Traveling without a passport: five havens to visit with your ID card
Not having a passport means being forced to travel within a limited territory, however [...]
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Not having a passport means being forced to travel within a limited territory, however large. So many options to choose from, armed only with your ID and health card.
How far, however, is it possible to go by treating oneself to exotic experiences at the edge of the permission allowed by one's documentation? Here is Five trips you absolutely must put on your bucket list.
French Antilles
Incredible as it may seem, it is possible to fly to the Caribbean without having a passport. There is in fact an area that officially falls within the territory of the France. An experience in paradise armed only with one's ID card, as long as one does not set foot outside the French West Indies.
Specifically, one can turn one's gaze in the direction of four main islands:
- Guadeloupe
- Martinique
- Saint Martin
- Saint Barthélemy
It is all part of the French Overseas. The easiest way to try your hand at this experience is to take a flight from France. It is possible to travel to Paris, for example, perhaps with a lowcost company to save money, and take advantage of the many connections operated by Air France. However, this is not the only carrier available. For a good price, one can also opt for Iberia, Corsair e Air Liberté.
There are two seasons that characterize the year in the Caribbean: dry and wet. Considering how the latter can be particularly trying, we recommend the former, which runs from December to April. During the rest of the year there is a greater risk of coming face to face with showers.
It is good to know how no limitations there will also be regarding currency. One will be able to use the euro without any problems. No vaccinations are provided but, in general terms, it is recommended to avoid stagnant water and use good mosquito repellent. The usual directions for tropical areas, in short.
Netherlands Antilles
A short distance from the coast of Venezuela are the "ABC Islands", that is, the Netherlands Antilles, in all respects Holland. When referring to these islands, reference is made to:
- Curaçao
- Aruba
- Bonaire
They are all outside the trajectory of hurricanes, which are infrequent but not to be totally excluded from the pool of possibilities for such travel, especially in the wet season. It is therefore also an excellent summer destination. Unlike the French West Indies, English is widely spoken, in addition, of course, to Dutch. Also here the currency in use is the euro, with the possibility of withdrawals at ATMs.
To reach this paradise, there are no direct flights from Italy. There is a daily service from the KLM, departing from Amsterdam, as well as a connection from Lisbon with TAP Air Portugal. These are the only direct flights. All others require a stopover in Puerto Rico, specifically in San Juan (capital city).
Reunion
Réunion is an island in the western Indian Ocean, de facto French territory. A territory that can be reached with only a valid identity card for expatriation. The climate is mild and it is good to know how the eastern side is the wettest. The hot and humid season runs from November to April, while the dry and slightly cooler season runs from May to October.
There is no shortage of connections to Réunion, from Mauritius to the Seychelles, from Comoros to Mayotte, as well as from Madagascar, the Republic of South Africa, and Kenya. Needless, almost, to say, there are connections from mainland France. In this case one will be able to take advantage of direct flights. For the rest one will have to make a stopover in Mauritius. It goes without saying that getting to French territory and then taking a direct is the easiest route for Europeans.
Egypt
Another destination that European residents can visit without a passport is Egypt. To engage in this experience is to actually enter an ancient history book. The Egyptian land is capable of bewitching anyone, above and below sea level. From the archaeological site of Giza to the Pyramids, from the City of the Priests to the Sphinx, via the Red Sea, Marsa Alam and Hurghada. Lovers of history and nature will have their fill, considering also white beaches and a wonderful coral reef.
The best time for this trip is spring, between March and April. Autumn, between October and November, is also recommended. During these phases you will be free from the sultry summer heat and winter rains.
Turkey
There is no need for any passport for the Italian tourists planning to stay in Turkey, within a 90-day limit. There is certainly no shortage of reasons to travel to this part of the world. Wanting to mention a few:
- Bays, coves and creeks for nature lovers to discover
- Cappadocia's landscapes are unforgettable. Just think of Uchisar Castle, which is a tufa mountain perforated by numerous cavities, housing houses, stairways and tunnels
- An incredible number of beaches awarded blue flags (379)
- Numerous archaeological sites, from Pergamum to Troy
- Cuisine rich in ancient traditions, blending Mediterranean and Asian
- about 1,000 spas
- freedom to practice sports in the wilderness
- Istanbul
The best time is spring, although autumn is similarly recommended. Temperatures are less sultry and the heat is tolerable.
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