North Carolina Has One of America’s Most Beautiful Castles

Did you know that you don't have to travel far to see some of the most stunning castles? There are plenty right here in the U.S. For example, Boldt Castle in New York and Scotty’s Castle in California. Castles aren't just faraway dreams. They're closer to home than you might think.

House Beautiful, an interior decorating magazine, compiled a list of the most beautiful castles in the nation. This compilation was created with input from their editors, creative personnel, and a network of interior designers. It also incorporated information from various sources to establish the selection of featured properties.

They did note that all of their choices are not technically castles but that their selections offer what most castles do, which they said is "majestic glory."

Included in their compilation of the most stunning castles in the United States, you'll find the Biltmore Estate in Asheville. While technically an estate and not a castle, House Beautiful recognizes it for its elegance and charm. According to the estate’s website, George Vanderbilt's fondness for the Blue Ridge Mountains during his 1898 visit led to the estate's creation. The 250-room French Renaissance chateau construction took six years, with architect Richard Morris Hunt and landscape architect Frederick Law Olmsted.

An interesting tidbit about the Biltmore Estate is that it claims the title of the largest privately owned house in the United States. Visitors can enjoy the winery and tasting room on-site, indulging in Biltmore Wines. It all started in 1971 when George Vanderbilt's grandson, William A.V. Cecil, began experimenting with vineyards and winemaking at Biltmore. The very first vintage was produced from French American hybrid grapes grown within sight of Biltmore House and bottled in the estate's Conservatory.

See their list of stunning homes, ranging from a secret gem nestled in Central Park to an 800-year-old cliffside dwelling in Arizona and the location where Kevin Jonas and his wife Danielle tied the knot, and Taylor Swift filmed her "Blank Space" music video. Take a look at the complete list of the most beautiful houses here.

Most of the time, if you're traveling outside of the U.S., you need a current passport to do it. But there are some places outside of the country where you can visit without a passport.  And that's good news for many Americans. A significant portion of Americans, roughly 55 percent, do not possess one.

Last year, the State Department reported that out of the 333,287,557 individuals residing in the United States, an estimated 55 percent, or a substantial portion, did not possess a passport. This figure, based on the total number of 151,814,305 valid U.S. passports in circulation, highlights the fact that a significant majority of Americans have yet to get one.

You don't always need a passport to visit some awesome places. There are U.S. islands and territories, like the breathtaking U.S. Virgin Islands, where you can hop on a plane and explore without a passport. However, it's important to note that the travel landscape can sometimes be confusing, as there are other U.S. territories, like Guam, where a passport is necessary for entry.

When it comes to closed-loop cruises, which are voyages departing from the U.S. and returning to the same port, travelers have a bit of leeway when it comes to passport requirements. According to Ilisa Oman, a travel agent at One World Family Travel, the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative (WHTI) allows passengers on these cruises to travel without providing proof of a passport. Instead, a state-issued driver's license or identification card usually suffices.

Keep in mind that there are exceptions to this rule. It’s always best to check in with your cruise line for more information about your travels.

To make your trip planning a breeze, we've got your back with a list of cool destinations where you, as a U.S. citizen, can travel passport-free. Whether you don't have one or simply prefer to explore without the hassle of carrying one, we’ve got you covered.

This Caribbean island is part of the U.S. Puerto Rico has sandy beaches, mountains, waterfalls, and even a tropical rainforest. If you're a U.S. citizen traveling from anywhere within the U.S., you don't need to hassle with a passport to visit this paradise. It's worth mentioning that starting from May 2025, there's this thing called the Real ID Act that kicks in. If your state isn't compliant with this Act, you'll need to bring your trusty passport to explore the wonders of Puerto Rico. So, make sure to check if your state is all set with the Real ID Act before planning your trip.

If you're craving island vibes, you might want to check out St. Croix. It is part of the U.S. Virgin Islands, you won't need to worry about bringing your passport when traveling to and from this island.

The Northern Mariana Islands, a collection of 14 tropical wonders has sandy shores, azure waters, and an array of thrilling activities like windsurfing, cavern dives, and jungle treks. And yes, U.S. citizens can venture to these remote islands without the need for a passport. However, it's important to remember that you'll need to carry a government-issued proof of identification along with you during your visit.

St. Thomas, a Caribbean island known for its white sand beaches, snorkeling opportunities, and Danish colonial architecture. As a U.S. citizen, you won't need a passport to visit the U.S. Virgin Islands, which includes St. Thomas. However, it's important to note that if you plan to explore the neighboring British Virgin Islands, a valid passport will be required. For your adventures on St. Thomas, it only requires a government-issued ID with your photo.

St. John, the smallest of the U.S. Virgin Islands. This island is home to the  Salt River Bay National Historical Park and Ecological Preserve, where you can embark on thrilling adventures like scuba diving, hiking, and even discover prehistoric archaeological sites. Since St. John is part of the U.S. Virgin Islands, you can leave your passport at home when traveling there.