If you're seeking out a vacation that combines history, beautiful architecture, rich culture and great weather, all without going to far-flung lands or outside your comfort zone, San Juan, Puerto Rico might just be the right place for your next vacation.

The city is the second-oldest European settlement in North, Central or South America, coming in just after Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic. It was established in 1521, which explains why San Juan vacations have a step-back-in-time quality to them. The "Old City" in particular is enchanting because of its colonial buildings and historic character.

Puerto Rico is an unincorporated territory of the United States, so San Juan vacations offer a taste of the exotic with an undercurrent of the familiar. You can pay in U.S. dollars, and you'll even find a smattering of familiar American restaurants, if you're hankering for a taste of home. Put the following items on your to-do list, however, and you'll be too enchanted with Puerto Rico to be thinking of home.

* Strolling San Juan Viejo. Charm simply exudes from the streets of Old San Juan, which, coincidentally, are paved with cobblestones imported from Spain. The brightly painted houses provide a colorful backdrop, and many people keep the doors to their courtyards open so that passersby can look in. Plus, the best part of all is that simply strolling and enjoying the ambience is absolutely free.

* Finding your favorite beach. San Juan has a number of beaches to choose from, all with different attractions, so you should try to test at least a couple out to find your favorite. Balneario Condado and Balneario de Carolina are both good choices, patrolled by lifeguards and offering amenities like beach chair rental, restrooms, barbecue pits and snack bars.

* Explore the city's mini-museums. Rather than exhausting yourself in one gigantic museum, try checking out a handful of San Juan's smaller museums on a number of quick visits. Casa del Libro is in a beautiful restored house, which in itself is worth a look, but it also has an extensive collection of early documents (dating from 1501 and earlier), some even signed by King Ferdinand and Queen Isabella. The Instituto de Cultura Puertorriquena is another good bet -- it focuses on art and cultural artifacts indigenous to the country.

* Get fortified. San Juan has no shortage of atmospheric old forts to explore, so make sure you get at least one into your visit. La Fortaleza, built in 1533, was the original fortress here, only to be replaced over the years and turned into a residence for governors. El Morro, also dating from the 16th century, has 140-foot walls, a lighthouse and six levels to explore. It is maintained by the National Park Service.

A visit to San Juan will give you the distinct feeling of being somewhere exotic, but with much of the ease of traveling in a familiar place. With cheap hotels and low-cost flights readily available, a trip to San Juan is surprisingly affordable. To get started planning your trip, search for airline tickets and hotels on websites like Travelocity.com, where you can track fares and often bundle the costs of what you need to get a better rate.

Courtesy of ARAcontent