15 U.S. Escapes That Feel Like International Vacations—No Passport Needed
Travel Abroad Without Ever Leaving the States
Not everyone has the time, budget, or patience for a passport stamp. The good news is that you don’t need one to feel like you have stepped into another country.
The United States is sprinkled with pockets of European charm, tropical escapes, and cultural treasures that transport you across oceans without leaving home soil.
Picture cobblestone streets, storybook cottages, turquoise waters, and mountains draped in mist. Here are 15 destinations that prove you can travel the world while staying right here.
Chimayó, New Mexico (Feels like rural Mexico)
In the foothills of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains, Chimayó feels like a timeless village where life slows to a gentle rhythm. Adobe buildings glow under the desert sun, and handwoven textiles hang like art in the breeze.
Visit the historic El Santuario de Chimayó, a pilgrimage site filled with peace, then wander into local weaving shops to watch artisans at work.
Traveler Tip: Plan for a few extra days so you can explore nearby Santa Fe and take scenic drives through the mountains. Try the chile at Rancho de Chimayó — it is legendary.
Solvang, California (Feels like Denmark)
Windmills spin slowly over bakeries that smell of butter and cinnamon, and half-timbered buildings line the streets like a Danish village frozen in time. Rent a bike, sample warm aebleskiver pancakes, and take a horse-drawn trolley through town.
Traveler Tip: Come in late fall when the air is crisp and the crowds are thinner. Pop into small shops for imported chocolates and handmade goods you will not find anywhere else.
Alys Beach, Florida (Feels like Santorini)
Bright white homes with clean lines rise against a backdrop of deep blue water, and every street feels like it belongs in a glossy travel magazine. Alys Beach is quiet and deliberate in its beauty.
Stroll through palm-lined pathways, sip iced coffee in shaded courtyards, and watch the sunset paint the Gulf in gold.
Traveler Tip: Since there are no hotels here, book a vacation rental early. Bring bikes for the family and take the boardwalk to the nature preserve.
Holland, Michigan (Feels like the Netherlands)
When the tulips bloom, Holland bursts into a sea of pinks, yellows, and reds that make you forget you are in the Midwest. Windmills turn slowly against a soft spring sky, and Dutch bakeries serve buttery pastries that rival the originals.
Explore Windmill Island Gardens, wander through Nelis’ Dutch Village, and spend an afternoon on the shores of Lake Michigan.
Traveler Tip: Visit during the Tulip Time Festival in May, but book your stay months in advance. The whole town fills up quickly.
1000 Islands, New York (Feels like coastal France)
More than a thousand small islands dot the St. Lawrence River, each one a patch of green surrounded by deep blue water. The air feels fresh here, like the edge of the world.
Tour Boldt Castle, take a boat to explore hidden coves, and visit the French Festival in Cape Vincent to taste the region’s heritage.
Traveler Tip: Pack layers. Even in summer, the evenings can be cool on the water.