5 Island Getaways That Don't Require a U.S. Passport

Despite the fact that the U.S. State Department says it expects to issue more than 17 million new passports and renewals this year, nearly two-thirds of Americans still do not actually have a passport. While crossing oceans with just a government-issued ID might seem impossible—against the law, even—it is legal, thanks to numerous islands near and far considered U.S. territory. According to U.S. Customs and Border Protection, these are five tropical places around the world you can travel to without that little blue booklet, provided you aren't stopping over in a foreign country. Happy exploring!
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    U.S. Virgin Islands

    Even without a passport, a Caribbean vacation isn't necessarily out of reach: some 11 miles off the eastern coast of Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands of St. Thomas, St. John, and St. Croix together are best known for their soft, white-sand beaches, reef and wreck diving, Victorian-era architecture, ecological preserves, castles, and yes, rum distribution. Though the islands are connected in name, all three have distinct offerings—think pirate history in St. Thomas, an expansive, pristine national park (appropriately named Virgin Islands National Park) in smaller St. John, and traditional "scratch" music on St. Croix.

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    Guam

    In March of 1521, Portuguese navigator Ferdinand Magellan was the first European to visit this island in the northwest Pacific Ocean. In centuries following, Guam changed hands several times, and since 1950 has been an unincorporated organized territory of the U.S. Much of it is surrounded by a coral reef table (which makes for excellent snorkeling, swimming, and diving with visibility up to 150 feet), and the island—the 32nd largest in the country—is also known for its Chamorro culture and villages, waterfalls, World War II historical attractions, and beaches, beaches, beaches.

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    Northern Mariana Islands

    Neighboring Japan and Korea, these Micronesian islands are perfect for adventure-seekers: Take a day trip to the lagoon at Managaha Island, or dive the famous Grotto, a 70-foot-deep limestone cavern home to sea turtles, reef sharks, and more. On Saipan, the most populated of the Northern Marianas, trek the rugged northern reaches of the island before tucking in to traditional dishes like red rice, chicken kelaguen, or buñelos aga (banana doughnuts).

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    Puerto Rico

    A favorite long weekend escape for American travelers, Puerto Rico, it seems, has a little something for everybody: there are the historic cobblestoned streets of Old San Juan, verdant jungles of the El Yunque rainforest, tucked-away mountain towns, and for the beach-inclined, the even tinier islands of Vieques and Culebra. You won't leave hungry, either—from street food alcapurrias to some of the best restaurants in the Caribbean, Puerto Rico has become a foodie destination in its own right. Added bonus? Puerto Rico is close to the continental U.S., which means direct flights from carriers JetBlue, Spirit, United, and more can typically be found for under $300 round-trip.

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    American Samoa

    Comprising five South Pacific islands and two coral atolls, the distant archipelago of American Samoa is halfway between Hawaii and New Zealand. Visit the National Park of American Samoa for cliff walks and isolated beaches, cool off in the secluded Nu'uuli Falls, or hike up Rainmaker Mountain, whose clouds trap rain and help give territorial capital Pago Pago the highest annual rainfall of any harbor in the world. For something a little more low-key, sunbathe at palm-fringed Ofu Beach (pictured) or congregate surfside with locals at restaurants like Tisa's, which are right on the water.

    Note: Travelers in Pago Pago have occasionally been asked to show a valid U.S. passport upon entry to American Samoa, so check with the Samoan embassy prior to departing. Regardless, make sure you have proof of citizenship and a government-issued ID just in case.