In the dead of winter, the short daylight hours, bitter cold, and gray skies can become monotonous. But for those willing to travel, sunshine and balmy weather are always just a drive (or plane ride) away.
Whether you want to dip your toes in one of the world’s most popular black sand beaches, watch the manatees play in lagoon waters, or immerse yourself in a cultural center, we’ve found a warm, sunny spot for you.
Americans can pack their swimsuits and leave their passports at home while visiting these 5 beach destinations.
San Juan, Puerto Rico
San Juan was a fortified city 500 years ago, and today, it is Puerto Rico’s cultural center. This U.S. territory offers 270 miles of coastline, warm temperatures, and approximately 300 beaches to locals and tourists. Explore the coves, snorkel in San Juan’s clear water, or watch the manatees playing in Condado Lagoon.
After you dry off from a day spent at the beach, head into the city to enjoy the culture of the city. San Juan is the oldest European-founded city in the Americas and has preserved the historic architecture and cobblestone streets for that Old World feel.
The fort, Fuerte San Felipe del Morro, Saint Christopher’s Castle, and San Juan Baptista Cathedral are also worth a visit.
Foodies can sample traditional dishes such as mofongo, fried alcapurrias, Puerto Rican tamales or pasteles, or roast pork, and then finish a meal off with a pina colada.
Whether you are looking for a capital of culture, or just some winter fun in the sun, San Juan, Puerto Rico is worth putting on your travel map. This popular destination also gets the top spot on U.S.A Today’s10 Best Beach Destinations list.
Big Island, Hawaii
On Big Island, Hawaii, you can enjoy balmy outdoor weather even in the winter months. The temperatures here see highs of up to 80 degrees and rarely drop below the mid-60s.
Also, you get to skip the summer humidity–and crowds!
The Big Island is known for its stunning views and some of the best rainbows in Hawaii. Head around to Punaluu Beach and visit the turtles that live on its striking black sand.
Or, tour the famous Kona coffee farms and enjoy a gourmet cuppa as you take in the views.
The weather, year-round activities, and unique beauty make Big Island a perfect winter destination to escape the cold.
Since Hawaii is America’s 50th state, U.S. citizens don’t need a passport to enjoy this gorgeous beach destination.
St. Simons Island, Georgia
St. Simons Island is the largest barrier island in the Golden Isles.
This island is just an hour away from Savannah, Georgia so the winter months are often chillier than more tropical locations. However, from January to March, you still can expect to enjoy mild 60-degree weather.
In fact, the winter months are a perfect time to enjoy the island without the crowds. You can birdwatch at East Beach and Gould’s Inlet, rent a beach cruiser to tour the island, bike the trails, or play golf at the picturesque King and Prince Golf Course.
From Labor Day until Memorial Day the beaches are open to pets. So you can enjoy the waves and white sands of St Simons Island with your furry friend at your side.
St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands
The winter months are the best for visiting the U.S. Virgin Island of St. Thomas. From December to May temperatures reach the 80s and humidity is low. Also, there is very little rain during this season to dampen your vacation plans.
On St. Thomas, you can observe endangered green sea turtles while snorkeling or relaxing on the sands on Honeymoon Beach. At the top of St. Peter Mountain, you can take in the sights from Magens Bay to Puerto Rico.
This winter beach destination is perfect for enjoying the waves, sand, and sunshine without the crowds. It is one of the best spots in the Caribbean for family fun.
Anna Maria Island, Florida
Anna Maria Island is a popular vacation spot for national and international tourists alike.
This sunny spot with its white Florida beaches offers tropical foliage and old-fashioned charm.
You can enjoy nature and watch the dolphins and manatees play without high-rise condos and fast-foods spoiling the views.
Anna Maria is still untouched by mass tourism and allows you to unwind in the winter sun and enjoy the unbeatable views in peace and quiet.
When most Americans think of jetting off to a tropical paradise, they probably think of places like Jamaica, Cancun, or The Bahamas. But did you know there is a stunning tropical destination close to home that you don’t need to pack your passport for?
For Americans itching to get a taste of the tropics without leaving the country, they don’t have to look far, as the perfect destination lies within easy reach — The Florida Keys 🌴.
Combining several incredible destinations in one, The Florida Keys deserves a top spot on your travel bucket list.
From the snorkellable Key Largo to the quirky Key West, there are endless opportunities to make your tropical dreams come true in The Florida Keys.
The Perfect Florida Keys Itinerary
There are so many incredible places to stay when visiting the Keys it can be difficult to pick one. The easy solution to this is, of course, to pick them all! There is something in The Keys for everyone, and every Key is worth checking out.
It’s also incredibly easy to see everything The Florida Keys has to offer without breaking the bank.
For the ultimate Keys trip, we highly suggest flying into Miami, renting a car, and road-tripping through The Keys. Best of all, there’s no need to make the trek back to Miami when the vacation sadly comes to an end. Simply drop your rental car off at Key West International Airport and fly home from there!
Key Largo & Islamorada
The first stop on your adventure will be Key Largo, one of the best places to call home for a few nights on a journey through the Keys.
For a perfect spot to call home base, you can’t go wrong by checking into the Reefhouse Resort & Marina.
The resort is central to Key Largo’s top attractions, like John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park, and it has plenty to do on the property, with an amazing pool, a private beach, and delicious food. Plus, you’re only a few minutes away from Islamorada, meaning you can experience 2 Keys in one during a stay at the Reefhouse Resort.
One of the top things to do in Key Largo (and the rest of the Keys for that matter) is to go diving or snorkeling. Don’t worry if you forgot your mask; the Reefhouse Resort & Marina has a dive shop right on site!
Get Underwater
Speaking of diving, don’t let yourself pass on the opportunity to get underwater while in Key Largo. This area is home to some of the best scuba diving and snorkeling spots in the U.S. and is not to be missed!
If you have never tried scuba diving and want to learn, there is no place better. If you are already certified, you will love getting to explore the unique underwater landscape the Keys provides.
The average depth when diving in the keys doesn’t typically go beyond 30 feet or so, meaning you’ll be able to spend plenty of time on the bottom saying hello to sting rays and turtles.
If you’re wondering where to try diving, give Horizon Divers a call and tell them what you are looking for. You can easily get yourself on a morning 2-tank dive to explore the shallow reefs and shipwrecks in the Upper Keys National Sanctuary, and you’re guaranteed to have a good time.
You will not go hungry in the Keys. There are so many incredible places to grab a bite to eat that we could write a novel listing them all out. However, there are a few that you definitely shouldn’t miss! Key Largo has one of the best places to grab a bite, the famous Fish House.
The Fish House has locally sourced seafood that is to die for, all served in a quirky “keys-style” restaurant. Just give them a visit and you’ll see what we mean. This is the perfect spot to grab lunch after a morning dive and it should definitely be on your list of must-dos.
Plus, there are plenty of opportunities to grab some photos with friends and family.
If you are staying at the Reefhouse or somewhere nearby, be sure to schedule an afternoon/evening to visit Islamorada. This is the Key directly below Key Largo and is close enough that you can check it out without having to swap hotels.
There are 2 things you definitely need to add to your list of must-dos in Islamorada, and both are delicious.
Firstly, no visit to the Keys is complete without spending some time at The Florida Keys Brewing Company. As you can imagine, space is a prized commodity in the Keys, which is part of what makes this brewery so special.
The Florida Keys Brewing Company brews all of their beer right on-site and is one of the only local breweries that can truly say their beer is made right in the Keys.
Aside from how incredible the beer is, the property itself is eclectic and inviting. Everyone you meet will be friendly and nice, and you’ll be surrounded by incredible artwork, amazing beer, and a welcoming vibe.
After a beer or two, you’ll feel like a regular and probably start contemplating a move to the Keys 😅.
After a tour of the brewery, head right across the street for an amazing sunset dinner at Morada Bay Beach Café. This was one of our favorite dinners in the Keys. Not only was the food incredible, it was beautiful. Even your water comes out dressed to the nines!
Morada Bay Beach Café sunset dinner
And not only was the food delicious and beautiful, the scenery was gorgeous as well. We found ourselves pulling out the camera to try to capture the sunset as it would paint a different picture of the evening for you every few minutes.
If you want to feel like you are eating dinner in a beautiful painting, this is the place to do it.
Heading South
The upper Keys are beautiful, and we already can’t wait to go back, but you are missing out on some of the most iconic sights in the Keys if you end your adventure there.
After spending some time checking out Key Largo and Islamorada, be sure to pencil in a few days to head down the most beautiful stretch of highway in the U.S. to Key West.
Overseas Highway in The Florida Keys
And there’s no need to rush; there are great places to stop off for a bite to eat or take in the scenery along the way.
We left right at around lunchtime, so we made a stop in Islamorada for a delicious meal at the Oceanside Safari Restaurant and Lounge — be sure to try their special Mojito with fresh mint!
It’s the perfect way to cap off your lunch and will leave you feeling refreshed and relaxed.
Oceanside Safari Restaurant and Lounge Mojito
On your way down to Key West, you may find yourself staring out of the window at the ocean around you.
There is no other highway in the U.S. that gives quite the same feeling as the Overseas highway, and you’ll be glad you decided to drive through the Keys.
Be sure to stop off at the end of a bridge or two to take it all in and grab some photos.
Before you make it all the way to Key West, consider stopping at Bahia Honda State Park for a beach break. There are award-winning beaches and gorgeous stretches of sand to set up camp for a few hours. If you have snorkeling gear, definitely be sure to explore what’s in the water as well!
Pick The Perfect Hotel For You
After catching some sun and sand, you’ll be ready to head into Key West to your hotel (of which there are plenty!).
Depending on what you are looking for during your stay in Key West, there are tons of hotel options to suit your needs. Much of Key West’s action is centered around Duval Street, so if you are coming for the nightlife that may be where you want to look.
However, we wanted to be close enough to the action to enjoy all Key West has to offer without being right in the thick of it. We wanted to enjoy Key West but stay somewhere that felt like its own secluded area away from the rest of the island.
The Capitana Key West was the perfect place to call home that achieved exactly what we were looking for.
From the second you check in you can feel the calm and relaxing energy of The Capitana.
If you are staying in the main hotel building, you’ll have incredible views of the pool and beach from your room, but for a more intimate experience, we opted for the Two Bedroom Cottage.
Many people who come to Key West dream of packing up and moving there after visiting. Staying in a cottage allows you to feel like you already do!
The Capitana Key West Cottage Canal View
The property is a great escape that you could spend your whole trip enjoying if you wanted to, and it is great for every type of traveler and party size.
Spend the afternoon sipping cocktails by the pool or get active and try your hand at some badminton. Either way, you’ll love your stay at The Capitana.
Key West Is Endless Fun
You’ll have trouble deciding what to do with yourself because there are endless opportunities to have an amazing time in Key West, but let us help you out by sharing some can’t-miss experiences:
Sunset Sail
There are plenty of companies offering sunset sails, and if you walk to the Marina, you’ll see signs for all of them. We decided to head out with Sebago Key West and would absolutely do it again!
You’ll head out to the beat of a live musician while the (included) drinks start to flow, and the breeze from the ocean will cool you down before taking in a gorgeous sunset from a unique perspective.
Keep an eye out for dolphins and turtles. If you are patient, you’ll likely spot a few.
Speaking of dolphins, if you’ve never seen them up close and personal, then you should definitely go out on a dolphin watch. We went with Honest Eco, and cannot recommend them enough.
They explained so much about Key West’s dolphin population and you could tell they cared a great deal about the dolphins and making sure the experience was a great one for both humans and dolphins.
We were lucky enough to have some dolphins come right up to our boat to say hello, and it was a bucket list item of mine. I’m a bit of a sucker for animals, and this experience was surreal. I’ve always loved dolphins and been amazed at their intelligence; I’m not ashamed to say I teared up having them so close — there’s no experience quite like it.
If you are on the fence about a dolphin watch, go ahead and book it, especially if heading out with Honest Eco.
The Hemingway House is a classic tourist attraction in Key West, but there’s a good reason for it. The house itself is gorgeous, and the history behind it is fascinating.
Most people know it as Ernest Hemingway’s former home, but before Hemingway owned it, it once belonged to Asa Tift, one of the richest people to ever live in Key West and the most famous wrecker in the area.
Even if the history of the home isn’t your thing, it’s fun to see how many kitties you can spot around the property, all of whom are UNESCO world-heritage protected and allowed to roam the property at will.
Many of the best things to do in Key West are in or on the water, and a kayak tour is one of them.
You’ll see all sorts of wildlife from nurse sharks to starfish, and get to learn about the importance of the mangroves and their significance in the ocean ecosystem.
Kayaking through the mangroves makes you feel completely cut off from the world in the most beautiful way and is an experience you should try at least once. For a one of a kind experience, we went with Lazy Dog Charters.
I can’t stop going on food tours! Seriously, they are the best way to learn about a new destination and a great way to get the lay of the land at the beginning of your trip.
Not only do you learn about the area geographically, but you will also leave with a huge list of all the best places to eat and drink. Aside from the food, you’ll also learn about the culture and history of the area.
In Key West’s case, you’ll never be short on history, culture, or food to sample. Around every corner, there is another story waiting to be told and a new one ready to unfold. There is so much fascinating history in Key West, and it is certainly one of the most unique places in the U.S.
To get the most out of this experience, we went with Key West Food Tours, and the tour did not disappoint.
We said above that you wouldn’t go hungry in the Upper Keys, and the same holds true in Key West. There are a million food options that are all incredible, each with their own unique Key West flair. Certainly don’t restrict yourself to our list, but some of our favorites include:
Half Shell Raw Bar – If you love oysters, this is your spot! Right in the Marina, you can enjoy your meal knowing you are eating some of the freshest seafood money can buy.
Milagro – Chef Kevin has worked with Michelin Star chefs for most of his career and took that experience to create a restaurant with 5-star cuisine in a casual, bistro environment. The food is deliciously decadent in a more laid-back setting — in true Key West fashion.
Blue Heaven Key West – The most iconic brunch spot in Key West and a definite must. Not only is the food delicious, but you’ll feel like you stepped into another world the second you cross the threshold of the entrance.
No Keys Experience Is The Same
It’s an unfortunate fact of life that every vacation must eventually come to an end, but some destinations are worth endlessly repeating. The Florida Keys is definitely one of them.
There is a reason so many travelers come here time and time again, and every visit to The Keys will reveal something new and exciting.
We loved our time in The Keys and, like so many others, will be coming back the first chance we get!
**Travel Off Path was a guest of The Florida Keys, who helped with the creation of this itinerary by hosting some of our accommodations and attractions. Our opinions, recommendations, and suggestions remain our own.**
There are many reasons why people seek citizenship and passports from other countries – be it political preferences, financial opportunities, to evade travel restrictions, or just to have more flexibility for tourism and work. Citizenship to an EU country is particularly valuable because it allows the freedom to travel, study, and work in any of the 27 member countries. According to a report from Forbes, up to 40% of Americans could be entitled to EU Citizenship by ancestry. Are you eligible?
American applications for EU passports have been on the rise in recent years. In Ireland alone, 3,284 Americans applied for an Irish passport during the first half of 2022, more than double the amount from the same period in the year prior. According to Bloomberg.com, citizenship consultancy firms are seeing increased demand from Americans seeking citizenship in other EU nations, including Italy and Germany.
Routes one can take to gain EU citizenship include through ancestry, naturalization, or by investment. There are no standard criteria across all of Europe, but rather each country sets its own rules on citizenship eligibility. If you think you might be eligible, we recommend checking with the respective country’s government website or contacting your local consulate to determine your suitability.
Many Americans are eligible to acquire an EU passport based on ancestry. This typically requires the completion of administrative paperwork (some countries require these to be translated), and the sourcing of relevant documents (birth, death, and marriage certificates) to prove lineage. Some of the top countries where Americans can gain citizenship through ancestry include:
Ireland: 33 million Americans claim to have Irish ancestral roots. If you have a parent or grandparent that was born in Ireland, you can submit the required paperwork and documents to have your birth entered into the Foreign Births Registry. There is no residency requirement, and applicants can expect a shiny new red passport in 6-24 months.
Italy : Americans with Italian ancestors can obtain Italian citizenship in 18 months or less via Jure Sanguinis (Latin for the right of blood) by applying through an Italian embassy or consulate and showing their link to the ancestor. There are no established generational limits meaning your last Italian ancestor could have died well over a hundred years ago, but they must have migrated away from Italy after March 17, 1861. There is no residency requirement in Italy.
Portugal: Portuguese citizenship can be obtained by anyone with a grandparent born in Portugal, but applicants must prove they have knowledge of the culture and language or be resident in Portugal for a length of time.
Spain: 75 million Americans could be eligible for Spanish citizenship. For anyone with Spanish-born parents, the process is quick and easy. Others with grandparents or of certain ethnic backgrounds are also eligible but will need to meet residency requirements. This includes Latino Americans, Brazilians, and Sephardic Jews.
Poland: Polish citizenship can be obtained by anyone with an ancestor who was born and lived in Poland after 1920.
Germany: Americans with German-born parents are eligible for citizenship, as are some Jewish Americans whose ancestors fled Germany during the Nazi regime.
Citizenship by Naturalization
For Americans who can’t trace their roots back to Europe, citizenship by naturalization is a good option. This typically comes with a residency and/or marriage requirement, which varies by country. For instance, you need to live in Liechtenstein for 10 years before applying for citizenship, but in Sweden, the requirement is only 5 years. The U.S. and the Netherlands have signed a Friendly Nation Treaty which allows Americans to apply for citizenship after 3 years of residence.
EU Citizenship By Investment
Don’t qualify for an EU passport via lineage or residency but have deep pockets? Several EU countries will grant citizenship to foreigners who make significant investments. Austria requires a hefty investment starting at $2 million, while the tiny island of Malta costs nearly $1 million. Many of the EU’s “golden visas” have strict residency and investment requirements. In Bulgaria, one would need to invest at least $1 million and be resident in the country for a minimum of 5 years.
Have you been dreaming of leaving it all behind and jetting off to the Caribbean but keep putting off that passport renewal? Luckily, Americans can experience the beauty and charm of the Caribbean without a passport!
In fact, Americans can experience the best of the Caribbean without a passport, without exchanging money, without a long-haul flight, and without dealing with the hassle of international cell service limitations.
Take It From Me, Puerto Rico Is The Most Accessible Caribbean Destination
When the opportunity to travel to Puerto Rico this fall presented itself, I jumped on it immediately. Having lived elsewhere in the Caribbean since July, I was interested to see how different things were in San Juan. As an American, I knew I could travel to Puerto Rico without a passport. However, it didn’t register how truly easy it was to visit until I flew to San Juan.
The flight was a breeze! A lovely 2.5 hours from Miami with gorgeous weather, so the view from above turned the world below into a painting.
Having never been to Puerto Rico, I still felt like I was traveling to another country outside of the States. With Puerto Rico being a U.S. territory however, flying into San Juan was like any other domestic flight. When I landed and took my phone off airplane mode, I had fantastic cell service. Once deplaned, a small part of me felt like I needed to go through customs.
Instead, I was outside the airport and waiting for my ground transport in about 5 minutes! The drive to my hotel, The Sheraton, was smooth and short, which felt out of the norm for the Caribbean. If you’ve frequented much of the Caribbean, you probably know how rough the roads can get!
As we all know, the media often tends to exaggerate. As my departure date inched closer, I watched two hurricanes make landfall in Puerto Rico. First Fiona, and then Ian. Friends and family kept asking me if I planned to cancel my trip. I never had any intention of doing so, but did wonder what things would be like when I arrived.
Hurricane Fiona Approaching Puerto Rico Credit: Zoom.Earth
By no means am I discounting the impact Hurricane Fiona and Hurricane Ian had on residents of Puerto Rico, particularly those in the south. Still, while exploring San Juan, I saw no evidence of storm damage and no areas without power, save the occasional traffic light. Everything seemed to be operating business as usual.
Speaking with my driver on the way to the hotel, he recounted his experiences throughout various hurricanes. He told me how much his life changed during Hurricane Maria, one of the worst to ever hit the island. Fiona and Ian were no comparison, at least for him.
Brad Dean, CEO of Discover Puerto Rico, later informed us at a press conference that Hurricane Fiona barely impacted travelers’ plans to come to the island for vacation. Less than 10% canceled their trip, and in Dean’s words, Hurricane Fiona was “a setback, not a reset.” Indeed, most of Puerto Rico was and still is completely open and safe for travel.
One Of The Best Ways To Give Back
It may seem counterintuitive, but one of the best ways to help the local economy of Puerto Rico, even after a hurricane, is through travel and tourism. Even something as simple as grabbing a quick bite at a local brewery adds up and supports the locals who work there.
During my stay, I had the pleasure of talking to numerous locals working in the tourism sector. Each of them echoed this sentiment, traveling to Puerto Rico and enjoying local activities is one of the best ways you can help.
An Immense Cultural Experience
Since it was my first time in Puerto Rico, I didn’t know what to expect. My typical go-to destinations are mostly European, and I have a deep-rooted love for the old. Marveling at the beauty of St. Paul’s Cathedral in London, walking among ancient Viking burial mounds in Mølen, and exploring Blarney castle in Ireland are memories solidified in my brain. Not because of their visual appeal, but because of the connection I felt to the history and culture of those experiences.
Puerto Rico now has a place among this special set of memories, and I can’t wait to go back. Walking through the historic district of Old San Juan showed me that Americans don’t have to travel far to see a unique blend of history. Old San Juan is the oldest city in the U.S. and its territories. Visitors can see gorgeous buildings displaying Baroque, Neoclassical, Gothic, and Spanish Colonial architecture — all within walking distance of each other. On the western side of Old San Juan, some buildings date back to the 1500s — the history lover in me felt right at home.
A Unique Take On History
I explored Old San Juan in a unique way that I highly recommend to anyone visiting the area. Rather than simply walking around and exploring independently, I went on the Old San Juan Walk & Taste Tour with The Spoon Experience. This tour wasn’t just a guided walk among beautiful buildings and experiencing local food and drinks. While that was certainly part of it, what made the tour unforgettable was the vast amount of history eloquently expressed by our incredible guide.
In just a few hours, I sampled the most authentic local foods available while learning each meal’s historical and cultural significance. In between our food stops, our guide talked about Old San Juan’s rich history. From the obvious details like its strategically defensible position, to the not-so-obvious fact that the endless shade offered by San Juan’s architecture only exists due to a poor compass reading during the city’s planning. There was so much incredible history shared, and I can’t wait to go back and do it again to learn more!
Top 6 Reasons I’ll Be Going Back To Puerto Rico
It’s So Easy – Visiting Puerto Rico was like taking everything great about the Caribbean and packaging it with easy domestic flying. My flight from Miami was only 2.5 hours, and getting through the airport and to my hotel was a breeze. If I lived in Miami, I’d visit Puerto Rico on every available long weekend.
For More Of Old San Juan – I fell in love with Old San Juan the moment I saw it. The architecture, the charming little shops, and the immense cultural experience have cemented this beautiful city in my mind.
For The Adventure – My trip was spent in San Juan, but next time I head to Puerto Rico, I plan to check out more off-the-beaten-path sights. Some that I have in mind include El Yunque National Forest and Laguna Grande, a bio bay where visitors can experience the beauty of bioluminescence in the water.
For More BeachTime – I didn’t spend much time at the beaches, but definitely will in the future! From the gorgeous El Escambrón in San Juan to the stunning Pelícano Beach in Ponce, I’ll be scoping out Puerto Rico’s beaches during my future trips.
For The Art – I had the pleasure of taking part in a walking art tour in Santurce, a municipality in San Juan known for its vibrant art scene and exciting nightlife. Just like the culinary tour, it was a history lesson in disguise. I learned more about Puerto Rico and its people during the tour than I ever had in school. This was entirely due to our incredible guide from theartwalkpr.
For The Food – The food, I miss it so much! Aside from the Old San Juan Walk & Taste tour, I had the pleasure of taking a cooking class with Mesa Redonda at the lovely Cocina Abierta. My group was responsible for making the Sofrito, a staple base for many Puerto Rican dishes. Everything was incredible, and I left convinced that every meal should start with Alcapurrias and end with Tembleque.
Best Times To Visit Puerto Rico
I’m of the opinion that anytime is the best time to visit. However, depending on your preferences, there are months of the year that may best suit your needs.
To avoid crowds, stick to the shoulder seasons of September to mid-December and mid-April to May.
To save money, June through September is generally more affordable, as it is hurricane season. Just keep an eye on the weather and be sure to purchase suitable travel insurance, and you’ll be all set.
To avoid rainy days, shoot for February, as it is one of the driest months of the year.
How To Get There
While you may stop and see Old San Juan for a day during a cruise, if you want to stay in Puerto Rico for a while, you’ll have to fly. This is where Puerto Rico shines when compared to many other Caribbean destinations. San Juan has over 25 direct routes from the U.S. mainland, and flying in is incredibly easy.
Americans will not need a passport, and there is no lengthy customs line waiting for you upon landing. Not only that, it’s typically quite affordable. For instance, a direct flight from New York City to San Juan can be found for around $300 with JetBlue this November, carry-on included. Puerto Rico is undoubtedly one of the most accessible destinations in the Caribbean.
The Number One Reason I’ll Be Back
I arrived in Puerto Rico not knowing what to expect. I left with a newfound love and respect for the culture and people that made this island come alive. While the experiences themselves were incredible, the people behind them were the true magic. And they, more than anything else, are the reason I’ll be coming back.
**Travel Off Path was a guest of Discover Puerto Rico who helped with the creation of this itinerary by hosting some of our accommodations and attractions. Our opinions, recommendations, and suggestions remain our own.**
Having valid passports is crucial for every traveler, but having a powerful valid passport is even better. Going through visa procedures and travel limitations can be very frustrating and add stress to any travel plan.
But how powerful is your passport? Henley & Partners, an international agency specializing in residence and citizenships, recently published its annual ranking of the most powerful passports in the world.
A group of experts from the company considered data from the International Air Transport Association (IATA) and its own historic data —gathered during the last 17 years— and most recent mobility reports to get the most accurate information available at the moment.
The index includes 199 different passports that were compared to 227 destinations across the world and the most powerful are the ones with fewer visa requirements.
France, Ireland, Portugal, and the United Kingdom: 187 countries.
Belgium, New Zealand, Norway, Switzerland, and the United States: 186 countries.
Australia, Canada, Czech Republic, Greece, and Malta: 185 countries.
Hungary: 183 countries.
Lithuania, Poland, and Slovakia: 182 countries.
Asian and European countries take the lead on the best passports to hold in 2022. Other popular citizenships among residents in the United States were also featured in the global ranking: Mexico ranked 24 with access to 159 countries, China ranked 69 with access to 80 countries and India ranked 87 with access to 60 countries.
Compared to Japan, the US passport needs a visa to visit more countries. Destinations like Bolivia, China, India, Iran, Japan, Tukey, and Venezuela require visas for Americans but not to Japanese citizens.
The Worst Passports 2022
Travelers with unique citizenships in other nationalities with the worst international relationships are not that lucky.
Afghanistan: ranked last place, 112, and can only access 27 destinations without a visa.
Iraq: ranked 111 and can access 29 destinations without a visa.
Syria: ranked 110 and can access 30 destinations without a visa.
Pakistan: ranked 109 and can access 32 destinations without a visa.
Yemen: ranked 108 and can access 34 destinations without a visa.
Somalia: ranked 107 and can access 35 destinations without a visa.
Nepal and Palestinian territory: ranked 106 and can access 38 destinations without a visa.
North Korea: ranked 105 and can access 40 destinations without a visa.
Libya, Kosovo, and Bangladesh: ranked 104 and can access 41 destinations without a visa.
Sudan: ranked 110 and can access 30 destinations without a visa.
Arab countries and from the Middle East were featured as the most unfavorable citizenships to travel the world.
More About The Index
Another interesting feature of the reporting platform is an interactive option called “Compare my passport” that allows travelers to compare different passports —up to four— and also see in more detail which countries require or not visas and what kind of visa, if a regular visa or just an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA).
Regarding the criteria, in order to publish the Henley Passport Index, experts go through a research process and analyze data throughout the year with mechanisms to detect policy shifts.
They also used a scoring system depending on the visa requirement: destinations that don’t require a visa or when the visa can be obtained upon arrival or with an eTA —when no government approval is required before travel— got 1 point, and destinations that required a visa or an e-Visa got 0 points.
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Disclaimer: Current travel rules and restrictions can change without notice. The decision to travel is ultimately your responsibility. Contact your consulate and/or local authorities to confirm your nationality’s entry and/or any changes to travel requirements before traveling. Travel Off Path does not endorse traveling against government advisories
The U.S. Department of State has an important message for American citizens traveling in the long term, or who are due to fly internationally soon. Starting in July, expired U.S. passports will no longer be considered valid documents when returning to the United States, as certain pandemic-era measures are due to be revoked.
Throughout the Covid crisis, the U.S. Government allowed Americans who had been stuck abroad indefinitely, and whose passports might have ceased being valid amid the never-ending cycle of restrictions, to travel back home on an expired document. The ordinance had been extended a number of times, while travelers still faced a high degree of travel unpredictability.
Now that Covid is close to being considered an endemic disease, and a majority of travel curbs have been loosened, the U.S. is finally revising this once-lax travel policy:
Americans Will Be Denied Boarding If Their Passports Are Not Valid From July 1
As those who have been closely following the latest updates on the websites of major U.S. Embassies lately will already know, after June 30, 2022, U.S. citizens who remain overseas with an expired passport will no longer be able to use it as a travel document for returning to their home country. Instead, they are now urged to apply for a new passport.
Since the announcement was made, several U.S. Embassies around the world were quick to update their own travel guidance, including the American diplomatic missions in the Dominican Republic, Mexico, France, Germany, and several other countries. As early as July 1, only passports that meet expiry requirements will be accepted.
In a message to U.S. citizens holding an invalid travel document and who are abroad at the moment, the Embassies have collectively advised them to seek assistance in obtaining a replacement passport ahead of traveling. As the U.S. Embassy in Albania reiterates, Americans are eligible for ‘temporary passports’ in cases of emergency travel.
These passports can be issued when a travel date cannot be postponed, and the time required for applying for a regular passport would prevent departure. In these situations, they should contact an official U.S. representation in the foreign country they are in – whether it’s Albania or any of the aforementioned nations.
The application process may vary, but same-day issuance is usually available on a case-by-case basis. Nevertheless, Embassies remind travelers that, in ‘certain circumstances’, additional information may be required, or they may refer cases to the Department of State for further evaluation. For that reason, they are warned against making travel plans in advance.
Change In Travel Rules Follows A Global Reopening Trend
Prior to the tightening of the rule, all U.S. citizens qualified for travel to the United States on an expired passport, so long as the flight back was a ‘direct return’, or included a short-term, air-side transit in a foreign country. U.S. authorities only required that the document had previously valid for a total of 10 years, from the date of issue, before expiring.
As Covid is no longer prompting border closures worldwide, and the world is quickly reopening for tourism, the grace period for void travel documents is poised to elapse. After all, we are approaching a stage in the pandemic where Covid is not seen as a seriously disruptive health threat, especially in Western states that are progressively easing travel rules.
In spite of the positive trend, Americans are reminded holding valid passports is the main prerequisite for international travel – and, soon enough, for entering the United States. Lastly, all travelers are urged to enroll in the Smart Traveler Program (STEP), including U.S. nationals that are abroad.
STEP is a free service allowing Americans that are either traveling for extensive periods of time, or living in other countries, to register their trip with Embassies or Consulates that are closest to them. This will help U.S. officials assist them during unforeseen events, and strengthen communication between both parts.
Americans May Not Need Passports To Travel To Certain Destinations
It is worth noting that, even though passports are needed for the vast majority of international flights departing from the U.S., there are a number of destinations known to have struck bilateral agreements with the White House, allowing Americans to visit bureaucracy-free – even when they do not have passports.
That is still the exception rather than the rule, and the U.S. Department of State reaffirms Americans will be denied from boarding a plane when attempting to travel to an international destination without valid documentation. As pre-pandemic regulations are reinstated, the best option here is to get a passport, or renew an expired one, as soon as possible.
U.S. citizens can apply for new passports using this link.
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Disclaimer: Current travel rules and restrictions can change without notice. The decision to travel is ultimately your responsibility. Contact your consulate and/or local authorities to confirm your nationality’s entry and/or any changes to travel requirements before traveling. Travel Off Path does not endorse traveling against government advisories
