Vacation Idea

Best Weekend Getaways from Los Angeles

Los Angeles is surrounded by some of the best weekend getaways in California, and it’s become one of my favorite places to start an adventure.

Things to Do in Tennessee

Home to Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Tennessee has something to offer every type of vacationer. It's one of the best places to visit in the South.

Things to Do in Heber Springs, Arkansas

For me, Heber Springs is one of the best small-town getaways in Arkansas because it combines natural beauty with a unique legacy. It’s not just a town, it’s a place where every visit feels special, memorable, and deeply connected to the Ozarks.

We were out in a kayak on Maui in December when I snapped this photo of mom and baby whale

Places to Visit in December

I love how December travel can be both underrated and unforgettable. You can dive into holiday markets and snowy mountain towns, or flip the script completely with a warm-weather retreat that feels like the ultimate seasonal surprise.

Enjoying the view of Avalon, CA on a sunny day

Things to Do in Avalon, Santa Catalina Island

For me, Avalon is one of the best places in California to enjoy a unique island escape, where every activity feels like one of my favorite memories waiting to happen.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Honeymoon Vacations in Costa Rica

What makes a Costa Rica honeymoon truly unique to me is the variety: relaxing on pristine beaches, exploring lush rainforests, chasing waterfalls, or soaking in natural hot springs. Every experience feels magical and full of connection.

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.

Unique Treehouse Hotels & Rentals in the USA

Treehouse hotels and rentals in the USA are some of the best places to stay if you’re looking for a getaway that feels unique, adventurous, and unforgettable.

Romantic Weekend Getaways in Mississippi

Mississippi is home to are some of the most unique and underrated escapes in the South, and honestly, they’ve become some of my favorite ways to enjoy a couple’s retreat filled with charm and character.

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 Places to Visit in Indiana

To me Indiana isn’t just about famous landmarks. It’s about the unique experiences, the favorite traditions, and the best underrated gems that make the state special.

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 places to visit on a day trip or weekend getaway 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 experiences 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.