As one of the Americas’ trendiest cities has reached a new level of stardom, locals may want an exit route.

Given the newfound fame, more and more airlines are choosing this record-breaking destination as a go-to spot for exciting escapes.

No longer will an extra layover be necessary to venture off to one of the most paradisiacal getaways in the United States.

That’s right, halftime show haters. Let’s not forget the Puerto Rico loophole — there’s no passport needed!

You can pack up and go just as you would to Miami, Chicago, or Kalamazoo.

And now people of this thriving Midwest city get to vacation here easier than ever before as Indianapolis welcomes its first nonstop flight to San Juan, Puerto Rico, thanks to Southwest Airlines.

Get Ready, Indy! 4 International Flights Are Coming Your Way

What in the world is going on in Indy? First, it tourism records and now Indianapolis International Airport (IND) has become the Midwest’s new hub for international beach vacations.

Though the recently announced Puerto Rico route won’t launch until 2026, Indy has a few others to look forward to.

We don’t need Al Roker here to know how the Midwest becomes almost unbearable during winter, unless you enjoy wearing 4 layers of clothes and shoveling your driveway each morning.

Airlines have taken note “Hoosiers” need a better option than chasing retirees down to Florida, and they have delivered!

Indy is set to welcome 4 new flights to world-renowned beach locals from Mexico to the Caribbean:

• Punta Cana, Dominican Republic (American Airlines – December 6, 2025)
• Cancun, Mexico ( Delta Airlines – December 20, 2025)
• Los Cabos, Mexico (Southwest Airlines – March 5, 2026)
• San Juan, Puerto Rico (Southwest Airlines – June 6, 2026 – operated on Saturdays only)

Though not technically a beach destination, IND also recently welcomed Aer Lingus to the mix with an exciting new route “across the pond” to Dublin, Ireland.

Jet Off To The Caribbean Without Your Passport

They say rescue dogs are the best kind of therapy. That is, until you come to a shredded passport, next to an overflowing toy basket for good measure…

Yep — my dog ate my passport, and I wished at the time my trip the following week was to Puerto Rico and not Puerto Vallarta, but hey, it worked out.

The point is, keeping up with travel documents can be a real hassle, and “hassle” is not exactly the selling point of the Caribbean.

So, what better place than the passport-free U.S. territory of Puerto Rico?

Most travelers fly into San Juan, the vibrant, historic capital gleaming with colorful facades, timeless streets, storybook landmarks, and of course, Puerto Rico’s fascinating culture and gorgeous beaches.

Since Southwest’s latest route from Indy won’t come around ’til next summer, you have plenty of time to dig into what to see, do, and eat (our favorite part of any trip here at Travel Off Path).

Grab your REAL ID, book a nice stay at one of many charming boutique hotels or flashy resorts, and unwind in paradise, indulging in an array of cultural delights and stunning coastlines, such as Isla Verde.

San Juan Is Just A Starting Point for Puerto Rico’s Wonders

Like my ex said about me in that I’m like an onion with too many layers, the same can be said for Puerto Rico — but in a good way…

While there’s certainly nothing wrong with basing your trip around San Juan, this astounding city, blending captivating history, buzzing nightlife, and affordable luxury, is also a distraction to other corners of the island that are not as well known.

Take Rincon, for example. This gorgeous beach town is an even more affordable and calmer alternative to the hustle and bustle of popular San Juan.

Or take the lesser-known island of Vieques just offshore, boasting black-sand beaches and seemingly untouched turquoise waters, or the smaller city of Ponce with name-brand resorts like Hilton Ponce Golf & Casino Resort.

Don’t let the cruise crowds fool you into thinking San Juan is all Puerto Rico has going for it!