Vacation Idea

10 Wonderful Birthday Vacation Ideas

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 while hiking in the Texas Hill Country

Best Places to Visit in the Southern USA

From vibrant cities to charming coastal towns, the South delivers the best mix of food, music, and scenery, often in unique and sometimes underrated spots that feel unforgettable.

Beaches Near Tallahassee, Florida

Beaches near Tallahassee are some of the best-kept secrets in Florida, and they’ve quickly become some of my favorite coastal escapes.

Best Lake Erie Beaches and Islands

Whether you're looking to do some swimming, sunbathing, kayaking, kite flying, Frisbee throwing, picnic eating, or something else altogether down on the sandy shores of Lake Erie, you'll find all you need at some of Ohio's best beaches.

Easter Weekend Getaways

For me, Easter weekend getaways are some of the best trips of the year because they combine spring energy, family traditions, and unforgettable travel experiences that always feel like a fresh start.

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.

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

Beautiful Waterfalls Near Charlotte, NC

These 11 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.

Best Romantic Weekend Getaways in South Carolina

Romantic weekend getaways in South Carolina are some of the most unique and charming escapes in the South. Whether you’re looking for a quiet coastal retreat, city culture, or a countryside escape, South Carolina delivers some of the best romantic options.

Best Beaches in North Carolina

From the Outer Banks to the Crystal Coast and down to the southern beaches near Wilmington, the state has some of the best shoreline you’ll find anywhere on the East Coast.

My sunset photo in the tropics in January

Best Places to Visit in January

January is one of the best months to plan a trip, and it’s become one of my favorite times of year to explore new destinations.

My photo of spring flowers from our hike

Places to Go in the Spring in April

April vacations are honestly some of my favorite trip ideas. This season is one of the best times to travel because everything feels fresh, colorful, and full of energy.

Best Places to Visit in Virginia

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

Best Places to Visit in Nevada

Nevada is one of the best states to visit in the West, and it’s become one of my favorite destinations for its exciting mix of cities, history, and natural beauty.

My photo of a pink-red sunset on the coast near LA

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.

I took this stunning orange-red sunset photo over the Pacific

Beaches on the West Coast

Beaches on the West Coast are some of the most unique and awe-inspiring coastal escapes in the United States. They’re easily among my favorite places for both adventure and relaxation.

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.