The South USA

Romantic weekend getaways in South Carolina are some of the most unique and charming escapes in the South. Whether you’re looking for a quiet coastal retreat, city culture, or a countryside escape, South Carolina delivers some of the best romantic options.

Read More
Golden light in Alexandria, Virginia

Best Places to Visit in Virginia

Learn about history, explore the Blue Ridge Mountains or relax on the beach in the beautiful state of Virginia.

Read More
My photo of a sailboat at sunset on the coast

Best Things to Do in Alabama

From lively cities to peaceful coastlines, Alabama delivers the best mix of culture and scenery, often in unique and sometimes underrated places that make every trip unforgettable.

Read More
Newman's Castle in Texas

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.

Read More
My photo of a sunset over the hills during our scenic road NC trip

Best Places to Visit in North Carolina

I love how North Carolina offers the best mix of mountains, beaches, and vibrant cities. It feels underrated compared to some nearby states, but that’s exactly what makes exploring here so rewarding. You can always find something fresh and memorable.

Read More
Lake Allatoona at Red Top Mountain State Park

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.

Read More
My photo on a day trip on the coast of North Carolina

Day Trips in North Carolina

North Carolina is one of my favorite states to explore, and I think it’s one of the best places in the South for unforgettable day trips. I can experience mountains, beaches, historic towns, and vibrant cities—all in the same state. Some of my favorite adventures have come from spontaneous North Carolina day trips.

Read More
Admiring the view over Lake Jocassee , SC

Best Places to Visit in South Carolina

South Carolina is filled with some of the best places to visit in the South, and it’s become one of my favorite states for charm, culture, and coastal beauty.

Read More
Richmond, VA Day Trip

Day Trips from Richmond, VA

What makes these day trips truly unique to me is their variety: exploring the historic streets of Williamsburg, hiking the trails in Shenandoah National Park, or watching the best sunsets by the Chesapeake Bay.

Read More
Surrounded by green in Athens, Georgia

Best Day Trips from Atlanta

For me, these day trips from Atlanta are some of the best in the South because they combine unique scenery, history, and culture in a way that always leaves me with new favorite memories.

Read More
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.

Read More
Lake Norman in North Carolina

Best Things to Do in North Carolina

North Carolina is one of the best states to visit in the South. It’s become one of my favorite destinations for beaches, mountains, and charming towns.

Read More
Louisiana swamp sunset

Best Places to Visit in Louisiana

For me, Louisiana isn’t just about sightseeing—it’s about the unique spirit of each destination, the traditions you experience, and the favorite memories you make along the way.

Read More
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.

Read More
I took this photo while spending a relaxing day trip on the lake in the fall

Lakes in North Carolina

Lakes in North Carolina are some of the most unique natural escapes in the South, and honestly, they’re some of my favorite places to slow down, recharge, and take in the beauty of the outdoors.

Read More
Scenic landscape near New Orleans

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.

Read More
Weekend Getaways from Atlanta, GA

Weekend Getaways from Atlanta, GA

Weekend getaways from Atlanta, Georgia are some of the most unique and fun escapes in the South, and honestly, they’ve become some of my favorite ways to recharge without traveling too far.

Read More
Gatlinburg Scenic Overlook

Best Places to Visit in Tennessee

Tennessee is packed with some of the best places to visit in the South, and it’s become one of my favorite states for music, history, and outdoor beauty.

Read More
Strolling along the lakeshore at Lakeway City Park on a summer day

Lakeway City Park

Lakeway City Park was the kind of place that offers a little bit of everything: water, trails, picnic tables, and space to simply be.

Read More
In Which Time Zone is Texas?

In Which Time Zone is Texas?

Almost all Texas counties falls within the Central Time Zone or CT, the time zone that’s six (6) hours behind the Coordinated Universal Time or UTC.

Read More
Recreation park with small pond and downtown Richardson, Texas

Places to Visit in Richardson, Texas

For me, Richardson is one of the best cities in Texas because it combines unique cultural events, outdoor beauty, and unforgettable food in a way that always leaves me with new favorite memories.

Read More
Short Grotto Falls 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.

Read More
An old historical railroad station in  North Carolina

Raleigh to Charlotte Distance: Driving, By Plane, Train or Bus

How far is Raleigh, NC from Charlotte, NC? The distance from Raleigh to Charlotte is 170 miles.

Read More
Ema Bio
Hi, I'm Ema. I'm the face behind VacationIdea.com. My husband, son are frequent travelers and spent 5 years on the road discovering some of the best places to visit in the USA. We base ourselves in a new place every 4 weeks weeks which has allowed us to experience each destination as a local. I love to chase unique things to do near me and revisit old favorites for a cool, fresh perspective. I'm also eager to learn from my fellow travelers to see what works for people and what doesn't. Whether you like great sunsets, hidden gems, places of mystery, famous attractions, or underrated experiences, here you'll find all of those recommendations from locals that won me over. Let's explore together! More about us.