Overseas travel is booming. But if you want to go on a trip right away but don’t have a passport, it may be too late to join International Travelpalooza.
Even if it’s too late or too expensive to consider traveling abroad, there are still plenty of places you can travel without a passport.
Here are 10 places you can go without a passport in 2024.
San Juan, Puerto Rico. (Getty Images)
During the COVID-19 pandemic, Puerto Rico has become popular for both leisure travel and remote work. According to Discover Puerto Rico, the region’s tourism agency, 2022 was the strongest year in tourism history, with tourism receipts of about $8.9 billion, up 39% from the previous high in 2019.
Visitors can enjoy beautiful beaches, experience delicious culinary adventures, and participate in numerous summer festivals such as El Festival de las Flores and Festival del Mojo Ireño.
As of January 2023, the number of events booked in Puerto Rico has increased by 81% over the same period last year, according to Discover Puerto Rico. Events scheduled for this summer include El Festival de las Flores, a multi-day flower festival held in the town of Aibonito, and a tomato-based festival held in the town of Salinas. They include the Festival del Mojo Ireño, which focuses on dishes named after the dishes they prepare. Seafood with sauce (you’ll probably get a taste of it if you visit here).
Solvang, California. (Getty Images)
If you want a taste of Europe without a passport, head to Solvang, California. Solvang, also known as the “Danish Capital of America,” is famous for its thatched roofs, traditional windmills, Scandinavian handicrafts, museums, restaurants, and shops.
Don’t miss the Scandinavian handicrafts on sale at the Jules Huss Christmas Store, one of over 100 stores in Solvang. Don’t miss the öblskiver (fluffy Danish pancakes), available at many cafes around the city.
If you’re flying, fly into Santa Barbara Municipal Airport. Santa Barbara Municipal Airport, considered one of America’s most attractive airports, will expand capacity this summer on some of its existing routes for American Airlines and United Airlines, as well as new routes for United Airlines and Southwest Airlines. Add.
Solvang is a great stop when driving between Los Angeles and San Francisco along California’s Highway 101.
3. San Francisco, California
San Francisco’s Chinatown. (Getty Images)
Speaking of San Francisco, it might be your next stop. San Francisco is home to the nation’s oldest and largest Chinatown. Tourists can wander down Grant Street, surrounded by the iconic Dragon’s Gate, and visit China Live Marketplace and Red Blossom Tea Company.
Accessing San Francisco’s Chinatown is now easier than ever as San Francisco’s new Central Subway officially opens in January 2023 with a station in Chinatown.
San Francisco claims to be the birthplace of delicious treats like the cioppino, martini, Irish coffee, and boudin sourdough bread, but it’s also a great place to sample dishes that originated elsewhere .
At Burma Love, don’t miss the tea leaf salad, a Burmese dish made with a crunchy mix of fermented tea leaves, nuts and beans. For a taste of Guam, order one of Prubechu’s barbecue items. The city also does fusion, like Koja Kitchen, which draws inspiration from Korea and Japan. So, order the Original Goja, which is Korean BBQ short ribs sandwiched between lightly fried garlic rice buns.
Old Town San Diego. (Getty Images)
San Francisco is in the northern half of the state, but don’t forget about the southern half. In particular, head to San Diego, which is known for its near-perfect weather year-round. A highlight is Old Town San Diego, where you can learn about the region’s Mexican history, culture, and cuisine.
Cruz Bay, Saint John Island, US Virgin Islands. (Getty Images)
The U.S. Virgin Islands has been an official territory of the United States since 1917, so a passport is not required for U.S. citizens arriving from Puerto Rico or the mainland United States.
This Caribbean destination is made up of three islands: St. Croix, St. John, and St. Thomas. Each location is one of the best tropical places to visit, not only for its breathtaking beaches, but also for its culture and history.
This summer marks the 69th annual St. John Celebration. St. John Island hosts three weeks of food festivals, boat races, parades, and more. The day begins on June 10 and includes Emancipation Day, a local holiday on July 3 that commemorates the abolition of slavery.
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Bonvoy members can redeem Marriott points at The Ritz-Carlton, St. Thomas. The 30-acre resort underwent a $100 million renovation, including renovations to its infinity pool, just before the COVID-19 pandemic.
6. Epcot, Walt Disney World, Florida
The annual Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival typically begins just before spring and continues through early summer. (Photo provided by Disney)
Orlando, Florida, will welcome 74 million tourists in 2022, making it the most-visited tourist destination in the United States that year, according to Visit Orlando, the city’s official tourism association. Perhaps it has something to do with the fact that Disney World is cheaper than Disneyland.
Although not a replacement for international travel, the World Showcase section of Walt Disney World’s Epcot theme park is made up of 11 mini-subsections themed around different countries. The food is some of the best on Disney World property. Don’t miss the Canadian icewine at Le Cellier Steakhouse or the schoolbread (a sweet custard-filled roll dipped in coconut) at Kringla Bakery Og Café in Epcot’s Norway Pavilion.
If you’re a fan of France, you can’t miss the France Pavilion, which has a relatively new attraction called Remy’s Delicious Restaurant Adventure. The trackless ride will open in 2021 and will feature a mouse-shaped ride. Additionally, some of the rides smell like freshly baked bread.
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No matter where you’re going, a travel card offers perks that make your adventure less stressful.
Key West, Florida. (Getty Images)
If you’re interested in a relaxed island atmosphere, consider Key West, the southernmost tip of Florida. According to Hotels.com, average hotel prices in Key West from June to August were 15% lower in 2023 compared to 2022.
When you come to Key West, don’t miss Dry Tortugas National Park, located about 70 miles (113 km) west of Key West. This region is unique in that it is largely open sea with seven small islands, accessible only by boat or seaplane. But if you make the trek there, it’s worth visiting the majestic Fort Jefferson, picture-postcard-perfect blue waters, coral reefs, and a wide variety of wildlife. Admission to Dry Tortugas National Park is $15 per person (valid for 7 consecutive days), but you may be able to enter the park for free.
Iolani Palace served as the official residence of the royal family until the fall of the monarchy in 1893. (Getty Images)
According to the Hawaii Department of Business, Economic Development and Tourism, Hawaii tourism has made a strong recovery since the coronavirus outbreak, with the number of tourists visiting the Hawaiian Islands increasing by 14.2% in March 2023 compared to March 2022. . But Hawaii was hit hard again in August 2023 when the Maui wildfires killed nearly 100 people and left many more homeless.
During that time, travel to Maui was discouraged so resources could be devoted to the island’s first responders and residents rather than tourists. And while tourists listened, it affected the entire state. Currently, tourist numbers are down across most of Hawaii, making things difficult for other islands that still rely on tourism dollars.
With that in mind, you might head to Oahu, where the state capital, Honolulu, is located.
Visit Oahu’s Polynesian Cultural Center. There, cultural presentations include lauhala weaving, poi tastings, and an evening luau honoring Hawaii’s last ruler, Queen Liliuokalani.
The “Olelo Room” at Aulani Disney Resort & Spa. (Photo provided by Disney)
Another reason to consider Hawaii for those looking to experience a new culture is that it is the only state in the United States with two official languages. Additionally, Hawaiian is classified as an endangered language by the United Nations. Aulani, a Disney Resort & Spa has been committed to preserving this language, especially at the Olero Room Bar & Lounge. There are Hawaiian words on the walls and all the bartenders who work there speak Hawaiian.
Bourbon Street in the French Quarter of New Orleans. (Getty Images)
New Orleans is a city with rich history and culture. The city’s French, Spanish, African and American heritage is reflected in its food, music, art and architecture. The French Quarter is home to historic buildings, jazz clubs, and many of the city’s most popular attractions, including Jackson Square, Bourbon Street, and St. Louis Cathedral. Don’t miss the Afro-Caribbean culture of the Tremé area.
The city’s cuisine is a blend of Creole, Cajun, and French influences, and it’s known for its fresh seafood, gumbo, and jambalaya. New Orleans is also a center for live music, and you can find jazz, blues, and zydeco acts in clubs and bars throughout the city.
While Mardi Gras draws many tourists, there are many other festivals and events held throughout the year. Visitors can enjoy everything from French Quarter festivals to voodoo music + art experiences.
Greek Embassy on Massachusetts Avenue in Washington, DC (Getty Images)
Embassy Row is a stretch of Massachusetts Avenue in Washington, DC that is home to the embassies of more than 170 countries. Tourists can usually visit embassies, many of which host cultural events such as film screenings, concerts, and art exhibitions.
Embassies are usually housed in grand buildings that are representative of the respective country’s architectural style. You can also easily sample the cuisine of different countries at the many restaurants in the area while walking between the embassies.
Can I fly to other US territories without a passport?
Not all U.S. territories or Freely Associated States (Pacific Island countries that have certain agreements with the United States) are necessarily places to which you can travel as a U.S. citizen without a passport.
According to USA.gov, U.S. citizens need a passport to travel to the following locations:
Guam (In some cases, photo identification and proof of citizenship may be accepted instead.)
Federated States of Micronesia.
Republic of the Marshall Islands.
Do I need a passport to enter the United States?
Although you don’t necessarily need to present a passport at a U.S. airport checkpoint to travel, adults over the age of 18 do need some form of valid identification. Other valid forms of identification include:
Department of Homeland Security Trusted Traveler Cards (Global Entry, Nexus, Sentri, Fast).
Driver’s license or other state photo ID.
Also, starting May 7, 2025, state-issued IDs or licenses must be REAL ID compliant when used at airport checkpoints. If your license is not compliant by then, the Transportation Security Administration will accept other forms of valid identification, including a passport.
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