When you think of casinos in the United States, you automatically think Las Vegas, well, that’s your first mistake. Sure Las Vegas is great but it’s not the end-all be-all for casinos in the US.  There are awesome casinos all around the US that offer the same experiences as Vegas without a lot of the hassles. Check out this list of the best casinos not in Las Vegas that won’t need your passport to visit.

Hard Rock Hotel and Casino, Biloxi

If you are in the south, why waste money on airfare and save that to waste at the tables instead. Don’t visit Vegas for your gambling needs, just head to Biloxi and have the same experience, without hopping on a plane. The Hard Rock in Biloxi is a rock n roll themed casino, just like any other Hard Rock, but this one is massive. Covering over 50,000 sq ft and with outstanding views of the Gulf of Mexico.

Hyatt Regency Lake Tahoe Resort, Nevada

Tahoe is such a special place that you should visit with or without going to the casino. How many casinos have a private beach? Not many, but the Hyatt Regency in Tahoe certainly does. Not only can you gamble away your life savings here, but you can also enjoy water sports and fishing, take that Vegas.

Seneca Niagara Resort & Casino, Niagara Falls

How many casinos are located next to incredible water falls? One that I know of, the Seneca Niagara Resort & Casino. Take in the falls by day and play in a huge casino with over 100 gaming tables by night. You get a Vegas style experience with none of the desert heat.

Borgata Hotel Casino & Spa, Atlantic City

Surprisingly Atlantic City is still hanging on. Many resorts here have closed down but the Borgata stands strong. The elite Atlantic City resort, the Borgata has all you could ever want from a Vegas style resort without leaving the East Coast.

An easy drive form many huge metropolitan cities, The Borgata should be a top choice.

Peppermill Resort Spa Casino, Reno

Reno is the little sister to Las Vegas with it’s own feel and identity. Much cheaper than an average Las Vegas vacation, Reno offers a slower pace and chiller vibe. If the all night parties aren’t for you, maybe check out the Peppermill. The Tuscany styled resort will make you relax while losing all your money.

Talking Stick Resort, Arizona

Talking Stick is a killer Indian Casino with tons of fun activities to keep you entertained while not spending money at the tables. Table in a round of golf or hit up the award-winning spa.

Foxwoods resort and Casino, Connecticut

New Yorkers already know just how awesome Foxwoods truly is. Foxwoods actually offers six different casinos in its little empire in Connecticut. There are two golf courses, two arcades for the kids and tons of live entertainment options. A short drive from New York City makes Foxwoods an easy winner as the best US casino, not in Las Vegas.

Hawaii opens its doors to vacationers. However, there are still several protocols that tourists need to follow.

On 15 October, Hawaii started providing visitors an easier alternative. Instead of requiring tourists to undergo a 14-day quarantine, would-be visitors must undergo testing, at least 72 hours before mainland departure, proving that they are free from the COVID-19 virus. Although this new Safe Travels protocol was supposed to start on the first day of September, the State of Hawaii had to suspend the program due to the sudden spike in cases. Yet, does Hawaii really want visitors now?

“I want people to come if they are fully prepared to test, know that they are healthy and are prepared to wear a mask,” mentions Lt Gov Josh Green, one of the leaders of the program. “If they do all those things, we are excited to resume our relationship with old friends,” he continues. He adds, however, that “…we are very mindful of risk, and we’re just trying to begin the process of a healthy restoration of our economy. We are not pushing for any large numbers. We just want to begin to kind of shake off the rust.”

To participate in the program—and to be given the chance to enter the state, all would-be visitors are required to undergo testing. This is a mandatory protocol that includes testing children who are aged 5 and above. Aside from the tests being done at least 72 hours before leaving the mainland, they should also be undertaken by accredited testing centers or health care agencies.

Green advises travelers to consult their chosen accredited testers regarding their own testing protocols. He mentions that some of these testing centers do not provide testing for children. Some merely offer COVID-19 tests to children who are 12 years old and above.

Nevertheless, the COVID-19 home testing kits from Hawaiian Airlines can also be used for testing purposes. Vault Health mentions that children can do their saliva-based COVID-19 test, as well. Big airline companies that provide Hawaii flights also offer travelers the option to take the test at the accredited clinics or have them done at the airports. They can also opt to do the home tests, as well.

A few of these airlines provide faster test results, too. For a fee of $250, United Airlines offers rapid testing at the San Francisco International Airport. For this kind of test, results are provided in a few minutes. Travelers can also obtain the tests from Walgreens and CVS.

However, the tests may only allow travelers to enter Hawaii. Traveling between islands may require vacationers to undergo additional COVID-19 tests, though. This is a protocol that applies not only to tourists but to Hawaiians, as well. They will also need to do the necessary 14-day quarantine each time they reach a new island.

Additionally, a second COVID-19 test may be requested from visitors, four days after arriving in Hawaii. This allows the government to make sure that visitors are, indeed, negative from the virus. Records suggest that 1 out of 1000 visitors are known to have come up positive during the retesting.

Summer vacation is around the corner and it’s time to start planning your trips. Are you tired of the same old overcrowded destinations? So are we, so let’s explore some great summer vacations that are less busy and allow you to fully relax.  You won’t find traffic jams, long lines and tourist traps at any of these destinations. Instead you can relax, enjoy some peace and quiet while having the time of your lives.

Bocas del Toro, Panama

Panama is situated right between the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans so you have twice the amount of coastal choices as most vacation spots. If you are looking for a real chill vibe with some beautiful scenery, look no further than the tiny island of Boca del Toro. Located in the Caribbean Sea with none of the crazy crowds found in nearby Jamaica or Dominican Republic. Check out the awesome National Marine Park and swim with more varieties of fish than you knew existed. This island is very cheap as well and backpacker friendly. If you are looking for a budget Caribbean vacation, you found it buddies.

Antigua

Another Caribbean gem is Antigua, an Eastern Caribbean dream destination. If you fancy yourself a water sport enthusiast, Antigua is your spot. Snorkel or scuba dive in one of the most awe inspiring locations, Stingray Bay, where thousands of beautiful rays live. It’s so bizarre that this place hasn’t blown up with tourist yet. Check out the old school Caribbean buildings in English Harbor.

St. Croix, US Virgin Islands

Yam on, right near the beach in St. Croix. Check out incredible beaches, casinos and some of the best food you can find with none of the crazy crowds of nearby Puerto Rico. Summer is their off-season so enjoy paradise on a budget as you can find amazing deals and better hotels than you’ll find on nearby islands.

Akajima, Japan

Visit Asia and actually feel like you are in Asia. Many Japanese destination have been Westernized so you lose some of the ethnic flare. Akajima is different, located in the Kerama Island chain on the West side of Japan; most of its tourists are Japanese.  There are great beaches and tons of outdoor activities for the entire family.

St. Vincent & Grenadines

This tiny island group is located just south of St. Lucia and has been a well-kept secret for years. This year they opened up a new International Airport so getting here is much easier. St. Vincent is the busiest of the islands, so check out the smaller ones for more privacy and better deals. Remember, they just opened the airport so they will be offering crazy deals to let people know.

Bonaire

If you know the Caribbean, you know the ABC islands, Aruba, Bonaire and Curacao. Bonaire is the Rodney Dangerfield of these islands it gets no respect. That is a shame because of these three; Bonaire is by far my favorite. It’s a great summer destination for two reasons: it’s the offseason and it’s in the southern tip of the hurricane zone, so it’s rarely affected.

If you seek fun in the sun with none of the annoying crowds, these destinations should be on top of your list.