1100+ Vacation Ideas

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.

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 Southwest Vacations

Southwest vacations are some of the most unique and unforgettable trips in the United States. They’re among my favorite ways to explore dramatic landscapes, rich culture, and wide-open skies.

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

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.

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.

Best Places to Go for Birthday

A birthday trip is one of my favorite ways to make memories that go way beyond a dinner or party. It’s about adventure, relaxation, and doing something that feels truly special just for me (or for someone I love).

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 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.

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.