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When vacation time comes, you may be wondering “Where can I travel without a passport?”. Don’t worry. It’s still possible to get that exotic feeling without having to get that dark blue book.
For whatever reason yours may be, there are millions of Americans who don’t have passports. There are so many gorgeous destinations to visit with just a USA driver’s license. Alot of those which are islands!
The USA and its territories stretch out a lot bigger than we think! Sitting at the 3rd largest country in the world (area mass), America has one of the most bio diverse geography the earth has to offer. Let’s dive into exploring where to travel without a passport.
St. Thomas, USVI- Travel Without a Passport
It was only a few years ago when I found out about the United States Virgin Islands. I was genuinely shocked! This territory consists of 3 islands: St. Thomas, St. John, and St. Croix. It’s kind of a hidden gem. And certainly isn’t talked about nearly as much as its neighbouring island of Puerto Rico.
I spent a month traveling and exploring the USVI and it is genuinely gorgeous! It’s a small island and very hilly but has to much to offer. If you drive up to one of the tallest points, you can see Puerto Rico. There’s plenty for the entire family to do and you get the Caribbean feel without needing a passport.
Honolulu, Hawaii
Hawaii is seriously a magical place. Sitting at the 50th state of the USA, culturally it’s another country, legally its a part of The States. There is much controversy that surrounds the topic visiting Hawaii. But after listening to many locals, all people want is for tourists to be more conscious and respectful of their native culture if planning a trip. Please practice respect to the land and the native people that call it home.
Hawaii consists of 8 major islands, and Honolulu is most likely where you’ll fly in. It has gems like Waikiki beach and astonishing cultural events such as fire dancing. The fruit reminded me a lot of my home country Jamaica. They have things like Breadfruit, Paw Paw (Papaya), Starfruit, and more! If you love nature and wish to travel without a passport, Hawaii should definitely be high on your list.
San Juan Puerto Rico- Travel Without a Passport
Old San Juan has 1800’s architecture and gives off such a transformational feeling. All you need to enter Puerto Rico is a valid form of Government ID (like a driver’s license) to explore this tropical destination.
Learn about Puerto Rican Culture and discover the beautiful blend of African, Spanish, and Indigenous influences have had on the people. Feel free to schedule a tour or go to Old San Juan and embark on a (free) self guided walking tour. End off the night with drinks and salsa dancing as well as a belly warming Puerto Rican meal.
El Yunque, Puerto Rico
This gorgeous waterfall is one of many on the Caribbean Island. If you decide to stay in San Juan, it’s easy to book a day tour to El Yunque. Enjoy the experience of hiking through the Puerto Rican rainforest and taking a well deserved dip into the cool and refreshing waters.
Destin, Florida- Travel Without a Passport
If you want turquoise waters, good food, and tropical fruit then Destin is the place to be! This destination is located in the continental USA and quite easy for most to get to.
Key West, Florida
Offering gorgeous clear water, white sand beaches, and an island feel, The Florida Key West has easily become a hotspot for passport and non passport holders.
Scuba diving, upscale hotels, and water sports await a visitor for a tropical vacation in the Floridian destination. The sunsets are beautiful and palm trees dot the horizon; it’s truly a must visit! So if you want to plan a tropical vacation and travel without a passport or leaving the immediate USA, Key West Florida is a top option.
St. Croix USVI- Travel Without a Passport
St. Croix seriously offers some of the prettiest beach water I’ve seen in my life. And that’s coming from a Jamaican. This island is apart of the US Virgin Islands trio and can be reached via ferry or Sea Plane from St. Thomas.
There’s plenty of snorkelling activities and you can chill and relax on the beach with a tropical drink in hand. Best of all, getting to the USVI only requires a driver’s license or valid government issued USA ID.
Alaska
Some people prefer snow boarding, skin, and white capped trees for vacation and that’s okay! Sitting at the USA’s largest state in terms of area, Alaska is a gorgeous place to feel like you’re in a different world. Alaska is a state so no passport is needed to get here. Just make sure you have a direct flight as stopping in Canada requires a passport.
Explore whale sitings, kayak next to ice caps, and hike through nature as you get to know the northern beauty this state has to offer. Be sure you pack enough layers to stay extra warm!
Malibu, California- Travel Without a Passport
Malibu California is an absolute dream. With rising hills and and rock formations that resemble the Algarve cost in Portugal, this small beach town has a lot to offer for a vacation get away.
Located just under an hour drive from Los Angeles, Malibu and Southern California is a great spot to feel like you’re in a different culture.
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