Passport-Free Winter Trips: U.S. Getaways Where It's Warm Now

Do you really want to deal with this on your vacation? (Thinkstock)

We’re big advocates of having a passport at Yahoo Travel, but even if you don’t have one, it’s no reason to stay home. There are plenty of destinations within easy reach that channel far-flung lands. Here are a few of our favorite places that will allow you to jump on a plane or in a car and go — no passport, no customs, no hassle. Plus, the weather is great. What more could you want?

Instead Of: Spain
Go To: Puerto Rico

A view over Old San Juan (Thinkstock)

A quick flight from most parts of the U.S., Puerto Rico still showcases its Spanish roots — especially in Old San Juan, with its cobblestone streets and colorful colonial buildings. The 22-room Gallery Inn, set in a series of townhouses, has been the home of artist Jan D’Esopo since 1961. Or splurge on the Hotel El Convento, a dramatic property in a 356-year-old Carmelite convent.

Related: Cheat Sheet: San Juan

For typical local comida criolla cuisine, the place to go is the family-run La Fonda del Jibarito, hidden down a quiet street. For a buzzier evening, check out Marmalade, a riot of colors and modern Latin flair behind a deceivingly old-world façade.

Instead Of: The Bahamas
Go To: The Florida Keys

On a dock in Islamorada (Ricymar Photography/Flickr)

Geographically speaking, the Keys could almost be part of the Bahamas — they are that close. And they are that close in spirit, too, especially on tiny Islamorada, located halfway between Miami and Key West. Grab a table in the sand at the Beach Cafe and snack on conch fritters, which is practically the national dish of the Bahamas. Every month, the bar hosts a full moon party, complete with a Bahamian Junkanoo Parade. The breezy bayside Casa Morada hotel is surrounded by a thicket of palms: it is so secluded that it feels like your own private island.

Instead Of: The Caribbean
Go To: The Caribbean on a Cruise

Closed-loop cruise: a great way to see the Caribbean (Thinkstock)

Here’s a sneaky way to leave the U.S. without a passport. Take a ”closed-loop cruise,” which means that you board a cruise ship at a U.S. port, travel only within the Western Hemisphere, and return to the same U.S. port on the same ship. Check your cruiseline’s regulations in advance.

Instead Of: France
Go To: New Orleans

New Orleans street corner (Thinkstock)

While New Orleans can have bouts of cool winter weather, it’s generally temperate. Forecast for today: 61 degrees and sunny. That’s a far cry from the temperatures right now in France. Plus: no passport required to soak in the French sensibility of the Big Easy, which was claimed by France as part of the Louisiana Territory in 1682.

Related: New Orleans and Venice Too Crowded? Visit These Places Instead

Rumor has it that one of the marble bathtubs at the 100-year-old Le Pavillon Hotel, near the French Quarter, was owned by Napoleon himself. In the French Quarter, there’s a Joan of Arc statue that was a gift from Charles de Gaulle, the namesake behind Paris’ airport. And the requisite snack of choice in New Orleans: beignets and café au lait at Café du Monde.

Instead Of: Mexico
Go To: Tucson, Arizona

The Tucson skyline (Thinkstock)

Just 60 miles from the border of Mexico, Tucson was once part of Mexico, after the country gained independence from Spain in 1821. So it’s no wonder that authentic shops like Borderlands Trading Company sell handcrafted pottery, mariachis stroll through Mexican restaurants all over town, and the University of Arizona hosts an annual Mexican film festival. The south-of-the-border influences can also be felt in the city’s Barrio Santa Rosa, which is on the U.S. National Register of Historic Places and was named ”Best New City Neighborhood” by Sunset magazine. For the best Mexican food north of the border, head to the legendary Cafe Poca Cosa. The most unique way to experience the area is with a stay at the Tanque Verde Ranch, a working dude ranch.

Instead Of: Denmark
Go To: St Croix

An old great house in St. Croix (Thinkstock)

The most European feeling of the U.S. Virgin Islands, St. Croix was purchased from Denmark in 1917. Its Danish influences shine through in the historic towns of Frederiksted and Christiansted. At the Apothecary Hall Museum — a pharmacy that was in business from 1820 to 1970 — you’ll see old bottles and pottery from the island’s colonial past. And don’t miss St. George Village Botanical Garden, on the ruins of an 18th-century Danish sugarcane plantation. The place to stay: the Buccanneer, founded in the 17th century. Drinks are served in an old sugar mill.

Instead Of: Tahiti
Go To: Hawaii

A perfect Hawaiian beach (Thinkstock)

A couple months ago, we pitted Hawaii and Tahiti against each other to see which was the true Polynesian paradise. Sure, you still need to go to Tahiti if you want to stay in an overwater bungalow. But Hawaii has just about everything else — and it’s a whole lot cheaper and a whole lot closer.

Related: Hawaii or Tahiti: Which is the True Polynesian Paradise?

One of our favorite hideaways is a small B&B on Maui called Mama’s Fish House, which echoes the breezy spirit of French Polynesia. Another great find: Keiki Beach Bungalows, with charming little cottages strung along the north shore of Oahu.

WATCH: Why You Need a Passport Card

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