, which carries passengers to several sections in the area.

The Metropolitan Bus Authority provides public transportation by bus in San Juan, Bayamon, Catano, Carolina, Guaynabo, and Trujillo Alto. Some of the buses get pretty crowded, but look at it as an opportunity to rub shoulders with the natives - literally.

If you're planning an excursion to one of the beautiful, unspoiled little islands off shore, you can catch a boat at many ports, including Fajardo, Ponce, San Juan, and Guanica. If you just want to go out for a short sightseeing cruise, take my advice: don't book through a third party. Just wander down to the docks and find a local with a sturdy-looking vessel. He'll probably be elated to make a few extra bucks to take you somewhere, not only saving you some dough, but also giving you a chance to make a new friend who'll be more than happy to share his knowledge of the island with you.

Here's another tip: When traveling on you own in a rental car, don't always take the freeway. If you do, you'll see mostly...well, freeway! Take some side roads, especially along the coast. You'll see the real Puerto Rico - tiny fishing villages, quaint harbors, secluded beaches, and little roadside stands selling everything from fresh fruits to handmade crafts to mouth-watering fresh seafood cooked on an open fire. After all, when visiting a new place, part of the fun is EXPERIENCING it, not just seeing it from your hotel balcony or as a blur by the interstate.

This guide to the planes, trains, and automobiles of Puerto Rico was brought to you by Holle Abee.

There is nothing like experiencing a bit of local culture and flavor in a different country.  And there is nothing like relaxing in the hot tub of a private Puerto Rico  holiday home after you have had your fill of experiencing!