1100+ Vacation Ideas

Best All Inclusive Resorts in the United States

I think that all-inclusive resorts in the United States are some of the best options for travelers because they combine convenience, unique settings, and unforgettable memories—all without leaving the country.

I took these photos on my visit to Yellowstone, Grand Teton and Jackson Hole

Best Places to Visit in Wyoming

Home to Yellowstone National Park, Grand Teton National Park, and six mountain ranges that surround the Big Horn Basin, it is Wyoming’s majestic outdoors that we wanted to see.

I took these photos of the impossibly blue-green hidden gem of a river in Slovenia

Most Beautiful Places to Visit Around the World

Searching for the most beautiful places to visit around the world? Well, you are in the right place!

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 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.

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.

I took this photo while exploring Mississippi's Gulf Coast

Best Places to Visit in Mississippi

For me, Mississippi is one of the best and most unique states to explore. Why? Honestly, it's an underrated favorite that we can drive to on a road trip from our home that always delivers memorable experiences.

Best Beaches Near New York City

From Coney Island to Orchard Beach, there’s a stretch of sandy beaches and cooling waves that reaches the entire length of Manhattan.

Best Day Trips from Seattle, WA

From coastal islands to mountain escapes, Seattle offers easy access to the best mix of scenery, culture, and adventure, often in unique and sometimes underrated destinations just a short drive or ferry ride away.

Best Weekend Getaways from Seattle

These are the hotels, resorts and inns near Seattle that made my weekends extra special. They’re about finding unique destinations that balance adventure, relaxation, and the perfect connection to nature.

My photo of tulips during Skagit Valley Tulip Festival

Best Places to Visit in Washington

The first time I came to see the whales. Now I keep going back because I think that Washington State is one of the best places to visit in the U.S. It combines unique landscapes, vibrant cities, and underrated gems that always leave me with new favorite memories.

Best Beaches Near Orlando, Florida

Orlando may be famous for its theme parks, but it’s also surrounded by some of the best beaches in Florida. Just a short drive away, you’ll find sandy shores, rolling waves, and the best mix of relaxation and fun.

I took this photo in the off season when we had the beach to ourselves

Best Beaches in Louisiana

Whether you want to enjoy fresh seafood by the shore, look forward to exploring wildlife-rich marshlands, or just want to relax for a weekend, here's where to go!

This photo I took of a pink sunset with a palm tree on a windy evening is one of my favorites.

Best Florida Weekend Getaways

I love how Florida offers the best mix of coastal towns, vibrant cities, and peaceful natural escapes. It feels underrated beyond the big-name theme parks, but weekend getaways here always reveal hidden gems worth exploring

Places to Go on Thanksgiving

Thanksgiving means taking some time to appreciate all the blessings you have in your life, so why not give yourself even more to appreciate by planning a weekend getaway?

Get Your Best Vacation Idea!

We got started in 1999 the way most good trips begin, by following a feeling. What kept us going were all the amazing discoveries, conversations with locals that pointed us to hidden gems, all my unexpected new favorites! And the search continues...

I'll help you figure which vacation is the best for you! In each section, I'm including my recommendations for my favorite hotels, best places to visit, amazing weekend getaways and affordable day trips.

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.