Vacation Idea

Best Places to Visit in South Dakota

Whether you’re gazing up at the grandeur of Mount Rushmore, hiking the winding trails of the Black Hills, or soaking in the quiet beauty of the prairie, South Dakota offers a balance of history, nature, and hospitality.

The views in Yellowstone were super special. Here are some of the photos I took.

Best Places to Visit in Montana

Montana is one of the best states to visit in the U.S.. It’s become one of my favorite destinations for wide-open spaces and unforgettable adventures.

West Virginia waterfall on a family hike

Things to Do in West Virginia

Go on adventure in the Appalachian Mountains and explore West Virginia's cities on your weekend getaway.

I took this photo on my coastal day trip

Best Day Trips in Maryland

For me, Maryland day trips are some of the best on the East Coast. They are unique destinations, favorite memories, and underrated gems that keep me coming back.

Best Caves in the United States

The United States is home to some of the best caves in the world, and exploring them has become one of my favorite ways to experience adventure underground.

Kenosha Lighthouse View in Kenosha City of Wisconsin

Best Places to Visit in Wisconsin

Wisconsin is filled with some of the best places to visit in the Midwest, and it’s become one of my favorite states for a mix of outdoor adventure, small-town charm, and vibrant cities.

Weekend Getaways from San Diego

Weekend getaways from San Diego are some of the most unique and fun escapes in Southern California, and honestly, they’ve become some of my favorite ways to recharge while still staying close to the coast.

I took this photo of the beach in Oxnard on a sunny day

Things to Do in Oxnard, California

Plan a weekend trip to Oxnard to surf, sunbathe and visit great museums.

Best Things to Do in Alabama

From lively cities to peaceful coastlines, Alabama delivers the best mix of culture and scenery, often in unique and sometimes underrated places that make every trip unforgettable.

10 Best Places to Visit in Tennessee

Tennessee is packed with some of the best places to visit in the South, and it’s become one of my favorite states for music, history, and outdoor beauty.

I photographed this blue lake surrounded by fall colors in Vermont

Fall Vacation Ideas

Fall vacations are some of the most unique and colorful travel experiences you can plan, and honestly, they’re some of my favorite trips of the year.

I took these photos of sandy beaches while exploring coastal Massachusetts

Massachusetts Day Trips

From the seaside fishing and whaling towns north and south of Boston, to the picturesque beaches of Cape Cod, to the bustling cities of Boston and New York, there’s something for everyone to see and do.

Last Minute Family Vacations

Last minute family vacations can still be some of the best trips you’ll ever take, and they’ve become some of my favorite ways to make memories without the stress of overplanning.

Romantic Weekend Getaways in Ohio

For me, Ohio’s romantic escapes are some of the best in the Midwest. We've discovered unique destinations, favorite experiences, and underrated gems that are easy to love.

Day Trips from Boston

Blessed with beautiful natural areas, Massachusetts offers an array of unique attractions for all types of travelers.

Get Your Best Vacation Idea!

We got started in 1999 the way most good trips begin, by following a feeling. What kept us going were all the amazing discoveries, conversations with locals that pointed us to hidden gems, all my unexpected new favorites! And the search continues...

I'll help you figure which vacation is the best for you! In each section, I'm including my recommendations for my favorite hotels, best places to visit, amazing weekend getaways and affordable day trips.

Hi, I'm Ema. I'm the face behind VacationIdea.com. My husband, son, and I spent 5 years on the road. Our mission? Discovering the best places to visit on a day trip or weekend getaway in the USA that every person can go on and enjoy! We base ourselves in a new place every 4 weeks weeks which has allowed us to experience each destination as a local. I love to chase unique experiences and revisit old favorites for a cool, fresh perspective. I'm also eager to learn from my fellow travelers to see what works for people and what doesn't. Whether you like great sunsets, hidden gems, places of mystery, famous attractions, or underrated experiences, here you'll find all of those recommendations from locals that won me over. Let's explore together! More about us.