About Us
Welcome to Vacation Idea!
My name is Ema, and I created this site 27 years ago to celebrate how unique, insightful and rejuvenating weekend getaways and day trips can be.
I hope the trips featured here inspire you to travel more and experience wonderful places in a new, authentic, and personal way. You'll find a host of ideas for weekend getaways, day trips, and longer vacations, but I also want Vacation Idea to be a comprehensive resource. We have guides on family travel, romantic trips, beaches, and seasonal ideas available throughout the year.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Do I need to be an experienced traveler to go on these trips?
You don't need to be an experienced traveler to enjoy the trips and ideas on this site. Our goal is to make travel accessible and inspiring for everyone, regardless of their experience level. We feature a wide range of options, from simple day trips and local adventures to longer vacations, so you can find an idea that fits your comfort level and lifestyle. The most important thing is a sense of curiosity and a desire to explore.
There are so many ideas on your site! Where do I start?
That's a great question! It's true that there are a lot of ideas to explore. The best place to start is by thinking about what you're looking for right now. Here are a few ways to begin:
- By Trip Type: Are you interested in a quick day trip, a weekend escape, or a longer vacation? You can browse our guides based on the length of your trip.
- By Interest: Are you hoping for a romantic getaway, a fun family trip, or an outdoor adventure? We have sections dedicated to specific interests like beaches, destination guides, and seasonal activities.
- By Location: Do you have a specific state or region in mind? You can start by searching for ideas close to home to discover hidden gems in your own backyard.
- By Occasion: Are you planning a honeymoon, birthday or an anniversary trip?
No matter where you begin, the goal is simply to get inspired. Pick a place or a theme that sounds interesting to you, and start exploring from there!
Are you on social media?
You betcha! Follow along on Facebook (370,000 followers) , X (15,000 followers) , or Pinterest (30,000 followers).
Where do you travel most?
My family and I have been chasing stories down backroads and city streets for years, so the answer to this question is always changing! We currently call Austin, Texas, home, so we spend a lot of time exploring the great state of Texas and the American Southwest.
That said, we’ve been fortunate to live in many incredible places. We’ve called New York City, Hawaii, and various cities across Europe home for years or months at a time. My family and I believe the best way to know a place is to truly live there, not just visit. Our goal is to inspire you to discover the local favorites in your own backyard, wherever that may be!
Do you have a travel book?
My dream is to write a best selling travel book about my top favorite weekend getaways in the USA as early as as next year.
The Team:

Ema Kisel, Creator, Senior Editor, & Trip Developer
Ema Kisel is a travel editor and trip creator. Her passion is creating inspirational, approachable guides that all types of travelers can enjoy.
Chris Walsh, Creator, Photographer, Designer
Chris Walsh is a creator, travel photographer and designer. Driven by his passion for storytelling, Chris loves finding new ways to make Vacation Idea guides more visually appealing and interesting.
Contact:
Get in touch via email: editors@vacationidea.com
Get in touch via Facebook or X
Mailing Address: VacationIdea LLC, 1530 PB Ln, K4554, Wichita Falls, TX 78734