Vacation Idea

Day Trips from San Francisco

For me, day trips from San Francisco are some of the best in California because they combine natural beauty, culture, and unforgettable moments that make every getaway feel special.

Best Virginia Day Trips

With its rich colonial history, lush wine country, and beautiful mountains, Virginia is one of the best places in the world to plan a day trip.

Lakeway City Park

Lakeway City Park was the kind of place that offers a little bit of everything: water, trails, picnic tables, and space to simply be.

I took these photos of Manhattan, NYC on a beautiful morning while we lived there

Things to Do in Manhattan, NYC

The "City That Never Sleeps" lives up to its reputation for travelers, offering a wide variety of diverse tourist attractions throughout its five boroughs.

Kansas Day Trips

For me, these amazing day trips in Kansas aren’t just about sightseeing. They’re about slowing down, enjoying unique landscapes, and finding favorite places where small details make a big impact.

For me, Bay Area day trips aren’t just about leaving the city. They’re about finding unique destinations that combine natural beauty, local culture, and a sense of discovery. These are the places I went when I needed a break from motion but not from meaning.

Best Florida Day Trips

From historic towns to natural wonders, Florida’s best destinations make every quick getaway feel unique, exciting, and sometimes even a little underrated.

I took this photo while we were getting ready to launch our kayak near Kona, Hawaii

U.S. Islands to Visit for Relaxation & Adventure

The U.S. is home to some of the best islands for both relaxation and adventure, and they’ve become some of my favorite destinations for quick escapes that feel far from ordinary.

I took this photo in the off season when we had the beach to ourselves

Best Beaches in Louisiana

I think that Louisiana’s beaches aren’t just about swimming. They’re about the unique atmosphere, the favorite traditions, and the underrated places that make every visit special.

West Virginia waterfall on a family hike

Things to Do in West Virginia

Go on adventure in the Appalachian Mountains and explore West Virginia's cities on your weekend getaway.

Georgia Islands

Georgia’s islands are some of the most unique coastal destinations in the South, and honestly, I think they’re some of the best places to escape for a mix of relaxation, beauty, and history.

Lake Allatoona at Red Top Mountain State Park

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 of palm trees on the beach at sunset on our latest trip to Florida

10 Best Beaches in Florida

Florida is home to some of the best beaches in the United States, and they’ve become some of my favorite spots for sunshine, relaxation, and fun.

The sun rises over Badlands National Park, South Dakota

Places to Visit in North Dakota

From rugged badlands to charming small towns, North Dakota delivers the best mix of outdoor adventure and cultural experiences, often in unique and sometimes underrated places that make every trip memorable.

I took this photo on our weekend getaway in Delaware

Weekend Getaways in Delaware

Delaware may be one of the smallest states, but it’s packed with some of the best weekend getaways on the East Coast, and it’s become one of my favorite hidden gems for short escapes.

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, and I spent 5 years on the road. Our mission? Discovering the best vacation ideas, of course! We base ourselves in a new place every 4 weeks weeks which has allowed us to experience each destination as a local. I'm eager to learn from my fellow travelers and I love to chase unique experiences and revisit old favorites for a cool, fresh perspective. Here's you'll find anything from great sunsets and hidden gems to places of mystery and underrated experiences that have won me over. Let's explore together! More about us.