If you’re craving an international getaway but don’t have a passport, you might think your options are limited. But here’s the good news: Americans actually have several destinations outside the continental U.S. where a passport isn’t required. From sunny beaches in the Caribbean to Pacific island escapes, you can pack your bags and hop on a plane without the red tape of passport processing.
These destinations are technically outside the mainland United States but are still U.S. territories or special regions, which means your regular government-issued ID, such as a driver’s license, is sufficient to get you there. It’s one of the travel perks of being American that many people don’t realize exists.
Whether you’re dreaming of snorkeling in crystal-clear waters, exploring rainforests, or just lounging with a tropical cocktail in hand, this list will show you ten fantastic options. To make things even easier, I’ve also included recommendations for hotels, resorts, and excursions through trusted platforms.
Recommended Hotels and Experiences
If you’re booking a trip to one of these passport-free destinations, here are some top hotels and activities that make for an unforgettable vacation.
Hotels
- Condado Vanderbilt Hotel, San Juan, Puerto Rico – A glamorous beachfront property with ocean views and world-class dining.
- The Ritz-Carlton, St. Thomas – Luxury meets Caribbean charm with private beaches and sailing excursions.
- Outrigger Reef Waikiki Beach Resort, Honolulu, Hawaii – Perfect for families, couples, or anyone who wants easy access to Waikiki Beach.
- Carambola Beach Resort, St. Croix, U.S. Virgin Islands – A secluded retreat with direct access to hiking trails and snorkeling.
Experiences
- El Yunque Rainforest Guided Tour, Puerto Rico – Waterfalls, lush trails, and a splash in natural pools.
- Sailing and Snorkeling Adventure, St. Thomas – Explore hidden coves and swim with tropical fish.
- Pearl Harbor and USS Arizona Memorial Tour, Oahu – A moving and educational experience in Hawaii.
- Kayaking and Bioluminescent Bay Tour, Vieques, Puerto Rico – Paddle through glowing waters under the stars.
1. Puerto Rico
How to Get to Puerto Rico
Flights to Puerto Rico are as simple as booking a domestic ticket. Major U.S. airlines, including American, Delta, Southwest, and JetBlue, offer direct flights to San Juan from cities across the country. No customs lines, no passport stamp—just a quick boarding pass check and you’re on your way to island life.
Where to Stay
San Juan is home to a variety of stylish hotels, ranging from luxury beach resorts to vibrant boutique stays in Old San Juan. For convenience and elegance, the Condado Vanderbilt Hotel is a top choice, offering stunning ocean views and high-end dining options. If you prefer something more laid-back, you can find cozy apartments and villas through VRBO, which are ideal for families or more extended stays.
Best Things to Do in Puerto Rico
There’s no shortage of activities. Wander through Old San Juan’s pastel-colored streets, hike in El Yunque National Forest, or spend a lazy afternoon on Flamenco Beach in Culebra, which regularly ranks among the world’s best. For something magical, take a nighttime kayaking trip to the bioluminescent bays in Vieques, where the water glows with every paddle stroke.
2. U.S. Virgin Islands (St. Thomas, St. John, St. Croix)
How to Get to the U.S. Virgin Islands
Flights from the mainland U.S. are easy to find, especially from East Coast hubs like Miami, Orlando, and Atlanta. The main airports are Cyril E. King Airport (STT) in St. Thomas and Henry E. Rohlsen Airport (STX) in St. Croix.
Where to Stay
The Ritz-Carlton, St. Thomas, offers luxury amenities, while eco-lodges in St. John give a more off-the-grid experience. St. Croix has a mix of resorts and rentals, like the Carambola Beach Resort, where you can enjoy seclusion and direct access to snorkeling.
Best Things to Do in the U.S. Virgin Islands
Hop between islands via ferry, snorkel at Trunk Bay, or hike in the Virgin Islands National Park. St. Thomas is lively, with a vibrant nightlife and shopping scene, while St. John is more serene and nature-focused. If you’re interested in history, St. Croix offers colonial towns like Christiansted, featuring charming shops and restaurants.
3. Guam
How to Get to Guam
Guam might be far, but it’s still accessible with direct flights from Honolulu, Honolulu connections from the mainland, or flights via Tokyo and Seoul. As a U.S. territory, U.S. citizens do not require a passport.
Where to Stay
The Island has both big-name resorts and local guesthouses. Tumon Bay is the hub for tourism, with properties like Dusit Thani Guam Resort offering luxury by the beach. For extended visits, VRBO offers condos with oceanfront views.
Best Things to Do in Guam
Guam is a unique blend of culture and nature. Visit the ancient Chamorro Latte Stone Park, dive in Apra Harbor, or enjoy duty-free shopping. The sunsets over Tumon Bay are postcard-worthy, and if you’re adventurous, hiking Mount Lamlam gives you bragging rights—it’s technically the tallest mountain in the world if measured from its base underwater.
4. American Samoa
How to Get to American Samoa
Located in the South Pacific, American Samoa is reached via flights from Honolulu on Hawaiian Airlines. It’s a bit of a trek, but the untouched beauty is worth the journey.
Where to Stay
Lodging is mostly small family-run guesthouses and B&Bs, giving you an authentic feel of the islands. For travelers seeking more privacy, VRBO has vacation homes near Pago Pago.
Best Things to Do in American Samoa
This is paradise for outdoor lovers. Hike in the National Park of American Samoa, explore coral reefs while snorkeling, or take a boat ride around Tutuila’s dramatic cliffs. The culture is deeply rooted in the land, and you’ll find locals welcoming visitors to join in traditional feasts and dances.
5. Northern Mariana Islands
How to Get to the Northern Mariana Islands
Flights connect from Guam or major Asian cities, such as Tokyo and Seoul. U.S. citizens don’t need passports here, though the trip may include a stop in a foreign airport depending on your route.
Where to Stay
Saipan is an island offering a diverse range of attractions, including pools and golf courses. For more independent travelers, Booking.com provides a range of mid-range and budget accommodations.
Best Things to Do in the Northern Mariana Islands
Explore the Grotto, a world-famous dive spot, relax on Micro Beach, or take a drive around the Island. History buffs can visit World War II memorials, while adventurers can hike Mount Tapochau for sweeping views.
6. Bonaire, Sint Eustatius, and Saba
How to Get to Bonaire, Sint Eustatius, and Saba
Flights from Miami, Atlanta, and Houston reach Bonaire, while smaller airlines connect to Statia and Saba.
Where to Stay
Stay at Harbour Village Beach Club, Bonaire’s most luxurious resort, or rent a cliffside cottage in Saba through Expedia.
Best Things to Do in Bonaire, Sint Eustatius, and Saba
Bonaire is famous for diving — even beginners can snorkel right off the shore and see marine life instantly. Saba, nicknamed “The Unspoiled Queen,” is a tiny volcanic island with some of the best hiking in the Caribbean. Statia offers a slower pace, historic forts, and quiet beaches.
7. Federated States of Micronesia
How to Get to Micronesia
Flights from Guam take you to islands like Chuuk, Pohnpei, and Yap.
Where to Stay
The Manta Ray Bay Resort in Yap is a diver’s paradise. On Pohnpei, guesthouses via VRBO offer budget-friendly stays.
Best Things to Do in Micronesia
Divers flock to Chuuk Lagoon for one of the world’s largest shipwreck graveyards, remnants of WWII. Pohnpei boasts waterfalls and the mysterious ruins of Nan Madol, often referred to as the “Venice of the Pacific.” Yap is famous for giant manta rays and traditional stone money.
8. Palau
How to Get to Palau
Flights typically connect from Guam or Manila.
Where to Stay
Stay at Palau Pacific Resort, set on a private stretch of beach. Expedia boutique stays are also popular with divers.
Best Things to Do in Palau
Palau is a natural wonder. Jellyfish Lake offers the surreal experience of swimming with harmless jellyfish, while the Rock Islands are perfect for kayaking or diving. Palau’s reefs consistently rank among the best in the world for underwater adventure.
9. Marshall Islands
How to Get to the Marshall Islands
Flights run from Honolulu or Guam to Majuro, the capital.
Where to Stay
Stay at the Marshall Islands Resort for stunning ocean views, or explore VRBO vacation homes for more space.
Best Things to Do in the Marshall Islands
Relax on quiet beaches or dive at Bikini Atoll, where nuclear testing left shipwrecks now teeming with marine life. Cultural villages provide an insight into traditional Marshallese life, from canoe building to weaving.
10. Wake Island
How to Get to Wake Island
This remote atoll in the Pacific is primarily a military base, with access granted only by special authorization. If you manage to get access, it’s passport-free for Americans.
Where to Stay
Accommodation is typically reserved for military personnel and is minimal.
Best Things to Do in Wake Island
Explore its WWII history, stroll along untouched lagoons, and marvel at coral reefs that few outsiders have the opportunity to see. Wake Island remains one of the most exclusive passport-free destinations Americans can technically visit.
Key Takeaway
Traveling abroad without a passport might sound like a travel hack, but it’s entirely possible thanks to America’s territories and special entry rules. Whether you’re soaking up Caribbean sun in the Virgin Islands, hiking through the jungles of Puerto Rico, or watching waves crash against volcanic cliffs in Hawaii, the adventure feels international without the paperwork.
So next time the travel bug bites and your passport is sitting at home expired, don’t panic. You’ve still got plenty of options for adventure, sun, and culture—all without ever flashing that little blue booklet.