Did you know that the United States still owns territories around the world? Even though there’s some controversy around that concept, when it comes to traveling it’s a huge perk for American citizens. You get the experience of traveling abroad without the hassle of getting a passport. I still HIGHLY recommend getting a passport book (not the card!), but these are great destinations if you don’t have one or waiting for your new one to arrive!
1. Puerto Rico
Welcome to Puerto Rico, often referred to as the ‘rich port’ in Spanish! Puerto Rico is officially known as the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, it’s a beautiful Caribbean island that holds a special status as an unincorporated territory of the United States. Nestled in the northeast Caribbean Sea, just about 1,000 miles southeast of Miami, Florida, it’s a fantastic place between the Dominican Republic and the U.S. Virgin Islands.
Puerto Rico consists of the main island and some charming smaller ones like Mona, Culebra, and Vieques. Home to approximately 3.2 million residents, its vibrant capital and most populous city is San Juan. The official languages of the executive branch are Spanish and English, but you’ll find Spanish primarily throughout the island.
Having been to Puerto Rico twice, I highly recommend a visit, especially, to Old San Juan. It’s home to some amazing forts and fabulous food!
2. US Virgin Islands
Discover the charm of the United States Virgin Islands, affectionately known as the Virgin Islands of the United States! Nestled in the heart of the Caribbean, these islands are a vibrant part of the U.S. family. Geographically situated in the breathtaking Virgin Islands archipelago within the Lesser Antilles, they’re a tropical paradise in the Leeward Islands.
Picture yourself on the main islands of Saint Croix, Saint John, and Saint Thomas, surrounded by 50 other enchanting smaller islands and cays. With a total land area of 133.73 square miles, there’s so much to explore! The lively capital, Charlotte Amalie, is on the island of St. Thomas.
I’ve been to Saint Thomas & can recommend you take a food tour! There are iguanas walking around, which really sets the tropical scene. Don’t forget to try the rum punch!
3. Northern Mariana Islands
Get ready to explore the Northern Mariana Islands, officially known as the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands! This amazing cluster of 14 islands in the northwestern Pacific Ocean is a special part of the United States.
Imagine a paradise in the Mariana Archipelago where Saipan, Tinian, and Rota steal the spotlight with their lively communities. The other islands are more tranquil, like Pagan, which has been recovering from a volcanic eruption in 1981.
The Northern Marianas stretch over 300 miles from the northernmost island to the southernmost island, Rota. To put it in perspective, that’s almost 1/3 the length of California! So, get ready to discover a piece of the Pacific that’s as diverse as it is beautiful.
4. Guam
Let’s dive into the wonderful world of Guam! This island, nestled in the Micronesia subregion of the western Pacific Ocean. Hagåtña is its lively capital and Dededo, the bustling heart of the island.
Guam proudly holds the title of the westernmost point and territory of the U.S., making it a true gem in the Pacific. In the vastness of Oceania, Guam stands out as the largest and southernmost among the Mariana Islands, claiming the top spot in Micronesia.
Now, imagine living on this vibrant island among 168,801 friendly faces as of 2022! Guam spans 210 square miles of beauty, offering a picturesque landscape over 130,000 acres. And here’s a fun fact: Guam is often playfully called ‘Where America’s Day Begins,’ a nod to its close relationship with the International Date Line.
My personal note, you might remember the line from Matilda (1996) where the mom says, “We’re moving to Guam!”. This is it!
5. American Samoa
Welcome to the beautiful American Samoa – a special piece of paradise in the South Pacific! Nestled southeast of Samoa, this vibrant territory is like a hidden gem.
American Samoa is east of the International Date Line and the Wallis and Futuna Islands, west of the Cook Islands, north of Tonga, and about 500 kilometers south of Tokelau. It’s not just a territory; it’s the southernmost territory of the United States and one of the two U.S. territories south of the Equator, sharing this unique distinction with the uninhabited Jarvis Island.
American Samoa boasts five main islands and two coral atolls, with Tutuila being the largest and most populous. Alongside the Manuʻa Islands, Rose Atoll, and Swains Island, these spots add to the charm of this amazing territory. The total land area of 199 square kilometers is just a bit more than Washington, D.C., making it nice and cozy.
As of 2022, around 45,443 people call American Samoa home, with the vast majority being indigenous ethnic Samoans. What’s more, most locals here are bilingual, seamlessly switching between English and Samoan.
Final Thoughts
As you can see, there are many amazing places that are available to travel to outside the 50 states, passport free. Consider one of these spots for your next island getaway!
Originally Published February 19, 2024
