Vacation Nails Ideas 2025: The Hottest Summer Looks for Every Destination

What could be better than seeing your nails while drinking something sweet and cold in a sunny spot? Whether you’re planning a Caribbean cruise, a long weekend in the mountains, or daydreaming about Italy in July, your nails deserve to be part of the itinerary. For holiday nail ideas for 2025, I look for bold color choices, playful patterns and sleek finishes that radiate the energy of the main character. If you crave something that feels like a breath of fresh summer air, or just want to feel a little more alive while doing laundry, these are the looks that will satisfy.

Golden chrome for luxurious island vibes

A shiny gold chrome nail always reminds me of enjoying a cocktail on a rooftop at sunset somewhere in Puerto Rico or along the Amalfi Coast. I find this finish elegant, but not too much, and I enjoy how it sparkles like jewelry. It helps you create a stylish look that is still easy and uncomplicated. I love this holiday nail idea when I go on a luxury trip or evening cruise.

To achieve this look, you can use a gold chrome powder, for example from Daily Charme or Born Pretty, and a no-wipe gel top coat. Start with a clear gel foundation and cover it all with a glossy top coat once the gold is dry. When you’re doing DIY, a silicone eyeshadow applicator helps apply the chrome powder evenly and without streaks.

What I like most about this style is how flexible it is. You can wear gold all year round, whether you are in Europe, on the beach or just running errands. It’s the kind of manicure that inspires you to wear something beautiful with it.

Juicy orange shorties

The feeling of summer can never be better captured than with this bold, juicy orange. I get images of fresh fruit, drinks from the pool and the warm glow just before sunset. Square cut nails are modern, fun and will make you feel ready for a Disney vacation or a weekend in Hawaii.

For this I would choose ‘Mural Mural on the Wall’ by OPI or ‘Tangerine Tease’ by Essie. The secret to keeping this color vibrant? This pop of color is achieved because I applied white nail polish as a base layer.

I wore something similar on a quick trip to Miami in February and it looked fantastic with my tan. Easy to care for, vibrant and resistant to sunscreen and margaritas.

Sunset orange with a twist

We use the same base color, but this time we make it a wavy pink accent nail on the accent finger. This design exudes Jamaican beach club energy, but can also pass for a lakeside trip if you keep the vibe fun and flirty. I think this is one of the most creative and cute holiday nail ideas I’ve seen this season.

You can create the swirl with a dotting tool or a fine detail brush and I recommend using Beetles or Modelones gels for a shiny and flexible effect. It’s easier than you think, especially if you just add one or two accent nails.

I would go for this manicure during a cruise with friends or a summer vacation in the car. It’s fun yet neat, just like wearing statement earrings with your beach outfit.

Color Pop meets Safari Chic

This outfit has a surprising mix of red, yellow and a zebra print that somehow doesn’t look messy. When your nails are oval-shaped, there is a modern and chic vibe and the look is perfect for adventurous explorers. Or maybe that’s somewhere like a remote mountain cabin, a Disney park full of animals or a cute hotel in Italy.

First use OPI “Big Apple Red” and “Sun, Sea and Sand in My Pants” as a base and then stick a zebra sticker on it or paint the stripes yourself with a black and white strip brush.

I love how fearless this look feels. He is not afraid to dare and I can easily imagine him with a red lip and big sunglasses while shopping at a market.

Pink marble glamour

Talk about a holiday-ready fantasy. This marble mix with gold leaf veins looks like a work of nail art couture. This allows you to enjoy the European summer, pink holiday nails or enjoy a luxurious cruise dinner with a glass of champagne. The shape is stylish and the soft colors can be worn with many outfits, whether you wear a dress or a linen set.

For this manicure you will need a marble brush or dotting tool and make sure you work quickly so the nail polish doesn’t dry out. My favorite combination is “Ballet Slippers” as a soft pink base and white gel and metallic foil from Born Pretty or Nail Supply Glamour. Gently mix the colors before they harden.

I would recommend this place for a girls trip to Europe or for a romantic getaway in February. It’s chic, feels nice and exudes an organized atmosphere, even when you’re in a hurry to grab your bag.

Fresh green for nature-oriented outings

I can’t imagine a better color for holiday nails than this simple, creamy green. It is lively but calm, playful but mature. It’s reminiscent of hiking in the mountains, looking out over wine-growing regions in Italy, or spending time at a peaceful lake in the state. This muted color is great for those who want a quiet moment, but still want some color in their lives.

I think this polish matches Essie’s “Off Tropic” or Olive & June’s “Into the Trees.” I’ve tried both and really like how smoothly they apply, especially on nails that are short and plain. It’s one of those colors that also doesn’t chip easily, making it a favorite for active travel.

Violet waves for European nights

Whenever I notice this shade of periwinkle violet, I see myself eating outside in Europe, sipping wine in Italy, or wandering the streets of Barcelona after the sun sets. I find myself drawn to how shiny and lighthearted this purple is. If you are going on a romantic trip in February, pink will create the perfect atmosphere.

Any paint lover should read OPI’s “Do You Lilac It?” or Zoya’s “Bel” when finding this shadow. First apply two coats of nail polish over the primer and finish with a gel top coat to keep your nails shiny for hours. Every time I travel, I carry a small bottle with me to catch any chips.

Glitter tipped lemonade French

This one is a bit fantasy, a bit fun. Neon yellow French tips, a touch of glitter and a little bit of sparkle? I’m obsessed. It gives ideas for holiday nails white, but with a serious twist. I would choose this for a beach party in Hawaii or a dinner party in the Caribbean where you are expected to dress in glitter and sandals.

Try using Essie “Sheer Fantasy” as a milky nude base. After the hair has hardened, use a French brush to add a yellow streak to the ends with “Solar Flare” from Bio Seaweed Gel. Apply glitter polish close to your cuticles and finish with a top coat. Optional: Add star-shaped decals for that cruise-ready energy.

I’m pretty sure this nail art style would be called “holiday nail idea box.” Extra, fun and still a bit stylish. You can really see the sparkle in your eyes when you dance or drink a drink with salt in your hair.

Sky blue dream landscape

It’s like the cool, fresh feeling you get when you arrive in Europe for a summer vacation. Short and chic, this design is both simple and a little whimsical. Think holiday nail ideas short, but make it dreamy.

You can apply a thin layer of “Glass Candy” from ILNP on top of the soft blue polish from ORLY. Paint the crescent moon design in the center with a clean, fine brush; it really makes the whole design stand out.

I felt like a mermaid when I reached for my sunglasses while wearing something similar on a boat day in Puerto Rico. It is not heavy, yet it stands out in the most attractive way.

Mandarin Zebra Mood

Let’s be honest: orange and animal print together? That is immediately the energy of the main character. If you want to go all out on your trip, these nails are perfect for you. Whether you’re looking at Jamaican sunsets, Disney resorts, or street markets, this one seems like a good choice for everyone.

For that fresh zebra design, you can use black gel paint and a nail art brush, or go for simple nail wraps if you’re short on time. You can make the orange base by using “Marmalade” from Lights Lacquer: a creamy, pigmented and very bright shade.

I will definitely include this in my ideas for my next summer holiday nails. It is strong, a bit unpredictable and certainly not shy, as summer should be.

Ocean teal serenity

Just looking at this deep teal can slow your heart rate. It is peaceful yet purposeful, like the peaceful sea at the start of a new day in the Caribbean. It seems like something I could wear as I relax on a spa getaway or explore a European city and every moment feels like a movie scene.

You can create this look at home using “Teal the Cows Come Home” by OPI or “Sapphire Parade” by Olive & June. They both produce a beautiful, glossy shine when you use a top coat on your nails. I find that wearing this color on boxy or boxy shapes gives just a hint of edge, without making the look too strong.

Lime Energy with psychedelic lines

This one is pure holiday electricity. Neon green, funky line art and lots of character: it reminds me of holiday nails that are also a mix of music festivals and Miami nightlife. It’s a statement manicure that stands out and gets people talking. A Jamaican beach party is the perfect place to wear this look since it’s late.

If you want sharp lines, try gel liners from Saviland or Makartt. And yes, I fully support leaning into the glow by wearing this under a blacklight – it pops like you wouldn’t believe.

Yellow Safari & Street Style Fusion

This is what it looks like when holiday nails meet the laid-back style of an off-duty model. Solar yellow is combined with bold text and leopard motifs to create a modern outfit full of energy. It takes me back to stopping at African markets on cruises or walking the streets of modern European cities.

Yellow gel polish, covered with printed sheets or stickers, completes this look. Always apply a thick top coat of paint to even out the surface of your wall.

Sunset skies and mini clouds

This allows you to enjoy a small animated movie directly on your keyboard. You can easily imagine a golden sunset in shades from purple to orange and the soft white clouds make everything look playful. These are excellent holiday nail ideas, pink meets holiday nail ideas for summer, ideal for enjoying a drink at sunset or a walk on the boardwalk at night.

Try mixing your ombre color with Orly’s “Purple Crush” and “Life’s a Beach.” For the clouds, use a fine dotting tool or just the back of a hair clip with white gel polish on it.

I always get a smile when I look at this. It’s nice to have a little air in your pocket, wherever you are.

Minimalist blue and green tropical atmosphere

Simple, clean and tropical without being too ‘resort-only’. I really like the combination of this soft sky blue with the empty space and the art of palm leaves. It’s so peaceful, making it perfect for a week in Hawaii or a quiet lake getaway. It’s easy to love and even easier to wear.

To copy this look, start by applying a nude gel base and painting just your thumb, index and middle fingers with “Blue Moon” by Zoya. Frond art is easy to create using nail stamp kits or press-on stickers.

There is something timeless about this look. It is the type of manicure that is not flashy, yet put together, clean and well planned. A personal favorite of mine for every season.

Bold Emerald Almond Elegance

When I look at this beautiful, deep green, I immediately think of a luxurious time in the mountains or enjoying an espresso on a balcony in Europe. With its high-shine surface and long almond shape, this nail design is one of the most stylish holiday nail ideas I’ve come across. It seems like you’ve been planning this trip, this moment, and your nails all along.

To recreate this rich color, I recommend ‘Stay off the lawn!’ by OPI or “Hunter” by Zoya for a slightly deeper tone. Both offer that creamy, pigmented finish that looks perfect on almond-shaped nails when you finish with a high-shine gel top coat.

If you are filing at home, make sure that both sides are filed inward at the same angle. First apply a tacky base coat to prevent air bubbles, then use two thin coats of paint. Let your nails dry completely, as it is the shine that gives a luxurious touch.

Whenever I’ve worn green nails like these on a fall trip, I’ve immediately felt more at home, even though I was only wearing a scarf and had my carry-on. It’s simple, a little surprising and makes every airport selfie look like it came out of a magazine. Definitely a green classic with holiday nail ideas.

Blue and white ocean blur

The mix of bright sea blue to bright white in this paint color is exactly what I’m looking for during a summer vacation. It reminds me of the coast meeting the sky, sailboats, sea foam and every quiet hour in the sun. It’s a perfect idea for holiday nails in 2025 and goes well with cruises or honeymoons in Hawaii.

Combine your polishes “Bikini So Teeny” from Essie and “Blanc” by using a sponge technique. Use a makeup wedge or small nail sponge to dab the transition area smooth and then finish with a glossy top coat.

If you use liquid latex or tape around your cuticles, it will help catch any extra color when you sponge. After the first layer has dried a bit, you can add another layer for a smoother result. Finish the process with a super glossy top coat so your nails are shiny and ready for the beach.

This one radiates such a peaceful energy. I wore these once on a weekend at the lake and every time I looked at my hands I felt a little happier. Color can make you feel like you’re somewhere else, even if you haven’t left your home.

French tips, but make it electric

French nails are always timeless, but this version gives them a bolder style. Because blush pink and electric cobalt are used together, the color feels vibrant, strong and bold. And that one accent nail in completely blue? Perfection. You can think of this design as very European summer inspired, especially for nails that you would wear on a short trip or city trip.

I think “Fiji” by Essie and “Butler Please” by Essie would be a good replica. A steady hand or French point guides make it easy to draw those sharp curves.

Apply the pure pink first, let it harden or dry and then carefully add the blue. A thin brush helps maintain precision. If you are using gel polish, allow the ends to harden quickly before applying the top coat to avoid staining.

I wore a similar outfit for a business trip in February with some tourist days and I thought these nails made me look 20% more polished, even in jeans and sneakers. This design shows that old-fashioned doesn’t have to be boring.

Hot Pink Swirl Revival

The bright pink and swirling orange loops on these nails make them a real blast from the past. They resemble beach balls, fruity cocktails and rooftop playlists, all in one fun and stylish look. If there was a playlist of holiday nail ideas in pink, this would be the first song.

Try a combo like Lights Lacquer’s “Mod Square” for the pink base and a nail art brush dipped in neon orange like OPI’s “No Turning Back from Pink Street.” You can create your own swirls or trace them with a fine detail brush from an inspiration photo.

Paint the base coat first, let it harden or dry, then add your swirls; remember, it’s better to have exercise than to worry about perfection. Cover everything with a good top coat to achieve a glossy vinyl appearance.

This collection is really meant for beach brunches, days at Disney and cozy dinners in warm places. I love how these add a touch of fun to any style. Even if you’re just wearing a white T-shirt and jeans, these nails speak for you.

Palm trees and golden hour

This collection looks like a postcard from a beautiful tropical vacation. The yellow base, shiny metal accent and small black palm trees give this look the feel of a summer vacation in one hand. It’s effortless and cheerful, the kind of nail design that works whether you’re in Puerto Rico or poolside in Palm Springs.

The yellow can be done with “Bee My Sunshine” by Sally Hansen and add extra shine with Zoya’s glitter on just one finger. If you want, you can stamp palm trees with black polish and a stamping plate; otherwise stickers will give you a neater look.

After the base coats and color coats are dry, carefully place your palm design while the polish is still tacky, or use nail glue if you are working with stickers. Don’t forget to coat your nail art so it doesn’t flake off.

It reminds me of the time I went to Tulum and only brought a few things, but ended up with four nail polish colors. I didn’t need anything else. They are similar to lying in the sun: they style your hair without you having to do anything.

Classic red for timeless glamour

A bright, shiny red on your nails is always a good idea. It’s the perfect way to look your best, whether you’re on a cruise, having coffee in Italy or enjoying a Caribbean dinner. The almond shape gives this look a touch of feminine charm, making it a popular choice for holiday nails in 2025.

I usually opt for OPI’s “Big Apple Red” or Rimmel London’s “Rita Red” to get this look. They both have a strong pigment that stays beautiful even after exposure to sand, sunscreen and days of bar hopping on the beach. A rounded almond tip ensures that your nails remain soft while still looking impressive.

First use a medium-coarse file to shape your nails, polish them and then apply a base coat to fill in the ridges. A top coat with gel effect over two layers of red polish ensures that your nails remain shiny, even after swimming in the pool.

I ended up wearing this red in Puerto Rico on a winter trip and it somehow looked good with all my outfits and swimwear. I want to feel attractive, powerful and adaptable, just like jeans, when I’m on holiday.

Mossy Sage with a touch of magic

The soft, almost sparkling sage green of this color seems to come from nature. It’s quiet, peaceful and would fit perfectly into a lakeside getaway or a mountain eco-retreat. The finish has a glossy effect that reflects light like dew, making this a beautiful take on the usual green holiday nails.

Try polishes like Zoya’s “Sage” or ILNP’s “Meadow” if you want that beautiful soft shine and spring feeling. The best way to keep this look simple is to apply it over a well-prepped almond nail and add shine in 2 to 3 coats.

Apply a thin layer of matte base coat to your nails and then apply the nail polish, applying it a little at a time. Curing between coats when using gel helps prevent patchiness. A high-gloss top coat will brighten the nails, but won’t take away their softness.

When I applied this color in a cabin near the woods, it matched the trees perfectly. Still, it gave me a stylish and considered feeling, showing that soft colors can be very striking. This is the right choice if you want a peaceful trip or just want to feel comfortable.