The South USA

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.

Aerial view of sunset over the salt marsh in eastern North Carolina

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.

Best Romantic Weekend Getaways in South Carolina

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.

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.

Day Trips in Georgia

Georgia has some of the best day trips in the South because it combines unique history, natural beauty, and underrated adventures that always leave me with new favorite memories.

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.

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.

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.

Romantic Weekend Getaways in Mississippi

Mississippi is home to are some of the most unique and underrated escapes in the South, and honestly, they’ve become some of my favorite ways to enjoy a couple’s retreat filled with charm and character.

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.

Best Things to Do in Virginia

Virginia is one of the best states to explore on the East Coast, and it’s become one of my favorite destinations for history, scenery, and culture.

Things to Do in South Carolina

South Carolina, known for its beautiful beaches and friendly Southern hospitality, is home to historical monuments, world-class museums, and family-friendly zoos and gardens.

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.

St. Louis Cathedral at Jackson Square, New Orleans, Louisiana.

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.

Things to Do in New Orleans

New Orleans wasn’t just another getaway, it was the absolute best kind of adventure. It’s a place where every visit feels fresh, surprising, and full of magic waiting to be discovered.

Alabama Day Trips

Alabama is full of Unique and underrated day trip destinations that have become some of my favorite adventures in the South.

Best Places to Visit in Alabama

Alabama is home to some of the best places to visit in the South, and it’s become one of my favorite states for a mix of history, culture, and natural beauty.

Romantic Weekend Getaways in Tennessee

From the energy of its cities to the peace of its mountains, Tennessee delivers the best mix of culture, music, and scenery, along with unique and sometimes underrated places that make every trip feel special.

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.

Romantic Weekend Getaways in Arkansas

For me, Arkansas is home to some of the best and most unique escapes, underrated favorites that always create lasting memories.

Outer Banks, NC lighthouse and sand all around

Things to Do in Outer Banks, NC

Stretching across miles of barrier islands, the Outer Banks delivers the best mix of beaches, landmarks, and local charm, along with unique and sometimes underrated experiences that make every trip special.

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.

Things to Do in Tennessee

Home to Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Tennessee has something to offer every type of vacationer. It's one of the best places to visit in the South.

Things to Do in Durham, NC

Durham is one of the best destinations in North Carolina because it combines natural beauty, cultural depth, and a truly unique vibe. It’s not just a city, it’s a place where every visit feels memorable and inspiring.

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.

Enjoying white sandy beaches, Fort Myers Florida Island

Best Beaches Along the Gulf Coast - Florida, Texas, Alabama & Mississippi

The Gulf Coast is home to some of the best beaches in the United States, where soft white sand meets warm turquoise waters. Stretching across Florida, Alabama, Mississippi, and Texas, this region has some of the most unique coastal escapes you’ll ever experience!

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.

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.

The Largest Cities in Alabama

The largest cities in Alabama each have their own unique character. Exploring them is one of my favorite ways to experience the state. From historic landmarks to underrated local gems, every city offers something different and meaningful.

Walking past Historic East Battery in morning light, Charleston, SC

The Largest Cities in South Carolina

I love how these cities offer the best mix of historic character, vibrant neighborhoods, and welcoming communities. Each one has its own personality, which makes discovering them feel fresh and meaningful every time.

Hi, I'm Ema. I'm the face behind Vacation Idea. My husband, son, and I spent years on the road, basing ourselves in each place for one or two months at a time. This has allowed me to experience each destination as a local, and I'm eager to help you with travel itineraries, weekend inspiration, and local tips. I love to chase unique experiences and revisit old favorites, anything from great sunsets to places of mystery. I have 30 years of experience, over 400,000 social media followers, and my work as a travel expert has been mentioned on ABC6 Morning Show, Best of the Web, and USA Today. When I'm not traveling around the USA, I live in Austin, TX. Click for more.