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Alaska vacation ideas include seeing the Northern Lights, incredible parks and beautiful romantic towns.

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Ocean view in January

Places to Visit in January & Things to Do

These destinations offer everything from the sunshine and beaches of the Caribbean Islands to the adrenaline pumping slopes of the ski resorts in the Rocky Mountains.

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I took this photo of the fireworks in NYC on the 4th of July

Places to Visit in July & Things to Do

July is the height of the travel season: Kids have the summer off from school, and the warm, sunny weather makes adults itch to get out of the office.

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Tulsa, Oklahoma Sunset

Best Places to Visit in Oklahoma

Oklahoma is a wonderful getaway destination offering an excellent combination of historic, cultural, outdoor, and family attractions.

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White Sands National Monument

Best Places to Visit in New Mexico

Situated in the southwestern corner of the United States, New Mexico is full of interesting attractions for visitors to discover.

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Lake in Kentucky

Things to Do in Kentucky

Popularly known as the Bluegrass State, Kentucky is home to bustling cities, endless pastures, the world’s longest cave system, and of course, Kentucky Fried Chicken.

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New Mexico

Unique Things to Do in New Mexico

New Mexico is a land rich with adventures, beautiful sights, culture, and interesting history. Visit beautiful Santa Fe, Taos, Las Cruces and Albuquerque which are home to unique museums, botanical gardens and restaurants.

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Sunset on the beach

Places to Visit in June & Things to Do

In the northern hemisphere, June marks the beginning of summer, and many cities and towns that have suffered through a long, cold winter celebrate this turning of seasons with festivals and parties.

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Cathedral Rock, Sedona

Best Places to Visit in Arizona

Visit the Grand Canyon, Cathedral Rock, Barringer Crater, Havasu Falls and many other beautiful places on your trip to Arizona.

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Maligne Lake, Canada

Best Places to Visit in Canada & Things to Do

Canada is home to some of the most beautiful scenery on Earth. Plan a romantic trip to one of these amazing destinations.

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I took this photo of a romantic carriage ride in NYC on a sunny day in February

Places to Travel in February & Things to Do

February, a time when much of the country is covered in snow drifts, is a time when many start feeling the desire to head somewhere warmer.

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Blue lagoon in Reikjavik

Cool Green Trips

Explore the pristine wilderness of British Columbia, snorkel on the Great Barrier Reef, or relax on the beach in Fiji.

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Destinations Around the World

Traveling the world didn’t feel like checking boxes, it felt like opening windows. Each place carried its own rhythm, its own hush, its own way of teaching me to slow down and see differently. I remember sipping tea in a quiet square in a city I couldn’t pronounce, thinking, “I don’t need to know everything. I just need to be here.”


What stayed with me weren’t the landmarks, but the textures: the sound of market chatter in the morning, light shifting across tiled rooftops, a shared smile with someone I’d never meet again. I wandered through temples and side streets, coastlines and cafés, always chasing something I couldn’t name—and often finding it in the quietest places.


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Whether you’re dreaming of faraway islands, hill towns, lantern-lit cities, or quiet corners that stir something deep, these guides gather the destinations that stayed with me, unhurried, soulful, and full of moments that make the world feel a little more like home.

Ema Bio

Welcome to Vacation Idea

Hi there! At Vacation Idea, we've been uncovering and reporting on the best local hidden gems for 27 years. Join us and plan your next authentic and truly unique getaway.