No Passport Required
Forgot to renew your passport? Didn't apply for one in time? That won't keep you from a last-minute getaway to one of these amazing destinations.
A Caribbean vacation isn't out of reach without a passport if you stick to the US Virgin Islands: Saint John, Saint Croix, and Saint Thomas (pictured here). Since they're US territories, a driver's license or birth certificate will suffice.
Another option in the Caribbean is Vieques, a small island that lies about 8 miles east of Puerto Rico. Like the Puerto Rican mainland, it is a United States Commonwealth with strong Spanish influence.
Culebra, another island-municipality of Puerto Rico, offers some of the Caribbean's most serene beaches.
Not to be overshadowed by its islands, Puerto Rico's capital, San Juan, is steeped in Spanish heritage and culture without sacrificing waterfront sunsets.
Have your sights set on a Canadian ski vacation? You can hit the slopes of Whistler Blackcomb, but not without restrictions. First, you'll need to travel by land and second, you'll need either an enhanced driver's license or a US Passport card. These travel documents were created after the WHTI (Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative) changes in 2009.
Who says you can't find an island paradise in the continental US? Just off the coast of Florida, Key West is the southernmost city and unlike anywhere else.
Guam is the western most US territory and while it's known for its military base, it's also one of the leading tourist destinations in the Western Pacific. The tropical paradise is complete with beach clubs, luxurious accommodations and world class golf courses.
Of course, if you want to be on an exotic island far, far away, your first thought should be of Hawaii and the islands of Kauai, Oahu, Molokai, Lanai, and Maui.
You can also experience the heart of Polynesia and Samoan culture in the 5 volcanic islands that make up the territory of American Samoa.
If you're feeling adventurous travel to Swains Island in the American Samoa, one of its 2 atolls (coral islands) halfway between Hawaii and New Zealand.
Your last option for a tropical vacation without a passport is Saipan, one of 14 lush Northern Mariana Islands. The Micronesian paradise has been called "America's Best-Kept Secret."