Vacation Idea

Best 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.

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.

I took these photos of New England beaches during my travels

Best Places to Visit in New England

From adventure, delicious food, or learning about history, New England has something to offer to everyone.

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.

I took this photo of a romantic waterfall in Ohio

Best Romantic Weekend Getaways in Ohio

For me, Ohio’s romantic escapes are some of the best in the Midwest. We've discovered unique destinations, favorite experiences, and underrated gems that are easy to love.

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.

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.

My palm tree photo at sunset on my romantic getaway in the tropics

Best Secluded Romantic Getaways Around the World

What makes secluded getaways so special is the sense of privacy and discovery. You can spend the morning sipping coffee with only the sound of nature around you, enjoy afternoons exploring hidden trails or quiet shorelines, and end the evening with starlit skies and total peace.

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.