"No matter where you’re jetting off to, a trip drawing closer means that the inevitable full day of beauty maintenance that comes before a vacation is closing in on you, too. The everything shower, hair wash and blow dry, and layer of self-tanner don’t require too much thought, but your vacation nails? That’s a decision that doesn’t come lightly.
this is your sign to stock up
Sure, you can sort through your Pinterest boards of saved nail ideas, or you can take the guesswork out and bring one of these 45 vacation-worthy nail ideas to your manicure appointment. From out-of-the-box takes on the French manicure to cheeky nail art that’ll perfectly compliment your vacation outfits, rest assured: These nails will be your ultimate vacation accessory.
1. Yellow Floral Nails
This dainty daisy design will be the cherry on top of any beachy vacation outfit. Plus, it incorporates the color of the season: butter yellow.
2. Colorful Outline Nails
These colorful reverse French tips are a playful take on the classic manicure.
3. Wildflower Nails
A manicure that’s in full bloom? Say less. These wildflower nails are the ultimate warm-weather accessory.
4. Lemon Nails
Paired with a trip to the Amalfi Coast or fresh-squeezed lemonade during a low-key vacation, this design modernizes the classic lemon print.
5. Polka Dot Nails
Polka dots are the print of the season, and the perfect way to incorporate it into your vacation is with your nails.
6. Tangerine Nails
Sunsets on vacation simply hit different (especially against a beach backdrop), and these nails make me feel like I’m sitting seaside, perhaps with a mimosa in hand.
7. Light Blue Floral Nails
With a simple floral design, these blue blooms are a dreamy DIY option for your vacation manicure.
8. Sherbert Nails
As a sherbet ice cream connoisseur I may be a little biased, but I think that this is the definition of a vacation manicure. They’re bright, fun, and bold—like every trip should be.
9. Fruit Nails
Please tell me I am not the only person who picks vacation destinations based on food. These nails are unmatched for your next warm-weather getaway.
10. Neon Half-Moons
Subtle yet playful, these colorful half-moon designs are a fun way to bring a pop of color to a minimal design.
11. Retro Stamp Nails
For the girls who are romanticizing their lives this summer, these postcard nails are a whimsical ode to your upcoming holiday.
12. Martini Nails
This cheeky nail art is totally understated, but pairs perfectly with the yellow French manicure that serves as its base.
13. Glitter Glaze
Take the viral glazed donut nail trend up a notch with a glitter topcoat.
14. Heart Nails
Have an anniversary trip coming up? This simple heart design is the perfect touch to a romantic getaway.
15. Yellow Half-Moon Nails
These yellow half-moons are perfect for anyone who’s hesitant to opt for a full yellow mani.
16. Sunset Chrome Nails
Watching the sunset on the beach is arguably one of the best parts of a vacation, and these nails mimic the beautiful colors to a T.
17. Gold Nails
If your vacation goal is to sit on a beach and become as bronzed as possible, this is the color for you.
18. Mixed Metal Nails
If you’re a mixed-metal girl who wants a manicure to match her outfits on vacation, this is the look for you.
19. Blue Negative-Space Nails
Minimalistic girls, this is your moment—these negative-space nails incorporate color into your manicure without being too overwhelming.
20. Star Nails
From the bright lights of the city to the twinkling stars of the countryside, these nails are the perfect companion for any destination.
21. Wave Nails
Nails that mimic the whimsy of waves crashing on a beach? Sign me up.
22. Off-White Nails
You can’t go wrong with a classic white manicure.
23. Tropical Green Nails
This loud, fresh color is begging to accompany you on your upcoming tropical trip.
24. Blue Swirl Nails
Doesn’t something about these nails scream “Mediterranean vacation?” Live out your Mamma Mia! summer with this gorgeous set.
25. Checkered Nails
Something about cherries just screams “vacation,” especially when accompanied by a fun checkered print.
26. Vanilla Latte Nails
Ideal for sipping coffee in a cute European café, imagine how perfect these nails will look against your morning lattes.
27. Red French Tips
Looking for nail inspiration with a subtle pop of color? These are your best bet.
28. Evil Eye Nails
Between the French tips and subtle art, these nails scream “I’m going on the trip of a lifetime.”
29. Orange Flower Nails
This bright, playful nail design is sure to bring good vibes to your next trip.
30. Deep Blue Nails
Night owl? Try this deep, dreamy shade of blue to accompany you on nights out in the city you’re visiting.
31. Barbie Pink Nails
Hi, Barbie! This beautiful pink shade fits any warm-weather trip.
32. Black French Tips with Accents
This edgy nail design is perfect for any city trip.
33. Matte Red Nails
This matte cherry red color is perfect for trying out the red nail theory.
34. Strawberry Matcha Nails
These adorable strawberry nails will give you a spark of joy every time you glance at them.
35. Forest Green Nails
Headed to a mountain destination or lakeside adventure? You don’t need to sacrifice your manicure. This subtle, forest green manicure will match the vibe perfectly.
36. Dainty Flower Nails
These dainty flowers are the perfect addition to any neutral base color.
37. Butter Yellow Nails
Butter yellow is gearing up to be the nail color of summer 2025, and there’s no better time to try it out than vacation.
38. Mauve Flower Nails
Not one to opt for dainty flowers? These exaggerated, colorful floral designs are calling your name.
39. Yellow Micro French Tips
Headed somewhere warm? Try a pop of yellow on your next French manicure.
40. Red-Orange Nails
Typically go for a red manicure? Switch it up and try an orange-red shade to spice it up for summer.
41. Sky Blue Nails
Manifest blue skies and good vibes on your upcoming trip with this sky-blue shimmer.
42. Multicolored Floral Nails
This bright floral palette is ideal for pairing with your vacation dresses.
43. Accented Ombré Nails
These soft ombré nails are perfect for a trip with your friends or Bachelorette party.
44. Cowgirl Nails
Take nail art up a notch with this chic cowgirl manicure. Bonus points if you pair them with cowboy boots.
45. Gilded Flower Nails
Take me to the Louve—these nails are a work of art.
Isabella Kicklighter, Former Editorial Assistant
As an Editorial Assistant at The Everygirl, Isabella provides support to the editorial team, contributing to content creation across an array of topics from lifestyle, beauty, and wellness to career and finance. Isabella undertakes various responsibilities such as writing and revising content, sourcing images, and assisting in collecting all necessary materials needed for stories.
Lauren Blue, Assistant Editor
As an Assistant Editor for The Everygirl, Lauren ideates and writes content for every facet of our readers’ lives. Her articles span the topics of must-read books, movies, home tours, travel itineraries—and everything in between. When she isn’t testing the latest TikTok trend, she can be found scouring Goodreads for new releases to feature on the site.
Feature graphic images credited to: @gelsbybry, @gel.bymegan,@matejanova @theservinghandss, @nailsbycarriex, @landofhands, and @matejanova.