The leaves are beginning to change, the pumpkin-flavored drinks are coming out, and the weather is getting colder in New England. It's officially fall.

Now, I'm happy to stick around through "leggings and light jacket" season, but when I need to switch to snow boots and heavy layers, I'm dreaming of summer. To make matters worse, winters in New England seem to last a whole six months.

I've shivered through cold winters my whole life, but this year my boyfriend and I are considering a change. Especially since quarantine has kept us cooped up for so long, we don't want to give up our ability to comfortably spend time outside. Luckily, because we both work remotely, it wouldn't be crazy for us to escape the snow for a few months.

Here's where we hit a snag - the nature of my current work prohibits me from working abroad. Maybe you're in a similar situation, maybe your passport won't arrive in time for your trip, or maybe you don't want to deal with currency exchange.

Not to worry - it's no hurdle you can't jump over. If you want to know where you can travel without a passport, check out these options.

1. U.S. Virgin Islands

The U.S. Virgin Islands are a group of islands in the Caribbean. There are around 50 islands in total, but the main islands (and the only ones open to visitors) are St. Croix, St. Thomas, and St. John.

St. Croix is the largest of the three. The island has been ruled by seven different nations, giving it a rich history and unique feel. Walk around one of the two main cities to take in the history or visit one of the island's three national parks to soak up some natural beauty. St. Croix also has two dozen public beaches to choose from if you want to scuba dive or just relax.

St. Thomas is great for families with its many diverse things to do. It's a docking point for many cruise ships, so you'll find lots of duty-free shopping and family-friendly activities. St. Thomas is home to a popular zipline, an aquarium, and of course, plenty of beaches.

St. John is the smallest main island in the U.S. Virgin Islands. It's where you should go if you're looking to bask in nature away from the crowds. Two-thirds of the land have been designated as a national park. Wildlife tours and hiking trails galore!

2. Puerto Rico

As the largest U.S. territory both in size and population, it's hard to run out of things to do and see in Puerto Rico.

If you're a history buff, check out Old San Juan. The charming cobblestone streets and colorful and historic buildings are sure to impress.

If nature and wildlife are your thing, check out El Yunque Rainforest. It's home to the native coquí frog, named after the loud mating calls you'll hear at night. Of course, there are hundreds more species of animals and plants throughout the rainforest, as well as several waterfalls and other natural wonders. For an unforgettable experience, you might also want to make a trip to one of Puerto Rico's three bioluminescent bays, where microscopic organisms make the water appear to glow in the dark.

3. Northern Mariana Islands

The Northern Mariana Islands are made up of fourteen small islands in the Pacific Ocean. The three main islands are Saipan, Tinian, and Rota. Of the three, Saipan is the most popular with tourists.

Explore the history of the islands by learning about native Chamorro culture and visiting the many buildings left over from World War II. There's also no shortage of beach activities in this tropical paradise. The beaches are great for sunbathing, scuba diving, jet-skiing - you name it. The islands are also home to many cliffs, which are perfect for adventurous travelers (cliff jumping, anyone?).

4. Guam

Guam is technically one of the Mariana Islands, but it's a separate territory further south. It's also the largest island in Micronesia (a subregion of Oceania composed of thousands of small islands).

You'll see lots of history in the capital of Hågatña and throughout the island, including Chamorro and World War II artifacts. For a one-of-a-kind experience, try diving between two shipwrecked ships - one from World War I and another that coincidentally landed just feet apart during World War II.

Guam also has beautiful beaches with diverse marine life, a wildlife park, a fantastic night market, and tax-free shopping.

5. American Samoa

American Samoa is another U.S. territory in the Pacific Ocean and the only one in the southern hemisphere. It's made up of seven islands, with the largest and most populous being Tutuila.

With ninety percent of its land untouched and left to its natural wonder, American Samoa might be a nature enthusiast's best bet. Visit the National Park of American Samoa, the National Marine Sanctuary, or one of the many beaches in the area. Just make sure to ask permission first, as a lot of the beaches are privately owned.

If you want to experience culture, Samoan heritage is alive and well. Native Samoan villages still very much exist and welcome visitors (as long as they're respectful, of course)!

6. Hawaii

You didn't think I'd leave Hawaii off the list, did you?

Hawaii consists of six main islands: Kauai, Oahu, Molokai, Lanai, Maui, and Hawaii. They're all gorgeous, but each one has something different to offer.

Kauai is perfect if you like spending time in nature. Tropical rainforests, mountains, valleys, cliffs, rivers, beaches - it has it all.

Oahu has more of a city vibe, at least around Honolulu, but you'll still find plenty of places to relax.

Molokai is the place to go to immerse yourself in Hawaiian culture. Most people who live there are Native Hawaiians preserving their traditions.

Lanai is the smallest island of the bunch, but still has a lot to offer. From luxury resorts and spas to rugged outdoor activities, it has something for everyone.

Maui is a popular vacation destination and a fantastic island for all-around fun and relaxation. It offers stunning beaches teeming with sea life and plenty of land and water activities to keep you busy.

Hawaii is also called the "Big Island" for obvious reasons - it's almost double the size of all of the other islands combined. With the vast amount of land, you can experience a range of climates and terrains.

7. Mainland U.S.

It might not sound as exciting as going to a faraway island, but don't rule out the warm and beachy destinations on the mainland.

On the west coast, Southern California is known for its wonderful beaches and warm weather. Many of these beaches are close to Los Angeles, so if you've ever wanted to visit Hollywood, you can kill two birds with one stone. Further down the coast, you can also find great beaches near San Diego.

On the east coast, look no further than Florida. As a peninsula, its beaches go on for several hundred miles. The eastern side of the state meets the Atlantic Ocean while the western side faces the Gulf of Mexico. And if you insist on an island, you can go to the Florida Keys. The Keys are made up of five separate regions, each surrounded by crystal clear blue waters: Key Largo, Islamorada, Marathon, The Lower Keys, and Key West. Each region has something to offer for everyone.