Vacation Idea

Best Beaches on the West Coast

Beaches on the West Coast are some of the most unique and awe-inspiring coastal escapes in the United States. They’re easily among my favorite places for both adventure and relaxation.

Best Beaches Near Orlando, Florida

Orlando may be famous for its theme parks, but it’s also surrounded by some of the best beaches in Florida. Just a short drive away, you’ll find sandy shores, rolling waves, and the best mix of relaxation and fun.

Best Beaches in Gloucester, MA

The beaches in Gloucester, Massachusetts are some of the most unique and charming on Cape Ann. They are some of my favorite spots for a classic New England seaside escape.

Beaches in Cape Coral, FL

Some of Florida’s best beaches are found near Cape Coral. It's definitely the place to visit if you’re looking for a spectacular Floridian beach adventure.

Best Beaches in California

Beaches in California are some of the most unique and unforgettable coastal escapes in the world. Stretching from rugged cliffs in the north to palm-lined shores in the south, California offers some of the best variety you can find on a single coastline.

Best Beaches in Hyannis, MA

Like many towns all around the Cape Cod area, Hyannis is home to some truly breathtaking beaches. They’re easily some of my favorite places to enjoy a classic seaside getaway in Massachusetts.

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 Beaches in Jacksonville, Florida

Jacksonville has more than 22 miles of the best beaches in Northeast Florida, with a unique mix of laid-back vibes, natural beauty, and local favorites that make it a standout coastal destination.

Best Things to Do in Iowa

Iowa is home to beautiful scenery, a diverse choice of outdoor activities and unique attractions such as the Crystal Lake Cave and West Lake Okoboj.

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.

Things to Do in Middleton, WI

Middleton, Wisconsin is known as the ‘The Good Neighbor City.’ It’s a small and inviting town with a strong cultural heritage.

Enjoying a pink sunset on the beach in Oregon

Best Beaches in Oregon

Oregon’s coastline is home to some of the best beaches in the United States, and they’ve quickly become some of my favorite spots for adventure and relaxation.

My photo of snorkeling from the beach near Tallahassee

Best Beaches Near Tallahassee, Florida

Beaches near Tallahassee are some of the best-kept secrets in Florida, and they’ve quickly become some of my favorite coastal escapes.

American Banjo Museum

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

Recreation park with small pond and downtown Richardson, Texas

Things to Do in Richardson, Texas

For me, Richardson is one of the best cities in Texas because it combines unique cultural events, outdoor beauty, and unforgettable food in a way that always leaves me with new favorite 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 our unexpected new favorites! And the search continues...

We'll help you figure which vacation is the best for you! In each section, we're including our recommendations for our favorite places to visit, best things to do when you get there, hotels and restaurants. We live in the United States so that's our focus, especially on amazing weekend getaways and affordable day trips for regular travelers.

Hi, I'm Ema. I'm the face behind VacationIdea.com. What started as a simple travel blog for regular people who love to travel like us evolved into a 30-year life-long endeavor - this website. 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! I live in the USA with my husband and son. More about us.