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.

I took this photo on a lake on our fall weekend trip to Manchester, VT.

Best Places to Visit in Vermont

Vermont is one of the best and most unique destinations in the U.S. whether you like hiking, swimming, fall foliage or skiing.

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.

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.

My photo of a waterfall hike at the start of summer

Best Places to Visit in June

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.

Best Places to Visit in Idaho

The best part about visiting Idaho is the variety: hot springs, mountain adventures, and charming downtowns.

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.

Admiring the view over Lake Jocassee , SC

Best Places to Visit in South Carolina

South Carolina is filled with some of the best places to visit in the South, and it’s become one of my favorite states for charm, culture, and coastal beauty.

I took these sunset photos over the lake in Glenorchy and Queenstown, New Zealand

Best Places to Go for an Anniversary Trip

I love how anniversary trips can be both underrated and unforgettable. You don’t always need to go far to find the best mix of romance, relaxation, and adventure.

My photo of mountain views on our weekend getaway

Best Weekend Getaways in Colorado

Colorado weekend getaways have meant discovering unique towns, hidden trails, and favorite experiences that are rejuvenating and inspiring.

My photo of Wildflowers in the Colorado mountains near Silverton

Best Places to Visit in Colorado

Colorado is best known for its first class ski resorts, where you can enjoy every type of snow sport imaginable, but there are equally exciting outdoor activities for all seasons.

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.

Best 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.

Best Castles in Texas

Texas castles have their own unique architecture and historic flair. For me, visiting castles in Texas isn’t just about the architecture. It’s about the unique stories, the favorite discoveries, and the underrated gems that make the journey memorable.

Best Beaches in North Carolina

From the Outer Banks to the Crystal Coast and down to the southern beaches near Wilmington, the state has some of the best shoreline you’ll find anywhere on the East Coast.

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.