Do you long to travel somewhere exotic but feel stuck because your U.S. passport has expired?
Fear not! You can still get out there and see all the world has to offer… well, somewhat.
If you’re looking to take a fun vacation and want to experience something different – here are three options that don’t require a U.S. passport.
Puerto Rico
Mountains, waterfalls, rainforests, and beaches…
… Puerto Rico truly has it all.
When I visited Puerto Rico, I wanted to keep it simple – so I enjoyed a historic tour through Old San Juan and then spent the rest of my time soaking in the sun, laying in a hammock on a sandy beach, and sipping drinks from a coconut.
But hey, that’s just me!
For the more adventurous types you can head over and visit San Felipe del Morro – an old Spanish military fort from the 16th century – or visit a true tropical oasis and hike (and swim) in the El Yunque Rainforest.
And of course, one of the best parts about Puerto Rico is sampling all their delicacies like beef empanadillas, rellenos de papa, or arroz con habichuela.
U.S. Virgin Islands
Your dream of a Caribbean vacation can still come true if you venture out to the U.S. Virgin Islands.
Saint Croix, Saint John, and Saint Thomas are all U.S. territories, so they only require a government-issued ID (like your driver’s license) to enter.
If you head to St. John – make sure to check out Trunk Bay and experience the serenity and beauty of one of the most photographed beaches in all of St. John – and arguably one of the most beautiful beaches in the world.
The Trunk Bay Underwater Snorkeling trail will have you exploring multiple species of fish in crystal-clear waters perfect for any traveler.
Or you can venture over to St. Thomas and take a swim in Magen’s Bay complete with a mountain view.
There’s nothing more relaxing than basking in the tropical Caribbean sun – that’s if your sunscreen wasn’t confiscated by the TSA!
But even if you’re someone who gets bored easily and needs to stay busy, you can always rent a kayak, paddleboard, or fins and explore your aquatic environment.
A vacation to the Caribbean is a must for every Proud American Traveler at least once!
Guam
Also nicknamed “The Jewel of the Mariana Islands” – Guam’s sandy white beaches and lively dive sites are a popular tourist destination.
From adventurous caves to cascading waterfalls and even tunnel aquariums – Guam is truly a hidden gem and perfect for families or honeymooners alike.
Trip Advisor recommends visitors checkout one of Guam’s many beaches such as Tumon Beach or Ypao Beach Park.
And with 110 miles of coastline – it’s estimated Guam has up to 50 beaches – so you won’t run out of places to explore.
While having a U.S. passport is definitely necessary for exploring every corner of our great big world – if you don’t yet have one, or let it lapse – one of these options is sure to quench your wanderlust.
Have you ever traveled to any of these destinations?
If not, which one do you think you’d want to visit first?
You can post your response and stay current on the latest Proud American Traveler stories on Facebook!
And if you think your friends or family would be interested in receiving our newsletter directly to their inbox, please forward this email and encourage them to subscribe to our newsletter here.