There has been a lot of growth over the last couple months (THANK YOU) so I thought I would provide a little bit of information about who I am for new subscribers. My name is Adam Scripps and I started Great Lakes Travel Deals in November of 2022 with the intention of publishing discounted flights for travelers departing from Detroit, Chicago, Toronto, and all the regional airports in between. Since starting in November, I have published over 170 flight deals and have grown my audience to over 5,000 subscribers and 8,800 Facebook followers.
I am a 44-year-old husband and father of three. I have twin 10-year-old boys and a daughter that is 8. I was born and raised in Michigan and live just outside of Grand Rapids. In my free time I enjoy spending time with my family, coaching youth sports (currently football and lacrosse) and traveling. As a family we spend a lot of weekends on the go “up north” and so far, our favorite family trips have been to Glacier National Park and Montreal.
I received my MBA and a Bachelor of Science in Hospitality and Tourism Management from Grand Valley State University. I’ve also been working towards a four-class certificate in Applied Positive Psychology from the University of Pennsylvania.
I’ve always found ways to incorporate travel into my work life. I worked my way through college at restaurants and hotels in Michigan, New York City, and even Scotland and my first job out of college was managing an eco-tourism project as a US Peace Corps volunteer in Ghana, West Africa.
I set up Great Lakes Travel Deals so that there are free flight deals and paid flight deals. Every flight deal I publish will offer opportunities for significant savings, but some of the better flight deals will be found in my paid posts. If you value the content I’m posting please consider a paid subscription at $30/year. Your financial support is bookmarked for family travel and filling the college fund, so I appreciate all the support.
Thanks for subscribing to Great Lakes Travel Deals. I’ve really enjoyed playing a small part in your travel plans and I love getting feedback from subscribers on the trips they have taken!
Alright. Thanks for taking the time to read the intro above. For some of you that may be redundant, but I’ve received some good feedback recently that new subscribers would like to know a little bit more about the business and who I am.
About that Flight Deal
Frontier Airlines has a single round-trip flight option posted from Grand Rapids-to-San Juan, Puerto Rico at $136 for travel in September. This flight has averaged $255 from Grand Rapids so this is an incredible price point if you can make the dates and logistics work! This flight isn’t going to be for everyone as the arrival time is after midnight, but if you’re willing to endure the inconvenience of a late-night flight, you’ll get a great price! I looked through some reddit threads (link here) and this arrival time is doable for the night owls in this group.
Here are a couple of reasons Puerto Rico is so popular with travelers:
Rich History and Cultural Heritage
Puerto Rico boasts a vibrant history that blends indigenous, Spanish, and African influences. Explore the colonial architecture in Old San Juan, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, with its colorful buildings, ancient fortresses like El Morro and San Cristobal, and charming cobblestone streets. The island's museums, such as the Museo de Arte de Puerto Rico and Museo de Arte Contemporáneo, exhibit captivating works from both local and international artists, providing insight into the island's rich cultural heritage.
Breathtaking Natural Beauty
Puerto Rico is a tropical paradise with an array of stunning natural landscapes. From pristine beaches, such as Flamenco Beach on Culebra Island and Playa Sucia in Cabo Rojo, to lush rainforests like El Yunque National Forest, nature lovers will find themselves in awe of the island's biodiversity. Hike through lush trails to discover hidden waterfalls, encounter unique flora and fauna, and take in breathtaking views from mountaintops.
Diverse and Pristine Beaches
Puerto Rico boasts an impressive array of beaches, each with its own unique charm. From the golden sands of Luquillo Beach, perfect for families with its gentle waves and shallow waters, to the remote and unspoiled beauty of Flamenco Beach on Culebra Island, there is a beach to suit every taste.
Culinary Delights
Puerto Rican cuisine is a flavorful fusion of Spanish, African, and indigenous Taíno influences. Indulge in traditional dishes like mofongo, a mashed plantain dish often served with meat or seafood, and arroz con gandules, a savory rice dish cooked with pigeon peas and various spices. The island's street food scene offers delicious treats such as alcapurrias, pastelillos, and pinchos. Don't forget to try the famous Puerto Rican rum and local coffee during your visit.
Warm Hospitality and Festive Atmosphere
Puerto Ricans are known for their warm hospitality and love for celebrating life. Experience their vibrant culture through lively festivals like the San Sebastián Street Festival in January and the Fiestas de la Calle San Sebastián in Old San Juan. Enjoy salsa music and dancing at one of the many nightclubs, bars, and plazas around the island.
Fellow parent of twins here! When did traveling with multiples become easier for your fam? 😅