US Destinations That Feel International
Be Transported!
Want to feel like you've left the US without actually leaving the country?? I've got just the place(s) to go! Below are 10 destinations that have an international feel to transport you to another country without needing to leave the US.
Disney World
It's a Small World After All
It is a small world when you can visit 11 country representations within a mile circle at Epcot in Disney World. Or be transported to Africa for a safari at Animal Kingdom, a castle in Magic Kingdom, Hollywood in California and out of this world to Star Wars at Hollywood Studios. For a magical international experience in the US, there's no better place than the Happiest Place on Earth. For ideas to have a magical trip, check out the Disney World Guide and Gifts.
New York City
A Major Melting Pot
As the gateway to the US for many, New York City is a huge melting pot of nationalities and cultures. Untapped Cities put together a great article summarizing the 20 ethnic areas in NYC for ideas beyond Chinatown and Little Italy. That combined with all the parks, markets & cafes, will make you feel like you've been transported to Europe. Ideas on where to stay, what to do, eat, drink & more in NYC are available in the New York City Guide and Gifts.
Napa & Sonoma
Want to feel like you're in Tuscany without needing to fly to Italy? Then head to Napa & Sonoma Valley in California Wine Country. Be transported to what feels like a European countryside as you sip local wines, while noshing on a charcuterie board and enjoying the stunning scenery. For insights on when to visit, where to stay, which wineries to visit, how to get around & more, head to the Napa & Sonoma Valley Guide and Gifts.
New Orleans
French Quarter in the Big Easy
Laissez les bons temps rouler! New Orleans is oozing with charm & culture from its food to its music, history & architecture, celebrations & traditions. Originally founded by the French, New Orleans maintains a French feel through the historic French Quarter that will not only transport you to another place, but also back in time. For a curated list of where to stay, what to do, eat, drink and more, check out the New Orleans Guide and Gifts.
Bienvenidos a Miami! Key West may only be 90 miles from Cuba, but the Miami area is where most Cuban Americans call home. The Miami area has the highest percentage of foreign born residents in the US mostly immigrating from Cuba resulting in a vibrant Cuban culture and Little Havana neighborhood. For top picks on hotels & activities, including a Little Havana Food Tour and Cuban food & drinks to try, head to the Miami Guide and Gifts.
New Mexico
Want to be swept away to the Land of Enchantment? Where tent rocks soar, sunsets stun, and hot air balloons rise. Then head to New Mexico for a wonderful blend of scenery, activities & culture. The food may be reminiscent of Mexico, but the scenery and hot air balloons in the Hot Air Ballooning Capital of the World will transport you to Cappadocia, ​Türkiye. Check out the New Mexico Guide and Gifts for ideas on where to stay, what to do & more.
The Southernmost Point of the United States where US Route 1 ends, is where fun begins. Key West's laid back island life vibe combined with its historic southern colonial homes, beautiful flora & fauna, and stunning sunsets, make it feel more like the Caribbean than the US. Visitors can enjoy time on the beach, water, biking or bar hopping, because it's always 5pm there. For ideas on where to stay, what to do, plus more, go to the Key West Guide and Gifts.
Las Vegas
Viva Las Vegas! The Las Vegas Strip hotels are a sensory overload transporting guests to Rome in Caesars Palace, Venice in The Venetian, Lake Como in the Bellagio, Paris in the Paris Hotel, and Egypt in the Luxor. After taking many trips to Las Vegas over the last 15 years, I'm sharing my favorite hotels and activities beyond the usual in the Las Vegas Guide and Gifts.
Hawaii
Polynesian Culture
Including Hawaii feels like cheating, because it's so far from the continental US, but still makes the cut as a 50 nifty United State with no passport needed. The beautiful landscape with volcanoes, canyons, bays, and black sand beaches is unlike anywhere in the continental US. That combined with its Polynesian culture, will definitely make you feel like you're outside of the US. For highlights on each of the 4 main islands, check out the Hawaii Guide and Gifts.