Vacation Idea

Best Iowa Weekend Getaways

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.

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 this photo in an orchard in Northern California

Best Places to Visit in Northern California

Northern California is a land of dramatic contrasts, windswept coasts, towering redwoods, misty valleys, alpine lakes, and volcanic landscapes. From wine country vineyards to rugged wilderness, it offers some of the most enchanting scenery in the U.S. On my many road trips across the region, these were the highlights.

10 Best Ocean and Lake Beaches in Georgia

Georgia's 100-mile long shoreline, overlooking the Atlantic Ocean between South Carolina and Florida, has hundreds of magnificent beaches. I wish I could visit them all.

Best 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 Louisiana

For me, Louisiana isn’t just about sightseeing—it’s about the unique spirit of each destination, the traditions you experience, and the favorite memories you make along the way.

My photo of coastal Oregon from the boat

Best Places to Visit in Oregon

The best part about the places to visit in Oregon is the variety: coastal escapes, vibrant cities, wine country, and mountain adventures.

I took this photo while strolling along Lake Travis with my husband and son

Best Places to Visit in Texas

The BEST places in Texas! Based on my family's life and travel in the Lone Star State, including beach towns, cities and parks.

I took this photo while strolling through romantic gardens in the spring

Romantic Weekend Getaways in Pennsylvania

I love how Pennsylvania offers the best mix of charming inns that feel like they were made for romance. From mountains to vineyards, every corner of the state has something special to share and an amazing place to spend the night.

I think exploring Southern California by bike is the way to go

Best Romantic Getaways in Southern California

For me, Southern California is one of the best regions for romance because it combines unique landscapes, cozy stays, and unforgettable adventures that always bring me closer to the person I’m traveling with.

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 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.

Best Places to Visit in Missouri

For me, Missouri is one of the best places to visit in the Midwest because it combines unique landscapes, vibrant cities, and underrated small towns that always leave me with new favorite memories.

Best Places to Go in Virginia

Learn about history, explore the Blue Ridge Mountains or relax on the beach in the beautiful state of Virginia.

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.

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. My husband, son and I are frequent travelers and have spent 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.