Island vacations may be the perfect place to unwind with sandy beaches and plenty to explore. For American travelers, there are many wonderful options that you won’t need your passport to visit. Surround yourself with water and wonder at these destinations that don’t require extra paperwork.
Puerto Rico
In addition to gorgeous beaches, Puerto Rico’s capital of San Juan is flush with historical sites, museums, and street art. You may also want to take a stroll through the narrow cobblestone streets of Old San Juan. Head to Condado in New San Juan for waterfront resorts, casinos, and nightclubs.
Amelia Island
Amelia Island, on Florida’s Atlantic coast, might make you forget you’re still in the United States. Your vacation could include horseback riding on the beach or taking advantage of the rewards you could earn with a hotel credit card by booking a stay near one of the many golf courses on the island. And every March, the island hosts the Concours d’Elegance, one of the most prestigious car shows in the country.
Hawaii
It’s hard to choose just one place to visit in this chain of Pacific islands that includes Maui, Oahu, and Kauai. You can take a helicopter trip to see tropical rainforests or visit Volcano National Park. And if you want a taste of Hawaiian culture, try to find a luau for a good meal.
Santa Catalina Island
A short boat ride from southern California is Santa Catalina Island. Visitors can hike the many trails, soak in the sun on the white sand beach, or spot bison in the backcountry. Many hotels also offer incredible spa experiences to give you a break from the real world.
St. John
With two-thirds of St. John designated a national park, so much of its beauty is untouched, making it feel like a private island in the Caribbean. In this paradise, tourists can snorkel in Trunk Bay’s underwater trail, relax on the beaches or boat, hike, and camp within the park.
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St. Croix
This is another of the amazing U.S. islands in the Caribbean that deserves consideration for its pristine beaches. It’s home to Buck Island Reef National Monument, which is perfect for outdoor activities like hiking or snorkeling. You can also visit the Sandy Point National Wildlife Refuge, home to the nesting grounds for leatherback sea turtles.
American Samoa
American Samoa in the South Pacific is rich in Polynesian culture for visitors to explore. The tropical paradise also is home to sandy beaches, a national marine sanctuary, and hiking on Mount ’Alava. You can also explore the coral reef at the National Park of American Samoa, the only U.S. national park that’s south of the equator.
Guam
A trip to Guam can include a few rounds of golf on its many courses or a boat cruise down the Talofofo River on the southern half of the island. There’s also jet skiing, parasailing, and underwater tours for the more adventurous types — or take it slow lounging on one of its many beaches.
Key West
Home to the southernmost point of the contiguous United States, Key West in Florida has plenty of beaches and golf courses to visit during the day before heading out to a sidewalk cafe or bar at night. For those who like to take a trip to historical sites, visitors can see the homes of Ernest Hemingway and Tennessee Williams.
Bottom line
As you get ready to go to one of these tropical vacation spots, remember to pack your sunscreen, a bathing suit, and one of the best travel credit cards to get you some good deals. While a passport isn’t required, be sure to check requirements for what identification is necessary. Some do need to see a birth certificate for proof of United States residency beyond a driver’s license.
Easy-to-Earn Unlimited Rewards
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Card Details
- $0 annual fee
- Simple, flat-rate rewards
- Flexible redemption options
- Up to 75% preferred Rewards bonus potential
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- Earn unlimited 1.5 points per $1 spent on all purchases, with no annual fee and no foreign transaction fees and your points don't expire as long as your account remains open.
- 25,000 online bonus points after you make at least $1,000 in purchases in the first 90 days of account opening - that can be a $250 statement credit toward travel purchases.
- Use your card to book your trip how and where you want - you're not limited to specific websites with blackout dates or restrictions.
- Redeem points for a statement credit to pay for travel or dining purchases, such as flights, hotel stays, car and vacation rentals, baggage fees, and also at restaurants including takeout.
- 0% Intro APR for 15 billing cycles for purchases, and for any balance transfers made in the first 60 days. After the Intro APR offer ends, a Variable APR that’s currently 18.74% - 28.74% will apply. A 3% Intro balance transfer fee will apply for the first 60 days your account is open. After the Intro balance transfer fee offer ends, the fee for future balance transfers is 4%.
- If you're a Bank of America Preferred Rewards® member, you can earn 25%-75% more points on every purchase. That means instead of earning an unlimited 1.5 points for every $1, you could earn 1.87-2.62 points for every $1 you spend on purchases.
- Contactless Cards - The security of a chip card, with the convenience of a tap.
- This online only offer may not be available if you leave this page or if you visit a Bank of America financial center. You can take advantage of this offer when you apply now.
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Earn 25,000 online bonus points after you make at least $1,000 in purchases in the first 90 days of account opening - that can be a $250 statement credit toward travel purchases
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Why we like it
The Bank of America® Travel Rewards credit card is great for individuals who enjoy earning rewards and traveling.
Cardholders will enjoy the flexibility to redeem points with no blackout dates and receive a statement credit to pay for travel and dining purchases.
Earn 1.5X points on all purchases everywhere, every time.
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