16 Vacation Nail Ideas For Your Next Trip

Sometimes, the beauty prep for a vacation can take almost as long as the trip itself. Depending on where you’re going (and how high maintenance you like to be beforehand in order to be low maintenance while you’re there), you may want to get a spray tan, wax, and, of course, manicure. Picking out your vacation nails can often set the mood for your entire trip. Nothing pops against a tropical backdrop like a bright, mood-boosting color or wearing a trendy nail design to a new city of your choice.

When searching for vacation nail ideas, Instagram is your bible. Whether you’re a maximalist or a minimalist with your beauty choices, you’ll find no shortage of inspiration. The design you choose largely depends on where you’re going and the time of year. Your typical beach vacation nails may include seashells or fun vacation nail colors of neons and pastels.

If you want something a little less on the nose and classy vacation nail designs are more your vibe, there are plenty of options for you outside of your stereotypical choices. French manicures, for example, are super popular right now and make for great vacation nail art depending on the color you use, and “aura nails” basically scream holiday. “Digital lavender” nails and chrome are also great for anyone who doesn’t like nail art.

For extra-long trips, you may want to consider picking a design with a neutral base — this will help disguise new growth and keep your manicure looking fresh for longer. Most varieties of french tips are great for this (minus the “inverted” french, which has color along the cuticle), as are ombré gradients and negative-space designs.

No matter where and when you’re going, ahead you’ll find a variety of vacation nail ideas to inspire your pick at the salon.