Vacation Idea

15 Best Last Minute Family Vacations

Last minute family vacations can still be some of the best trips you’ll ever take, and they’ve become some of my favorite ways to make memories without the stress of overplanning.

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

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 of my husband and son on a Northeast beach in March. It was chilly but we had the place to ourselves.

Best Places to Travel in March

What makes March trips truly unique to me is their variety: chasing cherry blossoms, exploring national parks before the rush, or enjoying cultural festivals. Each experience feels exciting and different.

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.

Enjoying Pier C park in Hoboken, New Jersey by night, with the New York City skyline in the background

Things to Do in Hoboken, NJ

Just one stop across the Hudson from Manhattan, Hoboken delivers one of the best and most unique blends of small-town feel and big-city access, absolutely one of my favorite spots to explore in New Jersey.

4 Best Day Trips in South Florida (Near Miami)

I love how South Florida offers the best mix of tropical landscapes, cultural hotspots, and laid-back escapes. It’s the kind of place where you can go from vibrant city life to untouched nature in just a short drive.

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.

I took these photos of the impossibly blue-green hidden gem of a river in Slovenia

Most Beautiful Places to Visit Around the World

Searching for the most beautiful places to visit around the world? Well, you are in the right place!

This photo I took of a pink sunset with a palm tree on a windy evening is one of my favorites.

7 Best Florida Weekend Getaways

I love how Florida feels underrated beyond the big-name theme parks. For me, weekend getaways here always reveal hidden gems worth exploring. This is exactly why I decided to share my favorite Florida escapes so that you can use my guide as an inspiration to plan your own vacation.

Best Places to Visit in Minnesota

What I love most is how versatile Minnesota is! There’s always something new to discover, and my every visit feels like the best kind of adventure.

I took these photos of beaches on my day trips from Boston

7 Best Day Trips from Boston

Blessed with beautiful natural areas, Massachusetts offers an array of unique attractions for all types of travelers.

Best Beaches Near Williamsburg, Virginia

There’s actually a surprising amount of choice when it comes to beaches in Williamsburg, and it can be quite a challenge to decide which beach to visit on any given day. Each is the best in its own category, whether you are looking for family fun, a romantic picnic or something historic.

Best Day Trips From NYC

For me, day trips from New York City aren’t just about leaving town. They’re about finding unique places that balance adventure, relaxation, and a sense of discovery. Browse my collection of awesome day trips just 45 minutes to two hours from New York City.

Best Romantic Weekend Getaways in South Carolina

Whether you’re looking for a quiet coastal retreat, city culture, or a countryside escape, we find that South Carolina delivers some of the best romantic weekend options!

I took this photo in an orchard in Northern California

Best Places to Visit in Northern California

Northern California is a land of dramatic contrasts, windswept coasts, towering redwoods, misty valleys, alpine lakes, and volcanic landscapes. From wine country vineyards to rugged wilderness, it offers some of the most enchanting scenery in the U.S. On my many road trips across the region, these were the highlights.

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.