Check the U.S. Department of State website for a complete list of foreign countries and their policies on travel visas. Visa requirements can change at any time, so check this list often when you're planning a trip abroad.
Decide which country you want to visit. Surf the Internet to find tourist sites or cultures that interest you. Keep in mind that the country you want to visit may require a visa. If it does, find a country that doesn't require a visa for short-term visitors. Popular countries that don't require Americans to have visas as of April 2011 include the Bahamas, France, Greece, Italy, New Zealand and the United Kingdom. Countries that require Americans to have visas include China, Egypt and Turkey.
Make sure your passport is valid and doesn't expire for at least six months. Even for countries that don't require visas, you must have enough time left on your passport or many won't let you in.
