Vacation Idea

15 Best Places to Visit in the Midwest

The Midwest is full of some of the best weekend getaways in the United States, and it’s become one of my favorite regions for a mix of small-town charm, vibrant cities, and natural beauty.

I took this photo on a lake on our fall weekend trip to Manchester, VT.

Best Places to Visit in Vermont

Vermont is one of the best and most unique destinations in the U.S. whether you like hiking, swimming, fall foliage or skiing.

4 Best Castles in Texas

Texas castles have their own unique architecture and historic flair. For me, visiting castles in Texas isn’t just about the architecture. It’s about the unique stories, the favorite discoveries, and the underrated gems that make the journey memorable.

I took this photo while exploring Texas beaches

8 Best Texas Beaches

For me, Texas beaches are some of the best and most unique destinations, underrated favorites that always make the Gulf Coast shine.

My photo of tulips during Skagit Valley Tulip Festival

12 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.

My photo of full moon at sunset in Alabama

Weekend Getaways in Alabama

Relax on sandy beaches, stay in a quiet inn or explore the attractions, shops and restaurants in Alabama's cities. For me, Alabama’s weekend getaways aren’t just about the destinations. They’re about the unique experiences, the best cozy stays, and the favorite memories that keep me coming back.

I decided to visit Martha’s Vineyard in November and it was a dream trip

Best Places to Visit in November

Whether you’re chasing the best of foliage in the USA, enjoying unique holiday vibes in New York City, or discovering the underrated warmth of spots like Arizona or Florida, November offers countless ways to make memories.

New Mexico Beaches

When you think of beaches, New Mexico may not come to mind first, but the state is home to some of the best lakeside beaches in the Southwest, and they’ve become some of my favorite underrated spots for warm-weather fun.

Best Beaches in Michigan

Relaxing on the beautiful beaches of Michigan is be one of the best and most unique ways to spend your vacation (and I don't mean just summer!).

I took this photo of river landscape in Arkansas

10 Best Places to Visit in Arkansas

Arkansas offers beautiful rivers, some of the best hot springs on the country, mountains, and caves, crisscrossed by numerous hiking and biking trails.

I took this photo of blossoms on a weekend getaway from NYC

10 Best Weekend Getaways from NYC

After a whirlwind week in the Big Apple, for me one of the most enjoyable parts is picking a cozy inn, chic boutique hotel, or a countryside retreat to spend a relaxing 48 hours.

My photo of a waterfall hike at the start of summer

Best Places to Visit in June

For me, June trips aren’t just about the destination. They’re about enjoying unique experiences, celebrating summer’s arrival, and discovering underrated places that feel extra special this time of year.

Harpers Ferry, West Virginia, USA townscape at dawn in autumn

Places to Visit in West Virginia

I love how West Virginia offers the best mix of rugged natural beauty, cozy small towns, and thrilling outdoor activities.

Places to Visit in Utah

For me, Utah isn’t just about sightseeing. It’s about the unique landscapes, the favorite experiences, and the best underrated gems that make the state unforgettable.

Best Romantic Weekend Getaways from New Orleans

For me, weekend getaways from New Orleans aren’t just about leaving the city. They’re about finding unique destinations that offer the best mix of culture, history, and natural beauty.

Hi, We are Ema and Chris and we've spent years on the road. While our website VacationIdea.com is small with under 200 pages and all the content written by just the two of us, you'll find a host of diverse and hidden vacation ideas for weekend getaways, day trips, and longer vacations, based on our personal travels. Keeping this website small allows us to keep it up to date with our latest discoveries and photos while we travel. We hope that reading this inspires you to travel to our favorite hidden gems. Why trust us? We founded this site decades ago and not only are we expert road trippers, but we also work with tourism agencies to stay pluggend into the latest openings and what's new and unique in travel. Chris is an award-winning photographer and designer, giving our contant a visually stunning polish. We've received many awards and media mentions for our work. More about us.