The South USA

Best Places to Go in Virginia

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

I took this photo while strolling along Lake Travis with my husband and son

Best Things to Do in Texas on a Road Trip

The BEST places in Texas! Based on my family's life and travel in the Lone Star State, including beach towns, cities and parks.

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.

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

Best Places to Visit 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.

I took this photo on my day trip from Raleigh

Day Trips from Raleigh, NC

Take a drive to the beaches of the outer banks, explore the peaks of the Sauratown Mountains, or enjoy the North Carolina wine country to the northwest.

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.

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.

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.

My photo of sunset over the water in South Carolina

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.

I took this photo in a state park on our day trip from Nashville this November

Day Trips from Nashville for Couples

Plan a fun day trip from Nashville to explore beautiful caves, hike to waterfalls and visit historical sites.

Best Virginia Day Trips for Couples

With its rich colonial history, lush wine country, and beautiful mountains, Virginia is one of the best places in the world to plan a day trip.

I took this photo of fascinating countryside on our Oklahoma day trip

Day Trips in Oklahoma for Couples

Oklahoma residents and visitors are very fortunate when it comes to finding interesting and entertaining destinations for day trips.

Lake Allatoona at Red Top Mountain State Park

Best Things to Do 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.

Best 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.

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 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.

My photo of full moon at sunset in Alabama

Best 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.

Recreation park with small pond and downtown Richardson, Texas

Things to Do 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.

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

Things to Do in Lakeway City Park - Day Trip from Austin, Texas

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

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.

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.

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.

Hi, I'm Ema. I'm the face behind VacationIdea.com. What started as a simple travel blog for regular people who love to travel like us evolved into a 30-year life-long endeavor - this website. 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! I live in the USA with my husband and son. More about us.