The Domestic Caribbean: A Tropical Vacation (Without a Passport)

You can have a Caribbean vacation without the hassle of waiting in line at immigration or the anxiety of forgetting your passport. In the domestic Caribbean, U.S. citizens can enjoy the perks of what feels like traveling internationally — imagine picturesque beaches, bright blue ocean waves and sweet tropical drinks — without ever technically leaving the country. Plus, no currency exchange required! Here’s a refresher on (or perhaps an introduction to) the passport-free domestic Caribbean.

U.S. Virgin Islands

If you love the Riviera Maya, you’ll love the U.S. Virgin Islands.

• Perfect for: Travelers who are looking for a tranquil destination with top-notch beaches and a family-friendly vibe
• Favorite activities: Virgin Islands National Park, Blackbeard’s Castle and swimming at Magens Bay Beach
• Fly into: STX (St. Croix) or STT (St. Thomas)

Located southeast of Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands are made up of a cluster of Caribbean islands, the largest and most popular of which are St. Croix, St. John and St. Thomas. The three main islands of this tropical getaway encompass just 134 square miles. But what the U.S. Virgin Islands may lack in size is easily made up for with beautiful wildlife areas, the endless opportunity for fun out on the open water, pristine golf courses and plenty of local rum free for the sampling.

A history dotted with Pre-Ceramic inhabitants, British colonists, European explorers, Dutch sugar cane farmers and, most exciting of all, real-life pirates, the USVI have a unique cultural flair that can be experienced by visitors through historical tours, storytelling and artisan fairs.

Most-shopped hotels by travel advisors on VAX — St. Croix

1. Hotel on the Cay
2. The Buccaneer
3. Carambola Beach Resort

Most-shopped hotels by travel advisors on VAX — St. Thomas

1. Bolongo Bay Beach Resort
2. The Ritz-Carlton St. Thomas
3. Wyndham St. Thomas

Puerto Rico

If you love the Dominican Republic, you’ll love Puerto Rico.

• Perfect for: Culture buffs, beachgoers, foodies, bar hoppers and dancers
• Must-see attractions: Viejo San Juan, El Yunque National Forest and Flamenco Beach
• Fly into: SJU (San Juan)

Puerto Rico is an unincorporated territory of the United States situated in the northeastern Caribbean. The island is 100 miles long and 35 miles wide, making it the smallest member of the Greater Antilles. Also referred to as the “Island of Enchantment,” Puerto Rico is best known for its striking landscape of mountains, tropical rainforest and waterfalls paired with its gorgeous beaches and Spanish-Caribbean culture. And the fun doesn’t stop when the sun goes down; the sound of live salsa and reggae music echoes well into the night in this domestic Caribbean destination.

When it comes to things to do you won’t want to miss, at the top of that list is a visit to Old San Juan, the second-oldest town in America, lined with blue cobblestone streets and brightly colored Colonial architecture. This historic city is any sightseeing enthusiast’s dream with its long list of historic landmarks and iconic sites like Castillo San Felipe del Morro, Castillo San Cristobal, Capilla del Cristo and more. Two other must-see Puerto Rico sights are Mosquito Bay, one of the world’s only bioluminescent bays, and La Factoria, where some say the pina colada was invented.

Most-shopped hotels by VAX agents

1. San Juan Marriott Resort & Stellaris Casino
2. Wyndham Grand Rio Mar Puerto Rico Golf & Beach Resort
3. Caribe Hilton

The Florida Keys

If you love Playa del Carmen, Mexico, you’ll love the Florida Keys.

• Perfect for: Shoppers, boaters and nature lovers
• Don’t miss: Dolphins Plus Bayside, a ride in a glass-bottom boat at John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park and the Florida Keys Wild Bird Center
• Fly into: EYW (Key West)

Located just south of the Florida Panhandle, the Florida Keys are a collection of 1,700 small islands that extend over 198 square miles. The Keys are accessible by car, plane or boat, but the most scenic way to get there is a journey across the Overseas Highway. While speed demons might struggle with the strictly enforced 55 mph speed limit, the Overseas Highway is a modern wonder that’s well worth the extra time spent thanks to its fabulous views of the relaxing waters below and the bright sky above.

While there are many notable pit stops along the Florida Keys, the most popular area to vacation is Key West where the locals are quirky, the food is good and the watersports are aplenty. While some of the more popular activities in the area include visiting the southernmost point in America and snorkeling amongst marine life, this destination also offers some more bizarre attractions. For example, you can “cheers!” while in your birthday suit at the Garden of Eden, a clothing-optional rooftop bar on Duval Street, or see what goes bump in the night on a haunted walking tour while visiting some of the islands’ most notoriously spooky establishments.

Most-shopped hotels by VAX agents

1. Casa Marina Key West, a Waldorf Astoria Resort
2. The Reach Key West, Curio Collection by Hilton
3. Hyatt Centric Key West Resort & Spa

Surprise! Dry Tortugas National Park is part of the U.S. Caribbean

Dry Tortugas

• What to expect: History, wildlife and camping

Seventy miles west of Key West sits Dry Tortugas National Park, a 100-square-mile park consisting of seven small islands. Among the park’s main attractions is Fort Jefferson, one of the nation’s largest 19th century forts open to visitors to explore. Aside from its historic value, travelers also flock to Dry Tortugas for its expansive coral reefs and vast variety of birds.

Originally appeared in the spring 2021 issue of The Compass Magazine.