Vacation Idea

Best Places to Visit in Illinois

For me, Illinois isn’t just about its big cities. It’s about the unique destinations, the favorite traditions, and the underrated gems that make the state worth exploring.

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.

I took this sunset photo on our romantic getaway in SoCal

Best Romantic Getaways in Southern California

For me, Southern California is one of the best regions for romance because it combines unique landscapes, cozy stays, and unforgettable adventures that always bring me closer to the person I’m traveling with.

I took this photo of the Adriatic Sea in Croatia. The water was so clear and refreshing.

7 Places to Visit in May

I love how May travel feels underrated compared to peak summer vacations. You get the best mix of beauty, comfort, and affordability, which makes every trip feel even more enjoyable.

5 Memorial Day Weekend Getaways

Memorial Day vacation ideas in the U.S. are some of the most unique ways to kick off summer. With warm weather, festive events, and long weekends made for travel, this holiday is one of the best opportunities to explore new destinations or revisit your old favorites.

I took this photo of stunning yellow fall foliage

11 Places to Visit in New Hampshire

I love how New Hampshire offers the best mix of mountain adventures, charming small towns, and peaceful lakeside escapes. Nestled between Maine, Vermont, and Massachusetts, New Hampshire is one of the best and most unique destinations in New England.

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

8 Unique 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.

My photo of spring tulips in a Wisconsin botanical garden

10 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.

I took this photo of a pink sunset when we got away last minute to the ocean

8 Last Minute Weekend Getaways & Cheap Vacations

From quick city escapes to budget-friendly beaches, there are plenty of options that prove the best vacations don’t have to cost a fortune.

My photo of fall foliage on our road trip in the Midwest

14 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.

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.

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.