1100+ Vacation Ideas

Best Places to Visit in Illinois

For me, Illinois isn’t just about its big cities. It’s about the unique destinations, the favorite traditions, and the underrated gems that make the state worth exploring.

Lake Allatoona at Red Top Mountain State Park

Best Places to Visit in Georgia, USA

Georgia is one of the best states to visit in the South, and it’s become one of my favorite destinations for history, culture, and natural beauty.

I took these photos during my birthday travels

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).

I took this photo of stunning yellow fall foliage

Best Places to Visit in New Hampshire

I love how New Hampshire offers the best mix of mountain adventures, charming small towns, and peaceful lakeside escapes. Nestled between Maine, Vermont, and Massachusetts, New Hampshire is one of the best and most unique destinations in New England.

Best Places to Visit in Arizona

From iconic national parks to underrated small towns, I think that Arizona offers some of the best travel experiences in the country.

I took these photos of NYC in the spring while living there for 10 years

Best Places to Visit in New York State

I love how New York State offers the best mix of big-city energy, small-town charm, and stunning natural beauty. From world-famous landmarks to underrated gems, every corner of the state has something special to offer.

I took this photo of the beach in Oxnard on a sunny day

Best Places to Visit in California

Southern California is one of the best regions for a vacation in the U.S. Over the years, it’s become one of my favorite destinations for sunshine, culture, and adventure.

10 Best Places to Visit in Arkansas

Arkansas offers beautiful rivers, some of the best hot springs on the country, mountains, and caves, crisscrossed by numerous hiking and biking trails.

I took this photo of palm three at Huntington Beach

Day Trips in Southern California

SoCal is packed with some of the best and most exciting day trip destinations, and I’ve loved exploring so many of them.

Best Places to Visit in Idaho

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

Best Places to Visit in Delaware

With just under 30 miles of Atlantic coastline, you may not think of Delaware when planning a vacation, but, trust me, it's worth your time. Plus...Delaware's super easy to get to by car or train from major cities.

I took this early morning photo while kayaking in Florida

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 took this photo of sand dunes on Martha’s Vineyard after everyone left for the day

Best East Coast Weekend Getaways

The East Coast of the United States is rich in culture, history, and tradition, making it one of the best vacation destinations for just about any traveler.

I took these photos while hiking during Labor Day

Best Labor Day Weekend Getaways

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 this photo of a rainbow with palm trees

Best Small Town Honeymoon Destinations

For me, small town honeymoon destinations are some of the best in the world because they combine unique charm, intimacy, and unforgettable moments that make the beginning of married life feel truly magical.

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.