The somewhat pleasant temps you’re getting in your corner of the woods this spring not exactly giving off those tropical vibes you’re desperately craving?
We know you’re still fresh off a visit to the Caribbean last January, but maybe it’s time again for a little week-long escapade somewhere actually warm, and where the water feels a little more welcoming to step in than your local suburban pond.
Before you close this page, as you can’t be bothered with all the hassle of an international getaway right now, what with these visa requirements being imposed and entry rules changing, hold your horses, as this time, you can even leave your little blue friend at home.
Here are 3 beach hotspots you can visit as an American citizen without a passport this season:
St. Croix, U.S. Virgin Islands
An offbeat Caribbean island that has yet to see the dangerous levels of mass tourism that have plagued so many of its neighbors, St Croix is best known for its peaceful coastal settlements hugged by teal waters, magnificent beaches of powdered-sugar white sands, and rich colonial culture.
It has been under the rule of a myriad of European nations, from Spain, to France, to Denmark, and if you’re looking for something unique you don’t see just lying around in the Caribbean, a bright-yellow, 18th-century Fort Christiansvaern stands as solid proof of Dane presence in the region.
It is one of several Danish-era buildings of Christiansted, the island capital, and it was built to protect its residents from pirate attacks.
To better understand the colonial era and how it impacted enslaved Africans forcibly brought there, visit the Estate Whim Plantation. For something a little more lighthearted, visit the famous Cruzan Rum distillery.
You may wonder how you could visit this paradise without a passport, seeing how it looks so foreign. In reality, St. Croix is part of the U.S. Virgin Islands, a U.S.-administered territory, and you can come and go as you please without going through passport checks!
That is, if you’re coming from mainland America.
Maui, Hawaii
Let’s follow it up with a tried-and-true classic: spring is the perfect time to explore a lush-green Maui and all its volcanic peaks and pristine, 30 miles of beaches, including a golden-sanded, landmark Kapalua, where you can swim in crystal-clear seas backed by lava-made promontories.
Maui is also a much smaller island than O’ahu, and as it doesn’t have as big and busy an airport, it receives fewer tourists in comparison, and it can feel a lot more exclusive if you’re actively looking to beat the usual vacation crowds.
When choosing where to stay, tourists often find themselves split between Wailea, famous for its luxurious resorts, fine dining, and high-end shopping (it’s also home to the Four Seasons Resort Maui), and more laid-back areas like Kihei, filled with guesthouses and more casual eateries.
Maui is certainly not a budget destination whichever way you look at it, but you’re certain to find accommodation arrangements that fit your budget without blowing it, particularly if the idea of staying in an all-inclusive resort is negotiable to you.
Plus, spring is an excellent period to visit, as it’s not too warm for outdoor activities, such as hiking the Haleakalā volcano or setting out on the historic Road to Hana:
The average highs are in the mid-80s, and lows in the 70s, and rain and fog is minimal for visibility along that particular scenic drive.
We guess it goes without saying that, as Hawaii is a U.S. state, there’s no need to worry about international travel formalities when going to Maui.
Vieques, Puerto Rico
An island refuge that’s part of Puerto Rico not that many Americans know about, Vieques lies off the eastern coast of the main island, and it’s a peaceful community of around 8,000 inhabitants offering secluded, palm tree-lined beaches and verdant reserves.
Despite its anonymity, Mosquito Bay is often referred to as the brightest bioluminescent bay in the world, and if you’re looking to get mind-blown, you should make sure to book a kayak tour during nighttime—it’s not cheap, costing $135 per adult, but it’s so worth it.
This is the Caribbean, after all, and for those who dream of unruffled, powdered-sugar white sands, Playa Caracas is that paradise on Earth.
Now, if you’re a nature enthusiast, and you could spend hours wildlife-watching, the Vieques Wildlife Refuge has wild horses roaming free across bays and mangroves, and tourist-friendly trais.
Meanwhile, the main town of Isabel Segunda, on the northern coast of Vieques, has a plethora of seafood eateries, most of which are family-run—we love Casa Nativo for their fresh, $15 octopus salad and $3 beer—and shops selling handicrafts and other souvenirs.
Oh, and to our fellow culture buffs, a short walk uphill from the port, you’ll find the Fortín Conde de Mirasol, the last fortification built by the Spanish on this side of the pond, in the 19th-century, before they retreated back across the Atlantic (the views from the top are priceless!)
Needless to say, as part of Puerto Rico, an unincorporated territory of the U.S., yet every bit as part of the United States, all the same, Vieques doesn’t require visiting mainlanders to show a passport to enter.
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This article originally appeared on TravelOffPath.com
Opinions expressed here are the author’s alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, hotel, airline, or other entity. This content has not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of the entities included within the post.
