20 Romantic Anniversary Trip Ideas

Consider one of these romantic anniversary trip ideas, designed for every type of couple.

Whether you're celebrating your wooden anniversary with a first-time trip to Amsterdam or reliving your Maldivian honeymoon after 25 years, an anniversary trip is an ideal way to spend quality time with your partner in a beautiful destination. A romantic getaway can infuse any marriage with some much-needed excitement and surprise.

Special anniversary trip ideas abound for all types of couples any time of the year. Celebrating a winter anniversary? Consider hitting the slopes in Colorado or the hot springs of Iceland under an aurora-lit sky. Nothing beats an Italian summer filled with spritzes and Mediterranean waters. More adventurous couples might opt for an African safari or a hot-air balloon ride over the Arizona desert, while a 45-year anniversary may call for a leisurely train ride through California wine country. Or, maybe you just want to relax in your own private jacuzzi in a nice hotel room in a city you’ve never been to.

The destination will help determine the itinerary for your specific anniversary, so we’ve compiled a list of places to consider for any type of couple, milestone, or mood. From daring expeditions to intimate one-on-one moments, these trips prove an anniversary is the perfect excuse to discover a new part of the world — and the next phase of your relationship.

Here are 20 of our favorite anniversary trip ideas for your next romantic vacation.

Related:More romantic trip ideas

The French Riviera

Jetting off to the south of France to spend your days lounging on the beach, strolling through quaint villages, and shopping at high-end designer stores is certainly one glamorous way to celebrate your anniversary. Whether you spend your day wandering Nice's picturesque Old Town, climbing the hilly medieval village of Èze, or visiting the famous Casino de Monte-Carlo in Monaco, you're bound to have a postcard-perfect anniversary trip in the French Riviera. The resort destination is known for its luxury hotels (natch) and we recommend famous properties like the Hotel du Cap-Eden-Roc or the Grand-Hotel du Cap-Ferrat, A Four Seasons Hotel.

Steamboat Springs, Colorado

If an active vacation is more your speed, head to Colorado for some world-class skiing. The Steamboat ski resort area has the best of both worlds with prime powder and relaxing hot springs, so you can go from skiing to soaking and back again. The Steamboat Grand has on-site restaurants, a hot tub, and a spa for even more pampering. After a day on the slopes, opt for a romantic massage or intimate après-ski hangout.

Amsterdam, Netherlands

Sure, massive European capitals like London and Paris are worthy of a romantic vacation, but something about Amsterdam's charming canals and cozy hotels make it an ideal anniversary getaway. Tour the famous Van Gogh Museum and opt for a stay at Pulitzer Amsterdam to spend the night in beautifully renovated canal homes. Consider booking your trip for tulip season (between March and May) to see the iconic flowers in bloom.

Los Cabos, Mexico

Fly south to Mexico's stunning beaches for a relaxing stay at a luxury resort. Head to Los Cabos, where there are plenty of incredible properties to choose from. Book an all-inclusive stay at Garza Blanca Resort & Spa Los Cabos for the ultimate stress-free vacation — after paying one flat rate, you won't have to worry about taking your wallet wherever you go, so you can spend all that time unwinding with your partner.

Napa and Sonoma Valleys, California

California wine country has everything you need for a romantic trip, including rolling hills covered in vineyards, quaint luxury hotels, fantastic restaurants, and, of course, plenty of great wine. North Block Hotel in Yountville, Auberge du Soleil in Napa Valley, and Farmhouse Inn in Sonoma wine country are all great places to stay in the region, and the Napa Valley Wine Train is a fun option with full-day tours for visitors hoping to explore wine country in an old-school, elegant way.

African Safari

Crossing off an African safari from your list is a truly unforgettable way to celebrate another year together. You can’t go wrong in Kenya, where Angama Mara will give you the full luxury safari camp treatment overlooking the Maasai Mara National Reserve. Keep an eye out for the Big Five — lions, leopards, elephants, rhinos, and African buffaloes.

A European River Cruise

For some travelers, river cruises provide all the excitement that comes with visiting multiple destinations in one trip alongside the convenience of only having to unpack once. Explore Europe's medieval villages, historic metropolises, and romantic wine regions on a tour of the Danube, Rhine, or Douro.

Germany

Treat your partner like royalty with a trip to Germany. When you're not touring famous castles like Neuschwanstein in Bavaria, you can check out your very own queen's quarters — there are several historic castles that have been converted into hotels or Airbnbs. Extend your trip with visits to a fairytale village like Rothenburg, the spa town Baden-Baden, or the large, vibrant cities of Berlin or Munich.

Maui, Hawaii

For the couple who wants to do a little bit of everything on vacation, Hawaii offers a mix of indulgent relaxation and active adventures. The island of Maui has beautiful beaches where you can enjoy the sand and surf, as well as hiking opportunities in the volcanic Haleakalā National Park. There are plenty of incredible hotels to choose from for your home base: Consider Hotel Wailea, an adults-only Relais & Chateaux property, or Montage Kapalua Bay.

The Maldives

Consider celebrating your anniversary among the seclusion and romance of the Maldives. Less than a quarter of the nation’s 1,190 islands (comprising 27 atolls) are inhabited, so you’ll feel like you’ve landed on your own private island as you and your partner lounge in a classic overwater bungalow surrounded by colorful coral reefs and some of the bluest water on Earth. (Or, you could also just rent your own private island.) With a multitude of all-inclusive offerings, like at Maafushivaru or Komandoo Maldives Island Resort, this Indian Ocean getaway really is a couples paradise.

The Florida Keys

For a beach vacation a bit closer to the mainland (and easily accessible for East Coasters), head to the Florida Keys. Take a road trip down the Overseas Highway, connecting all the way to Key West, and stop for fresh seafood, great snorkeling, Key lime pie, and stunning views along the way.

Bungalows Key Largo is an adults-only, all-inclusive option, while Kimpton Key West has a range of accommodation styles near the action of this fun and popular island. Oceans Edge Resort & Marina offers ocean views in a serene setting just a quick ride from downtown Key West.

Iceland

Every second of your trip is bound to be special in the land of hot springs, glacial lagoons, and active volcanoes. With natural landscapes that include the Blue Lagoon and black-sand beaches, Iceland is mythic — nowhere more than in its dark skies, where you’re likely to catch the northern lights, something every couple has to do together at least once. Check in to the Hotel Rangá for an aurora wake-up call during peak activity before heading out to the on-site observatory (or the outdoor hot tubs, if that’s more your style).

Sedona, Arizona

Spend your anniversary among the famous red rocks, world-class spas, and mystical vortexes (energy hot spots for prime healing and meditation) of Sedona. Striated canyons and flowering cacti create the backdrop for this spiritual capital, which is also one of the most romantic places in the U.S. The property at L'Auberge de Sedona includes luxury accommodations like the spa cottage, which has a fireplace, a jetted tub, and an outdoor cedar shower on the large, private terrace just steps away from the resort’s spa. Couples can indulge in sound healing, stargazing, and hot-air balloon rides over the Arizona desert for an anniversary to remember.

New York City

There’s no shortage of special experiences (from dining to nightlife to historic hotels) in New York. In the city, there’s an itinerary for every type of couple. Maybe you’d like to spend the day roaming the halls of The Met before catching a show Off-Broadway. Maybe you’re a luxurious couple who prefers the art in the windows on Fifth Avenue before the best meal of your life at Eleven Madison Park. Or, you might check into a suite at The Lowell and just… never leave until your return flight home (no shame!). The city has a wide selection of gorgeous accommodations, from Brooklyn to the Lower East Side, so you won’t have any trouble finding an exceptional home base for your trip.

Charleston, South Carolina

The South has plenty of small towns and historic cities for a getaway, but Charleston’s charming streets, decadent dining, and Southern hospitality put this Lowcountry locale above and beyond for an anniversary trip. Stroll arm-in-arm along King Street, order a round of biscuits and fried green tomatoes at a table for two, or bond on the links at one of South Carolina’s renowned golf courses. The Loutrel provides boutique charm, a rooftop terrace, and beautifully appointed rooms and suites for your stay in the Holy City.

Santorini, Greece

Whitewashed towns, party beaches, and deep-blue calderas all help Greece remain a favorite among honeymooners and amorous travelers alike. The biggest decision to make when planning a Greek sojourn is which island (or islands) are on the itinerary. Greece has six main archipelagos with one popular standout among tourists: the Cyclades, where you'll find Santorini. We recommend checking in to the Grace Hotel, Auberge Resorts Collection and exploring the island's terraces and windmills for quality couple time.

Seychelles

Pink sand, secluded spots, and glittering waters converge in this remote part of the world. An African archipelago in the Indian Ocean, Seychelles has beautiful beaches and isolated luxury resorts, making it a premier romantic location. The islands are resplendent in polished granite cliffs, aromatic spice plantations, and Creole food. The Four Seasons Resort Seychelles at Desroches Island is the perfect private island escape for any couple looking to get away from it all and unwind with stargazing sessions for two, tranquil walks along the untouched beaches, and dips in the pool outside your own villa.

Lima, Peru

Look beyond the misty ruins of Machu Picchu and embrace Peru’s cosmopolitan side. In Lima, the country’s capital city, you and your partner can dine on ceviche and sip pisco sours in between dancing at discos and touring Baroque catacombs. Make Miraflores your home base at Miraflores Park, A Belmond Hotel for stylish accommodations, scenic breakfasts at The Observatory restaurant on the 11th floor, and private dips in your personal plunge pool off your presidential pool suite. Stroll El Malecón, the six-mile clifftop boardwalk that borders the Pacific, hand-in-hand, before making your way to the bohemian Barranco neighborhood for street art and Peruvian chocolate.

Japan

Whether it’s spring strolls through cherry blossom showers in Kyoto, slurping your way through ramen shops in Tokyo, or dipping into the onsens (hot springs) of Hakone, Japan is one of the best places to vacation as a couple. You and your partner will stay busy in Tokyo exploring ancient temples, navigating the hustle and bustle of the famed city streets, and indulging in world-class fare, from Michelin-starred sushi to squid-ink sticky buns at Tsukiji Market. If your anniversary falls in the winter months, consider Kyoto, where you can find lodging at one of the city’s many resorts or hotels.

Italy

Channel Gwyneth Paltrow and Jude Law in "The Talented Mr. Ripley" (before all the murder, of course) with an Italian holiday. There are oysters and Mediterranean views at Le Sirenuse in Positano on the Amalfi Coast, impeccably manicured gardens at Grand Hotel Tremezzo in Lake Como, and the yacht-dotted waters of the Italian Riviera. When (or, rather, if) you tire of the beach, take a train to Venice for culture, art, and gondolas. Sip Bellinis with the jet set by the Olympic pool at Cipriani, A Belmond Hotel, where you’ll soak in your marble bathroom after a day of boat rides around the lagoon and tours of Piazza San Marco.

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