Vacation Idea

Places to Visit in Mississippi

For me, Mississippi is one of the best and most unique states to explore, an underrated favorite that always delivers memorable experiences.

Weekend Getaways in Alabama

Relax on sandy beaches, stay in a quiet inn or explore the attractions, shops and restaurants in Alabama's cities. For me, Alabama’s weekend getaways aren’t just about the destinations. They’re about the unique experiences, the best cozy stays, and the favorite memories that keep me coming back.

Best Weekend Getaways from Chicago

For me, weekend getaways from Chicago are some of the best and most unique escapes, underrated favorites that always deliver a memorable break.

I took this photo on the beach in NC of my son playing in the sand

Weekend Getaways in North Carolina

Weekend getaways in North Carolina are some of the most unique and refreshing escapes in the South. Whether you’re craving outdoor adventure, coastal relaxation, or historic downtowns, North Carolina offers some of the best options for a quick trip.

Romantic Weekend Getaways in Tennessee

From the energy of its cities to the peace of its mountains, Tennessee delivers the best mix of culture, music, and scenery, along with unique and sometimes underrated places that make every trip feel special.

Weekend Getaways in Wisconsin

Weekend getaways in Wisconsin are some of the best in the Midwest. I love all the unique destinations, favorite spots, and underrated gems that keep me coming back.

Weekend Getaways from New Orleans

For me, weekend getaways from New Orleans aren’t just about leaving the city. They’re about finding unique destinations that offer the best mix of culture, history, and natural beauty.

I took this photo of boats and orange sunset on the coast

Best Romantic Weekend Getaways

From sunlit coastlines to mountain hideaways, these are the best spots to spark romance, each with its own unique charm and even a few underrated surprises.

Best Midwest Weekend Getaways

The Midwest is full of some of the best weekend getaways in the United States, and it’s become one of my favorite regions for a mix of small-town charm, vibrant cities, and natural beauty.

I took this photo of cherry blossoms on my weekend getaway in New Jersey

Weekend Getaways From New Jersey

For me, these getaways are some of the best in the Northeast. They are unique escapes, favorite memories, and underrated gems that always feel worth the journey.

Best Weekend Getaways from Minneapolis, Minnesota

I love how these trips offer the best mix of cozy small towns, outdoor adventures, and lakeside relaxation. You can go from the buzz of Minneapolis to a peaceful retreat in just a couple of hours, which makes every weekend feel like a mini-vacation.

10 Best Weekend Getaways from Seattle

These are the hotels, resorts and inns near Seattle that made my weekends extra special. They’re about finding unique destinations that balance adventure, relaxation, and the perfect connection to nature.

I discovered this lush hidden waterfall while hiking in the Texas Hill Country

Best Weekend Getaways in Texas

Texas is filled with some of the best weekend getaways in the USA, and it’s one of my favorite states for variety and adventure.

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.

Weekend Getaways from San Francisco

For me, weekend getaways from San Francisco are about finding unique places that combine relaxation, the best adventure, and unforgettable scenery.

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 are frequent travelers and spent 5 years on the road discovering some of the best places to visit in the USA. 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 things to do near me 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.