1100+ Vacation Ideas

Best Romantic Weekend Getaways in the U.S.

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.

Incredible view a sunset in Montauk Long Island

Best Day Trips From NYC

For me, day trips from New York City aren’t just about leaving town. They’re about finding unique places that balance adventure, relaxation, and a sense of discovery. Browse my collection of awesome day trips just 45 minutes to two hours from New York City.

Enjoying Pier C park in Hoboken, New Jersey by night, with the New York City skyline in the background

Places to Visit in Hoboken, NJ

Just one stop across the Hudson from Manhattan, Hoboken delivers one of the best and most unique blends of small-town feel and big-city access, absolutely one of my favorite spots to explore in New Jersey.

We were out in a kayak on Maui in December when I snapped this photo of mom and baby whale

Places to Visit in December

I love how December travel can be both underrated and unforgettable. You can dive into holiday markets and snowy mountain towns, or flip the script completely with a warm-weather retreat that feels like the ultimate seasonal surprise.

I took these photos from the air while flying from the Big Island to Maui (And the gecko when we landed).

Best Places to Visit in Hawaii

I love how each island offers the best mix of breathtaking landscapes, vibrant culture, and underrated local gems. From lush rainforests and volcanic craters to golden beaches and colorful towns, every corner of Hawaii has something unforgettable to offer.

I took this photo of a romantic sunset over the ocean on a perfect trip

Best Last Minute Romantic Getaways

Last minute romantic getaways are some of the best and most unique trips, underrated favorites that always leave unforgettable memories.

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

Best Weekend Getaways in 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.

I took these photos of the impossibly blue-green hidden gem of a river in Slovenia

Most Beautiful Places to Visit Around the World

Searching for the most beautiful places to visit around the world? Well, you are in the right place!

Best Lake Erie Beaches and Islands

Whether you're looking to do some swimming, sunbathing, kayaking, kite flying, Frisbee throwing, picnic eating, or something else altogether down on the sandy shores of Lake Erie, you'll find all you need at some of Ohio's best beaches.

I took this photo while hiking in the Texas Hill Country

Best Places to Visit in the Southern USA

From vibrant cities to charming coastal towns, the South delivers the best mix of food, music, and scenery, often in unique and sometimes underrated spots that feel unforgettable.

I decided to visit Martha’s Vineyard in November and it was a dream trip

12 Underrated Places to Visit in November

Whether you’re chasing the best of foliage in the USA, enjoying unique holiday vibes in New York City, or discovering the underrated warmth of spots like Arizona or Florida, November offers countless ways to make memories.

My photo of spring flowers from our hike

Best Places to Go in the Spring in April

April vacations are honestly some of my favorite trip ideas. This season is one of the best times to travel because everything feels fresh, colorful, and full of energy.

I took this photo of the fireworks in NYC on the 4th of July

Best Places to Visit in July

July is the height of the travel season: kids have the summer off from school, and the warm, sunny weather makes adults itch to get out of the office. I think these are the best places to visit for fun, relaxation and connection.

I took this photo of the Adriatic Sea in Croatia. The water was so clear and refreshing.

Best Places to Visit in May

I love how May travel feels underrated compared to peak summer vacations. You get the best mix of beauty, comfort, and affordability, which makes every trip feel even more enjoyable.

My palm tree photo at sunset on my romantic getaway in the tropics

Best Secluded Romantic Getaways

What makes secluded getaways so special is the sense of privacy and discovery. You can spend the morning sipping coffee with only the sound of nature around you, enjoy afternoons exploring hidden trails or quiet shorelines, and end the evening with starlit skies and total peace.

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.