British Columbia

The West's answer to Quebec, and the easiest first passport trip for anyone flying from the Pacific side or the Mountain states. Vancouver puts beaches, rainforest trails and ski slopes within sight of downtown, and a ferry ride takes you to Victoria on Vancouver Island, a harbor city with whale-watching boats and a distinctly British streak. There is no language to learn, no jet lag if you live on the West Coast, and the scenery is the reason to go: fjord-like inlets and mountains that make even a city break feel like a trip into wild country. Both Vancouver and Victoria airports have US preclearance, so you clear customs before the flight home. It is the least foreign-feeling choice here, which suits a nervous first-timer.