Between the lengthy passport processing times and the high costs of overseas travel, many people are looking to stay closer to home. As Conde Nast Traveler points out, you can still get away without the hassle and expense.
Here are their picks for the four best places to travel to without a passport that still feel a world away:
Puerto Rico – Your state driver’s license, or any government-issued ID, is all you need to visit this tropical U.S. territory. The island’s capital, San Juan, is known for its lively nightlife and casinos as well as its historic charm. Visitors can explore ancient fortresses like La Fortaleza and El Morro or simply wander around and admire the city’s colorful Spanish-colonial architecture. Nature lovers may want to escape to Vieques, an island off Puerto Rico’s eastern coast known for its beautiful beaches and the picturesque Bioluminescent Bay.
US Virgin Islands – With proof of U.S. citizenship (like a raised-seal birth certificate) and a valid government-issued ID, you can visit the USVI made up of the main islands of St. Croix, St. John, and St. Thomas, along with a sprinkling of some 50 other islets and cays. Beyond the award-winning beaches and world-class snorkeling, the USVI are culturally rich. Each of the three main islands hosts a lively Carnival celebration.
Key West – Located just 90 miles from Cuba, Key West is the southernmost point in the United States. Because it’s on the mainland, you can visit without the need for any paperwork. Key West, and the rest of the Florida Keys archipelago, are a definite must-go destination for watersports lovers. Tourists can experience scuba diving, snorkeling, sailing, sport fishing, and more. Beyond its pirate lore, Key West also boasts a sense of history. Here you can belly up to the bar at Sloppy Joe’s, Ernest Hemingway’s beloved watering hole.
Alaska – Our nation’s northernmost point, Alaska, is a nature-lovers paradise. It offers unbeatable fishing and wildlife viewing. Cruises capitalize on this, offering passengers breathtaking views of glacier fords and opportunities to see orcas in the wild. Many tourists venture to Alaska to experience the remarkable phenomenon of the Northern Lights, while others place Denali, North America’s highest peak, on their must-see list.
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