13. No US Passport Required for this Caribbean Beach Paradise
You don’t even have to pretend to be on a Caribbean island for this one. The US Virgin Islands of St. Thomas, St. John and St. Croix (plus smaller atolls) are actual tropical island paradises in the Caribbean Sea and official US territories. American’s are free to travel there without any bureaucratic hassle or currency exchange. Heck, you can even move or retire there if you wanted to live the laid-back island dream, complete with a few familiar comforts from the mainland. The palm-fringed beaches are as beautiful as anywhere in the region.
14. Fake a World Tour at Epcot
Okay, this is a bit of a stretch, but for those who want to get a sense of what its like to travel the world without leaving America, Orlando’s Epcot may hit the mark. Yes, it’s a Disney theme park, so authenticity is out the window. But they really do a fine job in recreating pockets of the world in one easy-to-stroll-in-a-day attraction. The World Showcase features remarkable representations of Mexico, Norway, China, Japan, Italy, France, Germany, Morocco, Canada, the United Kingdom and even the United States. Informative pavilions, cultural exhibitions, representational restaurants and shops add to the international-esque experience. Throw in a few thrilling rides, and it makes for a fun “round the world” adventure for kids of all ages.
