An anniversary is a unique and memorable event in every couple’s life. Of course, it is essential to do something to celebrate that special day every year, whether that’s going out for a fancy dinner, to a concert, or getting your significant other a special gift; each anniversary should be cherished and enjoyed.
Having a getaway trip for major milestone anniversaries is a great idea. Spending time traveling together will not only make incredible memories for the couple, but it gives them time to reset, bond, and connect again with each other in a way you don’t get to enjoy day to day. If you want to make your anniversary trip memorable, read below.
Here Are Our Top Picks for Trip Ideas for an Anniversary
Before we start the list, 12 of the 14 recommendations are not in US. If your passport is expired and you’re in the process to renew it, be sure to know how long it takes to get a passport before booking your flight and hotel.
Amalfi Coast, Italy
Italy is well known as one of the most romantic holiday destinations in the world. With its abundant red wine, delectable food, ancient history, and sprawling coastlines, it is hard not to fall in love again here. The Amalfi Coast in Italy stands out above all as one of the most enchanting regions of Italy. It is worth it to rent a Vespa or car and travel the coastline from Pompeii all the way through to Salerno.
Along this beautiful coastline, you will see and experience Italy in a unique way! Explore the rugged coast of Sorrento, stroll through the colorful houses in Positano, and of course, swim in the inviting turquoise waters along the way. The wine, food, and unparalleled views will help create beautiful memories with your loved ones.
The food and wine in this region are some of the best in Italy, and the Amalfi Coast is famous for its seafood. Octopus, redfish, and shrimp are abundant here and are used to create many tasty and unique dishes. Don’t worry if seafood isn’t your thing. You can still find some of the best freshly made pasta and other Italian favorites that are grown locally in the south of Italy. Along the Amalfi Coast, you can wine and dine with your significant other in style and immerse yourself in the romance of Italy.
Cancun, Mexico
Cancun, Mexico, is the capital of all-inclusive resorts, pristine white beaches, and sizzling nightlife, which makes it one of the best places to travel to with your partner. Staying in the city can get a bit tricky when it comes to accommodation, activity planning, and beach access. To take away the work of planning and researching a trip, it would be a good idea to stay at one of the best all-inclusive resorts in Cancun. An all-inclusive provides drinks, food, accommodations, and activities that will keep your days happy and full.
Some of the best adventure activities like Cenotes, Chichen Itza, and the island of Cozumel are all just a day trip away from Cancun and can easily be arranged by your resort. Ziplining, snorkeling, boat tours, waterparks, clubs, and jet skis are all within reach as well! Almost anything is possible in Cancun. After an adventurous day in the town, it is easy to grab a beach chair and a margarita and cuddle on the beach for a romantic sunset.
Cappadoccia, Turkey
Cappadoccia provides a unique environment and experience for travelers with its towering “fairy chimneys,” which are tall rock formations in the arid desert of Turkey. Most people underestimate Cappadoccia when it comes to romantic destinations, but the 5-star resorts for 3-star prices will definitely make you look twice. You can actually stay in one of the fairy chimnies or a cave hotel, with a pool, Turkish breakfast, and Turkish baths on-site to help you and your partner relax and connect.
Traditional Turkish food is the best way to experience authentic Turkish culture. Eating little meze dishes of fresh cheese, fruits, roasted veggies, olives, and spiced meats will surely delight your senses and give you a snippet of Turkish culture. Take your loved one on a hike among the fairy chimneys in the desert or on a shopping spree in the local bazaar. One of the must-do activities in Capadoccia is seeing the unique landscape from a morning hot air balloon ride is sure to be the romantic highlight of your trip.
Banff, Canada
Banff is one of those magical mountain getaways that is a good idea in every season. Whether you want to watch the flowers bloom in spring, hike around the vibrant Lake Louise in summer, see the leaves turn color in fall, or go skiing in winter, Banff is one of the most romantic getaway destinations in Canada.
Banff is perfect for those couples looking for an action-packed adventure or a low-key vacation relaxing in a resort or hot spring. Staying at the Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise, with its 24/hour views of the stunning glacial lake, Lake Louise, will spark a romance like none other. Make your trip complete with a romantic morning canoe ride across the lake as the sun touches the mountain peaks. It is also a quick drive from Jasper and Yoho National Parks for those looking to explore further. You and your partner are sure to have a memorable trip to Banff.
Sedona, Arizona (USA)
Discovering the natural wonders that lie in Sedona is a great way to reconnect with your partner and give them a trip to remember! Sedona is a short drive away from the majestic Grand Canyon as well as other once-in-a-lifetime sights in the Arizona desert. There are hoodoos and canyons galore to explore on ATV, hike, or Jeep safari.
If you and your partner are up for a wild west adventure in the heart of the USA, Sedona is the perfect place for you. There are many stay options, from desert oasis resorts to sunrise view hotels, perfect for any budget. The best way to view Sedona and the surrounding desert is by ATV or jeep safari that can easily be arranged through your resort or hotel. You can’t go wrong making Sedona your adventurous anniversary vacation.
Desert aside, USA also has some of the best beaches with black sand which can be an additional stop while you’re there.
New Orleans, USA
New Orleans is famous for Creole cuisine, festivals, unique architecture, and a distinctive music scene which makes it the perfect city getaway for your anniversary. Their unique Creole cuisine originates from a blend of cultures such as African, Italian, Spanish, Caribbean, Native American, and Portuguese all coming together to create a unique blend of ingredients and spices that can be found in the rich sauces of the dishes. The most popular dishes are gumbo, shrimp creole, and redfish court bouillon.
The architecture in the city stands as a great tribute to the French and Spanish colonizers who first settled the area. The distinct French Colonial style can still be seen in the houses and buildings in New Orleans. Discover a culturally rich city with your partner and try something out of the box! A trip to the Bayou to catch a sight of an alligator can add an incredible thrill to your trip! Staying in a historic hotel like Hotel Monteleone or La Belle Esplanade while in New Orleans would be the cherry on top of an already fantastic vacation.
Provence, France
For the love of vineyards, vintages, and fine cheeses, The Provence region of France has all you need to complete your anniversary trip. Nothing says romance like strolling through a historic vineyard while sampling complex red and crisp white wines. Bring a bottle back to your hotel along the coast of the Mediterranean sea and enjoy it with a selection of local French cheeses from the Fromagerie down the road. One of the best ways to fully immerse yourself in this region is to rent a car and take in the scenery that inspired famous artists like Picasso and Van Gogh.
After sampling the best of French wines and cheeses, you can take a drive along the French Cote D’Azur and breathe in the fresh sea air. Stopping in the small villages and towns along the way is the perfect way to experience French culture and coastal lifestyle. Whether you choose to stay at a posh hotel in one of the city centers like Marseille or Saint-Tropez or a smaller boutique bed and breakfast in the countryside, the Provence region of France is sure to be a romantic getaway that you both will remember for a lifetime.
Sirkka, Finland
When you think of the perfect romantic holiday for your significant other, a snowy destination might not be your first choice, but Sirkka Finland will surprise you. This beautiful Nordic ski destination is popular with local tourists but off the radar for international tourists. It is a great place to go to spend quality alone time with your significant other. The wind may be chilly in the winter months, but nothing beats cuddling in front of a chalet fire or sipping hot chocolate and watching the northern lights dance above you. There is plenty to do in Sirkka to fill your days with fun, like dog sledding, skiing, snowmobile tours, and reindeer safaris. The Sami Exhibition center will help you learn more about the indigenous Sami people who first inhabited the frozen north.
Relax from your adventures in an authentic Finnish sauna which is known to be relaxing and great for your skin and health. Sirkka is the perfect undisturbed getaway for you and your partner to relax and enjoy.
Bali, Indonesia
Immerse yourself in the deeply rooted culture of Bali, Indonesia, and enjoy your anniversary trip in style. Bali is an island in Indonesia that is known for its sacred temples, beautiful beaches, and world-class hospitality. Bali and two small neighboring islands, Nusa Penida and Nusa Lembongan, make the perfect relaxing getaway. Travel across the island in a car or scooter, visiting ancient temples, stacked rice terraces, and a beautiful rugged coastline. Bali is well known as an affordable alternative to similar beach and turquoise water destinations like the Seychelles and Maldives. A fabulous luxury hotel would cost half the price in Bali as it would in America or Europe.
Day trips to Nusa Penida and Nusa Lembongan are highly recommended to see some of the popular attractions in Bali, like Kelingking beach and Broken beach. Soak up the rays and the turquoise water before heading back to your budget-friendly 5-star hotel or villa for an excellent local dinner. Bali is sure to please and surprise you and your significant other without breaking the bank!
Symi, Greece
Do you love Greek food and culture but don’t want the crowds? A trip to Symi is just what you need for a quiet, romantic anniversary vacation. The colorful town of Ano Symi is the perfect place to get a quaint hotel or BnB and begin your adventure. This town really “pops” off the postcards, with its bright orange, red and green Venetian mansions making a statement along the deep blue coastline. Sample all the delicious Greek seafood you could ever want and steep yourself in the local Greek culture.
Nearby ruins, historic churches, and private pristine beaches are easily accessible by car and make unforgettable and romantic day trips from Ano Symi. Although Symi is considered a quiet island, its proximity to Rhodes helps make it easily accessible and a delight to visit. Symi is sure to be the relaxing Greek vacation you’ve always wanted.
La Fortuna, Costa Rica
La Fortuna is the perfect central location in Costa Rica to have a romantic jungle vacation. Surrounded by jungle, waterfalls, volcanoes, and coffee and chocolate farms make, it’s the prime location to have an adventure-packed vacation. Take a tour of local coffee and chocolate farms and learn about the production from start to finish, don’t forget to sample the final product! Waterfalls in the area like La Fortuna waterfall and El Salto can make a lovely day trip with a quick scooter rental.
Zoom down the highway hugging your partner as you approach Mount Arenal, the inactive volcano in the area. You can visit the Arenal 1968 volcano for a hike around the giant mountain and learn about the 1968 eruption that gave life to this hike. Don’t forget to plan some time in nature, taking in all flora and fauna in the area like sloths, toucans, howler monkeys, coatis, and more. Tabacon Hot springs are also the perfect place to relax and spend some quality with your partner.
Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
Another famous animal safari destination is Tanzania! Your anniversary is sure to be a memorable one if a giraffe or elephant makes a cameo in your vacation photos! Dar es Salaam is a great place to start your African safari as you tour and camp over 3 days observing the animals and soaking in Tanzanian culture in the savanna. If you’re quick, you can spot a leopard or lion running across the vast landscape.
Dar es Salaam makes a great place to rest up after your adventurous camping safari in one of their luxurious hotels like the Sea Cliff hotel with a gorgeous view of the ocean or Oyster Bay Hotel. The beaches here are the perfect place to relax, either on the mainland or on the islands. Sinda Island is a close ferry away for all your sun tanning needs.
Tenerife, Spain
One of the most striking of the Canary Islands is Tenerife. This Spanish island is a romantic destination known for beaches, nightlife and luxury resorts that are perfect for you and your loved one to relax and enjoy each other’s company. Beautiful views and exciting landscapes like Anaga Rural Park and Teide National park are perfect for a hike or day trip, and then feel the heat of the night at one of Tenerife’s many nightclubs that will have you dancing all through the night.
Unique and beautiful hotels like Barceló Tenerife and Hotel San Roque will take care of your comforts and ensure that you have a wonderful anniversary trip. Share some tapas with your significant other and relax on the soft sandy beaches along the coast of the biggest Canary island.
Buenos Aires, Argentina
Reignite the passion in Buenos Aires, Argentina! Argentina is well known for its stunning waterfalls, tango dancing, wine, and delicious food and all of that comes together perfectly in Buenos Aires. Walking around the city allows you to explore the history and architecture in its buildings and monuments up close. Visit the Palacio Barolo, Museo del Agua, and the Torre Monumental to get a first-hand look at the history of Buenos Aires. Take a tango class and dance the night away!
Food, wine, and tango come together as the sun sets to bring the heat of the day into the night. Sample a fine-cooked Argentinan steak or Asado (Argentinan barbeque) with a glass of the house merlot. Take a short trip out of the city to see the magnificent Iguazu Falls, a great way to add a little adventure to your anniversary.
No matter which destination you choose and what kind of trip you would like to have, going on a trip for your anniversary is sure to make it memorable and fun for you and your significant other where you can make memories to last a lifetime.
If your anniversary fall in December, don’t worry. It doesn’t mean it has to be a cold or hot destination. Here is our recommended list of the best places to visit in December. Check them out.
