One challenge to that dream: No passport. A little over half of Americans hold a valid passport, which means the other half's travel is restricted to the United States itself—you even need a passport to travel to and from Canada and Mexico, these days. There are a lot of reasons for this, from cost (it can run about $500 just to get a family of four set up with passports) and the hassle of filling out the forms, getting the pictures, and waiting about six weeks to get it.
Hawaii is probably the most obvious choice here—it’s a fully fledged U.S. state, so there’s no barrier to getting there from just about anywhere else in the country (unless you consider spending hours on a plane to be a barrier). Hawaii feels like a separate tropical country in many ways, thanks to its incredible natural beauty and unique Indigenous culture. An archipelago, the main Hawaiian islands offer distinct experiences: The “Big Island” of Hawaii is filled with natural beauty and the vibrant history of the area; Lanai, the smallest island, is almost completely owned by billionaire Larry Ellison and offers a secluded, super private experience; Oahu, the state capital, is ideal if you want to mix an urban feel with your pristine beaches; Maui is the place to go if you want a super-luxe resort experience; and Kauai is ideal for anyone who wants to hike through unspoiled nature and have a bit of an adventure.
Puerto Rico
Pricey and with an exclusive feel, Nantucket is a terrific vacation spot if the tropical vibe isn’t your thing. Accessible via ferry or plane (you can bring your car via the ferry, but there’s not a lot of parking and it’s really not necessary), the island offers gorgeous beaches, amazing food, luxury shopping, and a small-town vibe that’s incredibly charming. It’s an ideal place if your perfect vacation is renting some bikes, picnicking on the beach, and having a gourmet dinner at night. Keep in mind that Nantucket is pretty empty during the colder months, with a lot of businesses shut down, so it’s more of a warm-weather destination.
Dauphin Island, Alabama
A U.S. territory, Guam is very, very far away from the mainland (it can take 20 hours to get there from New York, and 17 to get there from Los Angeles) and offers a rich history, a distinctive culture, and plenty of amazing beaches. The tourist center, Tumon, offers terrific dining and shopping, but if you venture outside its borders you’ll find beaches that feel private and infinite in natural beauty. The northern end of the same island chain, the Northern Mariana Islands, is a separate U.S. territory, offering more of a resort experience with the same level of spectacular natural beauty.
Mackinac Island, Michigan
You might not think you can have a sun-soaked Mediterranean-style vacation just an hour away from Los Angeles, but that’s because you’ve never given Catalina Island a chance. Hop off the ferry and find yourself in a place where you can snorkel in pristine water, go shopping and dining in the picture-perfect town of Avalon, and hike through beautiful hills. If that’s not enough of a challenge, try some zip-lining or a canyon excursion to add a little spice to your vacation.
Mount Desert Island, Maine
Want brisk ocean breezes, more seafood than is probably wise, and a relaxed, weekend-ish attitude for your vacation? Block Island is your spot. Wander the gorgeous dunes, hit the beaches, check out the stunning cliffs—and eat your weight in ice cream, which is everywhere. Known for its seafood restaurants, Block Island is a great place to exhaust yourself on the beaches during the day and then settle in for a delicious meal (with more ice cream, of course) while watching a spectacular sunset.
Fire Island, New York
Accessible from Seattle, San Juan Island is rustic, beautiful, and peaceful. While the town of Friday Harbor offers terrific food, nightlife, and shopping, the main draw here is the breathtaking beauty of the place, ideal for challenging hikes, kayaking excursions, and taking in a bit of American history in San Juan Island National Historical Park. You might even see an orca or two.
Orcas Island, Washington
Isolated and remote, Isle Royale (a national park) is located on Lake Superior and can only be reached by boat or seaplane. It’s a traditional Ojibwe land and features multiple archaeological sites, which requires some care be taken when on the island so you don’t mess with the island’s treasures. This is a vacation spot for folks who love camping, hiking, and kayaking—there are no hotels or settlements here, just campsites (that you need a permit for) and wildlife—so, so much wildlife. It will be a rough stay, but if that’s your ideal travel setting, you will probably never forget Isle Royale.
Assateague Island, Maryland and Virginia
You want a tropical vacation without the travel hassles? The U.S. Virgin Islands are for you. Territories of the United States, the islands of Saint Croix, Saint John, and Saint Thomas (plus about 50 smaller islands). Each island offers a slightly different vibe—St. Thomas is great for shopping and tourist stuff, St. John is quieter and soaked in natural beauty, and St. Croix is perfect if you’re a water-focused traveler who wants to dive, swim, and snorkel.
Amelia Island, Florida
The southernmost territory of the U.S., American Samoa is where you should go if you’re looking for a truly unspoiled spot of natural beauty. This isn’t where you go to party, it’s where you go to detox from the party, reconnecting with nature and soaking in the proud Polynesian culture of the place. If your ideal vacation involves roughing it a bit, hiking a lot, and being unplugged from your normal life, American Samoa offers all of that without the hassle of a passport.
Daufuskie Island, South Carolina
Ideal for fishing enthusiasts (especially salmon and trout), Prince of Wales Island is huge for an island (about 130 miles long) and dotted with quirky, interesting towns. You’ve got the best of both worlds here: In Craig, the largest village on the island, you can find comfortable hotels, fun restaurants, and other town staples. But you can also head out with your backpack and boots and vanish into lush, gorgeous wilderness for a long hike, a day spent fishing, or exploring the smaller villages.
The Florida Keys
If you like your vacations to have the same vibe as a Jimmy Buffett song, head south and don’t stop until you hit Key Largo—then just keep going until you hit Key West (you can drive the whole way). The keys offer everything you could want by way of beaches, water activities, and nightlife. They’re also uniquely American, with a laid-back, informal lifestyle that leads to unexpected experiences. While you can definitely pick a spot and stay there, the Keys are also a terrific place to run around and explore, rewarding you with plenty of hidden spots, quirky towns, and unexpected moments of natural bliss.
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