Vacation Idea

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.

I liked this welcome sign in Juneau with a map of Alaska

Best Things to Do in Alaska

Alaska is one of the best places to experience adventure in the United States, and it’s become one of my favorite destinations for breathtaking scenery and unforgettable activities.

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.

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.

Best Places to Visit in New Mexico

What I love most about New Mexico is how each city and region seems to have its own distinct personality, especially if you visit during different seasons.

Cool Green Trips

I think that green trips are some of the best ways to travel because they combine unique adventures, eco-conscious choices, and unforgettable memories that I know are good for both me and the planet.

I took these photos while hiking during Labor Day

Unique Labor Day Vacations

From hidden gems and quirky festivals to towns where history, culture, and nature collide, these spots prove that a Labor Day getaway doesn’t have to be ordinary.

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

Most Beautiful Places to Visit Around the World

I think that the most beautiful places to visit around the world are the best kind of travel goals, underrated favorites and unforgettable experiences that stay with you forever.

Places to Go on Thanksgiving

Thanksgiving means taking some time to appreciate all the blessings you have in your life, so why not give yourself even more to appreciate by planning a weekend getaway?

Badlands National Park in South Dakota, USA

Best Places to Visit in South Dakota

Whether you’re gazing up at the grandeur of Mount Rushmore, hiking the winding trails of the Black Hills, or soaking in the quiet beauty of the prairie, South Dakota offers a balance of history, nature, and hospitality.

Best Romantic Weekend Getaways in South Carolina

Romantic weekend getaways in South Carolina are some of the most unique and charming escapes in the South. Whether you’re looking for a quiet coastal retreat, city culture, or a countryside escape, South Carolina delivers some of the best romantic options.

Best Places to Visit in Delaware

What I love most is how Delaware gives me the best of both worlds. You can relax on stunning beaches, explore charming small towns, or dive into the rich local history. Every time I visit, I discover something new that makes me appreciate just how unique this state really is.

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.

Places to Visit in New Jersey

New Jersey gets labeled fast, exit signs, diners, Turnpike blur. But beyond the clichés, I found a patchwork of places that felt personal: stone towns with quiet streets, ocean air that wakes you up, and cities that keep rewriting themselves.

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

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.

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 Vacation Idea. My husband, son, and I spent years on the road, basing ourselves in each place for one or two months at a time. This has allowed me to experience each destination as a local, and I'm eager to help you with travel itineraries, weekend inspiration, and local tips. I love to chase unique experiences and revisit old favorites, anything from great sunsets to places of mystery. I have 30 years of experience, over 400,000 social media followers, and my work as a travel expert has been mentioned on ABC6 Morning Show, Best of the Web, and USA Today. When I'm not traveling around the USA, I live in Austin, TX. Click for more.