Anniversaries are a wonderful excuse to disconnect from your ordinary lives, and a perfect time to reconnect with each other in a meaningful way. Whether it’s your 1st or 50th anniversary, the key to a special getaway is thoughtful planning, some creative surprises, and a bit of romance. Here are some tips to ensure you have an occasion to remember.
Step 1: Pick the Perfect Place (Destination)
Destination planning should begin with choosing your destination. Think of places that hold meaning in your relationship, perhaps the place you first met, your engagement, or a place you have always wanted to travel together.
Ideas for Romantic Getaways
- Beach Destination: Maldives, Santorini, or Amalfi Coast.
- Cultural Destination: Paris, Kyoto, or Vienna. Adventure Together: Costa Rica, Iceland, or a safari in South Africa.
- Hidden gems: Colmar (France), Garmisch-Partenkirchen (Germany), or Sintra (Portugal).
While selecting your spot you must consider your budget and the time you have. A long weekend will usually mean a closer drive or flight, however if you have longer, then an international destination may be an option.
Step 2: Create a Realistic Budget
Budget will make for a more enjoyable trip without financial distress.
Consider your budget in terms of individual categories:
- Travel Costs: Flights, train tickets, or gas money if driving.
- Accommodation: Fancy hotels, private villas, Airbnb.
- Dining: Special dinners at romantic nice restaurants.
- Activities: Excursions, spa treatments, or some crazy adventure experience.
- Surprises: Flowers, gifts, or any experience booked prior to the trip like a private sunset cruise.
Use travel apps and websites like SkyScanner for flight savings and Booking.com for flexible accommodation. If you want to spend less money, travel off-season to save money.
Step 3: Create a Personal Element with Surprisess
When planning anniversaries, the best ones always have unique surprise elements that thoughtfully demonstrate to your partner how special they are to you.
Surprise ideas:
- Book a private meal or rooftop dinner.
- Organize a special experience like hot air ballooning or a couples massage.
- Make a photo book or a video from special moments together to give them on your trip.
- Have flowers or champagne in your hotel room when you arrive.
If you want to go above and beyond – secretly upgrade your travel experience, book a suite or plan a surprise stop.
Step 4: Arrange Activities You Both Will Enjoy
Make sure to incorporate activities that balance relaxation with adventure. Even with the obstacles involved in planning a getaway for two people with busy lives and different interests, you should include activities that will help you connect as a couple.
Activity Ideas
- Romantic sunset walks, sunset boat rides, etc.
- Cooking classes, wine tastings, food tours/sampling.
- Classes/activities with lasting value, e.g., pottery, knitting, etc.
- Simply enjoying each other’s company (spas, coffee shops). Research on TripAdvisor or local ‘ours’ guides on things to do and where to eat.
This has the double benefit of uncovering hidden gems and avoiding the over-hyped tourist traps!
Step 5: Document Your Memories
Don’t get caught up in snap happy, but a camera or your phone will allow you to document your time away, and engaged time together. As a couple, it’s a fun and lasting memory that you’re going to want to look back on! You can even put together a scrapbook, an album, or even a montage for your computer as a keepsake.
Step 6: Live In-The-Moment
What could be better than enjoying times with you partner, on an anniversary trip? Leave work emails behind, don’t over-book your days and allow yourselves to enjoy the moment!
A wonderful anniversary getaway is more than just a trip, experience or enjoyment. Your anniversary is a celebration of you two (or more) coming together as a love is and love does commitment! With a little thoughtfulness, brain-storming, personal touches and coordination, you’ll be creating wonderful experience together!