1100+ Vacation Ideas

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.

Enjoying the view of View of High Falls, in Dupont State Forest, North Carolina.

Beautiful Waterfalls Near Charlotte, NC

These waterfalls are less than a three-hour drive from Charlotte, offering spectacular drops, unique overlook points, and chances for swimming and sunbathing away from urban crowds.

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.

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.

I discovered this lush hidden waterfall while hiking in the Texas Hill Country

Best Weekend Getaways in Texas

Texas is filled with some of the best weekend getaways in the USA, and it’s one of my favorite states for variety and adventure.

Things to Do in Tampa, Florida

Tampa offers some of the most unique and exciting experiences on the Gulf Coast for couples and families, including Busch Gardens Tampa, great museums and attractions.

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.

Best Mindfulness Retreats

Mindfulness retreats in the United States are some of the most unique and transformative experiences you can have.

Best Beaches in New England

For me, the beaches in New England are some of the best in the U.S. Many are rich in rare fauna and flora that are unique to New England.

My photo of tulips during Skagit Valley Tulip Festival

Best Places to Visit in Washington

The first time I came to see the whales. Now I keep going back because I think that Washington State is one of the best places to visit in the U.S. It combines unique landscapes, vibrant cities, and underrated gems that always leave me with new favorite memories.

Places to Visit 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.

My photo of spring tulips in a Wisconsin botanical garden

Best Places to Visit in Wisconsin

Wisconsin is filled with some of the best places to visit in the Midwest, and it’s become one of my favorite states for a mix of outdoor adventure, small-town charm, and vibrant cities.

Best Weekend Getaways in Wisconsin

Weekend getaways in Wisconsin are some of the best in the Midwest. I love all the unique destinations, favorite spots, and underrated gems that keep me coming back.

Best Weekend Getaways from Seattle

These are the hotels, resorts and inns near Seattle that made my weekends extra special. They’re about finding unique destinations that balance adventure, relaxation, and the perfect connection to nature.

Day Trips from Richmond, VA

What makes these day trips truly unique to me is their variety: exploring the historic streets of Williamsburg, hiking the trails in Shenandoah National Park, or watching the best sunsets by the Chesapeake Bay.

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.