1100+ Vacation Ideas

Best Places to Visit in Florida

I keep returning to Florida for some of its best beaches, spectacular fishing, great diving, and diverse wildlife both above and below water.

My photo of a sailboat at sunset on the coast

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.

Best 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.

Best Places to Visit in Pennsylvania

Pennsylvania is about history, sure, but it's also about the unique destinations, the favorite small towns, and the underrated gems that make every visit special.

My photo of a waterfall hike at the start of summer

For me, June trips aren’t just about the destination. They’re about enjoying unique experiences, celebrating summer’s arrival, and discovering underrated places that feel extra special this time of year.

I took this photo of a romantic carriage ride in NYC on a sunny day in February

Best Places to Travel in February

I love how February travel can be so underrated. You get fewer crowds, better deals, and a chance to enjoy destinations in a more authentic way.

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.

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 these photo on the ground and while flying over to the Big Island of Hawaii

Best Places to Visit in September

What makes September travel so special is its variety. You can take advantage of late-summer beach days, explore unique mountain towns alive with fall colors, or enjoy unique local events and festivals.

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.

American Banjo Museum

The American Banjo Museum is home to 21,000 square feet of information that provides historical celebration of the Banjo.

My photo of fall foliage over water, Texas Hill Country where I live

10 Best Places to Visit in October in the USA

Whether you’re looking for cozy small-town charm, city festivals, or peaceful escapes in nature, October offers a little bit of everything, making it one of my favorite times to plan special trips and seasonal fun.

Enjoying the view of View of High Falls, in Dupont State Forest, North Carolina.

Beautiful Waterfalls Near Charlotte, NC

These waterfalls are less than a three-hour drive from Charlotte, offering spectacular drops, unique overlook points, and chances for swimming and sunbathing away from urban crowds.

Best Places to Visit in Minnesota

What I love most is how versatile Minnesota is! There’s always something new to discover, and my every visit feels like the best kind of adventure.

Day Trips from Richmond, VA

What makes these day trips truly unique to me is their variety: exploring the historic streets of Williamsburg, hiking the trails in Shenandoah National Park, or watching the best sunsets by the Chesapeake Bay.

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.