With passport turnaround times taking longer than ever, you might be wondering where Americans can travel without the pesky documentation. The answer? U.S. territories and closed-loop cruises. Whether you want to stroll the historic streets of San Juan, Puerto Rico, or catch some rays on Jamaica’s beaches, it's not as difficult as you might think to travel without a passport. Grab your suitcase and your driver's license and you’re ready to travel to any of these destinations without a passport.

U.S. Territories

As technical territories of the United States, U.S. citizens don’t need passports to travel to any of the nation's island territories. All you need is a valid U.S. driver's license and you'll be on the beach in no time.

Puerto Rico

Puerto Rico is the fourth-largest island in the Caribbean and has a long and rich history. The Taínos people had been thriving on the island long before Christopher Columbus set foot here in 1493, and it's been a U.S. territory since 1898. Spend your time in Puerto Rico uncovering the past in the colorful historic center of San Juan, horseback riding in the lush mountains, or seeking out bioluminescent plankton on Vieques beaches.

U.S. Virgin Islands

Tucked between Puerto Rico and Anguilla, the U.S. Virgin Islands are a strikingly beautiful archipelago in the middle of the Caribbean. Picture quiet bays dotted with softly rocking sailboats and numerous shades of blue. There are three large islands that make up the chain, along with dozens of atolls. St. Croix, St. Thomas, and St. John are all equally alluring as far as tropical destinations go and you’ll find prime snorkeling, beaches, and scuba diving on any of these islands. Visitors may also be shocked to learn that islanders still drive on the left side of the road, a leftover from European rule.

Guam

The tiny island of Guam, a part of Micronesia, is truly a far flung island locale. Over 1,500 miles from the Philippines, the nearest big land mass, Guam officially became a U.S. territory after WWII due to its strategic location in the Pacific. Foodies will love digging in to the Chamorro food scene, including specialties like escabeche, red rice, and their signature condiment, finadenne, a mix of spicy chiles and vinegar. Don’t miss latiya for dessert. When you’re not taking part in Guam’s delicious culinary scene, head out to explore Tumon Beach, the Latte Stone Park which showcases the ancient, carved rocks of the Chomorro people, or Fort Apugan, the only remaining Spanish fort.

American Samoa

American Samoa is yet another Pacific Island U.S. Territory made up of five islands, including the stunningly remote Ofu and the main hub of Tutuila. With jagged peaks, verdant jungle, and diverse coral reefs, these islands are truly a tropical paradise. Incredible snorkeling and sprawling beaches will only further make you believe that you have. The history is equally fascinating, and you can explore numerous WWII sites along the WWII Heritage Trail and the Blunts Point Trail on Tutuila. Keep in mind that American Samoa is separate from Samoa, so you will need a passport if you plan to visit both.

Northern Marianas Islands

Stretching over 1,500 miles between Guam and Japan, the Northern Marianas Islands are composed of 14 different islets. You might recognize the island of Saipan while others, like Rota and Tinian, aren’t as well known. This tropical locale gives off a perfect deserted island vibe and with a population of less than 50,000 people, it’s not difficult to see why. Most guests hole up at one of the resorts on Saipan, taking part in water sports and activities like snorkeling, but it's also easy to seek out hidden beaches and remote atolls. Like Guam, you’ll find a rich Chamorro culture here coupled with the distinctive Carolinian culture as well, and plenty of WWII sites to satisfy the history buffs.

Closed Loop Cruise Destinations

A closed-loop cruise sets sail and docks in the same U.S. city, allowing special permissions for U.S. travelers who don’t need their passports to travel. You’ll notice a theme here, all of these countries are located quite close to the United States. Keep in mind that most cruises are just quickly stopping through, but being able to combine so many countries into one vacation is part of the thrill.

Jamaica

Most closed-loop cruises that stop in Jamaica set down anchor in Montego Bay, the largest port of call in the island country, or Ocho Rios along the northern coast. You’ll have the chance to experience Jamaica’s famous white sand beaches, vibrant Rastafari culture, laidback attitude, and seriously mouth-watering food, like jerk chicken or the famous combo of ackee and codfish. Don’t skip the opportunity to explore the country's interior as well, which features a dense tangle of misty mountains, waterfalls, and lush vegetation.

Bermuda

You may have heard of Bermuda due to the famed Bermuda Triangle, but it has so much more to offer than its mysterious geography. Bermuda is still a British territory, similar to U.S. territories, and has a unique mixture of both British and American influences. The island's location, a stone's throw from the East Coast, means that it's just a short cruise from major ports like New York City. Pink sand beaches, underground cathedrals of stalactites, and vestiges of European occupation like the eerie Unfinished Church, await visitors who are brave enough to travel to this mysterious isle.

Mexico

While you'll need a passport to cross the land border, Mexico is often featured on closed-loop cruises south. Most will visit the Yucatan meccas of Cozumel or Tulum, as they’re easily accessible from the rest of the Caribbean, but destinations like Baja are also on the list. Sip mezcal, hike through crumbling Mayan ruins, plunge into cenotes, or go whale watching in the Sea of Cortez, all without having to flash your passport.

Canada

Canada’s Maritime Provinces are a great place to pick for a closed-loop cruise, especially if you’re looking for a destination that isn’t tropical. Typical stops include Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island, Labrador, and Newfoundland. You can look forward to colorful coastal villages, whale watching, and windswept tidepools, all accompanied by friendly Canadian hospitality. Cruises to Canada also hit locations on the West Coast, like Vancouver and Vancouver Island, typically on their way north to Alaska.

Bahamas

While the Bahamas are made up of 700 islands, two ports are common for cruisers: Nassau and Freeport. While the popular Atlantis Resort is a famous stop in Nassau, the island also offers powdered sugar sand, cerulean sea, and snorkeling that's great for beginners. Freeport, located on Grand Bahama, feels noticeably less commercial but does lack a bit of the historical charm of Nassau. Cruisers hopping off at this port will love its activities like horseback riding on the beach and excellent scuba diving. Most closed-loop cruises leave the Bahamas and continue on to other Caribbean islands, like Jamaica, or Mexico.