9 incredible places to travel without a passport

• Driver’s licenses or other state photo identity cards issued by Department of Motor Vehicles (or equivalent)
• U.S. passport
• U.S. passport card
• DHS trusted traveler cards (Global Entry, NEXUS, SENTRI, FAST)
• U.S. Department of Defense ID, including IDs issued to dependents
• Permanent resident card
• Border crossing card
• State-issued Enhanced Driver’s License

• An acceptable photo ID issued by a federally recognized, Tribal Nation/Indian Tribe
• HSPD-12 PIV card
• Foreign government-issued passport
• Canadian provincial driver’s license or Indian and Northern Affairs Canada card
• Transportation worker identification credential
• U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services Employment Authorization Card (I-766)
• U.S. Merchant Mariner Credential
• Veteran Health Identification Card (VHIC)

Best Month: April (85°F avg)

What to bring: sneakers, to take advantage of all of Puerto Rico’s activities off the beach, from the El Yunque rainforest to live salsa parties on the street

Expert Tip: Visit Puerto Rico’s two smaller islands, like Vieques and Culebra, for an entirely different vibe.

The U.S. territory of Puerto Rico has it all: beautiful beaches, historic sites, vibrant nightlife, delicious cuisine and pristine nature. Just a 2.5-hour flight from Miami, with nonstop routes from many other major US cities, this is an easy Caribbean getaway for Americans without a passport.

Beach resorts abound, but consider staying in Old San Juan for a taste of life in a historic city. And don’t be afraid to take day trips out into nature; the El Yunque rainforest is a major draw, as are the three bioluminescent bays that glow blue at night.

Best Month: March (26°F avg)

What to bring: your warmest winter coat

Expert Tip: March isn’t the best time to go for the weather, but it’s one of the best times to go to see the northern lights.

Fairbanks, Alaska, is one of the top places to see the northern lights in the world. The kicker is that the winter months are the best time of year to see them, as the skies are dark and usually fairly clear. But that also means it’s cold in Fairbanks. Warm up with a visit to Chena Hot Springs to soak in soothing mineral waters, an adrenaline-inducing dog sledding experience or snowshoeing excursion through the woods. Then stay up late at night to catch the spectacular aurora.

Best Month: April (84°F avg)

What to bring: snorkel gear

Expert Tip: Check the cruise schedules to see when the ports will be busiest. Then visit when they’re gone!

Comprising the major islands of Saint Croix, Saint John and Saint Thomas, plus dozens of smaller islets and cays, the US Virgin Islands offer plenty to see and do. With many resorts, including several all-inclusive, this is an ideal destination for family vacations.

Enjoy the sun and sand across the many beaches, and be sure to head into the sea for some snorkeling. There’s also Virgin Islands National Park, which covers two-thirds of the island of Saint John.

Best Month: June (66°F avg)

What to bring: a reusable water bottle for outdoor adventures

Expert Tip: Seattle has a reputation for being rainy, but the summer months bring out the sunshine.

Enjoy the natural splendor of the Pacific Northwest by making Seattle your home base. This waterfront city is known for a little bit of everything: seafood, sports and Starbucks (which was founded here), among them. But Seattle is perhaps best known for its access to nature — and that includes access for all mobility types.

Seattle is also one of the most accessible cities, with accessible landmarks and attractions and dozens of miles of wheelchair-friendly trails through nature.

Best Month: September (85°F avg)

What to bring: your birth certificate, as it’s needed for entry without a passport

Expert Tip: The only flights to American Samoa from the US depart from Hawaii, so it’s worth extending your trip to spend some time there.

American Samoa is an outlier when it comes to US territories, as you can’t travel there with just a government-issued ID. You must also bring your certified birth certificate to prove your American nationality. But if you do so, you’ll be granted entry into the only inhabited US territory south of the equator.

Here you’ll find a population of some 45,000 people, primarily indigenous ethnic Samoans, so this is an excellent place to learn about Samoan culture. The National Park of American Samoa spans several islands in the territory and is a top tourist attraction.

Best Month: September (76°F avg)

What to bring: a smartphone to take photos and navigate the subway

Expert Tip: For cheaper hotels, consider staying just across the river in New Jersey. Depending on the location, you can take trains, buses or ferries into New York in as little as 10 to 15 minutes.

Many people come to New York for sightseeing, museums, performing arts and shopping, but we’re going to focus on something else: the food.

Who needs a passport when you can try cuisine from around the world? Whatever culinary adventure you’d like your taste buds to go on, you’ll likely be able to find a restaurant to suit your wishes. Beyond standalone restaurants that serve dishes from places like Ethiopia, Colombia and Uzbekistan, there are entire neighborhoods known for their international communities, and they’re filled with restaurants that reflect those groups; visit Flushing for Chinese food or Astoria for Greek food.

Best Month: March (87°F avg)

What to bring: sunscreen, as Guam is only 900 miles north of the equator, and the sun is strong

Expert Tip: Some of the best beaches and hikes are on the naval base, which is only open to military personnel and their guests. This makes Guam a great destination for military families.

If you’re a history buff, particularly for World War II history, Guam should be the no-passport-needed destination on your bucket list. Visit the War in the Pacific National Historical Park to learn about Guam’s role in World War II, from Japan’s invasion to the American recapture. And looking farther back in time, you can learn about the indigenous Chamorro people and their colonization by the Spanish. Beyond this heavy history, you can enjoy Guam’s natural scenery; it’s known for its beaches, jungles and mountains.

Best Month: September (74°F avg)

What to bring: a baseball mitt, since Chicago has two baseball teams in town

Expert Tip: Take the L from the airport to downtown, as it’s much cheaper and often faster than a taxi.

Chicago is a big sports town, and you can catch professional sports year-round. From April to September, Chicago’s two Major League Baseball teams play; from October to April, it’s all about basketball and hockey. But don’t forget football, which runs between September and January or February.

No matter what time of year you visit Chicago, there’s always going to be a game to go to. And that’s not to mention all of Chicago’s other attractions; it’s a particularly museum-heavy city, with a great art and architecture scene.

Best Month: January (84°F avg)

What to bring: your scuba certification, as this is an excellent place to dive

Expert Tip: The only way to get here from the US is to fly through Hawaii then Guam.

Like Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands blend history and natural beauty. There are 14 islands that comprise this US territory, with the three most famous being Saipan, Tinian and Rota.

When it comes to history, there’s quite a bit to dig through. It was first inhabited around 1500 BC by an Austronesian people who eventually became the Chamorros; then it was conquered by Spain, Germany, Japan and finally the US. There are plenty of historic sites to help you interpret this lengthy history.

Once you’ve had your fill, we recommend you hit the water. The Northern Mariana Islands have beautiful beaches and spectacular dive sites, from wrecks to limestone caves.