Vacation Idea

Best Places to Visit in Connecticut

I love how Connecticut offers the best blend of coastal towns, scenic countryside, and vibrant cultural attractions. It feels quieter than other New England states, but that’s exactly what makes exploring here so refreshing.

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.

Cool Green Adventure Vacations

I think that green trips are some of the best ways to travel because they combine unique adventures, eco-conscious choices, and unforgettable memories that I know are good for both me and the planet.

Romantic Weekend Destinations on the West Coast

When I’m dreaming of a quick romantic escape, the West Coast is always one of my favorite regions to explore. For me, it’s one of the best places for couples because it offers such a unique mix of coastal towns, wine country retreats, mountain getaways, and vibrant cities

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.

Best Places to Visit in Delaware

With just under 30 miles of Atlantic coastline, you may not think of Delaware when planning a vacation, but, trust me, it's worth your time. Plus...Delaware's super easy to get to by car or train from major cities.

I took this photo at Hapuna Beach in Hawaii from under a wave

Best Tropical Island Vacations

The best tropical island vacations are some of the most unique and unforgettable escapes you can take. They’re some of my favorite kinds of trips because they combine relaxation, beauty, and adventure.

Best Places to Visit in Idaho

The best part about visiting Idaho is the variety: hot springs, mountain adventures, and charming downtowns.

My photo of fall foliage over water, Texas Hill Country where I live

10 Best Places to Visit in October in the USA

Whether you’re looking for cozy small-town charm, city festivals, or peaceful escapes in nature, October offers a little bit of everything, making it one of my favorite times to plan special trips and seasonal fun.

I took these photos from the air while flying from the Big Island to Maui (And the gecko when we landed).

6 Best Places to Visit in Hawaii

I love how each island offers the best mix of breathtaking landscapes, vibrant culture, and underrated local gems. From lush rainforests and volcanic craters to golden beaches and colorful towns, every corner of Hawaii has something unforgettable to offer.

I took these photos during my birthday travels

12 Best Places to Go for Birthday

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).

14 Best Places to Visit in Michigan

Whether you are looking for outstanding scenery, best food, great family activities or gracious historic architecture, Michigan ticks all the boxes for an amazing vacation.

Best Beaches in New England

For me, the beaches in New England are some of the best in the U.S. Many are rich in rare fauna and flora that are unique to New England.

I took this early morning photo while kayaking in Florida

Best Places to Visit in Florida

I keep returning to Florida for some of its best beaches, spectacular fishing, great diving, and diverse wildlife both above and below water.

Lake Allatoona at Red Top Mountain State Park

Best 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.

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.