Who says you need to wander far for an exotic adventure?
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While the United States shares a border with two countries, they pack a punch in terms of diversity and intrigue. Plus, we have plenty of Caribbean Island neighbors worth exploring—and you might not even need to board a plane to visit them.
If you’re looking for a little inspiration when it comes to busting out your passport but not booking a long-haul ticket, here are five international destinations that are close to the US border and easy to reach.
(If you’re the opposite, and you want to visit a tropical paradise without needing a passport, check out these island destinations instead.)
International destinations close to the US border
Bimini, Bahamas
- How far is it from the border? Bimini lies around 50 miles east of South Florida’s east coast.
- How can you get there? You can easily reach Bimini via ferry from Fort Lauderdale or Miami. The crossing takes around two hours if you book a high-speed ferry. You can also fly and reach the island in as little as thirty minutes, but flights can be a bit pricey.
- What makes it worth visiting? It’s a tropical island in the Bahamas that’s famous for anglers and beach-lovers. Plus, the main hub of Alice Town is home to unique stops… including the Fountain of Youth.
- Here’s where I recommend staying: Resorts World Bimini is the way to go.
Ensenada, Mexico
- How far is it from the border? Around 80 miles from the San Ysidro border.
- How can you get there? You can drive south from Southern California or cross the border, then take an Uber. Some people like to rent a car in San Diego, then make the two-hour drive—just be sure to tell the company that you’re planning to enter Mexico. You can also cross over from the San Ysidro border, then take an Uber from Tijuana. It’s pretty pricey (around $70-100), but it might be ideal if you’re staying at a beachfront hotel or resort. If you want to save, you can also take a bus from Tijuana.
- What makes it worth visiting? Located on the Pacific Ocean, Ensenada is a popular stop for cruises. You can enjoy the rugged coastline, go whale-watching, and enjoy the wineries and vineyards of the nearby Valle de Guadalupe.
- Here’s where I recommend staying: If you want a resort-style stay, go with Hotel Coral y Marina or Estero Beach Hotel & Resort. You can also find some pretty cool Airbnbs around the city.
Montreal, Canada
- How far is it from the border? Montreal is less than 100 miles from some parts of Vermont, meaning you can drive up from places like Burlington in around two hours.
- How can you get there? You can drive up from places like Vermont or take a short flight from major hubs in New England. Most reach the city in less than two hours.
- What makes it worth visiting? Montreal is a knockout no matter the season. In summer, you can enjoy tons of free and paid events. In winter, you can explore RESO and other cold-weather-friendly hotspots. Remember: Winters in Montreal are rough, at best, but locals know how to make them enjoyable. (Bota Bota, a renowned spa, is even better in winter, for example.)
- Here’s where I recommend staying: Check out the Le Mount Stephen and Hotel Chez Swann. Or, if you want to compare deals, look at Trivago’s Montreal section. It usually has some great offers.
Tijuana, Mexico
- How far is it from the border? Tijuana is the first stop past the San Ysidro border crossing, meaning it’s around 20 miles from San Diego. In fact, you can visit Tijuana via a day trip from San Diego, if an overnight adventure isn’t for you.
- How can you get there? You can drive across the border, which takes around 40 minutes. Or you can take the San Diego Trolley straight to the border crossing, then walk the rest of the way. That usually takes around an hour.
- What makes it worth visiting? Tijuana is famous for its shopping, entertainment, and restaurants. While it has a reputation for being a little dangerous, it’s not hard to stay safe if you understand how the city operates and its neighborhoods.
- Here’s where I recommend staying: Again, you don’t need to stay overnight in Tijuana—you can always book a stay in San Diego, then make the journey down daily. That being said, Tijuana has some great hotels, including the Tijuana Marriott Hotel and Hotel Real del Rio.
Victoria, Canada
- How far is it from the border? Victoria is located around 25 miles north of the US border if you’re taking a ferry. If not, you can expect to drive around 110 miles from Seattle, which still requires a border crossing. (Victoria is an island.)
- How can you get there? You can take a ferry from Port Angeles, a small and scenic town near Seattle. You can also drive up from Seattle, which will take around five hours, then another hour or so for the ferry.
- What makes it worth visiting? With its scenic parks, Victoria is an idyllic (and artsy) place to unwind. It’s similar to Vancouver in terms of natural wonders and activities, including whale watching and the famed Butchart Gardens, but has a small-town feel. It’s a popular weekend stopover for people visiting the area.
- Here’s where I recommend staying: Inn at Laurel Point has a fantastic location right in the action. If you’re looking for a more relaxing getaway, consider Oak Bay Beach Hotel.
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