"No-Passport Vacations” Are the Travel Trend of Summer 2025—Here’s Where to Go
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Where can you find deserts, forests, and mountains, all within the borders of one country? Right here at home, in the United States, of course.There’s so much to explore between the coasts, and there’s something inherently romantic about hitting the open road with your best friends or loved ones. Plus, “no-passport vacations” are going to be the most popular way to travel this summer, according to Google Trends. Blame the economy or the state of air travel, but more and more people will definitely be choosing to travel closer to home this year.
It’s not just a trend Google made up. Recent survey results from Club Wyndham and Talker found that almost twice as many of the people who responded said they prefer to drive to vacation destinations than fly (40 percent vs. 26 percent), and 60 percent believe they have not seen enough of the cities or attractions throughout the United States. The cliché rings true, sometimes it's much more about the journey than the destination.
Whether you opt for a luxury RV to sleep in on the road or a chic midsize car with plenty of legroom, like the Volkswagen Atlas, the right vehicle can ensure a smoother and more enjoyable trip. A car with a roomy trunk allows you to pack in unlimited finds and souvenirs without worrying about cramming them into your check bag for the flight home.
While national parks may seem like the obvious choice for the end of a cross-country journey, staffing and budget cuts are making them more difficult to get into. But they’re not the only journeys worthy of a road trip. Keep reading to see our 10 favorite road trip destinations that aren’t national parks, from historic coastal highways to gems along the East Coast.
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The Pacific Coast Highway, California
One of the most scenic drives in the country, historic Highway One in California cuts through sprawling coastal landscapes. Drive nearly all of the state’s 2,300 miles of coastline highway, staying in scenic roadside hotels and quaint towns along the way. We recommend Post Ranch Inn for luxe accommodations with larger-than-life views.
Hudson Valley, New York
A mere few hours north of New York City, the Hudson Valley is a serene drive through hills and valleys, made even more beautiful in the fall by lush forest colors. Whether you stop in Hudson for a day of antique shopping or venture up to the Catskills for a hike, there is something in the valley for all who want a calming weekend away. Stay at a boutique hotel like Hotel Lilien that embraces the area’s unique history and charm—it’s a chance to unplug and reset before returning to the city.
Newport, Rhode Island
Home to the Newport Folk Festival, Jazz Festival, Design Week, and a slew of Gilded Age mansions, Rhode Island is for art lovers. Wander through the quaint towns and discover your new favorite restaurant, home decor shop, or even museum. April marks the beginning of the locally loved daffodil season. We recommend staying at The Gardiner House if you’re looking for a visual feast of good design and a relaxing coastal setting.
Portland, Maine
Known for lobsters and stunning coastlines, Maine beckons all who visit with a kind of wanderlust only attributable to the rising trend of fisherman-core. There are a number of hiking trails, beaches, and waterfront activities you can partake in as you venture up and down the coast. The Press Hotel offers a great central location in the city without feeling too urban—you’re there to escape, after all.
Pacific Northwest Coastline, Washington
Washington State has a highly underrated coastline. With a diverse landscape including coastal forests, rocky beaches, and secret sea stacks, the waterfront is designed to be explored. Celebrate Twilight’s 20th anniversary and start up north near La Push. Then, work your way South into Oregon. The Stephanie Inn in Cannon Beach, Oregon, offers beachside relaxation.
Route 66
Established in the 1920s, Highway 66 is one of the oldest and most famous roadways in the country. The route once spanned from downtown Chicago to the Santa Monica Pier in California. While it’s no longer continuous, sections of the original road are still available to drive. Embrace the cross-country experience and spend the night in a historic, roadside hotel, like the Blue Swallow or Motel Safari.
North Carolina Coastline
The vibes vary drastically depending on which stretch of beachfront you venture to along the 300 miles of coastline. From the family oasis that is the Outer Banks to the serene views of Topsail and The Crystal Coast, there’s something for everyone when you visit North Carolina. Choose The Sanderling Resort—celebrating its 40th anniversary with a chic redesign—as your home base as you explore the surrounding barrier island beaches.
Aspen, Colorado
For the adventurer, we recommend journeying through the mountains of Colorado. Ideal for both summer and winter road trips, take excursions to hike, ski, swim, and enjoy the culture of outdoor enthusiasts. For the best of both worlds, stay at Hotel Jerome in the heart of Aspen. You’ll be central enough to enjoy the nightlife while still being minutes away from nature.
Napa Valley, California
Channel your inner Nancy Meyers and venture to California wine country on your next road trip. Traipse along the hills and vineyards, stopping at each one to sample the wine. Stay somewhere with its own vineyard attached for an immersive experience, like the Four Seasons Resort in Calistoga.
Montana Countryside
The Montana countryside has long felt like an “if you know, you know” kind of road trip destination. But as Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce shop for homes in the state, we fear it’s about to get a lot more popular. Montana has some of the most gorgeous natural scenery in the continental United States. Whether you choose Bozeman or Billings, embrace the Wild West and channel your inner Yellowstone for a weekend of adventure. Stay at Lone Mountain Ranch to make the most of what the area has to offer.
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