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We love to travel. If you’re new to the blog, that’s one of the first things you’ll learn about me and my family.
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ToggleIf you’re a regular reader, you probably know well enough by now how much we enjoy traveling anywhere and everywhere. There is so much to see and experience, all over the world.
As U.S. citizens, it’s pretty easy to travel within the United States. But, venturing outside of the country usually requires important documentation, such as a passport. Even visiting nearby Mexico or Canada without a passport is nearly impossible.
Fortunately, there are a lot of places American citizens can go without a passport, including U.S. territories and other countries.
Here is a roundup of places you can visit without your passport.
14 Best Places To Travel Without a Passport
US Territories To Visit Without A Passport
St. Thomas – US Virgin Islands
St. Thomas is an island in the Caribbean Sea. Of the three U.S. Virgin Islands, St. Thomas is the most populated and busiest.
You don’t need a passport to travel to St. Thomas – only a valid, government-issued ID. The best time to visit St. Thomas is from mid-April through June.
You’ll enjoy lower hotel and resort rates since it’s after peak tourism season. It’s also before the area’s hurricane season starts. Plus, the temperatures are much more pleasant.
We visited St. Thomas as a family in March 2021. We were thrilled to discover that, in addition to its remarkable natural beauty, St. Thomas offers so many things to do with kids. It’s an equally enjoyable vacation destination for couples and solo travelers.
St. Croix – US Virgin Islands
St. Croix is another destination in the U.S. Virgin Islands. It’s a bit more secluded than the other islands. It’s another 45 miles south of St. Thomas and St. John.
You don’t need a passport to travel to St. Croix – only a valid, government-issued ID. St. Croix is a gorgeous, year-round island destination, but it tends to be less crowded in April through May and September through October.
We visited St. Croix in January 2020 as a means to escape the cold weather. I didn’t know much about the island before our trip, but I’m so glad we gave it a chance and discovered all the amazing things there are to do in St. Croix.
In addition to stunning white sand beaches, St. Croix offers picturesque hiking trails, colorful coral reefs, and memorable historic sites, all just waiting to be explored.
Make a point to visit Salt River Bay National Historic Park. It’s supposedly where Christopher Columbus landed.
St. John – US Virgin Islands
It felt wrong to mention the other two U.S. Virgin Islands without highlighting all the wonders of St. John. It offers the most natural beauty of the three U.S. Virgin Islands. Approximately two-thirds of St. John is within the protected Virgin Islands National Park.
St. John is a marvelous Caribbean vacation destination. You don’t need a passport to travel to St. John – only a valid, government-issued ID.
The best time to visit St. John is from April to June when there is significantly less rainfall, mild temperatures, and fewer crowds of tourists.
On the island of St. John, you can enjoy beautiful beaches and remarkable hiking trails. I also recommend exploring the twins of Cruz Bay and Coral Bay.
The lively energy in Cruz Bay is contagious, and the quieter, laid-back community of Coral Bay feels like paradise.
Northern Mariana Islands
The Northern Mariana Islands aren’t exactly the easiest to get to. They’re a small string of islands situated in the Pacific Ocean. But this destination is worth every bit of effort it takes to get there.
The Northern Mariana Islands are a U.S. commonwealth. The largest island in the commonwealth is Saipan. You can visit the Northern Mariana Islands without a passport. You only need a valid, government-issued ID.
During your time on the Northern Mariana Islands, you’ll be mesmerized by the rich Polynesian culture, thrilling water sports, and remarkable World War II memorials.
Be sure to check out the huge underwater limestone cavern called The Grotto, as well as the friendly sea turtles and reef sharks. If you’re into hiking, hit the trails going toward the highest peak of Mount Tapochau. It’s an experience you won’t soon (or ever) forget.
Puerto Rico
Puerto Rico is the largest U.S. territory and one of the best Caribbean islands for kids. It’s also one of the best places you can visit without a passport. All you need to visit this Latin American island is a valid government-issued ID.
Flights land in San Juan, Puerto Rico every day, from most major U.S. airport hubs. People travel from all over to experience all that Puerto Rico has to offer.
The best time to visit the island is from mid-April to June. This way, you’ll avoid the busiest season (winter) as well as the rainy summer.
Of the many things to do in Puerto Rico, the bioluminescent bays are arguably the most memorable. Paddle over this remarkable, rare phenomenon in one of three separate locations in Puerto Rico.
Also, make sure to explore the tropical rainforest El Yunque for an adventure off the beaten path, as well as El Morro, a historic landmark.
Cruise Destinations To Visit Without A Passport
Another way to travel without a passport is via a closed-loop cruise. A closed-loop cruise is one that begins and ends at the same United States port.
To visit the following destinations via a closed-loop cruise without a passport, you need both a state-issued ID and an original birth certificate. If you want to visit these destinations by plane, you will need a passport.
The Bahamas (By Closed Loop Cruise)
The Bahamas is part of the West Indies in the Atlantic. It’s made up of 16 islands that total over 100,000 square miles. There really are endless opportunities for adventure at this tropical destination.
Among the most popular activities for visitors is frolicking with the swimming pigs on Pig Beach on Big Major Cay. You can also swim with dolphins on Blue Lagoon Island.
For a quieter, more relaxing experience, head to Pink Sands Beach. The gorgeous pink-colored sand is something everyone should see at least once.
Costa Rica (By Closed-Loop Cruise)
Costa Rica is another fantastic closed-loop cruise destination that you can visit without a passport. This Central American country boasts Caribbean and Pacific coastlines, volcanic islands, and lively jungles. Costa Rica is a paradise for nature lovers, thrill seekers, and adventurous families.
Thrill seekers can also have a good time in Costa Rica. You can zipline through the rainforests, go white water rafting at La Fortuna Rapids, and ride horses on Hermosa Beach.
Make sure to visit Arenal Volcano, it’s one of the most impressive rainforests in the world. You’ll also want to spend some time in Los Laureles, a geothermal spring where you can enjoy a warm soak.
Dominican Republic (By Closed-Loop Cruise)
The Dominican Republic is a large Latin American country in the Caribbean. It’s a fantastic travel destination for families, with so much for kids of all ages to enjoy. The Dominican Republic is home to picturesque white-sand beaches and impressive Spanish colonial architecture.
Closed-loop cruises that visit the Dominican Republic usually stop in Punta Cana or Santo Domingo. Punta Cana is one of our favorite tropical destinations. You just have to see the turquoise waters for yourself.
Turks And Caicos (By Closed-Loop Cruise)
Turks and Caicos is another wonderful vacation destination that you can visit without a passport via a closed-loop cruise. This British Overseas Territory in the Atlantic Ocean is made up of 40 different islands and cays.
Only 9 of the 40 islands are inhabited. Each of the nine islands has a memorable experience to offer. The main island for tourism is Providenciales–that’s where we spent our time when we visited Turks and Caicos last year.
Some of the best things to do in Turks and Caicos include snorkeling and diving in some of the clearest water you’ll ever see. You’ll also have the opportunity to eat some of the freshest, most delicious seafood.
Jamaica (By Closed-Loop Cruise)
The popular Caribbean island of Jamaica has two cruise ports between Montego Bay and Kingston. You don’t need a passport to embark on a closed-loop cruise that stops in Jamaica. This vacation destination is one that is equally memorable for solo travelers and couples as it is for families with several kids.
Among the many activities for tourists in Jamaica, ocean-based experiences are the most popular. Try snorkeling, diving, sailing, surfing, and more. You can also hike through the mountains to discover breathtaking waterfalls, before returning for delicious food and dancing.
Destinations In The US To Visit Without A Passport
Hawaii
You don’t need a passport to visit what is arguably the most beautiful of all the United States. Hawaii is also one of the best places to visit with kids in USA.
Once you book a flight to the Hawaiian islands, it’s up to you to decide what kind of island vacation you want to enjoy.
You can spend your days relaxing on the stunning beaches of Honolulu, surfing the giant waves in Maui, or hiking up volcanoes on the Big Island. There’s truly something for everyone in Hawaii.
Alaska
As long as you’re traveling by plane or cruise ship from the continental U.S., you don’t need a passport to visit America’s last frontier.
Alaska is HUGE. In fact, it’s so big that a lot of it hasn’t even been touched and explored by people yet. Still, there is a ton for every type of traveler to do. Flights regularly arrive at and depart Anchorage and many cruises stop by Juneau and Skagway.
Alaska is another destination that everyone should experience at least once in their lifetime. It truly feels like you’ve stepped onto another planet. A planet that is welcoming, picturesque, and full of adventures, of course. Visiting Alaska is all about witnessing its otherworldly, natural beauty.
I recommend exploring Exit Glacier via the trails around it, as well as taking the train from Anchorage to Spencer Glacier. The lake at Spencer Glacier is stunning. Take a boat across Glacier Bay for a truly unique and memorable adventure.
Or, for a real once-in-a-lifetime experience, visit Fairbanks in the winter to see the aurora borealis in the night sky. Check the Geophysical Institute forecasts for the best times to see this phenomenon.
Disneyland, California
Disneyland is such a great kid-friendly vacation destination. Traveling to Disneyland is also one of the best family road trips. You don’t need a passport to take advantage of all that Disneyland offers.
Disneyland is so much more than just a theme park! Sure, there are Disneyland and Disney California Adventure theme parks in the Disneyland Resort in Anaheim. But there’s also Downtown Disney and a number of Disney-affiliated hotels.
It’s no secret that a trip to Disneyland is one of the more expensive vacations. Check out my post “9 Expert Tips For Experiencing Disneyland California With Kids & Disney California Adventure” for some great insider tips and tricks for making the most of your family trip to Disneyland, California.
Key West, Florida Keys
The Florida Keys is a string of islands between the Atlantic Ocean and the Gulf of Mexico that go on for 120 miles. Key West, the most popular island in the Florida Keys, is home to countless opportunities and experiences.
When you visit the Florida Keys, you’ll be treated to delectable fresh seafood, vibrant island life, and plenty of local entertainment, all with a gorgeous sunset backdrop.
Other activities in the Keys include deep-sea fishing, snorkeling, scuba diving, and kayaking. If you’re up for a drive/ride, I highly recommend driving the length of the scenic Overseas Highway. The 100-mile-long highway begins in Key Largo and ends in Key West.
Where would you go for your next passport-free vacation?
Was there a place mentioned above that stood out to you? Or maybe you’ve been wanting to visit a destination that wasn’t mentioned. If so, feel free to share!
You can read more about some of the amazing places we’ve visited, and even find some life-changing tips and tricks for traveling around the world, on the blog.