20 Romantic Anniversary Trip Ideas

Celebrate your love with one of these getaways, designed for every type of couple.

Scenic view of Neuschwanstein Castle in Schwangau, Bavaria, Germany
Photo:

Thomas Winz / Getty Images

Whether you're commemorating a year of marriage 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. Not to mention, a romantic getaway can infuse any marriage with some much-needed excitement and surprise.

Special anniversary trip ideas abound at 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 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 getaway.

01 of 20

The French Riviera

View of Villefranche Sur Mer on Cote D'Azure, French Riviera in France.

Armando Oliveira / Getty Images

Jetting off to the south of France to lounge on the beach, stroll through quaint villages, and shop at high-end designer stores is certainly one glamorous way to celebrate your anniversary. Whether you spend your days wandering Nice's picturesque Old Town, exploring 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. The French Riviera is known for its luxury hotels, and we recommend staying at properties like the Hotel du Cap-Eden-Roc on Cap d’Antibes or the Grand-Hôtel du Cap-Ferrat, A Four Seasons Hotel on the Côte d’Azur.

02 of 20

Steamboat Springs, Colorado

Anniversary Trip Ideas

Roberto A Sanchez / Getty Images

If an active vacation is more your speed, head to Colorado for some world-class skiing. The Steamboat Springs ski resort area offers 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 an intimate après-ski hangout.

03 of 20

Amsterdam

Sunset on the canals in Amsterdam

Michela Sieman / Travel + Leisure

Sure, massive European capitals like London and Paris are worthy of a romantic vacation, but something about Amsterdam's charming canals and cozy hotels makes it an ideal anniversary getaway. Tour the famous Van Gogh Museum and opt for a stay with Pulitzer Amsterdam to spend the night in one of 25 beautifully renovated canal homes. Consider booking your trip during tulip season (between March and May) to see the iconic flowers in bloom.

04 of 20

Los Cabos, Mexico

Anniversary Trip Ideas

Suzi Eszterhas / Minden Pictures / Getty Images

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.

05 of 20

Napa and Sonoma Valleys, California

The vineyards in summertime in Napa Valley

Billy Hustace / Getty Images

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. The 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. If you want to explore wine country in a fun, old-school way, book a ride on the elegant Napa Valley Wine Train, which offers various tasting and dining options.

06 of 20

Maasai Mara National Reserve, Kenya

Giraffe Is Now Vulnerable to Extinction Following Population Decline

Cameron Spencer / Getty Images

Crossing an African safari off 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 — on your wildlife-spotting adventure.

07 of 20

Bavaria, Germany

Scenic view of Neuschwanstein Castle in Schwangau, Bavaria, Germany

Thomas Winz / Getty Images

Treat your partner like royalty with a trip to southwestern Germany. When you're not touring famous castles like Neuschwanstein in Bavaria, you can check out your very own queen's quarters — several historic castles have been converted into hotels or Airbnbs. Extend your trip with visits to fairy-tale villages like Rothenburg or Regensburg, or large, vibrant cities like Augsburg and Munich. If time allows, indulge in a relaxing soak or wellness treatment in the spa town of Baden-Baden, located next door in the German state of Baden-Württemberg.

08 of 20

Maui, Hawaii

Cabanas under palm trees in Maui

Taylor McIntyre / Travel + Leisure

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, including Hotel Wailea, a luxurious adults-only Relais & Chateaux property, or the Montage Kapalua Bay in West Maui.

09 of 20

Iceland

Northern Lights Iceland

Suttipong Sutiratanachai / Getty Images

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. Its otherworldly quality is heightened by dark skies and the chance to see the northern lights — something every couple should 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).

10 of 20

The Maldives

Komandoo Island Resort Maldives
Courtesy of Komandoo Island Resort

Celebrate your anniversary among the seclusion and romance of the Maldives. Less than a quarter of the nation’s 1,190 islands (comprising 26 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. You could also just rent a private island. With a multitude of all-inclusive offerings and luxury spots like the Komandoo Maldives Island Resort & Spa or the Outrigger Maldives Maafushivaru Resort, this Indian Ocean getaway really is a couples' paradise.

11 of 20

Key Largo and Key West, Florida

Bungalows Key Largo

Courtesy of Bungalows Key Largo

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 Miami 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 the Oceans Edge Resort & Marina offers ocean views in a serene setting about five miles from downtown Key West.

12 of 20

Sedona, Arizona

red rock canyon under milky way in sedona arizona

Getty Images / Robert Loe

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. The property at L'Auberge de Sedona includes luxury accommodations like spa cottages, which have 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.

13 of 20

New York City

The Lowell Hotel, New York
Courtesy of The Lowell

There’s no shortage of special experiences to be had in New York City, whatever your style or budget. Perhaps you’d like to spend the day roaming the halls of The Metropolitan Museum of Art before catching a Broadway show. Maybe you’re a luxury-loving couple who prefers to window shop along Fifth Avenue before eating the best meal of your life at Eleven Madison Park. Or you might check into a suite at The Lowell, one of the best hotels in New York City, and just… never leave until your return flight home (no shame!). The Big Apple has a wide selection of gorgeous accommodations — from trendy boutique properties downtown and in Brooklyn to historic hotels on the Upper East Side — so you won’t have any trouble finding an exceptional home base for your trip.

14 of 20

Charleston, South Carolina

A couple dressed up walks down the streets of Charleston

Taylor McIntyre / Travel + Leisure

The South has plenty of small towns and historic cities that are ideal for a romantic getaway, but Charleston’s charming streets, decadent dining, and Southern hospitality put this Lowcountry locale above and beyond for an anniversary trip. Some of the best things to do in Charleston include strolling arm-in-arm along King Street, ordering a round of biscuits and fried green tomatoes at a table for two, and bonding on the links at one of South Carolina's renowned golf courses. As for accommodations, The Loutrel, one of the best hotels in Charleston, provides boutique charm, a rooftop terrace, and beautifully appointed rooms and suites for your stay in the Holy City. 

15 of 20

Santorini, Greece

Sun setting on the coast of Santorini

Monica Farber / Travel + Leisure

Whitewashed towns, some of the best beaches in Greece, and deep-blue calderas all help Greece remain a favorite among honeymooners and other amorous travelers. The biggest decision to make when planning a Greek sojourn is which island (or islands) to put on your 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.

16 of 20

The Seychelles

Anse Source d'Argent Beach La Digue Island Seychelles

Finn Hafemann / Getty Images

Pink sand, secluded spots, and glittering waters converge in this remote part of the world. An African archipelago in the Indian Ocean, the Seychelles is home to some of the most beautiful beaches in Africa and a selection of 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 untouched beaches, and dips in the pool outside your own villa.

17 of 20

Lima, Peru

Lima plaza in front of a cathedral

Rory Fuller/Travel + Leisure

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 — when you're not dancing at discos and touring Baroque catacombs, that is. Make the charming Miraflores neighborhood 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 the presidential pool suite. Stroll hand-in-hand along El Malecón, the six-mile clifftop boardwalk that borders the Pacific, before making your way to the bohemian Barranco neighborhood for street art and Peruvian chocolate.

18 of 20

Tokyo, Hakone, or Kyoto, Japan

Mt. Fuji and Tokyo Skyline - stock photo View of Mt. Fuji, Tokyo Tower and crowded buildings in downtown Tokyo

yongyuan / Getty Images

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 a cold-weather trip to Kyoto, where you can find lodging at one of the city’s many resorts or hotels.  

19 of 20

The Amalfi Coast, Lake Como, or Venice, Italy

View of Grand Canal in Venice, Italy with vaporetto and gondolas navigating on water.

Getty Images

Channel Gwyneth Paltrow and Jude Law in "The Talented Mr. Ripley" (before all the murder, of course) with a romantic Italian holiday. Get your fill of oysters and Mediterranean views at Le Sirenuse in Positano on the Amalfi Coast, impeccably manicured gardens at Grand Hotel Tremezzo in Lake Como, or yacht-spotting along the Italian Riviera. When (or, rather, if) you tire of the beach, take a train to Venice for culture, art, and gondola rides. 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. 

20 of 20

European River Cruise

A river cruise is about to go past the Hungarian Parliament Building on the Danube river

Tu xa Ha Noi / Getty Images

For some travelers, river cruises combine all the excitement that comes with visiting multiple destinations in one trip with 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 river.

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