International travel is booming, but if you want to travel soon but don’t have a passport, it may be too late to join the international travel boom.
If it’s too late or too expensive to consider traveling abroad, there are still plenty of places you can travel to without a passport.
Here are 10 places you can visit without a passport in 2024.
San Juan, Puerto Rico. (Getty Images)
Puerto Rico has seen a surge in popularity for both leisure travel and remote work during the COVID-19 pandemic, and 2022 is set to be the most successful year in tourism history, bringing in about $8.9 billion in tourism revenue, a 39% increase over 2019, the highest year on record, according to the island’s tourism bureau, Discover Puerto Rico.
Visitors can enjoy beautiful beaches, taste delicious cuisine, and take part in numerous summer festivals, such as El Festival de las Flores and Festival del Mojo Isleño.
According to Discover Puerto Rico, as of January 2023, the number of events booked in Puerto Rico is up 81% compared to the same time last year. Events planned for this summer include El Festival de las Flores, a multi-day flower festival in the town of Aibonito, and Festival del Mojo Isleño, a food-focused festival in the town of Salinas, named for the tomato-based, slow-simmered sauce served over seafood (you’ll probably get to taste it if you visit).
Solvang, Calif. (Getty Images)
If you want a taste of Europe without a passport, head to Solvang, California. Also known as the “Danish Capital of America,” Solvang is known for its thatched roofs, traditional windmills, Scandinavian handicrafts, museums, restaurants and shops.
Don’t miss the Scandinavian crafts on offer at the Jule Hus Christmas Store, one of more than 100 shops in Solvang, and be sure to pick up some Aebleskiver (fluffy Danish pancakes) at many of the cafes around town.
Air travelers will want to head to Santa Barbara Municipal Airport, one of the most attractive airports in the U.S., which will be adding capacity this summer on some existing American Airlines and United Airlines routes and adding new routes for United and Southwest Airlines.
If you’re driving along California’s Highway 101 between Los Angeles and San Francisco, Solvang is a great stop.
3. San Francisco, California
San Francisco’s Chinatown. (Getty Images)
Speaking of San Francisco, that might be where you’ll head next: San Francisco is home to the oldest and largest Chinatown in the U.S. Tourists can stroll Grant Street, framed by the iconic Dragon’s Gate, and visit China Live Marketplace and Red Blossom Tea Company.
Getting to San Francisco’s Chinatown is now easier than ever with the official opening of the new Central Subway, which has a station in Chinatown, in January 2023.
San Francisco claims to be the birthplace of delicious treats like cioppino, martinis, Irish coffee and boudin sourdough bread, but it’s also a great place to try dishes that originated elsewhere.
Don’t miss the tea leaf salad at Burma Love, a Burmese dish made with fermented tea leaves and a crispy mix of nuts and beans. For a taste of Guam, order the barbecue dishes at Prubechu. The city is also home to Korean-Japanese inspired fusion cuisine at Koja Kitchen, where you can order the Original Koja, which features Korean barbecue 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 miss the southern half either, especially head to San Diego, known for its nearly perfect weather all year round. A highlight is Old Town San Diego, where you can learn about the Mexican history, culture and cuisine of the region.
Cruz Bay, St. John, U.S. Virgin Islands. (Getty Images)
The U.S. Virgin Islands has been officially a U.S. territory since 1917, so U.S. citizens arriving from Puerto Rico or the U.S. mainland do not need a passport.
This Caribbean destination is made up of three islands: St. Croix, St. John, and St. Thomas. Each island is a top tropical destination worth visiting not only for its breathtaking beaches, but also for its culture and history.
This summer marks the 69th year of the St. John Celebrations, a three-week event on the island of St. John with food festivals, boat races, parades and more, starting on June 10th and wrapping around Emancipation Day on July 3rd, a local holiday commemorating the abolition of slavery.
🤓 Geek Tips
Bonvoy members can use their Marriott points at The Ritz-Carlton, St. Thomas. The 30-acre resort underwent a $100 million renovation just before the COVID-19 pandemic, which included a revamped infinity pool.
6. Epcot at Walt Disney World in Florida
The annual Epcot International Flower and Garden Festival typically begins just before spring and runs through the beginning of summer. (Photo courtesy of Disney)
Orlando, Florida, is set to welcome 74 million tourists in 2022, making it America’s most-visited destination for tourists that year, according to Visit Orlando, the city’s official tourism organization. Disney World being cheaper than Disneyland may have something to do with it.
While not a substitute for international travel, the World Showcase section of Walt Disney World’s Epcot theme park is made up of 11 smaller 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 school bread (a sweet roll filled with custard and dipped in coconut) at Kringla Bakery Ög Cafe in Epcot’s Norway pavilion.
Fans of France won’t want to miss the France Pavilion, which is home to the relatively new Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure. Opened in 2021, this trackless ride features a rat-shaped rider. What’s more, parts of the ride even smell like freshly baked bread.
🤓 Geek Tips
Wherever you go, a Travel Card gives you perks that make your adventure less stressful.
Key West, Florida. (Getty Images)
If you prefer a relaxed island vibe, consider Key West, the southernmost tip of Florida. According to Hotels.com, the average hotel rate in Key West from June to August in 2023 is 15% lower than in 2022.
No visit to Key West should be complete without a visit to Dry Tortugas National Park, located about 70 miles (113 km) west of Key West. The area is unique in that it’s mostly open ocean with seven small islands and can only be accessed by boat or seaplane. However, if you make the journey there you’ll be able to see the majestic Fort Jefferson, postcard-perfect blue waters, coral reefs, and a variety of wildlife. Admission to Dry Tortugas National Park is $15 per person (valid for seven consecutive days), but you can enter the national park for free under certain conditions.
Iolani Palace served as the official residence of the royal family until the monarchy was overthrown in 1893. (Getty Images)
According to the Hawaii Department of Business, Economic Development and Tourism, Hawaii’s tourism industry has rebounded significantly since COVID-19, with the number of tourists visiting the Hawaiian Islands in March 2023 up 14.2% from March 2022. However, Hawaii was hit hard again in August 2023 by the Maui wildfires that killed nearly 100 people and left many more homeless.
In the meantime, people were advised not to travel to Maui, allowing resources to be directed to the island’s emergency workers and residents rather than tourists. Tourists listened, but it had repercussions across the state. Now, tourism numbers are down across most of Hawaii, and it’s tough for other islands that still depend on tourism dollars.
With that in mind, it might be a good idea to head to Oahu, where the state capital, Honolulu, is located.
Visit the Polynesian Cultural Center on Oahu, featuring cultural presentations including lauhala weaving, poi tasting and an evening luau paying tribute to Hawaii’s last ruler, Queen Liliuokalani.
The ‘Ōlelo Room at Aulani, a Disney Resort & Spa. (Photo courtesy of Disney)
Another reason to consider Hawaii for those looking to experience a new culture is that it is the only US state with two official languages. Additionally, Hawaiian is listed as an endangered language by the United Nations. Aulani, a Disney Resort & Spa, is committed to preserving the language, especially in the ‘Ōlelo Room Bar & Lounge, where Hawaiian words are adorned on the walls and all bartenders speak Hawaiian.
Bourbon Street in the French Quarter of New Orleans. (Getty Images)
New Orleans is a city rich in 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 many of the city’s most popular attractions, including historic buildings, jazz clubs, Jackson Square, Bourbon Street and the St. Louis Cathedral. Don’t miss the Afro-Caribbean culture of the Treme district.
The city’s cuisine is a blend of Creole, Cajun and French influences and is known for its fresh seafood, gumbo and jambalaya. New Orleans is also a live music hub, where you can hear jazz, blues and zydeco performances in clubs and bars throughout the city.
Although most tourists visit during Mardi Gras, many other festivals and events take place throughout the year. Visitors can enjoy everything from the French Quarter Festival to the Voodoo Music + Arts Experience.
Greek Embassy on Massachusetts Avenue in Washington, DC (Getty Images)
Embassy Row is an area along Massachusetts Avenue in Washington DC that is home to the embassies of over 170 countries. Tourists can visit the embassies, and many of them host cultural events such as film screenings, concerts, and art exhibits.
Embassies are usually housed in grand buildings that represent the architectural style of their respective countries, and while walking between them, you can easily sample the cuisine of different countries in the many restaurants in the area.
Can I fly to other US territories without a passport?
Not all U.S. territories or freely associated nations (several Pacific island nations that have certain agreements with the U.S.) are places where you can travel without a passport as a U.S. citizen.
According to USA.gov, U.S. citizens need a passport to travel to the following locations:
Guam (on a case-by-case basis, 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 fly in the US?
While you don’t necessarily have to present a passport at a U.S. airport checkpoint to travel, adults over the age of 18 must show some form of valid identification. Other valid forms of identification include:
A Department of Homeland Security-approved travel card (Global Entry, Nexus, Sentri, Fast).
Driver’s license or other state photo identification.
Also, any state-issued ID or license must be REAL ID compliant if used at airport checkpoints starting May 7, 2025. If your license isn’t compliant by then, the Transportation Security Administration will accept other valid forms of identification, including passports.
