As more companies embrace the home business trend, many people are taking their home offices down the road. In fact, 74% of Americans said they are considering taking time off work, according to a survey conducted by Harris Poll last month.
Discover Puerto Rico, the island’s tourism board, is offering 6 Americans the opportunity to do so for two weeks for free. The “Work in Full Color” project, which encourages WFH employees to change their offices to an office closer to turquoise waters in Puerto Rico, aims to show how easy it is to work from American soil as the island is a U.S. protectorate.
After all, no passports are required and the island is in the same time zone as the East Coast for half the year (and only an hour ahead for the rest of the year). Additionally, American visitors won’t have to worry about currency conversion and can expect familiar amenities like Uber Eats, Walgreens, CVS, and Airbnb (which has its own website in Puerto Rico).
Even 31 internet service providers and three 5G networks make it easy to videoconference or stay connected to your current phone plan.
To showcase all of these benefits, six winners will enjoy business locations across the island, including a floating villa off Fajardo, an apartment in Old San Juan, a luxury oceanfront suite at Copamarina Beach Resort & Spa, and Palmas del mar.
“We hope travelers learn how easy and convenient it is to work remotely from Puerto Rico, as they will not need visas, passports or proof of insurance to work on the island for a long time,” said Lea Chandler, Chief Marketing Officer at Discover. Puerto Rich. Travel + Leisure says. “Additionally, we are keen to inform visitors of the variety of activities and experiences available throughout Puerto Rico [to enjoy] once the workday is over.”
She adds that her favorite parts of working on the island are “surrounded by friendly people and exploring the diverse culture, especially the great gastronomy.” Some of the local highlights include dining in the elegant outdoor dining hall, Lot 23, or taking a sustainable tour through Local Guest, which offers everything from cave adventures and pottery lessons to volunteer tours that help build homes destroyed by Hurricane Maria or Work in a garden community. .
To participate, visit Discoverpuertorico.com/deskover and describe what you can achieve by working on the island for two weeks. Winners will receive a round-trip economy class airfare, 14 nights’ accommodation, and Wi-Fi for the duration of their stay. All registrations must be received by May 13, 2021.
Chandler also says that Puerto Rican natural wonders add charm, especially after a year of being locked in the house. “The proximity to the many unique landscapes and outdoor resources is incredible as well,” he says. “Being able to visit the beach, mountains or rainforests in one weekend is really rare and special.”
It should be noted that the CDC currently has Puerto Rico at Level 4 “highest for COVID-19 level,” but says those who are fully vaccinated can travel within the U.S. There is also an island-wide curfew between 10pm. and 5 a.m., but restaurants, swimming pools, and museums are operating at 30% of capacity.
