What is the best way to celebrate marriage? With a trip, of course! Romantic rendezvous in Italy, a 24/7 party in Bali, or a blissful beach vacation in the Caribbean…there are hundreds of options for wedding anniversary destinations. Whether you’re looking for luxury or trying to save, we offer the best anniversary getaways for any personality.
Before you pick a destination, follow these tips for booking the perfect wedding anniversary getaway.
- Don’t procrastinate. Booking plane tickets and specialty suites need to be done well in advance.
- Work as a team. Plan the anniversary together; this ensures a balanced vacation that both can enjoy and afford.
- Seek advice. Ask your friends for advice on destinations, hotels and restaurants, but don’t copy their itineraries minute-to-minute. Be sure your trip is as unique as you are.
- Budget accurately. While it is possible to book a budget-friendly anniversary trip, be sure you set aside enough money to cover a quality vacation. If you can’t afford a long trip in a far-flung locale, consider a shorter trip or vacationing closer to home.
For the newlywed couple on a budget – Punta Cana, Dominican Republic
Picturesque Punta Cana, Dominican Republic, where the Atlantic Ocean meets the Caribbean Sea, is the perfect place for a budget first anniversary. A collection of all-inclusive resorts set on white sand beaches populated with coconut palms ensure couples get all the trappings of a traditional romantic vacation without the hefty expense. Booking an all-inclusive trip can help couples stick to a tight budget, ensuring an exciting and stress-free wedding anniversary. Add in relaxing spas, 11 golf courses and pristine beaches, and you have the recipe for a perfect trip.
For the couple who wants to splurge – Malé, Maldives
Of the Maldives‘ 1,190 islands, which are scattered like a strand of pearls in the warm waters of the Indian Ocean, only 200 are inhabited and 105 offer resort accommodations. which beckon travelers seeking an exotic and secluded vacation. Located in the Indian Ocean, couples can stay in water villas built atop the crystal clear waters of lagoons and enjoy the ultimate in luxury in intimate surroundings. Bond over SCUBA diving, indulge in couples’ massages, enjoy candlelit dinners and romantic sunset cruises and make wishes at the sight of shooting stars in this peaceful paradise.
For the couple seeking romance – Positano, Italy
Escape the hustle and bustle of daily life with an escape to the Amalfi Coast, a 31-mile coastline along the southern edge of Sorrentine Peninsula. Skip the crowded museums, churches and streets of Florence and Rome and head to the hillside village of Positano in Campania, Italy, where the wine, food and atmosphere will leave you yearning for a more permanent Italian residence. Picture perfect beaches, the charming Santa Maria Assunta Church and memorable Italian hospitality await.
For the adventurous couple – Queenstown, New Zealand
Queenstown, New Zealand has practically everything adrenaline junkies could wish for, from skiing and snowboarding in the winter to horseback riding, hiking and white-water rafting in the summer. Take the plunge – literally – at The Kawarau Bungy Centre, where the first commercial bungee jump began in 1988. Queenstown, on New Zealand’s South Island, also boasts the highest bungy jump, 440 feet above the Nevis River, which is not for the faint of heart, and the world’s highest cliff jump, 358 feet above Shotover River where the bravest couples free fall solo or in tandem 197 feet into the canyon before ropes pendulum passengers into a 656-mile swing at a rate of 93 miles per hour.
For the party-loving couple – Bali, Indonesia
The Indonesian island, arguably the most picturesque of the Republic of Indonesia’s 13,700 islands and the world’s largest archipelago, has long been a popular couples destination because of its fantastic beaches, paradise vibe, lush volcanic mountains and relaxing yoga retreats. Opulent temples and ornate palaces serve as reminders of the ancient kingdoms that once ruled Bali. Nusa Dua, a peninsula in south Bali, is a picturesque place to bunk while the luxury hotels are in Jimbaran. Kuta, a beachside city in southern Bali, has the liveliest bar and club scene on the island and is also a haven for surfers and shoppers.
For the couple looking to renew vows – Las Vegas, Nevada
Viva Las Vegas! Seize the day and re-declare your love for one another at a quickie ceremony at one of Sin City’s many wedding chapels, like A Little White Wedding Chapel. Pose for selfies in front of the “Welcome to Las Vegas” sign and celebrate with a kiss in front of the flashy, dancing Fountains of Bellagio at the Bellagio Hotel and Casino. Try your luck at a casino, take in a show or stroll along The Strip. Rest assured, what happens in Vegas, stays in Vegas.
For the off-the-beaten-path couple – Mombasa, Kenya
For the couple that wants anything but ordinary, a trip to the port city of Mombasa, Kenya might be the answer. Located on an island connected to the mainland by bridges and ferries, Mombasa is the perfect mix of African culture and a sun-and-sand getaway in southeastern Kenya. Once you have explored the 16th century Fort Jesus and the lively old town, take a safari.
For the health-conscious couple – Kauai, Hawaii
Located in the middle of the Pacific Ocean, each of Hawaii’s six islands offers a unique experience. Whether you choose to visit Kauai, Oahu, Molokai, Lanai, Maui or Hawaii Island, each boasts crystal clear blue waters, warm sandy beaches, shady palm trees, and lush mountainous landscapes. Kauai offers natural wonders like Waimea Canyon, nicknamed the “Grand Canyon of the Pacific,” and the picturesque Napali Coast. It’s no wonder the island has served as the setting for many movies like “Jurassic Park” and “Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides.”
For the couple interested in a “his” and “hers” getaway – Edinburgh, Scotland
Consider heading to Edinburgh, Scotland for the perfect blend of “yours,” “mine” and “ours” anniversary experiences. Some of Scotland’s best spa and golf resorts are just a drive away or scope out the whiskey scene with Glenkinchie distillery tours and The Scotch Whiskey Experience. Old Town and New Town are UNESCO World Heritage Sites, so for history buffs, the entertainment is endless. Plus, the art scene is abundant with galleries and museums, including the National Gallery of Scotland.
For the couple looking for luxury – Bora Bora, Tahiti, French Polynesia
There’s nothing that brings a couple together like the royal treatment, and it’s probably no surprise that extravagant luxury can be found on the sublimely beautiful Bora Bora, Tahiti, one of French Polynesia’s 118 islands in the South Pacific Ocean. A popular vacation spot among the rich and famous, Bora Bora is home to secluded bungalows perched above emerald waters and unspoiled white sand beaches.
Bonus getaways
For the couple looking to give back – Chiang Mai, Thailand
Voluntourism, vacations that double as volunteer opportunities, is a rapidly growing industry. Chiang Mai in mountainous northern Thailand offers plenty of opportunities for couples to work in orphanages, teach Buddhist monks to speak English and perform building renovations. It’s also a hot spot for people looking to care for elephants via Elephant Nature Park’s volunteer program. Friends for Asia is an independent organization that helps develop international volunteer projects, linking volunteer travelers to rewarding volunteer opportunities during their vacations.
For the couple expecting a baby – Sonoma, California
Looking to get that one last romantic vacation in before the little one arrives? Babymoons are an increasingly popular way to prepare for baby. They are also the last chance for traveling only with carry-on bags (and sleep!). Just 45 miles north of San Francisco, Sonoma, Calif. is already known for its vineyards and Michelin-starred restaurants. It’s also a great babymoon destination as there are plenty of relaxing, romantic and laid back resorts and bed and breakfasts that offer pre-natal packages like Mellow Mommy which offers Mellow Mommy massage, daddy-to-be massage and an Art of Relaxation session to expectant parents.
For the celeb-obsessed couple – Seychelles
For couples obsessed with copying their favorite celebrities, the Seychelles is an ideal wedding anniversary destination. Prince William and Kate Middleton, Duchess of Cambridge, honeymooned in the Seychelles after their 2011 wedding. The Seychelles is comprised of 115 islands that dot the western Indian Ocean. The hub of tourism and infrastructure are based on 16 islands of the archipelago with accommodations that range from ultra-luxury to rustic bungalows. The main island Mahé is home to the international airport and the capital, Victoria. Satellite cities, Praslin and La Digue, are the most popular spots with beautiful beaches flanked by granite boulders and turquoise waters. Try snorkeling, diving, or glass-bottom boating, and go exploring on guided nature tours to view some of the rarest flora and fauna on earth.
For the couple bringing the kids – Atlantis Paradise Island, Bahamas
Whether you want to make your kids a part of your anniversary experience or you simply can’t find a babysitter, there’s something for everyone on Atlantis Paradise Island in the Bahamas. This tropical oasis-meets-beach adventure offers family-friendly experiences like swimming with dolphins, sliding down a water slide in shark-infested waters and snorkeling in the densely populated lagoons. Mom and dad can take turns at the golf course and the spa. Everyone will go home with a story to tell and a tan to show off.
Main image: iStock.com/FilippoBacci
