Sometimes, the beauty prep for a holiday 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, a manicure. Picking out your holiday nails can often set the mood for your entire trip. Nothing pops against a tropical backdrop like a bright, mood-boosting colour [1] or wearing a trendy nail design to a new city of your choice.

When searching for holiday 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. Summer holiday nails are often brightly coloured — with shades of pink, yellow, green, and blue — and loaded with quintessential designs and symbols like butterflies, suns, and smiley faces. Seashell nails [2] are another fun, beach-ready option to really lean into the theme.

If you want something a little less on the nose and classy holiday nails are more your vibe, there are plenty of options for you outside of your stereotypical choices. French manicures [3], for example, are super popular right now and make for great holiday nails depending on the colour you use, and "aura nails" [4] basically scream holiday. "Digital lavender" nails [5] 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 "reverse" french [6], which has colour along the cuticle), as are ombré gradients and negative-space designs.

Ahead, you'll find a variety of holiday nails to inspire your pick at the salon.