Florida’s Magnificent Islands: 5 Among the Nation’s Most Beautiful
Many people find themselves drawn to the allure of beautiful islands. These slices of paradise, graced with beaches, vibrant landscapes, and blue waters, extend an irresistible invitation to those seeking a blissful escape. Each island has a unique charm and appeal, promising many experiences as diverse as the travelers they attract.
Recently, a travel website called Touropia ranked the most beautiful islands in the United States, providing a glimpse into the nation’s diverse collection of landscapes and coastal treasures. From the sun-kissed beaches of Hawaii’s Maui to the untamed shores of Maine’s Mount Desert Island, the U.S. holds what some may say are the most beautiful islands.
Touropia features a variety of stunning attractions from around the globe, sorted into different “best of” lists. In a recent compilation, they have curated a selection of the 23 most beautiful islands in the U.S. This selection was made by gathering data from consumer reviews and opinions to ensure a well-rounded ranking of islands.
Florida steals the show with its beautiful islands
The list includes five Florida islands, with Key West earning a place in the top two. The website highlighted Key West for its scenic sunsets, unique architecture, and a vibe “unlike anywhere else in the United States.” Sanibel and Captiva found itself at the seventh spot on the list. Towards the lower end of the rankings, Anna Maria ranked 15, followed by Amelia at number 17, and finally Marco at number 20.
Who ranked number one?
Leading their rankings is Kauai, one of Hawaii’s most ancient and its fourth-largest island. It is often referred to as the “Garden Island,” by many people. The list also includes other secluded spots, such as the San Juan Islands in Washington, which snagged the 9th position. Kodiak Island in Alaska found its place at the 16th spot. While Galveston Island in Texas was recognized at number 22. Rounding out the list at number 23 is Assateague Island, between Virginia and Maryland.
Check out their complete list of the most beautiful islands in the U.S. here.
5 Passport-Free Getaways Where Travelers Can Explore
Most of the time, if you’re traveling outside of the U.S., you need a current passport to do it. But there are some places outside of the country where you can visit without a passport. And that’s good news for many Americans. A significant portion of Americans, roughly 55 percent, do not possess one.
Last year, the State Department reported that out of the 333,287,557 individuals residing in the United States, an estimated 55 percent, or a substantial portion, did not possess a passport. This figure, based on the total number of 151,814,305 valid U.S. passports in circulation, highlights the fact that a significant majority of Americans have yet to get one.
You don’t always need a passport to visit some awesome places. There are U.S. islands and territories, like the breathtaking U.S. Virgin Islands, where you can hop on a plane and explore without a passport. However, it’s important to note that the travel landscape can sometimes be confusing, as there are other U.S. territories, like Guam, where a passport is necessary for entry.
Do I need a passport for cruises?
When it comes to closed-loop cruises, which are voyages departing from the U.S. and returning to the same port, travelers have a bit of leeway when it comes to passport requirements. According to Ilisa Oman, a travel agent at One World Family Travel, the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative (WHTI) allows passengers on these cruises to travel without providing proof of a passport. Instead, a state-issued driver’s license or identification card usually suffices.
Keep in mind that there are exceptions to this rule. It’s always best to check in with your cruise line for more information about your travels.
To make your trip planning a breeze, we’ve got your back with a list of cool destinations where you, as a U.S. citizen, can travel passport-free. Whether you don’t have one or simply prefer to explore without the hassle of carrying one, we’ve got you covered.
Kayla is the midday host on Detroit’s 105.1 The Bounce. She started her career in radio back in 2016 as an intern at another Detroit station and worked her way here. She's made stops in Knoxville, TN, Omaha, Ne and other places before returning to Detroit. She’s done almost everything in radio from promotions to web, creating content on social media, you name it.
She’s a true Michigander, born and raised. So, you can catch her camping or vacationing up north to exploring the downtown Detroit or maybe even catching a sports game. During her free time, Kayla enjoys watching movies, roller-skating, crafting, and music festivals. She and her husband together dip into many of the great things Michigan has to offer. Together they also like to travel.
A few hobbies of hers include wine and beer tastings, crafting, hiking, roller skating, movies, home improvement projects, gardening, and festivals. She’s always looking to take on more local events happening in the community.
She loves connecting with the community. When writing, Kayla covers topics including lifestyle, pop culture, trending stories, hacks, and urban culture.