10 year trip

11 Budget-Friendly 10th Anniversary Trip Destinations

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Reaching a decade of togetherness is no small feat, and it deserves to be celebrated.

But hey, I get it – not all of us can or want to drop a small fortune on an anniversary trip.

That’s why I’ve meticulously curated a list of budget-friendly destinations that don’t skimp on the romance or the fun.

From the sun-kissed beaches to the cozy mountain retreats, I’ve evaluated each spot with an eye for value, uniqueness, and that special something that makes an anniversary memorable.

So, let’s dive into these handpicked locations that promise to make your 10th anniversary as extraordinary as your journey together – without breaking the bank!

10-Year Anniversary Trips on a Budget:

Charleston, South Carolina

Charleston, South Carolina , a gem in the South, offers a blend of history, culture, and natural beauty, making it perfect for your 10th anniversary trip without breaking the bank. This city is famous for its well-preserved architecture, rich history, and warm hospitality.

First up, explore the Battery & White Point Gardens . It’s free and offers stunning views of historic mansions and the Charleston Harbor. Perfect for a romantic stroll! Another must-do is visiting the Charleston City Market . It’s a great spot to pick up unique, local crafts and souvenirs without spending much.

For dinner, check out Poogan’s Porch . It’s known for delicious Southern cuisine at reasonable prices, offering a taste of Charleston’s culinary scene without the hefty price tag.

And for your stay? The NotSo Hostel . Don’t let the name fool you; it’s a charming, budget-friendly option with a romantic vibe. Plus, its location in the historic district makes exploring Charleston a breeze.

Asheville, North Carolina

Asheville, North Carolina is your go-to for an affordable yet magical 10th anniversary. Nestled in the Blue Ridge Mountains, Asheville is a haven for nature lovers and culture enthusiasts alike.

A must-visit is the Blue Ridge Parkway . It’s free, and the scenic drives offer breathtaking mountain views. Ideal for a romantic road trip! Also, don’t miss the Asheville Botanical Gardens . No admission fee, and you can wander through a variety of native plants and flowers—a serene retreat in the heart of the city.

When it comes to dining, Tupelo Honey is a local favorite. They serve up delicious Southern comfort food that’s hearty and wallet-friendly. Their biscuits? A must-try!

And for your stay, the Sweet Peas Hostel is perfect. It’s budget-friendly with a quirky, romantic charm. Located downtown, you’ll be steps away from Asheville’s vibrant arts scene and cozy cafes.

Savannah, Georgia

Savannah, Georgia , with its charming historic streets and Southern hospitality, is a dream spot for a budget-friendly anniversary celebration . Known for its stunning Spanish moss-draped trees and rich history, it’s a picturesque escape.

Start with a leisurely stroll through Forsyth Park . It’s free, and the iconic fountain is a perfect backdrop for anniversary photos. Then, meander through the Savannah Historic District . It’s like stepping back in time, and window shopping here is an experience in itself!

For dinner, head over to 17Hundred90 Inn and Restaurant . It’s not just a restaurant; it’s a piece of Savannah history with meals that won’t empty your wallet. Their southern cuisine in a romantic setting? Unbeatable.

For the stay, check out The Thunderbird Inn . It’s affordable, retro, and super romantic. Plus, its location makes exploring downtown Savannah a breeze.

New Orleans, Louisiana

New Orleans, Louisiana , is a vibrant and eclectic choice for a 10th-anniversary trip that won’t stretch your wallet. Famous for its jazz music, lively Mardi Gras celebrations, and unique blend of cultures, it’s a city like no other.

Kick off your visit with a walk through the French Quarter . It’s free, and the mix of historic architecture, street musicians, and bustling markets is simply captivating. Next, hop on a streetcar ride . For a couple of bucks, you can see the city’s charming neighborhoods and beautiful streets lined with oak trees.

For a memorable yet affordable dinner, Café Du Monde is a must-try. Their beignets and café au lait are legendary – perfect for a sweet evening treat.

Stay at the Hotel St. Pierre , a collection of historic Creole cottages. It offers a romantic and authentic New Orleans experience without the hefty price tag. This hotel, with its cozy charm, will make your anniversary trip unforgettable!

Nashville, Tennessee

Nashville, Tennessee , is the perfect pick for music-loving couples seeking a budget-friendly 10th anniversary . Known as Music City, it’s a hub of rich culture and lively entertainment.

Start your visit with a tour of the Music City Walk of Fame . Completely free, it celebrates music legends across various genres, perfect for music buffs. Then, head over to the Nashville Farmers’ Market . Browse local crafts and try some delicious, budget-friendly eats under one roof.

For dinner, you can’t miss Hattie B’s Hot Chicken . This Nashville staple offers mouth-watering dishes that are easy on the wallet but rich in flavor. Their hot chicken will spice up your evening!

Stay at The Russell . It’s a unique, affordable boutique hotel set in a historic church. Its vibrant and artsy vibe makes it a romantic and memorable spot for your anniversary stay.

Colorado Springs, Colorado

Colorado Springs, Colorado , is a breathtaking choice for a budget-friendly 10th anniversary . Famed for its stunning mountain scenery and outdoor adventures, it’s perfect for couples who love nature and exploration. There are many things to do in Colorado Springs that are either free or cost only a small fee to enjoy.

Immerse yourselves in the beauty of the Garden of the Gods . It’s free to visit, and you’ll be wowed by the magnificent red rock formations – ideal for a day of hiking and photography.

For a delightful dining experience, visit The Rabbit Hole . This unique, Alice in Wonderland-themed restaurant offers delicious meals at reasonable prices, adding a whimsical touch to your evening.

Stay at The St. Mary’s Inn, Bed and Breakfast . It’s charming, affordable, and provides a cozy, romantic setting. Nestled in a historic neighborhood, it’s the perfect place to unwind after a day of adventure.

Austin, Texas

Austin, Texas , is a fantastic choice for couples celebrating their 10th anniversary on a budget . Known as the “Live Music Capital of the World,” Austin offers more than just tunes – it’s a haven for foodies, outdoor enthusiasts, and culture seekers.

Dive into Austin’s vibe with a visit to Zilker Metropolitan Park . It’s free and offers everything from picturesque picnic spots to scenic views of downtown Austin. Then, immerse yourselves in Austin’s art scene at the HOPE Outdoor Gallery . This community paint park is a kaleidoscope of street art – perfect for some colorful anniversary photos!

For dinner, check out Torchy’s Tacos . Famous for its inventive tacos and casual atmosphere, it’s a deliciously affordable way to experience Austin’s food scene.

Stay at Hotel San José on South Congress Avenue. It’s a chic, budget-friendly boutique hotel with a uniquely Austin flavor. Nestled in a vibrant neighborhood, it’s the ideal romantic retreat to make your anniversary trip unforgettable.

Sedona, Arizona

Sedona, Arizona , is an enchanting choice for a budget-friendly 10th anniversary . Famous for its stunning red rock formations and vibrant art scene, Sedona offers a mix of natural beauty and cultural richness.

For an unforgettable experience, take a hike on the Cathedral Rock Trail . It’s free and offers some of the most breathtaking views in Sedona – perfect for adventurous couples. Another great option is exploring the Tlaquepaque Arts & Shopping Village . Wander through this charming, Mexican-style village, enjoying art galleries and local crafts without spending a dime.

For dinner, Elote Cafe is a must-visit. It offers innovative and affordable Mexican cuisine, and the views from the patio are simply amazing.

Stay at the Sugar Loaf Lodge . It’s wallet-friendly, and cozy, and offers stunning red rock views, making it a romantic spot for your anniversary.

Big Sur, California

Big Sur, California , is a dreamy choice for a 10th-anniversary trip that combines natural beauty with affordability. Famous for its breathtaking coastline and majestic redwoods, it’s a paradise for nature-loving couples.

A must-do is exploring the Bixby Creek Bridge . It’s free and offers stunning views of the Pacific Ocean – great for a romantic photo session. Then, take a leisurely hike in Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park . The park’s entrance fee is modest, and you’ll be rewarded with serene trails and beautiful scenery.

For dining, try Nepenthe . Known for its delicious meals and spectacular ocean views, it offers a memorable dining experience.

And for your stay, consider Big Sur River Inn . It’s affordable yet charming, with cozy rooms that offer a romantic retreat amidst nature. Staying here, surrounded by the beauty of Big Sur, your anniversary will be as magical as it is cost-effective.

Key West, Florida

Key West, Florida , is an idyllic choice for your 10th-anniversary trip if you’re after sun, sea, and laid-back vibes on a budget. Famous for its stunning beaches and vibrant street life, it’s a slice of paradise without the hefty price tag.

Kick off your visit with a walk down Duval Street . It’s free, and you’ll find quirky shops, local art, and lively bars – great for soaking up Key West’s unique atmosphere. Next, head to the Key West Butterfly and Nature Conservatory . For a small entrance fee, you can wander amidst colorful butterflies and exotic birds, making for a tranquil and romantic experience.

For dinner, check out El Siboney Restaurant . It’s a local favorite for authentic, budget-friendly Cuban cuisine, offering a flavor-packed meal in a cozy setting.

Stay at the Blue Marlin Motel . It’s affordable, comfortable, and just a short walk from the beach and major attractions, making it the perfect romantic base for exploring Key West.

Door County, Wisconsin

Door County, Wisconsin , is a hidden gem for a budget-friendly 10th anniversary . Known for its quaint villages, cherry orchards, and picturesque coastline, it offers a peaceful retreat away from the hustle and bustle.

Start your adventure with a visit to Peninsula State Park . For a small entry fee, you can explore hiking trails, beautiful beaches, and historic lighthouses – perfect for nature-loving couples. Then, take a leisurely drive along the Door County Coastal Byway . It’s free and showcases some of the most stunning views of the county’s shoreline and charming towns.

For a memorable yet affordable dining experience, head to Al Johnson’s Swedish Restaurant & Butik . Known for its Swedish pancakes and goats grazing on the grass roof, it offers a unique and budget-friendly meal.

Stay at the Open Hearth Lodge . It’s cozy, romantic, and wallet-friendly. Nestled in a serene setting, it provides the perfect backdrop for your anniversary, blending comfort with the natural beauty of Door County.

Travel tips and tricks:

• Save big on flights with Skyscanner.com – This incredible tool lets you find the most affordable airfare to your dream destination. You’ll love their “Whole Month” feature, which displays the best prices for the entire month. If you’re flexible with travel dates, this is a game-changer for scoring the cheapest tickets.
• Stay in the heart of the action – I always find the perfect accommodation on Booking.com . Their map view lets me filter hotels by my budget and select ones that are right in the center of it all. Trust me, you won’t want to miss this easy way to book your ideal stay!
• Go beyond the resort – I’m all about making the most of my trips, and GetYourGuide.com has been a lifesaver for booking unforgettable tours and day trips. It’s the most hassle-free way to dive into the local culture and explore the hidden gems in every new place.
• Hit the road with DiscoverCars.com – There’s no better way to explore your destination than by car! Renting a vehicle has never been easier, and with their competitive prices, you’ll have the freedom to create your own adventures.

I highly recommend trying these tools for yourself – not only will you save money, but you’ll also create memories that last a lifetime. Happy travels!

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10th Anniversary Vacation - Celebrate a Decade Together

FTC:  This page uses affiliate links.  More .  

By:   Greg Mattson ,  ERV Editor - Updated: Jun 5, 2023    

It's your 10 year wedding anniversary - Congrats! Maybe it's  time for something special, a great getaway to help you  reminisce  and recharge. Or, perhaps the budget only allows for a cheap weekend getaway somewhere closer. 

We got ideas for both, and i f you’ve got kids, we’ve got some suggestions if you’ve arranged a babysitter and want an adults-only getaway.  Or, if you want to bring them along, and want a holiday spot to celebrate your tenth anniversary with kids (and even teenagers).  So, after ten years of marriage, start planning...

10th Anniversary Trip Destinations on This Page:

• Cancun, Mexico

10 Year Anniversary Beach Vacation Ideas

Maui - oceanfront andaz maui at wailea resort.

• Andaz Maui at Wailea - You’ve been married for 10 years now, so you earned more than just a trip to Hawaii. You deserve a beachfront vacation anniversary in Maui. The luxury rooms and soft white sands at the Andaz Maui at Wailea will do just perfectly, and Wailea is a very good bet for sunshine almost any time of the year. What Other Guests Liked: Bumbye Beach Bar...Modern Design...Master Bath Rain Shower. 2023 ERV Rating* for Maui Romantic Resorts: 88%  - Very Good. (3550 Wailea Alanui Dr, Wailea HI 808-573-1234)

Activity For Your Maui 10th Anniversary Vacation:  Don't miss a scenic driving tour driving on the Road to Hana. Stop frequently to take in some of the best views of the Maui Coastline.

Kauai's Fantastic North Shore

• Westin Princeville Ocean Resort Villas - Unique, romantic, dramatic, spectacular. That sums up not just Kauai’s North Shore, but this Westin Resort as well. 4 heated pools, and studio and 1 bedroom villas with Whirlpool tubs and walk-in showers. What Other Guests Liked: Free Shuttle to the St. Regis...Starbucks Coffee in the Market...Quiet Pool. 2023 ERV* Rating for Kauai 10th Anniversary Getaway: 80% - Excellent. (3838 Wyllie Rd, Princeville HI  808-827-8700)

For Your 10 Year Anniversary Getaway in Kauai:  Take the romantic Aloha Sunset Catamaran Sail on a Friday night. (800-652-8248)

• The Modern Honolulu - Close to the Ala Moana Shopping Center and the beach, the Modern lives up to it’s name with minimalist decor, dining, and a lobby wall of books that rotates into a bar with nightly cocktails and music. What Other Guests Liked: Great Oceanfront Suites...Stylish with a Boutique Feel...Excellent Pool. 2023 ERV* Rating for Honolulu Anniversary Vacation: 86% - Very Good. (1775 Ala Moana Blvd, Honolulu HI 800-438-2929)

Fun Things to Do on an Oahu Ten Year Anniversary Trip: Grab a picnic lunch and do the short hike into dreamy Manoa Falls in East Oahu ($5 to park and hike in).

Miami South Beach

• The Betsy - Give your 10th anniversary getaway a wonderful mix of Art Deco, luxury and boutique styling. The Betsy offers up prime oceanfront location and amenities like 2 romantic restaurants on-site and a lobby bar with live music, all crowned with a gorgeous rooftop pool. What Other Guests Liked: complimentary beach towels, chairs and umbrellas....located on the quieter north side of Ocean Drive...walking distance to SOBE restaurants, shopping.   2023 ERV Rating* for Romantic Miami, FL Anniversary Getaway: 90% - Excellent. (1440 Ocean Dr, Miami FL 844-539-2840)

What To Do On Your South Florida Tenth Anniversary Trip:  Stroll hand-in-hand along iconic Lincoln Road promenade in South Beach. On weekends this fashion and entertainment center transforms into a unique Farmer’s market representing numerous cultures.

• Plunge Pool Suites - Check out our guide to romantic suites with in-room private plunge pools in the U.S. 

65% Off All-Inclusive Caribbean Resorts  

Vegas Hotels From $26/Night

$51/Night + Orlando Resort Deals

Cheaper 10th Anniversary Getaways:

California - san diego.

• Hotel Marisol Coronado - Beautiful Coronado Island is a great spot for any anniversary. Book your vacation at this gorgeous boutique hotel, and you’re in for a treat: arrival champagne, complimentary breakfast, spa robes, HD TV & fast Wi-Fi, Italian sheets, and in the Junior Suites, a jetted air tub. What Other Guests Liked: Free Bike & Beach Chair Rental...Liquor Store/Deli Across the Street...Quiet Location. 2023 ERV Rating* for a 10th Anniversary Getaway in Southern California: 96% - Excellent. (1017 Park Pl, Coronado, San Diego CA 619-365-4677)

For Your San Diego 10th Anniversary Getaway:  Gaslamp Segway Tour from Another Side of San Diego Tour Company. See the best of this most romantic city.

• California Hotel Hot Tub Suites  - romantic hotel rooms with Whirlpool suites in Los Angeles, San Francisco, Northern California & more.

• Palazoo Resort Hotel - Las Vegas is a fine destination for your 10th wedding anniversary - in the right hotel. You don’t want to endure a noisy, crowded & cheap resort, or worry about money in something too expensive. The Palazoo strikes the right balance, with large suites, an impressive mix of places to eat and entertainment, and easy access to all the Italian art and Gondola rides at the Venetian next door.  What Other Guests Liked: Sunken Living Rooms...View of the Strip...Great Restaurants. 2023 ERV Rating* for Anniversary Hotels in Las Vegas: 86% - Very Good. (3325 Las Vegas Blvd South, Las Vegas NV 866-659-9643)

To Do On Your 10th Anniversary in Las Vegas: Get tickets for the Eiffel Tower Experience on the half-hour in the evening so that you can not only take in the 365 Degree views, but also have a bird’s eye view of the water fountains show at Bellagio. Or: don't miss the cocktail lounge at the Mandarin Oriental.

• Las Vegas Hotel Jetted Spa Tub Suites - our guide to hotels in Las Vegas and Nevada with private in-room hot tubs. 

• Kimpton Taconic Hotel - escape the city on your anniversary for some peaceful relaxation and a chance to explore the fantastic New England outdoors. Check out this romantic small hotel tucked away in the attractive New England town of Manchester VT. Luxury linens, mountain views and await in their gorgeous rooms, and there's a fitness center and heated pool (in season).  What Other Couples Liked: Relaxing on the Front Porch...Cozy Fireplace Inside & Fire Pit Outside...Evening Wine Hour.  2023 ERV Rating* for a 10th Anniversary Small Hotel Getaway in Vermont:   90%  - Excellent.

Don't Miss on Your Vermont Anniversary Getaway:  Lye Brook Falls is just 5 miles away from the Kimpton, just one of many great outdoor excursions in the Manchester VT area. 

• Hotels & Waterfalls  - more ideas with our guide to romantic places to stay near waterfalls in the U.S.

Caribbean All-Inclusive 10th Anniversary Vacations

Punta cana, dominican republic:.

• Excellence Punta Cana  - not every couple can spend their 10th anniversary under palm trees at a Caribbean resort. At this romantic resort in the DR, you’ve got your own secluded stretch of white Dominican beachfront to enjoy, plus luxury suites (including swim up and plunge pool), as well as options like zip lining, snorkeling, and excursions to Isla Saona.  What Other Couples Liked:  Cascade Pool...Swim Up Bar...Horseback Riding on the Beach.  2023 ERV Rating* for Caribbean All-Inclusive Anniversary Getaways: 90% - Excellent.
• Don't Miss:  Some of the best resorts (including Excellence Punta Cana) will arrange a romantic sunset dinner for two on the beach. You’ll be served by tuxedoed wait staff and surrounded by torches.

Bring The Kids - 10th Anniversary Getaway in Orlando: 

• Hyatt Regency Grand Cypress - an affordable anniversary getaway resort that's surrounded by tons of things to do, but still offers enough quiet spots to relax in. The Hyatt has programs for kids (Camp Hyatt), and a wide variety of activities (water slide, waterfalls, rock climbing, paddle boarding, scuba lessons) to keep both kids and teenagers busy too. For a romantic touch, ask about pool-view rooms that have a view of the nightly Disney fireworks.  What Other Couples Liked:  Lakeside  Fire Pit ...Walk to Restaurants & Downtown Disney...Beautiful Rooms, Gorgeous Grounds.   2023 ERV Rating* for Mexico 10th Anniversary Vacations:   86%  - Excellent.

For Your Orlando Anniversary Getaway:  make the short drive over to downtown Winter Park, FL for restaurants, wine tasting and beautiful Azalea Gardens. Check our guide to romantic Orlando for more info.

10th Anniversary Vacation Without Kids: Mexico

• Live Aqua Beach Resort  - if you prefer a child-free tenth anniversary getaway, this adults-only resort on Mexico’s Mayan Riviera could be just the R&R you need. Take your pick of ocean view and oceanfront rooms with balconies, and out in the sun, no less than 7 pools with varying temperatures.  What Other Couples Liked:  Mojito Bar...Views of the Ocean...20 Minute Foot Massage.  2023 ERV Rating* for Mexico 10th Anniversary Vacations: 92%  - Excellent.

Mayan Riviera Anniversary Idea:  Cancun-Take a 15-minute boat ride to Isla Mujeres. Rent a golf cart or mopeds and circle the Island. Be sure to include a visit to Dolphin Discovery and swim with the sea life. Unforgettable.

more 10th anniversary hotel picks:

Hotel 50 Bowery

Royal Sonesta

Los Angeles

Shade Hotel

Le Meridien Dallas TX

Renaissance Atlanta

Hotel Granduca

Hyatt Regency

San Francisco

Staypineapple 

*ERV Rating:  our unique, non-scientific ratings for romantic accommodation include:

• Amenities: including Whirlpool bath or  JACUZZI ® Tub , scenic view, fireplace, lounge, etc
• Location: proximity of hotel to restaurants, pubs, downtown, etc
• Clientele: demographic the hotel attracts (couples, families, business travelers, etc)
• Popularity: based on social media & crowd-sourced reviews 
• Value:  product offered compared to room rate 
• Please Note:  percentage ratings are not absolute but for comparative use only  

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Hotel Anniversary Packages

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Disclaimer: We have attempted to ensure this website is as accurate as possible. However, Excellent Romantic Vacations accepts no responsibility for any loss, injury or inconvenience sustained by anyone resulting from this information. You should verify important information regarding all travel documents, health and safety, customs, and transportation with the appropriate authorities and agents before you travel.

25 Anniversary Trip Ideas for Any Milestone Year

When it comes to memorable anniversary trip ideas, sometimes you need to think outside the box. Sure, you could plan a trip to famously romantic cities like Paris and Venice, but there are so many destinations around the world that offer incredible bonding opportunities for you and your spouse. The key is figuring out your travel style as a couple, taking a look at your budget, and finding the right destination that will meet both your expectations.

We took into account the top travel trends for 2024 and curated a list of anniversary trip ideas that work for a range of budgets and tastes. Whether you're celebrating a first anniversary , 10 years together or your silver milestone, consider this your go-to guide for a wide range of anniversary trip ideas for any kind of couple.

Take a River Cruise on the Nile

Imagine visiting ancient Egyptian temples and tombs decorated in hieroglyphics during the day, then returning to the comfort of a small ship floating on the Nile. The experience is even better if you take a traditional boat called a dahabiya , where you and your spouse will be among the few guests onboard and the captain can dock in places where bigger ships can't. River cruises are one of the top travel trends for 2024 and a cruise on the Nile is the ideal way to see this incredible but hard-to-navigate destination for an anniversary trip where romance meets adventure, with plenty of history and culture thrown in. Extraordinary Journeys will handle all the logistics and match you with an expert guide to ensure you have the perfect trip.

Road Trip the French Riviera

With a beautiful coastline, luxurious hotels, incredible food and wine, and plenty of cultural attractions, the French Riviera makes an ideal anniversary destination for couples who love the good life. After all, towns like Nice, Antibes, Cannes, and Saint-Tropez have inspired artists like Matisse and Picasso and drawn celebrities for star-studded events and glamorous vacations for a century. Highlights include exploring Vieux Nice with its charming cobblestone streets; staying at the Hôtel Belles Rives in Antibes, where F. Scott and Zelda Fitzgerald sojourned; strolling the Croisette in Cannes; and relaxing by the pool at Hôtel Lou Pinet in Saint-Tropez, which looks like a little provencal village.

Go on an African Safari in Botswana

African safaris are popular for honeymoons and they make great anniversary trips too. Botswana, in particular, is ideal for a milestone anniversary trip because you and your spouse can experience a range of different landscapes and ecosystems in the span of a week with Desert & Delta Safaris. You can feel the thrill of going on traditional land-based game drives in Chobe National Park—where Elizabeth Taylor and Richard Burton got married for the second time—and ply the waters of the famed Okavango Delta while spotting hippos, crocodiles and other water-based animals.

View the Northern Lights in Iceland

Visiting Iceland feels a bit like traveling on another planet. The landscapes—which include moss-covered hills, black sand beaches, and spraying geysers—are surreal. And if you visit during the winter, you have a good chance of seeing the Northern Lights . Spend your days soaking in the thermal waters of the Blue Lagoon and your nights sampling gourmet Icelandic cuisine and watching the Aurora Borealis dance across the night sky. If you stay at the Retreat at the Blue Lagoon, you'll have a section of the famed hot springs to yourself and can do a range of spa treatments, including a floating massage right in the lagoon.

Go Set Jetting in Sicily

Another popular travel trend is set jetting, i.e. traveling to destinations featured on your favorite TV shows—and what could be more glamorous than living la dolce vita in Taormina, featured in the second season of The White Lotus ? While we don't recommend partaking in the more risqué antics featured on the show, we can assure you that Taormina is just as beautiful in real life as it is on the silver screen—and so is the Four Seasons San Domenico Palace. The characters also visit Noto, a gorgeous baroque city on Sicily's eastern coast, which is worth a visit too.

Admire Modern Art in the Hudson Valley

For New Yorkers who want to plan an easy anniversary trip close to home, it's hard to beat the Hudson Valley. Storm King sculpture garden is undergoing a $45 million expansion set to debut in 2024 and Dia:Beacon is a pilgrimage site for art lovers in a former Nabisco box-printing factory on the banks of the Hudson River. The town of Hudson is thriving, with great restaurants and independent boutiques opened by creative community members. New hotels, like Wildflower Farms, an Auberge Collection resort, offer fresh reasons to consider the area for a romantic anniversary trip.

Stay in an Overwater Bungalow in the Maldives

Who doesn't dream of waking up in an overwater bungalow and diving right into the clear blue sea? Whether you want to relive your dreamy Maldives honeymoon or just plan a romantic anniversary trip, staying in an overwater bungalow at JOALI, an art-immersive resort on a private island in the Raa Atoll is a perfect choice. Your jadugar (that's Maldivian for magician) can supply snorkeling gear, book activities like yoga classes and coral replanting, and organize a private romantic meal in the manta treehouse designed by South African artist Porky Hefer.

Go Island Hopping in the British Virgin Islands

For couples who want to experience barefoot luxury at its best, a sailing trip in the British Virgin Islands would make a fantastic anniversary trip—no sailing experience necessary. When you charter a crewed yacht with the Moorings, you'll get a captain and chef to take care of your needs and plan the perfect island-hopping itinerary. You can visit the Baths on Virgin Gorda, a geological formation of caves and rock pools; hike on Norman Island for panoramic views; snorkel among the most beautiful reefs; and relax with a tropical cocktail in hand.

Stay in a Luxury Riad in Marrakech

Marrakech is one of the world's most fascinating and dynamic cities, full of beauty at every turn. Though the recent earthquake in the Atlas Mountains reverberated in the city, Marrakech is very much open for tourism, which is an important part of the economy. One of the pleasures of visiting Morocco is staying in a riad, a traditional dwelling with a courtyard in the center. There are many riads throughout the city, but without a doubt the most luxurious option is the Royal Mansour, where each suite is its own standalone riad with a living room, bedroom, and rooftop. The resort is located just outside the medina, making it easy to explore the souk and the thrumming energy of Jemaa El Fnaa.

Go on a Food Tour in Barcelona

Foodies will find a lot to love in Spain's second largest city. Barcelona has everything from no frills tapas bars to Michelin-starred fine dining restaurants and award-winning cocktail bars. The best way to get a taste of it all is to do a food tour through GetYourGuide. A local guide will lead you through three or four different neighborhoods, stopping along the way at a cafe to try churros with hot chocolate, sample jamón iberico and cheese at a market, and taste specialties like pan con tomates, tortilla, patatas bravas, and much more at a tapas bar. When not stuffing your face, you can visit attractions like Gaudí's La Pedrera, the Sagrada Familia, and Park Güell.

Soak in an Onsen in Kyushu

Staying at wellbeing resorts is one of the top honeymoon and travel trends of 2024, and the Japanese island of Kyushu has a centuries' long tradition of soaking in thermal hot springs known as onsen. Japanese onsen culture dictates that bathers go nude in the public baths and these days, most onsen are separated by gender. However, for travelers who may be uncomfortable with public nudity and want to experience an onsen with their opposite-sex spouse, the ANA InterContinental Beppu Resort & Spa has a private onsen in addition to gender-segregated ones available to all guests.

Stay at an Elephant Sanctuary in Chiang Rai

There are several places in Thailand where animal lovers can visit an elephant sanctuary and spend some time with the gentle giants, but in Chiang Rai you can go one step further and stay at a resort that doubles as an elephant sanctuary. At Anantara Golden Triangle Elephant Camp & Resort, you can tour the sanctuary and even spend a night in a transparent jungle bubble surrounded by elephants. The peaceful pachyderms were saved from the logging industry, circuses, or begging on the streets of Bangkok and they graze in the area around the jungle bubbles, so while you and your spouse enjoy a romantic dinner on a raised wooden platform, you might be joined by some new four-legged friends.

Go Wine Tasting in Oregon's Willamette Valley

Napa Valley might be more well known, but if you want to discover an under-the-radar wine region close to home, the Willamette Valley is just the place for you. Located just an hour from Portland—which is also worth visiting—the Willamette Valley is home to around 500 wineries and has the ideal terroir and atmospheric conditions to produce delicate Pinot Noirs. Use the Allison Inn & Spa as your base and the region's top wineries will be within easy reach. Don't miss Sokol Blosser, one of the valley's pioneering wineries, and Domaine Roy & Fils housed in a modern-rustic A-frame with fantastic views of the valley below.

Go Skiing in Gstaad

If you have a winter anniversary, why not lean into it and plan a trip to a veritable winter wonderland? Gstaad is one of the most charming towns in the Swiss Alps and has long been a favored destination of royalty and celebrities. You'll certainly feel like a VIP when you check into Gstaad Palace, a family-run member of the Leading Hotels of the World that has been welcoming guests for more than a century. After a day on the slopes, you can unwind in the spa, which is equipped with saunas and an indoor/outdoor heated pool, and savor fondue in a former bunker where Swiss banks hid their gold during WWII.

Visit the Ancient Temples of Angkor Wat

A bucket list trip perfect for a milestone anniversary, a journey to Cambodia to visit the ancient temples of Angkor Wat might bring out your inner Indiana Jones. Built in the 12th century as the royal seat of Khmer kings, Angkor Wat was originally a Hindu temple complex but became Buddhist before being abandoned in the 15th century. Now buzzing with life, it plays host to Buddhist monks in orange robes who will give you a water blessing. Outside the archeological park, Siem Reap has some wonderful art galleries, boutiques, restaurants, and performance spaces. The place to stay is FCC Angkor by Avani, an intimate resort in the former Foreign Correspondents Club.

Stay in a Castle in Sintra

When you think of beautiful European castles, Portugal might not be the first place that comes to mind, but just an hour from Lisbon, Sintra is full of marvelous castles built by the Portuguese aristocracy in the 18th and 19th centuries. You can visit the ones that have been turned into museums, like the famous Pena Palace, Palácio Nacional, and Quinta da Regaleira, but if you want to really step back in time, you can stay at the beautiful Tivoli Palácio de Seteais. Now a member of the Leading Hotels of the World, it was built in the 18th century and will transport you to that era with its period furniture, tapestries, crystal chandeliers, and frescoes.

Explore the Canals of Amsterdam

Amsterdam is full of charm, especially in the spring and fall, when the golden light reflecting off the canals gives everything the hue of a Dutch master painting from the Golden Age. Culture vultures will find plenty to do in the city's Museum District—home to the Rijksmuseum, the Van Gogh Museum, and the Stedelijk Museum—while hopeless romantics should opt for a scenic cruise on the canals and quality time canoodling in historic brown cafés like Café Papeneiland, which serves delicious apple pie. Check into the Pulitzer Hotel, which occupies 25 canal houses joined together and renovated into a stylish property with great dining and drinking outlets.

Embrace Your Spiritual Side in Bali

You don't have to be a fan of Eat, Pray, Love to plan a trip to Bali. From the beautiful beaches to the lush interior, this verdant island in the Indonesian archipelago is the stuff dreams are made of. It's also the perfect place to get in touch with your spiritual side and learn about Hinduism, the dominant religion on the island. Base yourself in Ubud, where you can stay in a bamboo treehouse at Bambu Indah or a more conventional (but still gorgeous) suite at Mandapa, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve, and visit temples like Tirta Empul (the Water Temple) and the temple complex in the Monkey Forest.

Go Diving in Belize

If you and your spouse are experienced scuba divers, you've likely heard about the Great Blue Hole. A sinkhole in the Caribbean, it's one of seven UNESCO World Heritage sites that make up the Belize Barrier Reef System, the largest coral barrier reef in the Western Hemisphere. Diving it lets you get up close and personal with fish, sharks, eels, octopi, and other marine life. To dive it, you should base yourself in Ambergris Caye, a fun beach town in Belize, and book a day tour with an experienced guide. Just make sure you and your spouse have PADI advanced open water certification first.

Ride the Rails Aboard the Orient Express

Riding the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express is no ordinary train trip—it's a journey back in time to a more glamorous era. The vintage train has been painstakingly restored to its former glory with Art Deco details like lacquered wood paneling, Lalique lamps, and monogrammed china. Highlights of the journey include sumptuous meals in the dining car, tea time in your cabin, and tipsy evenings in the bar car. Guests tend to embrace the theme and dress up in elegant vintage garb. There are a number of routes through Europe, ranging from one to five days and stopping in cities like Paris, Venice, Amsterdam, Vienna, Prague, Budapest, and Istanbul.

Eat Your Way Through New Orleans

There are plenty of reasons the Big Easy makes a great destination for an anniversary trip. It's one of the most enchanting cities in the U.S., after all, with a rich history, world-famous cocktail culture (the Sazerac was invented here), jazz clubs, and incredible food. There are plenty of great new restaurants to check out, but you can't go wrong with classic spots like Café du Monde for beignets and Commander's Palace for creole gumbo. Stay at the Pontchartrain Hotel in the Garden District and let the concierge help you with reservations.

Vacation like Hollywood Royalty in Beverly Hills

Marilyn Monroe was a regular guest and Elizabeth Taylor stayed there for six of her eight honeymoons. The Beverly Hills Hotel, a member of the Dorchester Collection, is one of the most iconic hotels not just in Los Angeles but in the world. Everything from the pink exterior to the banana leaf wallpaper and the beautiful garden in the Polo Lounge just screams glamor. And while it's still a celebrity hotspot, the staff strive to make all guests feel welcome. Splurge on a bungalow and you might want to spend all your time there, but tear yourself away to go shopping (or window shopping) on the famed Rodeo Drive and hike up to the Griffith Observatory for views of the Hollywood sign.

Watch a Tango Show in Buenos Aires

Buenos Aires is sometimes called the Paris of South America, but it's so much more enchanting than that. The city has its own fascinating history and culture that you need to experience to understand. One aspect of the culture that's perfect for couples is tango, a romantic dance that originated in the late 1800s in the city's working-class neighborhoods and is still practiced today. In fact, just walking around San Telmo you're likely to hear tango music and perhaps see some street performers, but for a truly fantastic spectacle, book tickets to the Rojo Tango at the Faena Hotel.

Spot Celestial Phenomena in Texas

Spotting solar eclipses, shooting stars, and other celestial phenomena can bring couples closer together and is one of the top travel and honeymoon trends of 2024. But apart from major events like the Great North American Solar Eclipse that will happen in April 2024, there are plenty of opportunities to embrace the cosmos. According to the International Dark Sky Association, one of the best places for stargazing in the U.S. is Big Bend National Park in southwest Texas, near the Mexican border. The park is near Marfa, a pilgrimage site for art lovers where you might also be able to spot the mysterious Marfa Lights that appear randomly throughout the night.

Go Hiking in Patagonia

For avid hikers, one of the biggest bucket list trips is Patagonia, the last frontier of South America, which covers the southern tip of the continent in both Argentina and Chile. In Chilean Patagonia, dedicated hikers can do multi-day hikes and stay at little lodges on the trail or you can stay in Puerto Natales and do day hikes in Torres del Paine, driving tours of the park that allow you to cover more ground and see the park's natural beauty, and glacier tours on board a boat that plies the frigid waters of the fjords. For a luxe option, stay at the Singular Patagonia, a member of the Leading Hotels of the World inside a historic cold storage facility.

Anniversary Trip Ideas Near You

There are anniversary trip ideas in the US, ideas for anniversary trips on a budget, and ideas for milestone anniversaries that are worth splurging on. Check out these romantic getaway guides by state for more anniversary trip ideas (many are dog-friendly , too).

• California Romantic Getaways
• Colorado Romantic Getaways
• Florida Romantic Getaways
• Georgia Romantic Getaways
• Illinois Romantic Getaways
• Indiana Romantic Getaways
• Michigan Romantic Getaways
• New England Romantic Getaways
• Ohio Romantic Getaways
• Texas Romantic Getaways
• Wisconsin Romantic Getaways

10 wedding anniversary trips for whatever milestone you're celebrating

Feb 15, 2022 • 6 min read

Mark your special milestone with one of these anniversary trips in 2022 © Inti St Clair / Getty

Whether you’re celebrating 12 months of marital bliss or your 50th anniversary, marking the milestones as you continue your journey through life together is an annual excuse to make even more memories.

So forget presents. For travel lovers, true romance means hitting the road. Swap cufflinks for cultural connections and flowers for far-flung adventures with these wedding anniversary trip ideas inspired by traditional gifts. 

1 or 2 year(s) – paper: Dublin

You’re a year or two (depending which side of the Atlantic you live on) into the new chapter of your lives and so far, so good. The perk: you’ve made it to the grand customary gift status that is ‘paper’. But instead of an embossed journal or letter-writing set, why not treat yourselves to an experience that’s really worth writing home about?

Head to Dublin : This Unesco City of Literature is home to effortlessly romantic bookshops like the Winding Stair and Ulysses Rare Books , not to mention the beautiful Trinity College Library .

Alternative option: Go to Japan for shōji , rice-paper rolls and origami.

How to find ‘real’ traditional Irish music⁠ in Dublin

3 years – leather

Cowboy carousing might not be the most romantic anniversary activity but hey – this ain’t your first rodeo. Mix things up for your third anniversary and lasso your loved one on a trip to Texas . Grab your hat, leather boots and bullwhip (oo-er) and get down and dusty on a bonafide dude ranch.

Although a real working ranch, Dixie Dude Ranch in cowboy capital Bandera offers chilled-out horse rides and massage therapy – and if that still sounds like thirsty work, Hill Country’s wineries will oblige.

Alternative option: Shop for leather slippers and bags in Marrakesh or sniff out Instagrammable tanneries in Fez, Morocco .

The best US dude ranches to live like a cowboy

4 years – fruit: Sicily

Four years and things haven’t gone sour – time to reward yourselves! Put your zest foot forward on a trip to Sicily , where lemons and blood oranges grow like weeds thanks to the island’s volcanic soil and abundant sunshine. On long summer days, linger over limoncello, citrusy salads and lip-puckering granita.

Hide away in an agriturismo (farm stay) to walk among citrus and olive groves, enjoy home-cooked meals and practice charming your hosts – and each other, of course – in la dolce lingua .

Alternative option: Wine counts as one of your five-a-day... right? Keep telling yourself that as you sip a tipple while touring the vineyards of South Australia .

Sicily's most beautiful national parks and reserves

5 years – wood: New Zealand

By this point in your lives, you’ve most likely laid roots. You may even be adding to your family tree. Admire whakairo – the Maori artform of carving wood, jade and bone – in New Zealand , where getting back to nature couldn’t be easier, even if there are toddlers in tow.

Geothermal Rotorua makes an ideal – if a little whiffy – base; after a day wandering around Redwoods Whakarewarewa Forest or visiting Whakarewarewa Village (complete with carved wooden buildings), chill out with a soak in the area’s natural hot springs.

Alternative option: Pursue your own fairy-tale romance in Germany’s Black Forest .

6 jaw-dropping places to stay in New Zealand

7 years – wool: Peru

Feeling the seven-year itch? Not if you switch your sheep’s wool for the llama or alpaca variety. Stock up on some silky-smooth textiles in Peru – colourful socks, bobble hats and ponchos are the standard – and snuggle up with your other half as you admire the Andean landscape.

Opt for an Inca Trail tour that stops at a weaving co-op, where you can learn about traditional weaving and dyeing techniques and pick up some souvenirs to keep you warm on the trail.

Alternative option: Track the world’s finest cashmere to its source in Mongolia .

Experience the best of Peru with these 8 iconic hikes

10 years – tin: the Caribbean

You may have subsisted on canned soups and tinfoil-wrapped sandwiches while saving for your wedding day, but now that you’re a whole decade in, you deserve a little indulgence.

Make like Tintin (see what we did there?) and take to the seas on a Caribbean cruise or sailing trip, exploring the likes of St Lucia , Jamaica and Cuba .

Alternative option: Tintin also travelled to Tibet – although hopefully you won’t encounter any yetis on your Himalayan trek .

The best Caribbean islands: a quick, easy guide to finding your paradise

15 years – crystal: Reims, France

A pair of matching crystal flutes makes for a nice anniversary gift – but why not swing by the home of Champagne itself? The French region is crammed with opportunities to get sozzled on the sparkly stuff.

Reims is the ideal base for a boozy tour of all the big-name producers: Moët & Chandon, Veuve Clicquot and Dom Pérignon to name but a few. But if we’re sticking with the theme, perhaps the budget can stretch to a bottle of Cristal?

Alternative option: Swarovski fans will be all starry-eyed at Crystal Worlds in Wattens, Austria .

France’s 10 most stunning road trips

20 years – china: China

Twenty years of matrimony is a quite a feat – and if it’s taken a few plate-smashing, vase-crunching screaming matches to get you here, who’s to judge? All is forgotten once you’re making up over steaming mugs of tea...

Journey to the home of porcelain (and your favourite loose leaf), China , for a cracking anniversary trip. Sip the hot stuff in Chengdu , before nipping to Jingdezhen for ceramic workshops and pottery purchases.

Alternative option: Clink china teacups during afternoon tea at the Ritz , London , the only UK hotel to have a certified tea sommelier.

The definitive guide to China’s national parks

25 years – silver: Uganda

Chances are by this point, both you and your beau are sporting at least a few grey hairs – but it’s best not to tease Uganda’s silverbacks the way you do your partner… That’s right – why settle for a silver charm or tie clip when you can witness our wild and distant relatives in the cloud-shrouded forests of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park ?

The thrill of glimpsing the alpha male or a mother and her babies is a once-in-a-lifetime experience that’s even better when shared with a loved one. If reaching middle age together means adventures like this, who needs youth?

Alternative option: Pack your glad rags and hit the strip in Nevada’s so-called Silver City, Las Vegas .

Uganda’s incredible mountain gorillas are having a baby boom

30 years – pearl: Fiji and French Polynesia

30 years in and the world’s still your oyster – so splash out on a South Pacific getaway, where turquoise waters and swaying palms make the perfect setting to reflect on your many happy years together.

Learn about pearls on a Fiji farm tour; hunt for a bargain at French Polynesia’s pearl markets – or simply soak up the iridescent sunsets from a hammock at Tikehau Pearl Beach Resort . Wedded bliss doesn’t get better than this.

Alternative option: Channel pearl-strewn Holly Golightly in Breakfast at Tiffany’s with some window shopping on NYC ’s Fifth Avenue.

The A-to-Z of Fiji: 26 reasons to visit the island paradise

The adventure continues…

Still going strong after all these years? Make even more precious memories with these trip ideas:

40 years, ruby: Jordan or Arizona Jordan for Mars-like deserts or the Grand Canyon for copper-red vistas.

50 years, gold: Australia or Canada Australia’s Gold Coast or the Yukon for Canadian Gold Rush history .

60 years, diamond: Hawaii or South Africa Honolulu for views of Diamond Head, or Cape Town’s Diamond Museum .

You might also like:  Where to play, stay and dine on romantic city getaways 31 unusual love and marriage customs from around the world Classic romantic trips with an adventurous twist

This article was first published Dec 29, 2017 and updated Feb 15, 2022.

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Where to Go for an Anniversary Trip, Based on Your Celebration Year

Updated : July 27, 2023

AAA Travel Editor, Katie Broome

For couples who love to travel, what better way to celebrate a milestone wedding anniversary than with a romantic getaway to somewhere new? Not only will you create new memories, but you’ll also be able to connect one-on-one with each other in a unique setting.

To help you come up with ideas for future trips — whether you’re celebrating your first wedding anniversary or your 50th — we’ve put together a list of romantic hotels that correspond to the traditional anniversary gifts, with input from AAA’s team of professional hotel inspectors.

And when you’re ready to start planning your trip, the helpful agents at your local AAA Travel office can assist with all the arrangements to make your trip go as smoothly as possible.

(See the full anniversary gift list on Hallmark's website.)

1-Year Anniversary Gift: Paper

The traditional first anniversary gift is paper, and you could consider celebrating your first year of marriage at the St. Elmo Hotel in Ouray, Colorado. The reason for its inclusion in this list? The ornate wallpaper in every room, complimented by period furniture and Victorian-era décor.

“This quaint historic hotel is perfect for a romantic getaway ,” said the AAA hotel inspector. The surrounding town of Ouray — nestled in a canyon at the base of the San Juan Mountains — is a great home base for adventurous activities like hiking, rock climbing and off-road jeep tours.

2-Year Anniversary Gift: Cotton

For the anniversary gift of cotton, we recommend an anniversary trip to Savannah, Georgia. This charming Southern city was once a major player in the cotton industry. Today you can stay in a restored 1852 cotton warehouse at the East Bay Inn , a pet-friendly boutique hotel with exposed brick walls and lofty ceilings. The Cotton Sail Hotel, Tapestry Collection by Hilton is another restored cotton warehouse that’s located right on the Savannah riverfront. The Cotton Sail Hotel has a rooftop bar and is a “great place to catch the sunset,” according to the AAA inspector.

3-Year Anniversary Gift: Leather

What to get for the third anniversary gift of leather? Book a stay at the Hotel Jackson , a luxury boutique property in Jackson, Wyoming. Room décor is upscale yet rugged, with leather headboards and outdoorsy accents like reclaimed barn wood, wool and rawhide. Some suites feature natural gas fireplaces and terraces with breathtaking mountain views.

4-Year Anniversary Gift: Flowers or Fruit

Give the gift of flowers or fruit with a stay at one of the many romantic B&Bs or country inns in the northeast United States. The Mayflower Inn & Spa, Auberge Resorts Collection (pictured above) in Washington, Connecticut, has 58 acres of landscaped gardens and woodland. Rooms feature floral fabrics and details as well as fresh flower arrangements.

The Chanler at Cliff Walk in Newport, Rhode Island, boasts manicured gardens, in-room flower arrangements and a scenic location overlooking an ocean cove and beach. “Romantic options include rooms with full-canopy four-poster beds, extra-large jetted tubs and fireplaces,” according to the AAA inspector.In New Hope, Pennsylvania, The Inn at Bowman's Hill is a charming bed-and-breakfast on a gated estate complete with beautifully landscaped gardens, a vine-covered terrace and a koi pond. “The property includes a solarium growing citrus fruit year-round,” added the AAA inspector.

5-Year Anniversary Gift: Wood

For a five-year anniversary gift, a weekend getaway at a rustic and woodsy retreat is fitting. The Hewing Hotel in Minneapolis, Minnesota, features lots of exposed timber and a Nordic-inspired design in a former 1890s warehouse. “Stay in and enjoy room service,” said the AAA inspector, “then venture out for shopping and entertainment in the hip North Loop neighborhood.”Other rustic getaway ideas perfect for a fifth anniversary include the Yellowstone-inspired Disney's Wilderness Lodge (Lake Buena Vista, Florida); the chalet-style suites close to hiking and skiing at Alta Crystal Resort (pictured above; in Mount Rainier National Park, Washington); and the cabin-themed suites at Cottage Inn at Lake Tahoe (Tahoe City, California).

6-Year Anniversary Gift: Candy

A sweet treat always makes a good anniversary gift, but you can take the gift theme a bit further with a stay at a candy-themed hotel. The Hotel Hershey in Hershey, Pennsylvania, overlooks two chocolate factories and incorporates many cocoa-related details, from the chocolate bar provided at check-in to the Hershey’s Kisses at the nightly turn-down service.Located in a former chocolate factory, The Wilbur Lititz, Tapestry Collection by Hilton in Lititz, Pennsylvania, is known to have a distinct smell of chocolate as soon as you walk in. Rooms like the “Master Chocolatier King Studio Suite” and the “Cocoa Corner King” harken back to the building’s rich history. The hotel is also just a short walk from the Wilbur Chocolate Store .The sweet theme continues — albeit more subtly — at The Charmant Hotel (pictured above), a candy-factory-turned-hotel in La Crosse, Wisconsin. According to the AAA inspector, the stunning hotel carries the candy factory theme throughout the property, with chocolate truffles available for purchase at the front desk and vintage photos portraying the building’s history.

7-Year Anniversary Gift: Copper

What to give for the 7th anniversary gift of copper? Consider a stay at the Copper King Hotel & Convention Center, an Ascend Hotel Collection in Butte, Montana. The town of Butte — a good stopping point between Yellowstone and Glacier national parks — was once called “the richest hill on Earth” due to its copper deposits. The hotel celebrates this history with copper art pieces and large copper soaking tubs in some rooms, according to the AAA inspector.More copper details are found at the Brewhouse Inn & Suites (pictured above) in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Located in the original Pabst Blue Ribbon Brewery, the hotel features “six glistening and enormous copper brewing kettles lined up side-by-side, with their pipes climbing three stories up and out the roof of the atrium,” said the AAA inspector. These massive copper kettles once brewed thousands of gallons of beer for Pabst.

10-Year Anniversary Gift: Tin or Aluminum

You’ll have to think a little outside the box to incorporate tin or aluminum into your 10-year anniversary trip plans. One way to do it is to stay at a stylish hotel in the area of Manhattan once known as Tin Pan Alley. The Evelyn Hotel is a retro-classic option, built in 1903 and restored to the Art Nouveau style of the early 1900s.If you prefer to go with the aluminum gift to inspire your trip plans, consider a different type of stay altogether. A vintage Airstream travel trailer — with its sleek aluminum shell — could be just the ticket, especially if you pick a place to stay where you can experience the Great Outdoors. A few resorts and campgrounds cater to Airstream aficionados, whether you have your own trailer or will need to rent one. Consider staying at Yonder Escalante near Bryce Canyon National Park, where there are 10 glamorous Airstreams available for one-of-a-kind stays, in addition to cabins and RV sites. You can also search for an Airstream to rent with Outdoorsy, which offers a special .And if staying in an Airstream isn’t really your travel style, you could just order a cocktail or a bite to eat from the one parked at Pinewood Social , the trendy Nashville social spot that, in summer, features a converted Airstream trailer by the outdoor pool.

11-Year Anniversary Gift: Steel

For the 11th anniversary gift of steel, a historic hotel with ties to the railroad industry can be a good option. Located in a train station built in 1888, the Crowne Plaza Indianapolis Downtown Union Station has 26 train car rooms that let you spend the night in a converted 1920s Pullman sleeping car. The train car rooms rest on steel tracks inside the hotel.

15-Year Anniversary Gift: Crystal

Cheers to your 15th anniversary with a luxury stay at a hotel known for its crystal. The Baccarat Hotel New York (pictured above) — owned by the French crystal company Baccarat, founded in 1764 by King Louis XV — glitters with glamorous Baccarat chandeliers, fixtures and wall sconces. All guest rooms include real crystal stemware to make your anniversary champagne toast extra special.Another well-known brand of cut crystal has a North American hotel perfect for a romantic getaway. Created by a member of the Swarovski family, the Sparkling Hill Resort in Vernon, British Columbia, features $10 million worth of Swarovski crystals throughout the property, according to the AAA inspector. From the curtains of crystals hanging in the lobby to the light-refracting crystal fireplaces in guest rooms, it’s an elegant setting. The adults-only, European-style resort also offers a luxury spa with cryogenic treatments and steam rooms filled with rose petals.

16-Year Anniversary Gift: Coffee or Tea

If it’s your 16th anniversary, you’re in luck, as there are plenty of great hotels that fit into the gift theme of coffee or tea.For a luxury stay in the coffee-focused city of Seattle, Washington, consider the Fairmont Olympic Hotel , which has a stellar coffee shop (4th Ave Espresso Bar) in the lobby that also serves tempting pastries.To experience the British tradition of afternoon tea, stay at the Hotel Bennett in Charleston, South Carolina, where you can partake in an elegant tea service at Camellias (pictured above), the hotel’s pink-hued champagne lounge. “They also have a coffee and pastry shop onsite called La Patisserie,” added the AAA inspector.Other hotels well-known for their afternoon tea include the historic Grand Hotel on Mackinac Island, Michigan; Fairmont Empress in Victoria, British Columbia; and the The Adolphus, Autograph Collection in Dallas, Texas.

17-Year Anniversary Gift: Wine or Spirits

There are quite a few hotels offering a memorable spin on the 17th anniversary gift of wine or spirits. Learn the art of blending wine at the Grand Bohemian Hotel Charleston, Autograph Collection in Charleston, South Carolina, which hosts classes where you can “create and cork your own bottle with the help of an experienced sommelier,” said the AAA inspector.An on-site distillery at The Cavalier, Autograph Collection Hotel in Virginia Beach, Virginia, offers tours and tastings to sample house-made bourbon, vodka, gin and even a unique bourbon cream liqueur. “Many dishes in the [hotel’s] restaurant use the spirits in their dishes,” added the AAA inspector.For more tastings of the grape variety, consider the Chateau Chantal Winery and Bed & Breakfast (pictured above) in Traverse City, Michigan. “Set on a ridge with sweeping views of the vineyards and the bay, this elegant property offers evening wine tastings,” said the AAA inspector.On the west coast, there’s the Harvest Inn in St. Helena, California, with a scenic setting right next to their vineyards, or the Cameo Heights Mansion Bed & Breakfast in Touchet, Washington, a romantic mansion with more than 100 wineries nearby.

26-Year Anniversary Gift: Art

Art-focused hotels can inspire and delight when executed well, and AAA inspectors have identified quite a few stand-outs from coast to coast that are perfect for special occasions. For fans of contemporary art — think eye-catching abstract pieces — consider The Alfond Inn at Rollins (pictured above) in Winter Park, Florida, which features a contemporary art collection displayed throughout the hotel. The 21c Museum Hotel in Louisville, Kentucky, is home to avant-garde sculptures and paintings and even a dedicated gallery space, while The Art Hotel Denver, Curio Collection by Hilton in Denver, Colorado, has an on-site art gallery and many art museums located within walking distance.For art in a more traditional sense, the JW Marriott Savannah, Plant Riverside District in Savannah, Georgia, mixes art with entertainment and features “collections of geodes, artifacts and even a dinosaur replica,” according to the AAA inspector.An impressive Victorian art collection and Romanesque Revival architecture lends a sophisticated air to The Pfister Hotel in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. The Pfister also has an artist-in-residence program, where guests can interact with an artist in a working studio.

27-Year Anniversary Gift: Music

Music can have a powerful effect on the emotions, and a music-themed hotel is the perfect place to celebrate a 27th anniversary. A musical motif is front and center at Hard Rock Hotel® at Universal Orlando (pictured above), with classic rock memorabilia everywhere you look and an outdoor swimming pool complete with an underwater sound system. For live music with a view of the ocean, make the trip to Hard Rock Hotel Daytona Beach on Florida’s east coast. The hotel has Fender guitars and record players you can borrow for your room.More rock ’n’ roll can be found at The Guest House at Graceland in Memphis, Tennessee. Within walking distance to Elvis Presley's Graceland , the hotel is said to reflect The King’s personal style and also offers an on-site concert venue.The sound of music is alive and well at the Trapp Family Lodge in Stowe, Vermont. Owned and operated by the von Trapp family — the inspiration for “The Sound of Music” — the Austrian-style mountain resort has plenty to keep guests occupied, including hiking, mountain biking, tennis and skiing. “The resort’s hallways resemble a museum with memorabilia from the family and the 1965 film,” said the AAA inspector.A boutique hotel to consider for the music theme: The Verb Hotel in Boston, Massachusetts, which has “a cool, retro-vibe,” according to the AAA inspector. The groovy décor weaves in music memorabilia and posters from the 1960s and 70s, and the inspector added that “each room has a record player with vintage vinyl.”

30-Year Anniversary Gift: Pearls

Connected to the 30th anniversary gift of pearls in name only, two AAA Diamond-designated hotels are worth a mention. Located in a European-style village on northwest Florida’s Gulf coast, The Pearl Hotel Rosemary Beach has the “nostalgic feel of a bygone era,” according to the AAA inspector. The trendy oceanfront hotel is perfect for a romantic getaway, with a private beach, spa, complimentary bicycles and an adults-only pool.Trendy Hotel Emma (pictured above) in San Antonio, Texas, is located in the city’s hip Pearl brewery complex and is “as much a museum as it is a hotel,” noted the AAA inspector. Repurposed industrial equipment, fixtures and furnishings hint at the hotel’s former life as the Pearl Brewing Company, while upscale details like claw-foot tubs, private terraces and a 3,700-volume library evoke an air of luxury. The surrounding Pearl complex includes more than a dozen restaurants, shops and a food hall, with purveyors selling Pearl beer on tap.

33-Year Anniversary Gift: Iron

For anniversary No. 33, celebrate with a hotel stay where industrial vibes are aplenty. The Iron Horse Hotel in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, embraces its past as a 100-year-old foundry with iron detailing, exposed brick walls and a Harley–Davidson motorcycle on display in the lobby. Special amenities are geared toward motorcycle riders, too; the hotel has on-site bike parking, a bike wash station and heavy-duty in-room hooks for hanging heavy leather gear.Indianapolis’ Ironworks Hotel Indy (pictured above) as well as its sister property, the Ironworks Hotel in Beloit, Wisconsin, offer an industrial feel in a boutique setting. The Indianapolis property incorporates design elements like metal piping, reclaimed barn wood, brick accent walls and leather seating in guest rooms; opt for the Legacy Terrace room or Founder’s Suite to get an outdoor terrace with a firepit. The Beloit location adds in-room soaker tubs and fireplaces to some suites.

34-Year Anniversary Gift: Food

Who wouldn’t want to celebrate an anniversary with food? A few AAA Diamond-designated hotels incorporate excellent features for food-minded travelers. The Alluvian Hotel in Greenwood, Mississippi, has a popular Viking Cooking School where guests can take hands-on cooking classes ranging in difficulty from basic to advanced.

Junction at The Essex , a AAA Four Diamond designated restaurant, add to the theme. The restaurant is complete with a theater kitchen and chefs who explain the origin and process for each course.A self-described “food-focused hotel,” the Epicurean Hotel, Autograph Collection in Tampa, Florida, has a culinary classroom located off the lobby that hosts cooking classes and wine tastings. Bern's Steak House , a local landmark since 1956, is across the street and great for special occasion celebrations. (The wine collection at Bern’s offers more than 6,500 different labels.)

36-Year Anniversary Gift: Antiques

A stay at a historic hotel fits in nicely with the 36th anniversary gift of antiques. The Gingerbread Mansion Inn (pictured above) in Ferndale, California, is “full of antiques,” according to the AAA inspector, and has details perfect for an anniversary celebration, including roaring fireplaces, cozy seating areas and, in some rooms, side-by-side claw-foot bathtubs. The attractive B&B earned the AAA Inspector’s Best of Romantic award in 2020.

The Mainstay Inn in Cape May, New Jersey, consists of two Victorian-era buildings which showcase a variety of antiques, Oriental rugs and some furnishings left over from the property’s early days as a private gambling club. “The whole downtown area [of Cape May] displays antique buildings and artwork,” added the AAA inspector.

37-Year Anniversary Gift: Books

If reading and romance go hand-in-hand for you, a stay at a book-focused hotel may be just the way to celebrate your 37th anniversary. Guest rooms at the Library Hotel (pictured above) in New York City are themed around a specific topic within the Dewey Decimal system. A “Love Room” is perfect for romantic celebrations and features a collection of love-related books as well as a private terrace within view of the New York Public Library.Channel the collegiate vibes at The Study at University City in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, located between the campuses of Drexel University and the University of Pennsylvania. “Their lobby library is curated by students and professors from both colleges,” said the AAA inspector. Guest rooms have a sleek Scandinavian design and feature campus views and a separate seating area with fully stocked bookshelves.

Courtesy of The Plaza Hotel

50-Year Anniversary Gift: Gold

When thinking of ideas for 50th anniversary gifts, go all out with a luxury stay at The Plaza Hotel in New York City. The landmark hotel on the southeast corner of Central Park has elegant features like 24-carat gold-plated bath fixtures, gilded bed frames and crystal chandeliers. White glove butler service is available upon request, and the skilled staff can deliver a special bottle of champagne or even a “Home Alone 2”-inspired 16-scoop ice cream sundae covered in cherries, whipped cream, M&Ms and three different sauces.

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Best romantic getaways in the u.s. for 2024.

Sometimes it's necessary to take a break from the stresses of real life and spend quality time with the person you love. And what better way to do that than to travel? To help you and your sweetheart plan the ideal romantic retreat, whether it's for an anniversary or just because, U.S. News considered ambiance, privacy and access to couple-friendly activities to rank the best romantic getaways in the USA. Use this list to pick your next one-on-one vacation, and vote for your favorite locales below. Looking to stay even closer to home? Check out these romantic weekend getaways by state .

Kaua'i

Napa valley, charleston, sc, big sky, mt, amelia island, adirondacks, martha's vineyard, jackson hole.

Kaua'i offers many distinct ways for both thrill-seeking and sun-worshipping couples to up the romance factor. You and your sweetheart can lounge on secluded beaches , relax in a private luxury villa or go on a kayaking adventure along the picture-perfect Napali Coast. For even more opportunities to marvel at nature, check out Kaua'i's scenic state parks like Koke'e and Waimea Canyon. Once you've tackled the Hawaiian island's trails hand in hand, consider booking a private helicopter tour for a bird's-eye view you and your better half will never forget.

Few things are more romantic than sharing a remote island with your beau. Lanai's exclusivity can make it feel like the two of you are alone with the Hawaiian island breeze. Head to a luxury hotel or resort to indulge in high-end cuisine and soak up some sun by the pool before exploring the tiny island's landscape side by side. For a memorable hike that requires little effort, follow the short trail from the Four Seasons Resort Lanai to the Pu'upehe overlook. Also known as "Sweetheart Rock," this landmark offers stunning views of Hulopo'e Bay, especially at sunset.

Brimming with rolling vineyards , cozy wine caverns, chic restaurants and top-notch hotels, this wine lover's paradise 60 miles north of San Francisco is the ultimate romantic getaway. Wine enthusiasts can sip Napa's award-winning reds at intimate venues like O'Brien Estate and Jarvis Estate or while savoring gourmet cuisine on the Napa Valley Wine Train. When couples need a break from being wined and dined, they can explore the scenic Napa River via kayak, take to the skies on a hot air balloon ride, or visit the town of Calistoga in northern Napa Valley for its spas and hot springs.

Another ideal retreat for wine connoisseurs , Sonoma is known to be more laid back than its neighbor, Napa, and boasts more than 425 wineries. However, strolling through vineyard vines isn't the only must-do activity for twosomes. Outdoor lovers will want to explore regional parks such as Taylor Mountain (for its trails) and North Sonoma Mountain (to enjoy a picnic surrounded by the peaks of Santa Rosa and the Sonoma Valley). Plenty of Sonoma's hotels offer spa treatments, but what could be more memorable than a massage in a 22-foot wine barrel? Book side-by-side treatments at Magical Massage for a one-of-a-kind experience.

A low-key getaway, Charleston, South Carolina, is filled with pastel-hued historic homes, art galleries and tasty Lowcountry cuisine (perfect for foodie couples). To dial up the romance, take in the sights from a horse-drawn carriage or sign up for a sunset harbor cruise just for two. For a quiet shoreside escape free from crowds, head to one of the nearby beaches like Sullivan's Island. Accommodations range from beachfront resorts to charming bed-and-breakfasts but keep in mind you'll likely have to pay a pretty penny for a stay in the historic district.

It's easy to proclaim your love when you're suspended atop red rocks and looking out upon miles of colorful Arizona landscape. After working up a sweat hiking Sedona's sandstone buttes, bring those romantic vibes indoors for a couples massage at one of the city's world-renowned wellness retreats . Or, if you and your amour prefer relaxing with a glass of vino, save time for a self-guided tour of the Verde Valley Wine Trail, which boasts 15 venues ranging from small tasting rooms to vast wineries sprawling along the banks of Oak Creek. At night, hold your loved one close and gaze at the star-filled sky.

Travel to Big Sur for its windswept coastline and rugged mystique. This peaceful destination carved out of the California coast offers a couple of luxurious hotels, but nature is the real star in Big Sur. Outdoor enthusiasts can hike the area's redwood-lined trails and admire picturesque Pfeiffer Beach before setting up a tent and roughing it beneath the stars. For an atmospheric picnic, head to Sand Dollar Beach, where couples can admire the scenery sans the crowds. For a more upscale outing, take a day trip to Carmel-by-the-Sea for its art galleries and fairy tale cottages.

Let Big Sky's vast terrain, fresh air and rustic romance carry you and your loved one away from the ins and outs of everyday life. Every winter, couples flock to this Montana destination for its top-notch ski resort (complete with a heated chairlift), though the offseason has its charms, too (think: fly fishing on scenic rivers, hiking under an endless blue sky or taking a road trip to Yellowstone National Park.) For a curated Montana experience, spring for an all-inclusive ranch, where you'll find private cabins, homegrown cuisine and personalized service.

What could be more romantic than a sunrise beachfront horseback ride for two? Or a private sunset cruise aboard a 40-foot catamaran? You and your love can experience this and more on Amelia Island, one of Florida's Atlantic coast barrier islands. Hop on bikes and explore the scenic Amelia Island Trail, or pedal to downtown Fernandina Beach for its Victorian-style architecture, antique shops and galleries. After a day spent sightseeing, pamper weary muscles with a couples massage at one of the luxury resorts that call the island home.

This tiny Massachusetts island exudes New England charm. Stroll arm in arm with your sweetheart down cobblestone streets, unwind on white sand beaches and snap selfies in front of iconic lighthouses, such as Brant Point Lighthouse and Great Point Lighthouse. Then, grab a lobster roll to share from one of the island's premier seafood restaurants, and revel in the extraordinary Atlantic Ocean views from the Sconset Bluff Walk. When you're ready to retire for the night, you'll have your pick of quaint Nantucket inns.

Whether you time your trip for summer boating, fall leaf peeping or snow season, upstate New York makes for an intimate setting. Depending on when you visit, you can bond with your beloved on a sleigh ride, a paddling trip or a scenic hike, where you'll be treated to awe-inspiring views of the Adirondacks' forests, lakes and mountains. When you're adventured out, bop between some of New York's most iconic small towns, including Saranac Lake and Lake Placid, for local dining and shopping. What's more, you can choose from accommodations ranging from luxe lodges packed with amenities to secluded wooden cabins for two.

Savannah, Georgia, is tailor-made for a weekend getaway. Spanish moss hangs over sidewalks that lead past hundreds of historic homes. The lively River Street area features a bevy of shopping, dining and nightlife options, while nearby islands provide a relaxing respite. Meanwhile, Forsyth Park provides the ultimate romantic backdrop for memorable couples photos, and if you're feeling brave, you can hold each other tight during a ghost tour at the hauntingly beautiful Bonaventure Cemetery. For charming digs in the heart of the city, hang your hat at one of Savannah's charming bed-and-breakfast accommodations, or rent a snug carriage house.

If your ideal romantic escape entails a lazy agenda, shingle-covered beach houses and quaint towns, Martha's Vineyard is just the place. On this Massachusetts island, you can relax on quiet beaches, sample decadent fare at upscale restaurants and explore the historic Edgartown Lighthouse, which offers incredible views of the harbor and neighboring Chappaquiddick Island. On a warm, sunny day, venture to Oak Bluffs, where you'll find charming gingerbread cottages at The Campground. For the ultimate romantic retreat, book a stay at one of the island's top hotels, some of which offer complimentary bike rentals, beach chairs and continental breakfast to guests.

Reconnect with your sweetie during a getaway to Jackson Hole. This piece of Wyoming paradise is ideal for all kinds of outdoor pursuits, including hiking and skiing. Should you need to soothe your aching muscles after an active day, go for a dip in the Granite Hot Springs, Astoria Hot Springs or your high-end resort's outdoor hot tub. Whether your dream romantic vacation includes horseback riding through the majestic Grand Teton National Park, sipping wine by a crackling fireplace or unwinding at a world-class spa, Jackson Hole is the perfect place for you and your other half.

For lovebirds who enjoy skiing and cuddling up by a fireplace, Aspen is the perfect place for a romantic getaway. Spend your days sharing ski lifts in the snow-capped mountains before partaking in the highly touted après ski scene. If you arrive during the warmer months, take advantage of superb hiking and scenic gondola rides. Then, retreat to one of the many hotels and resorts that offer glitzy accommodations for two – not to mention some must-visit spas . If you're not ready to turn in just yet, Aspen's nightlife options include plenty of live music venues, clubs and cocktail lounges.

With 40 miles of protected seashore, this region of Massachusetts offers plenty of space for that long walk on the beach. And the slow pace of Cape Cod means you don't have to focus on the hustle and bustle of daily life – you can spend quality time together swimming, biking and eating fresh seafood instead. Cape Cod is also home to a handful of breweries and wineries, so you can toast to your special someone during a tasting. Splurge on one of the Cape's five-star accommodations for spectacular ocean views and sumptuous amenities like soaking tubs for two, in-room fireplaces and private balconies.

Vote to Add these Destinations to the Rankings

Willamette Valley

Santa Barbara

Fredericksburg, TX

San Luis Obispo

Newport, RI

Grand Canyon National Park

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19 Most Romantic Resorts in the USA for an Anniversary Trip (2024)

For our 20th anniversary, I had big dreams of a romantic getaway to Greece or a couples trip to Bora Bora (to return to our honeymoon destination). If you are looking for an anniversary trip , romantic getaway , couples trip, or honeymoon ideas a little closer to home, start with our picks for the most romantic resorts in the USA.

I’ve asked friends, travel advisors, and trusted frequent travelers for their recommendations on the best romantic getaways in the U.S. for a special milestone anniversary trip. These are our top picks:

Most Romantic Resorts in the USA

Note: This post contains affiliate links. If you click a link and make a purchase, I may receive a small commission at no cost to you.

Little Palm Island, Florida

When I stumbled on the website for Little Palm Island in the Florida Keys, I thought I hit the jackpot with everything that I wanted for our anniversary trip. A private island, our own tropical villa, and the most romantic atmosphere I can imagine within the continental United States. And then I looked at the price and realized I needed to hit the jackpot, or the lottery, to make even a splurge trip here a reality.

But if you are ready to spend, it is no surprise that Little Palm Island was included in the top resorts in the United States (and the World) by the Condé Nast Traveler Readers’ Choice Awards.

Check rates and reviews for Little Palm Island on TripAdvisor

Amangiri, Canyon Point, Utah

Ever since spying the Amangiri hotel in a food magazine, my husband has been angling for a romantic getaway to this remote portion of Utah’s red rock country. Covering 600 acres of the vast and majestic Colorado Plateau, the Amangiri offers a desert landscape of canyons, mesas, ridges, and gorges.

Guests can choose between the modernist suites of Amangiri and the tented pavilions of Camp Sarika. To gain an appreciation of the landscape, you can tour slot canyons with Navajo guides, or observe powerful storytelling sessions and ritual dances by the fire in Monument Valley Tribal Park. Adventurers can also go canyoning, climbing, hiking, horseback riding, or enjoy water sports on Lake Powell. This is the perfect choice for those who enjoy spending time in nature and are active adventurers.

Check rates and reviews of the Amangiri on TripAdvisor

Bungalows Key Largo, Florida

If you are craving a tropical setting but $2000+ a night is a little rich for your budget, head to Key Largo. Bungalows Key Largo is one of the few adults-only resorts in the United States. While it still costs a pretty penny, at least their price is all-inclusive.

Picture a waterfront bungalow with a private veranda featuring a large outdoor soaking tub as your romantic getaway retreat. If that doesn’t relax you, the Zen Garden Spa certainly should. If you want to book a bungalow for Valentine’s Day, guests can now add on a  Valentine’s Day Sunset Dinner Cruise on a luxury catamaran with live acoustic music and an elegant culinary experience.

Check rates and reviews for the Bungalows Key Large on TripAdvisor

Inn at Perry Cabin, St. Michael’s, Maryland

My friend Brianna recommends the Inn at Perry Cabin , on Maryland’s Eastern Shore. This Belmond property offers understated luxury in one of the most beautiful areas of the East Coast. The hotel’s interiors reflect the area’s maritime history, with plenty of cozy nooks and crannies to snuggle with your significant other.

The outdoor views are best enjoyed in one of the resort’s many Adirondack chairs with a glass of wine in hand, a perfect spot for enjoying the sunset. This resort is perfect for foodie couples who enjoy waterfront activities like yoga, kayaking, and sailing lessons.

Check rates and reviews for the Inn at Perry Cabin on TripAdvisor

Post Ranch Inn, Big Sur, California

My friend and luxury travel advisor Kristi Marcelle recommends the Post Ranch Inn for an adults-only romantic getaway near San Francisco. Located on a clifftop overlooking the Pacific Ocean and the romantic landscape of Big Sur, the Post Ranch Inn is ideal for romance, relaxation, and rejuvenation.

With just 40 rooms and homes, the resort offers rustic elegance and privacy. Wellness and relaxation activities include morning yoga, guided nature hikes, forest, and sound journey meditation, as well as garden tours and art walks. Guests can also relax and enjoy the view at the infinity pool or use the resort’s telescope to star gaze at night.

Check rates and reviews of the Post Ranch Inn on TripAdvisor

Blackberry Farm, Walland, Tennessee

Located on a pastoral farm near the Great Smoky Mountains, this Relais & Châteaux resort offers bucket-list-worthy luxury. This intimate resort has something to offer everyone — from archery to carriage rides to culinary classes to water sports.

Blackberry Farm’s “foothill cuisine” draws foodies worldwide to enjoy its three inventive restaurants, which bring together a collection of artisans – chef, master gardener, baker, cheesemaker, forager, butcher, and sommelier.

Check rates and reviews of Blackberry Farm on TripAdvisor

White Barn Inn, Kennebunk, Maine

Luxury travel advisor and friend Barbara Weindling recommends the White Barn Inn for those looking for a classic New England romantic getaway . This Auberge Resorts Collection hotel offers coastal luxury and award-winning dining in one of the most charming towns on the Maine coast.

While you are there, you can enjoy culinary experiences such as chocolate making, cocktail creations, and Sunday tea. Outdoors, guests can enjoy a private cycling tour or sailing along the coast. Or cozy up inside in the Couple’s Spa Suite for an afternoon of romance and pampering.

Check rates and reviews of the White Barn Inn on TripAdvisor

The Point, Saranac Lake, New York

Also recommended by my friend Barbara, The Point is the only Forbes Five-Star property in the Adirondacks . This Relais & Châteaux hotel offers only eleven rooms for an intimate experience.

Built by William Avery Rockefeller II and crafted of native timber and stone, today it is the only Adirondack Great Camp from the Gilded Age open to the public. Enjoy boating, fishing, tennis, waterskiing, croquet, badminton, swimming, wake surfing, kayaking, paddle boarding, and hiking in the warmer months, or cuddle up with hot toddies by a roaring fire or champagne from the fully stocked ice bar on the lake after a day ice skating, curling and ice fishing in the winter.

Check rates and reviews of The Point on TripAdvisor

Magee Homestead at Brush Creek Ranch, Saratoga, Wyoming

Another pick for outdoor adventurers, Kristi also recommends the adults-only Magee Homestead at Brush Creek Ranch. A member of Relais & Châteaux and recipient of the Forbes Travel Guide Five Star rating, Magee Homestead is an all-inclusive ranch that is part of the Brush Creek Ranch Collection.

Magee Homestead offers luxury accommodations in private cabins that once housed cow camp hands. You can enjoy gourmet culinary experiences, relaxing spa treatments, or outdoor adventures and exploration in Medicine Bow National Forest.

Check rates and reviews at The Lodge & Spa at Brush Creek Ranch on TripAdvisor

The Chanler, Newport, Rhode Island

Housed in a mansion on Newport’s famed Cliff Walk, The Chanler offers twenty distinctive Newport hotel rooms, which are elegantly decorated in various period styles. The Chanler has been on our wishlist for a romantic getaway in Newport since we first moved here and sampled the chef’s tasting menu at the hotel’s gourmet restaurant.

This Forbes Four-Star Hotel offers a luxury experience reminiscent of the Gilded Age. Stroll through the manicured gardens while you take in breathtaking ocean vistas, walk along the three-mile Cliff Walk, enjoy a gourmet meal, and sip an after-dinner drink at the fire pit and star gaze.

Check rates and reviews for The Chanler on TripAdvisor

Inn at Newport Ranch, Fort Bragg, California

Located just 30 minutes from Mendocino on the Northern California Coast, the Inn at Newport Ranch is a local secret that luxury travel advisor Kristi Marcelle first clued me into and is perfect for a California romantic getaway .

The ranch encompasses seven microclimates on 2,000 acres set along one-and-one-half miles of rugged coastline, offering plenty of space to spread out and explore. Catering to only 26 guests in total, this intimate resort offers big views, along with 20 miles of trails for mountain biking or off-roading. Dining is another highlight, and right now meals can even be delivered to your patio for more privacy.

Check rates and reviews for The Inn at Newport Ranch on TripAdvisor

White Elephant, Nantucket, Massachusetts

The iconic White Elephant has been named among the finest luxury hotels on Nantucket Island for decades and is a popular romantic getaway destination for those seeking New England island charm. This waterfront resort offers spacious suites with private balconies overlooking the harbor, as well as private garden cottages.

From the resort, it is easy to enjoy the beach, shop in Nantucket Town, or take in the views at the Brant Point Lighthouse. Guests can also relax by the outdoor heated pool, hop on a bike and explore the area, sip cocktails on the Harborside Lawn, or rejuvenate in the world-class spa.

Check rates and reviews for the White Elephant on TripAdvisor

San Ysidro Ranch, Santa Barbara, California

Recommended by Lynn Juliano, a travel advisor with Travel Xperts , San Ysidro Ranch is the secret hideaway embodying the spirit of Old California. Everyone from Audrey Hepburn, Winston Churchill, JFK and Jackie, Sir Laurence Olivier, and Vivian Leigh have taken up residence here. With 500 acres and 17 miles of hiking trails nestled between the mountains and ocean, San Ysidro Ranch is a perfect romantic escape.

The resort offers intimate cottages scattered around lush gardens, each individually decorated with antiques. Many offer large private decks, indoor/outdoor rain showers, sunken hot tubs, heated floors, and private gardens.

Check rates and reviews for the San Ysidro Ranch on TripAdvisor

The Cloister at Sea Island, Georgia

We have been debating an anniversary trip to The Cloister at Sea Island for some time. I love the Golden Isles of Georgia and since Sea Island is restricted to owners and guests only, it offers both luxury and more intimacy. The Cloister offers three charming settings of accommodations, featuring elegant and unique Spanish Mediterranean décor.

Guests can enjoy five miles of private beach, the adults-only swimming pool, a round of golf, or a couples massage at the Forbes Five-Star Spa Sea Island. For a romantic evening, try horseback riding on the beach followed by dinner and a rose petal turn-down service.

Check rates and reviews for The Cloister at Sea Island on TripAdvisor

Miraval Arizona, Tucson, Arizona

Couples seeking a wellness retreat will bask in the desert sun at the Miraval Arizona in Tucson . The resort offers all-inclusive packages with transformational wellness experiences, outdoor adventures, culinary delights, and spa services.

This Sonoran Desert sanctuary provides a wide range of comfortable casita-inspired accommodations for reflection and mindfulness, including rooms, suites, and villas.

Check rates and reviews for Miraval Arizona on TripAdvisor

Twin Farms, Barnard, Vermont

Twin Farms is an all-inclusive resort located on 300 bucolic acres in Vermont, offering seclusion and privacy. The resort welcomes only adults and teens, with 10 romantically designed cottages and a selection of rooms in the lodge, farmhouse, and main house.

A vast selection of indoor and outdoor activities that focus on well-being are available to guests, including biking, canoeing, fly fishing, hiking, swimming, tennis, and more. Custom-designed meals, wine pairings, and spirits are included in the rate and can be enjoyed in the dining areas or in the privacy of your accommodations.

Check rates and reviews for Twin Farms on TripAdvisor

Auberge de Soleil, Rutherford, California

The “Inn of the Sun” is nestled within a terraced, sun-kissed hillside amid 33 acres of heritage olive and oak trees, in Napa wine country. The hotel’s 50 contemporary guestrooms and suites effortlessly blend relaxed sophistication with understated elegance, resulting in a romantic getaway destination.

Auberge du Soleil is the dream of French restaurateur, Claude Rouas, and The Restaurant has maintained its legacy as a “must-experience” culinary destination for more than 40 years. Couples can enjoy a private wine tasting, an art walk in the sculpture garden, a picnic in the park, a scenic hike, or a bike ride on the Napa Valley Vine Trail.

Check rates and reviews for Auberge de Soleil on TripAdvisor

Dunton Hot Springs, Dolores, Colorado

Dunton Hot Springs is not your typical romantic retreat. This perfectly restored ghost town features exquisitely furnished log cabins and a saloon serving gourmet food.

Nestled in an alpine valley deep in the San Juan Mountains of the Colorado Rockies, guests can enjoy challenging hiking trails followed by pampering massages. Of course, all must use one of the five ways to “take the waters” — including inside the restored 19th-century Bathhouse, under the stars at the source, in the pool outside the Bathhouse, in the pool behind the Dunton Store cabin, and inside Well House cabin.

Check rates and reviews for Dunton Hot Springs on TripAdvisor

The Inn at Little Washington, Washington, Virginia

This Relais and Chateaux, Forbes Double 5 star, and Double AAA 5 Diamond property is located in the foothills of the Blue Ridge mountains not far outside of Washington D.C. The Inn at Little Washington features eighteen bedrooms and suites, created by London stage and set designer Joyce Evans.

These accommodations range from well-appointed rooms to luxurious, two-story suites, many with balconies and garden views. The Inn’s dining rooms are also pure fantasy, with rose-colored, silk lampshades that float above each table, highlighting the inspired American cuisine of Patrick O’Connell.

Check rates and reviews for The Inn at Little Washington on TripAdvisor

Did we miss your favorite romantic getaway resort? Drop us a suggestion in the comments.

Need more ideas.

• Romantic getaways in California
• West Coast romantic getaways
• Romantic getaways in Vermont
• Romantic getaways in New Hampshire
• Romantic getaways in Massachusetts
• Romantic getaways in Connecticut
• Romantic getaways in Rhode Island

Tamara is an over 50, award-winning travel writer, and recent empty nester based in Rhode Island. After years of writing about family travel on We3Travel and inspiring wanderlust as co-host of the Vacation Mavens family travel podcast, she started Your Time to Fly as a place to share ideas for girlfriend getaways, romantic escapes, and solo female travel for midlife women.

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How To Pull Off a Successful 10-Year-Old Trip

April 25, 2019 by Nicolette Leave a Comment

When your ten-year old looks up at you and says, “Mom, this is the best day of my life…” it means something.

When you’re one of multiple siblings, it can be a little hard for your voice to be heard. With four kids, there’s a lot of noise in our house and a lot of vying for attention. When my husband was growing up, his parents pinched pennies so that they could take each of their five children on a special one-on-one trip. When my husband turned 10, his mom took him to Hershey, Pennsylvania and it’s always stuck with him. He remembers minute details of their trip and that his mom gave him a $20 bill to buy a souvenir with, which he ended up spending on a gold chain in the airport. (Hey, it was 1990s!)

I’ve always loved the idea of a 10-year-old trip and wanted to carry on that tradition with our own children. Why 10-years-old? It’s that perfect age where kids are independent enough to be easy travelers, but not “too cool” to hang out with their parents. This year, my oldest turned 10 and we set out on an unforgettable one-on-one trip that ended up being pretty special. Destination: Cocoa Beach, Florida!

Below are a few valuable lessons I learned in pulling off this one-on-one trip, but the most important one is this: it was 100% worth it . All of the planning, the money spent, and the time taken away from work—it was all worth that one moment when my daughter looked up, eyes beaming, and declared that this was the greatest day of her life. The next time I hear those words, she may be graduating, or getting married, or holding her first child.

The time we have with our kids is short and precious.

1. Choosing the perfect location

When choosing where we wanted to go, the answer was easy. Our daughter was born in Florida and we moved away when she was one-year-old, so she doesn’t remember anything about her birth place. We wanted to take her back and show her all the places that were special to us. Plus, Florida is warm, sunny, and has so many fun attractions that makes it the perfect vacation spot!

If you’re yearning for warmth, fun, beaches, and attractions, it doesn’t get any better than Cocoa Beach.

Cocoa Beach, Florida is about an hour East of Orlando, which makes it super convenient to the airport, big attraction parks, and Cape Canaveral cruise port. It’s a fun beach town with a lively vibe and it’s great for families!

When narrowing down your 10-year-old trip destination , think about your child’s interests and personality. What do they like? What place would personally connect to them?

2. Finding the best accommodations

There are a lot of hotels in Cocoa Beach, Florida, but none are as fun as the Westgate Cocoa Beach Resort . This place is a family’s dream!

Every room is a luxury suite and has premier appliances, finishes, and plenty of elbow room to allow you to completely relax.

Each room is 812 square feet and sleeps around 6 guests.

There are two bedrooms, three beds, and as my daughter wanted me to tell you all…THREE TVs! (Which she thought was pretty awesome!)

Right outside your front door at Westgate Cocoa Beach Resort is the most amazing little on-site water park in Cocoa Beach , equipped with a lazy river, incredible kids splash zone with waterslides and enough wet fun to keep them cool and entertained for hours.

Westgate Cocoa Beach Resort: So Fun for Families!

And that’s not all: there is a full-sized outdoor pool, a kiddie pool, a hot tub, and a tiki bar and grill right there. You don’t even need to leave the resort!

On weekends, they have movies and popcorn by the pool and that was so much fun! On Friday, they showed  Tangled and we relaxed in the hot tub and then layed on the pool chairs and munched popcorn as the movie played. Everything at this  Cocoa Beach Hotel is so thoughtful and geared toward families. I thought that was so special.

They have outdoor grills so guests can barbecue and hang out by the pool and save money on eating out.

And if that weren’t enough, the beach is just steps from the resort!

And Westgate Cocoa Beach Resort has its own private beach space where they provide all guests with beach towels, sunscreen, sand toys, surf boards, and boogie boards FREE OF CHARGE!

No renting equipment, no worrying if you forgot anything! Just get yourself to the beach and everything is there for you…it’s amazing! They even come around and clean your sunglasses for you. Now that’s hospitality!

Our beach day was probably our favorite day. We laid out in a shaded cabana, made sand castles, boogie boarded, played beach volleyball, and I even got crazy and took a surf lesson through the Westgate Cocoa Beach Resort Beach Concierge . That surf lesson was my favorite part of the day!

3. Age-appropriate activities

When pulling off a successful 10-year-old trip, appropriate activities are tantamount. choose things your child would love, not necessarily what you would prefer. Here are some of the super fun things to do in Cocoa Beach that you can’t miss!

The Cocoa Beach Pier:  Also operated by Westgate Resorts, the Cocoa Beach Pier is an 800-foot, world famous pier at the heart of Cocoa Beach and is the source of great shopping, eating, and fun beach activities.

There is a free trolly that will take you to the pier where you can catch the live music and watch surfers and sand volleyball players. We drank watermelon mint lemonades on the pier and even spotted a whale about a hundred yards away from us in the ocean.

Ron Jon surf shop:  Cocoa Beach is home of the world’s largest, most iconic surf shop, Ron Jon Surf Shop. When you’re in Cocoa Beach, it’s a MUST to stop here. They’ve got everything you need for fun in the sun, and even if you’re just window shopping, a visit to this flagship store should definitely be on the list.

The Beach: 

Nothing tops a day at the beach. It’s fun, relaxing, and is for the most part free. Cocoa Beach has such a fun beach atmosphere. You can head down to the Cocoa Beach Pier or peruse the coastline and claim your perfect beach spot. It was so nice staying at Westgate Cocoa Beach Resort because of the awesome beach amenities. I recommend taking a surfing lesson there!

Mini golf: If you’re looking for a fun nighttime activity when the weather cools off, head to Golf-N-Gator in Cape Canaveral (just a few minutes away). It’s not just a cute mini-golf course, but you can see tons of live gators and other creatures there! It was like a mini zoo combined with putt-putt golf. Super fun!

Universal Orlando Resort: 

And you can’t really make a trip to the Orlando area without hitting up one of the major theme parks there. Since we’ve been reading the Harry Potter books together, it was a must that we take our daughter to Universal Orlando Resort to visit the Wizarding World of Harry Potter. To put it simply, our day there was amazing. If you are a Harry Potter fan, you absolutely  must make it here. Even muggles who aren’t fans will love the enchantment and excitement here, not to mention all the other great attractions at Universal Orlando Resort, which has two theme parks and a water park.

4. Make sure to take lots of photos.

Sometimes I get caught up in all the fun and forget to pull out my camera. To really pull off a successful 10-year-old trip that they’ll remember forever, you have to take a lot of photos. Make sure to document each activity that you do together and all the things you’ll want to remember. Afterward, consider making a photo book or putting together a video that will stand the test of time.

5. Let them know they are loved.

Most importantly, let them know that they are loved. I knew this one-on-one trip would help bring us all closer together, but I was touched by how it affected my daughter. At every turn she would give us a big hug and tell us thank you. She was light-hearted and talked more freely with us and it was a side of her that I rarely see at home.

I could tell that this trip was something she desperately needed.

So, if you’re thinking of taking a one-on-one trip with your child, grandchild, niece, or nephew…do it. Just make it happen. It is special, it is unforgettable, and most importantly, it is worth it because they are worth it.

A huge thanks to Westgate Cocoa Beach Resort for partnering with us on this post. It is an amazing family-friendly resort and such a fun destination!

If you’re planning a trip to Florida, make sure to put St. Augustine on your list as well!

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• October 17, 2023

13 Best Vacations for Kids Under 10 Years Old – Fun Places to Go!

Embarking on a family vacation with kids under ten years old is an adventure like no other.

It’s a time filled with laughter, discovery, and the creation of lifelong memories.

From exploring captivating destinations to engaging in exciting activities, the best vacations for kids under 10 offer a world of wonder and imagination.

These extraordinary getaways are carefully crafted to cater to the interests of your family.

But choosing the best place that will fit your family’s preferences and budget might be overwhelming.

My family and I experienced the same challenge.

And that’s why I will help you plan for your epic family getaway by reviewing these fantastic destinations.

I have learned a lot from traveling with kids, and I also talked to other families.

I also rated each destination according to its safety, kid-friendly activities, affordability, ease of travel, and more.

I did this to help travelers like you have stress-free vacation planning.

So, prepare yourselves as you discover the top-rated destinations in our reviews below.

Best Vacations For Kids Under 10 Compared

Whether you’re searching for a fun-filled or thrilling kid-friendly destination, we got your back.

Here’s a comprehensive review of our top-pick destinations.

Editor’s Choice

Portland Marriott Downtown Waterfront

Located in Portland, Oregon, the Portland Marriott Downtown Waterfront is a premier hotel offering an exceptional family experience.

• Safety: 4/5
• Kid-Friendly Activities: 4/5
• Affordability: 3/5
• Ease of Travel: 4/5
• Accommodation Options: 4/5
• Food Diversity: 4/5

#2nd Best Choice

Park Hyatt Vienna

Located in Vienna, Austria, the Park Hyatt Vienna is an exquisite hotel that offers an extraordinary experience.

• Safety: 5/5
• Kid-Friendly Activities: 3.5/5
• Food Diversity: 5/5

#3rd Best Choice

Cedar Cove Resort & Cottages

Situated along the stunning Gulf Coast in Holmes Beach, Florida, Cedar Cove Resort & Cottages offers a memorable vacation experience for families.

• Kid-Friendly Activities: 5/5
• Ease of Travel: 3.5/5
• Food Diversity: 3.5/5

Here are the top vacations for children under 10 years old.

1. Portland Marriott Downtown Waterfront (Editor’s Choice)

1401 SW Naito Pkwy Portland, OR 97201 (503) 226-7600 Visit Website Social Media Open in Google Maps

Ratings Criteria

• Convenient downtown location with waterfront views
• Various kid-friendly amenities
•  Expensive rates

The hotel boasts a convenient downtown location with easy access to popular attractions and entertainment venues.

The hotel’s spacious and comfortable rooms ensure a pleasant stay, while their staff are friendly and attentive.

Portland Marriott features a swimming pool where your kids can splash and play.

It also has a game room with fun activities to entertain them.

Apart from that, Portland Marriott Downtown Waterfront is near the Oregon Zoo and the Oregon Museum of Science and Industry.

Related: Places to Eat: Portland, OR

2. Park Hyatt Vienna

Am Hof 2 1010 Wien, Austria (122) 740-1234 Visit Website Social Media Open in Google Maps

• Luxurious rooms
• Multiple dining options
• Limited kid-friendly activities within the hotel

The Park Hyatt Vienna is known for its impeccable services and luxurious amenities.

The hotel offers spacious and elegantly appointed rooms to provide your family with a comfortable retreat.

Their attentive staff ensures that your needs are met, offering personalized assistance and creating a warm and welcoming atmosphere.

Although the hotel may not have an extensive list of on-site activities specifically designed for kids, its central location allows families to explore Vienna’s family-friendly attractions.

From visiting the Schonbrunn Palace to enjoying a horse-drawn carriage ride, there are countless opportunities for children to enjoy the trip.

Related: Best Family Vacations in Europe

3. Cedar Cove Resort & Cottages

2710 Gulf Dr N Holmes Beach, FL 34217 (800) 206-6293 Visit Website Social Media Open in Google Maps

• Various beach and water activities
• Relaxing and peaceful ambiance
• Additional charges for certain amenities and services

This beachfront resort provides a picturesque setting with its pure white sand beaches and crystal-clear waters, ideal for your family getaway.

The resort offers various beach and water activities, such as swimming, snorkeling, and kayaking, ensuring endless fun adventures for your kids.

They can also build sandcastles on the beach, splash in the resort’s swimming pool, or engage in friendly games at the designated play areas.

What’s more, the resort’s peaceful ambiance allows families to relax and unwind, surrounded by the natural beauty of the Gulf Coast.

Related: Restaurants: Sarasota, Florida

Related: Restaurants: Venice, Florida

4. Four Seasons Chicago

120 E Delaware Pl Chicago, IL 60611 (312) 280-8800 Visit Website Social Media Open in Google Maps

Nestled on the iconic Magnificent Mile, Four Seasons Chicago is a luxurious hotel renowned for its excellent service and world-class amenities.

The hotel provides spacious and elegantly designed rooms and suites, ensuring a comfortable and stylish retreat.

The hotel also offers an impressive range of amenities and activities.

The Kids for All Seasons program provides children with a supervised and engaging experience.

The program has activities like arts and crafts, interactive games, and educational workshops.

You and your kids will also love the hotel’s spectacular indoor pool, where you can splash and play.

They also have a dedicated poolside menu with delicious kid-friendly options.

5. Victoria, British Columbia

Victoria, BC, Canada V8W 1T3 (250) 953-2033 Visit Website Social Media Open in Google Maps

Picturesque Victoria boasts some truly lovely gardens and green spaces, which means plenty of space to play!

A family favorite is the Fisherman’s Wharf, replete with colorful waterfront homes, fresh seafood, harbor seals and “water-ballet”-performing water taxis (on specified dates); your 4 year old will love the color and vibrancy!

The Chinatown area, North America’s 2nd oldest, is a great spot for shopping and noodles; you can also see Canada’s narrowest street here—Fan Tan Alley.

If insects don’t send chills up your little one’s spine, consider a visit to the Victoria Bug Zoo with its tanks of live bugs from across the world.

You’ll also be treated to over 550 million years of natural history at the Royal British Columbia; the interactive exhibits are fun, all the while enabling learning in your tyke.

Recommended Hotel: Magnolia Hotel & Spa

6. Albuquerque, New Mexico

Albuquerque, NM (505) 222-4357 Visit Website Social Media Open in Google Maps

The state of posh spas and beautiful Spanish architecture from the colonial era, New Mexico is home to Albuquerque, where family-friendly fun is on offer the whole year through.

Perhaps the city’s biggest draw is the Balloon Fiesta held every fall, which is when most families visit.

Stick around till winter and the ski areas are a treat, with customized sledding and skiing lessons just for the tots.

Other great places to go include the Petroglyph National Monument where you’ll find carvings from as early as the 1300s, Old Town to wine, dine and shop and the riverside ABQ BioPark.

Stay at the Hyatt Regency Tamaya to enjoy 3 pools, a waterslide and activities such as bread making, horseback riding and leather stamping, sampling fresh pueblo oven bread, dance performances and storytelling sessions under the stars.

Recommended Hotel: Hotel Parq Central Albuquerque

Related: Places to Eat in Albuquerque, NM

7. Legoland, Florida

1 Legoland Way Winter Haven, FL 33884 (888) 690-5346 Visit Website Social Media Open in Google Maps

Florida’s Legoland is a world unto itself and sets the stage for a great vacation for children between the ages of 2 and 12.

With plenty of properties around the world, Legoland is one of the top family-friendly destination spots, regardless of where!

Apart from quintessential amusement park rides, shows and Lego landscapes, Legoland theme park features fun roller coasters, built to be thrilling enough for the older ones while also being gentle enough for the younger ones, who are new to the adrenaline rushes.

You’ll find attractions from the Lego Movie World, such as the Battle of Bricksburg (the schiite for water battles), Unikitty’s Disco Drop and Masters of Flight, to name a few.

Stay at one of the Legoland-themed hotels on-site for fun that extends beyond the amusement park rides!

Recommended Hotel: LEGOLAND® Florida Resort

8. Dude Ranch

1122 12th St, Cody, WY 82414 (307) 587-2339 Visit Website Social Media Open in Google Maps

If you’ve got kids who are 4, 5, or 6 year olds, also known as “the age when they still love mom and dad but are cool enough to be on their own”, Dude Ranch is an excellent idea!

Dude Ranch presents a great combination of plenty of family downtime where you can bond and a plethora of outdoor activities just for the tots—they can enjoy their independence while you catch a much-deserved break with the spouse!

The cherry on the cake is that Dude Ranch is all-inclusive, which not only saves you money but also does away with the worry of figuring out meal stops each night.

Your family will also have more opportunities to meet other families and make new friends.

Recommended Hotel: Northern Hotel

9. Frisco, Texas

Frisco, TX (972) 292-5250 Visit Website Social Media Open in Google Maps

The proud home of the Dallas Cowboys, Frisco is a great option if you’re a family of sports lovers.

Between The Star, the National Soccer Hall of Fame and the National Videogame Museum, almost every kind of sport is covered, both digital and non-digital!

Frisco also holds the distinction of being the first American city where KidZania, an internationally-renown interactive theme park for tots, set up shop; the brand threw open its doors in Frisco as recently as 2019.

KidZania is of, for and by the kids—tots can be pilots, window-washers, doctors, whatever they wish, and earn KidZos (currency) for it, too.

Come summer, head to the Dr. Pepper Ballpark to catch an exciting Frisco RoughRiders game, or enjoy a leisurely float on the on-site lazy river.

Recommended Hotel: Omni Frisco Hotel

10. Dinosaur Valley State Park, Texas

1629 Park Rd 59 Glen Rose, TX 76043 (254) 897-4588 Visit Website Social Media Open in Google Maps

Situated around 75 miles southwest of Dallas, the Dinosaur Valley State Park is an excellent idea if your tots are between the ages of 5 and 11 and love dinosaurs (let’s admit it—which kid doesn’t?)

Home to some of the world’s best-preserved dinosaur tracks, you can explore as much as you want at this state park by taking a tour in a covered wagon, mountain biking through the trails or simply walking.

Explore the footprints near the Paluxy River; once you’re done, go fishing with poles that you can rent as part of the park’s Tackle Loaner Program.

Also, consider exploring the many museums in Texas’ Dinosaur Capital—downtown Glen Rose.

For a truly unique experience, camp at the park; pitch a tent or park your RV.

Recommended Hotel: Hilton Garden Inn Granbury

11. Disney World, Florida

Orlando, FL 32830 (407) 939-5277 Visit Website Social Media Open in Google Maps

If you’re visiting the real deal, original, first-in-the-world Disney World in Florida, you can rest assured that the vacation is going to be special for you and the tots alike.

Whether 2, 20 or 80, Disney World has always captivated kids of all ages!

Little ones will love seeing their favorite Disney characters in flesh and blood while the fireworks display over Cinderella’s Castle will have them gasping in awe.

Start with the classics at the Magic Kingdom, after which, you can explore the Animal Kingdom that’s fresh off its 20th-anniversary celebrations.

Disney Springs is a must visit for the Star Wars and Toy Story fans (yes, I’m talking about mom and dad!).

Staying at a Disney property is a good idea (duh!); another family-friendly, budget-friendly option to consider is Renaissance Orlando at SeaWorld.

Recommended Hotel: Four Seasons Resort Orlando at Walt Disney World Resort

12. San Diego Zoo, California

2920 Zoo Dr San Diego, CA 92101 (619) 231-1515 Visit Website Social Media Open in Google Maps

One of the best zoos in the world, California’s San Diego Zoo is one of the few places in all of the United States where you can see the world’s tiniest bears and their cousins—giant pandas!

Embark on the Panda Trek to see these not-so-little furballs; choose the Elephant Odyssey for your little one to catch sights of real-life Dumbos or the Northern Frontier to see arctic foxes and polar bears.

Africa Rocks is another popular exhibit, where you can see leopards, lemurs and baboons.

Come October, the “Kids Free San Diego” fervor takes over and most hotels throughout the city offer excellent deals.

If you’re visiting off-season (or any time in the year, really), consider staying at the Manchester Grand Hyatt (right next door to The New Children’s Museum) or Catamaran (for water sports rentals).

Recommended Hotel: The US Grant, a Luxury Collection Hotel, San Diego

Related: Restaurants: San Diego

13. Wisconsin Dells, Wisconsin

Wisconsin Dells, WI (800) 223-3557 Visit Website Social Media Open in Google Maps

When you’re visiting the “water park capital of the world”, you know some good times are in store for your family vacation!

A hit among kids aged 2-14, you’ll be spoilt for choice when it comes to water-based fun in the city—you can get a day pass and make the most of America’s largest water park (Noah’s Ark) or enjoy an African-themed, wild-and-wet resort stay at the Kalahari.

If sunken cities are more to your little one’s liking, head to the Lost City of Atlantis at Mt. Olympus, replete with geysers, slides and, of course, monster dump buckets!

Some of the budget-friendly, family-friendly picks to consider for accommodation include the Hilton Garden Inn, the Alakai or Day’s End Motel; these are also much quieter than the popular resorts with water parks.

Recommended Hotel: Delton Grand Resort and Spa

Related: Restaurants: Wisconsin Dells

Vacationer’s Guide 

Comparing destinations: which one is right for you.

When choosing the most fun places to go with your kids, consider your desired experience and interests.

Also, check and compare each destination’s drawbacks and limitations.

The Portland Marriott Downtown Waterfront offers a convenient downtown location with stunning views and various kid-friendly activities.

However, one drawback of this hotel is its pricing, as it tends to be expensive.

The Park Hyatt Vienna is a luxurious hotel that impresses with its upscale rooms and multiple dining options.

But it has limited on-site kid-friendly activities.

Cedar Cove Resort & Cottages offers a relaxing and peaceful ambiance and provides various beach and water activities.

However, certain amenities and services have additional charges, which can be a downside to other guests.

If you’re seeking a more luxurious alternative to Cedar Cove Resort & Cottages with many amenities and activities, go to Four Seasons Chicago.

Its only drawback is that noise levels can be high during peak tourist season.

How I Picked The Destinations 

I love traveling with my family, and we always choose the best places kids will love.

As we stayed in different destinations, I thoroughly studied each place’s services and other offerings.

I also interacted with other families and travelers, and we talked about their experiences.

Likewise, I asked them for some insights and tips about each property to make my reviews more credible.

Our Rating Method 

I rate these vacations based on the following criteria:

• Safety: I use this criterion to evaluate the overall safety of every vacation destination. Does it have a strong safety record? Does it provide child-friendly safety measures? These are the questions I ask myself when evaluating safety.
• Kid-Friendly Activities: I use this criterion to evaluate the availability and quality of kid-friendly activities. Does the destination offer a variety of engaging activities? Is it near theme parks, zoos, museums, nature parks, and beaches? Is it both educational and fun? I consider these factors when rating this criterion.
• Affordability: This assesses the affordability of the family vacation. Is it expensive? Are the accommodations, activities, meals, and transportation affordable? Are there family-friendly discounts? These are the questions I take into account to rate affordability.
• Ease of Travel: I use this to rate the accessibility and ease of getting around the area. Is it easy to navigate? Does it offer family-friendly transportation options? Do we need to fly to get to the destination? I ask myself these questions in order to evaluate ease of travel.
• Accommodation Options: This assesses the availability and quality of accommodations. Does it provide spaces that separate adult and child sleeping areas? Are there amenities like a kitchen, laundry, and swimming pool available? These are the questions I ask when evaluating accommodation options.
• Food Diversity: This criterion evaluates the availability of kid-friendly food options. Does it cater to different dietary preferences? Are there child-friendly menus? I consider these factors when rating food diversity.

Frequently Asked Questions 

What is the best holiday for kids.

The best holiday for kids is typically considered to be Christmas, as it brings joy and excitement with gifts, decorations, and the magical atmosphere of Santa Claus.

What Are Some Recommended Theme Parks Or Amusement Parks That Are Suitable For Children Under 10 Years Old?

Some recommended theme parks or amusement parks that are suitable for children under ten years old are LEGOLAND California, Universal’s Islands of Adventure, and Sesame Place.

Conclusion 

Overall, these destinations offer the best vacations for kids under 10 years old.

We had a great time exploring Vienna, thanks to Park Hyatt Vienna’s convenient location.

It was a cultural delight, and my youngest was enchanted by the horse-drawn carriage rides.

At Cedar Cove Resort & Cottages, I enjoyed kayaking with the family and swimming in the crystal-clear waters.

We had a fun-filled day of snorkeling and building sandcastles.

This resort’s peaceful ambiance also allowed us to unwind and create lasting memories together.

We also had a relaxing time at Four Seasons Chicago, with its luxurious and spacious room.

But the Portland Marriott Downtown Waterfront was the best among these hotels and resorts.

From the swimming pool to the game room, my family was entertained throughout our stay.

The hotel staff was also incredibly friendly and accommodating, making sure that we felt welcomed and cared for.

Through every destination, we forged invaluable family memories and, yes, the occasional challenge of traveling with young kids.

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From relaxing escapes with your infant to deep cultural immersions upon college graduation, here are travel ideas for families with children at any stage.

Once a traveler, always a traveler. There are folks who believe a baby doesn't have to change a thing about a couple's lifestyle, and others who subscribe to the exact opposite theory. But all can agree on one thing: Those who loved traveling before expanding their family likely dream of continuing to explore the world, little ones in tow. One of the most exciting parts of having children, after all, is the way they enrich and amplify almost every experience. Then, of course, there's the awe-inspiring discovery that goes along with watching curious youngsters see and try new things, from delicious foods to beautiful cultures.

Knowing which places around the globe are most appropriate for kids as they grow into and out of different phases can be tough to anticipate. And yes, it's more daunting to fly or contend with jet lag at certain ages. It's true, too, that as little ones become big, trips become more expensive. But all the challenges are far outweighed by the collective joy that's possible on a family vacation, especially one tailored to the brood's developmental stage and interests.

Here, with the help of a few travel experts, we break it down by age group, pairing each with a dreamy destination for exposure to the wondrous world and maximum family fun.

Infants (Ages 0-1): A Mexican Beach Resort

You'll hear it from every parent: Travel while your baby is just that — a baby — because it'll never be easier. Once they start walking, all bets are off. True, you're likely sleep deprived, but doesn't that make it the perfect time to hop on a short flight to Mexico for some R&R and vitamin D?

When planning a first vacation with an infant, Indagare CEO and founder Melissa Biggs Bradley says, "You'll want a warm location with a direct flight, a big beach since infants are still too young to enjoy a kids club, and easy access to good medical care in case of an ear infection or anything more serious."

Expect to bring way too much gear, but don't worry — any parent will empathize. A family-friendly resort in a development like the Four Seasons Resort Punta Mita (for West Coasters) or Rosewood Mayakoba (for East Coasters) is a great bet since they'll happily provide the comforts of home (think: crib, mini fridge for milk, high chair, baby bathtub, or diaper pail), meaning you can focus your packing around sun protection and adorable tropical ensembles for your baby. They're also likely to offer babysitting services, in case you'd like to have dinner one night after 7 p.m. As for the new parent exhaustion, a soft, sandy beach is an idyllic place to catch up on Zs, for all of you. There's a reason sound machines come with a blue noise option — the gentle lapping of waves could lull anyone right to sleep.

Toddlers (Ages 1-4): The Island of Hawai'i

To a toddler, there's excitement to be found everywhere. They're like mini explorers, captivated by virtually every landscape and situation. Young kids who have just discovered the freedom of walking, running, and swimming will find pure magic in the Hawaiian islands. The coral reefs, beautiful beaches , Polynesian culture, soulful storytelling, near-perfect weather, and wildlife such as dolphins, whales, and sea turtles hold plenty of appeal for adults, yes, but also for toddlers.

The island of Hawai'i, specifically, offers a diversity of stunning environments, from stark and surreal lava flows to lush waterfalls, as well as resorts with little to no crowds. Mauna Lani , part of the Auberge Resorts Collection, with its ancient royal fishponds, outrigger canoes, and calm beach, exemplifies the family-forward approach. Their Holoholo Kids Crew offers thoughtful programming (think: crab hunting, Hawaiian language lessons, petroglyph walks, and natural dyeing, stamping, and feather art). And while it's designed for ages five to 12, three and four year olds can also attend with their parents (a great excuse for grown-ups to experience all the fun, too). Uncle Danny, the resort's cultural gatekeeper whose domain is the vibrant "house of knowledge," is wonderful with children.

"Many Hawaii resorts have protected ponds where you can take your toddlers into the ocean," says Biggs Bradley. "You can enjoy whale-watching cruises, and, in their later toddler years, they'll appreciate learning about the wildlife, maybe attend lei-making classes, or just relaxing by the pool or on the beach."

Elementary School (Ages 5-10): Rome, Italy

Once your kids have reached school age, they begin to hear a little more about the world around them. Basic elementary school lessons typically include ancient Rome, the Colosseum , and gladiators, says Biggs Bradley, so a trip to Rome "will further engage them in the touring, since what they've learned in school will be brought to life."

There are countless exciting activities available for kiddos, and even picky eaters will find something they love in the boot-shaped country known for pizza, pasta, and gelato. "Pizza- and gelato-making experiences are a must," says Access Italy CEO Simone Amorico, who adds that kids love making ceramics and mosaics, too. He says other can't-miss activities include, "treasure hunts in the Vatican and the Villa Borghese, where they can also ride a four-wheel bike and stop for picnics."

Meanwhile, the fairytale-like Hotel Eden is an ideal base for Roman excursions, and it's not far from Teatro Verde, a theater for puppet shows and musicals, the Explora Children's Museum, and Bartolucci, a traditional wooden toy shop where you can find Pinocchio. "At this age, a typical family tour can be boring, as they tune out and can't wait to leave," says Scott Dunn USA president John Spence. "We had our kids attend a Roman gladiator school so they could gain hands-on lessons in fighting techniques and reenact life as an ancient gladiator — they loved it."

Tweens (Ages 11-13): A Montana Dude Ranch

Between the ages of 11 and 13, kids, or tweens, will likely want some autonomy, but they also need boundaries. A dude ranch or guest ranch encompassing hundreds of acres of pristine, wide-open space makes for a wonderful compromise.

"When kids are in their early teenage years, there is nothing better than a vacation that combines adventure with something new," says Spence. "Watching our kids step outside of their element — horseback riding on mountainside cliffs or even just hiking in the beautiful Montana nature — is one of the best parts of being a parent."

Visiting a 10-square-mile property like The Ranch at Rock Creek — with a slew of included activities like fly fishing, cross-country mountain biking, photography classes, sapphire mining, and horse roping lessons — is quite a novelty for many families. Most kids, however unique their interests, will be able to find something they are stoked about. The younger ones can also attend Flint's Forest Rangers Kids Club (ages four to 12), which offers pre-booked excursions such as wildlife spotting and treasure hunting. Families can come together in the property's western-style bar for bowling, table tennis, and karaoke, too.

And perhaps the best part about Montana, home to dozens of guest ranches, is that it's gorgeous and fun year-round. It's a winter wonderland worthy of a snow globe and, at The Ranch at Rock Creek, cold-weather options include skiing (downhill and cross-country), sledding, ice skating, hockey, and snowmobiling. Expect smiles 24/7.

Teenagers (Ages 14-17): An African Safari

"It is all about the thrill of experiencing something so different from what they've ever seen before," says Extraordinary Journeys ' founder and CEO Elizabeth Gordon of taking the kids on an African safari.

Biggs Bradley adds, "Safaris are a huge area of passion for me, and I was eager to open my kids' eyes to them when they were young. The sweet spot to take children on their first safari is after 14 because by then you can ensure they will really remember the experience. They'll be able to sit in a vehicle for long periods of time and likely won't be nervous about sleeping in a tent." Plus, many camps also don't allow kids under 12 years old.

A safari is a special experience for a family to encounter together, witnessing an exciting array of animals in their natural habitat — not to mention beautiful traditions and cultures, too. "An amazing guide will teach [the kids] about tracking, get them to think like a detective, and figure out what may have happened in the area by looking at footprints," says Gordon.

As Biggs Bradley says of Kenya, "Cultural exchange is key. The opportunity for kids to meet and interact with Maasai people, for example, can be an incredibly memorable part." Properties like Sirikoi , Basecamp Explorer 's circuit, and Angama Mara provide beautiful immersion along with amazing sightings of the world's rarest species.

Another perk? Since Wi-Fi is often sparse or unavailable, families can unplug from technology and simply enjoy being together out in the bush. For even more adventure, consider adding on gorilla trekking in Rwanda (the pricier option) or Uganda (more affordable), especially if doing a safari in nearby Kenya.

College (Ages 18-21): Queenstown, New Zealand

Once kids have gone off to college, it can take a pretty enticing offer to pull them back into the fold for family vacations. Queenstown, New Zealand, is one such attractive proposition. Known as the "adventure capital of the world," it's the kind of all-season destination that offers a scene for everyone — plus, English is the main language spoken.

The birthplace of bungee jumping is home to countless thrills, from exhilarating jumps ( AJ Hackett Bungy from the Kawarau Bridge is the classic choice) to parasailing on bright blue Lake Wakatipu. "Families will love helicopter flights over the Tasman Glacier and along Milford Sound on a sunny winter day, or careening around the bends of the Shotover Canyon on a jet boat in the summer," says Gordon of this "quintessential playground."

For anyone who's not quite as much an adrenaline junkie, there are many hiking — known there as tramping — trails that reveal jaw-dropping panoramas. "New Zealand is a dream destination for a family who loves nature, landscapes, and, of course, adventure," says Biggs Bradley, adding that skydiving, rafting, caving, and fly fishing are also draws.

In the winter, Queenstown's mountains are home to epic skiing and snowboarding. The town itself is walkable and safe, with plenty of places to enjoy a sundowner, lovely meal, or the nightlife. With the kids becoming adults (and the local drinking age being 18), there's also the option to take a day for wine tasting at some of the island country's top vineyards in the Central Otago region about 45 minutes away by car.

To allow your young adults some freedom, try a couple rooms at the boutique QT Queenstown , which is full of art, quirk, and large windows showcasing the Remarkables mountain range and Lake Wakatipu.

College Graduates (Age 22 and Up): Japan

By the time they've graduated college, many young adults will be ready to dive, respectfully, into a culture as exquisite as Japan's. "Japan is a country you want to travel to when you know your family will truly be able to appreciate what it has to offer," says Biggs Bradley, pointing out the opportunity for deep cultural immersion in food and drink, museums, temples, and shrines.

In a place where there's a fine art to everything from making tea and arranging flowers to lighting incense, it's best to ensure all parties are prepared to be well-behaved and gracious guests. A more mature — or adventurous — palate is also helpful for fully enjoying all of Japan's culinary treasures. Spence calls it "the perfect place for post-graduates who want new experiences," and Japan certainly excels at providing those.

Tokyo is a dynamic urban center where exploration yields unimaginable exploits. A different energy pervades Kyoto's quieter neighborhoods of Buddhist temples, Shinto shrines, bamboo forests, and famous geisha districts. ( InsideJapan offers wonderful private tours led by local experts.) "Our kids loved trains, making the bullet train around Japan one of the best parts of the trip," says Spence.

Getting around is indeed a no-brainer — trains and buses are always precisely on time, people are friendly and willing to help despite language barriers, and there are many appealing regions (prefectures) with special attributes, such as places known for sake, hot springs (onsen), and art.

Staying in a traditional ryokan is a must, and the fourth-generation Japanese-owned Hoshinoya portfolio includes several luxury options. One of the most memorable additions to the cities, however, is a couple of days near Mount Fuji, where Hoshinoya Fuji offers spectacular views of the elusive volcano alongside exceptional local cuisine and rugged outdoorsy activities, including a food smoking workshop, canoeing, and e-biking. At the end of the day, there's no better place for a globe-trotting family to relax and share stories than around a bonfire under the stars, with live acoustic music, s'mores, and Japanese whisky.

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10 Life Changing Moments from 10 Years as a Nomad

Today marks exactly ten years I’ve been on the road . On July 26, 2006, I said goodbye to my dad, got in my car, and started my year-long journey around the world by first taking a road trip across the United States before heading to Europe.

Eighteen months later (six months later than planned), I finally came home.

Back home and broke, I got a temp job filling in for someone on maternity leave. There, sitting down in the office, I knew office and corporate life was not for me.

My soul burned to be back on the road.

I was a nomad now .

Travel was not done with me yet.

There was no going back.

So I did what anyone with no money or responsibility would do: I booked a flight and made plans to go away again.

Coming home felt stale to me . I yearned for the excitement of the road. That summer, I traveled to Europe , went back to Thailand where I taught English, and started putting time and effort into this website.

Now a decade has gone by.

The last ten years have been a long, winding road filled with one happy accident after another: from the people I met who got me excited about traveling, to the Thai classes I took that led to living in Bangkok, to the cubicle that got me to start this website, to becoming a travel writer .

It has been one exciting and unplanned adventure.

But ten years is a long time and, in the last year, I’ve begun to (finally) wind down my nomadic ways. After many false starts,  I planted roots in Austin . I no longer plan multi-month trips on the road and I’m now focusing on the next chapter of my life: part-time traveler, hostel owner, cook, reader, and early riser (but still international man of mystery).

As one chapter comes to a close and another opens, I want to share my favorite stories from the last ten years on the road:  

1. Making Friends on a Road Trip

That is, until I entered a hostel in Tucson.

There I met a Brit (also named Matt) in my dorm. We realized we were both going to the Grand Canyon, and so we ended up hiking it together .

Back at the hostel, we picked up another Brit named Jonathan, meet some cool people on trip to Sedona, and, in a hostel outside Albuquerque, an Austrian named Vera. Together we drove through New Mexico and Colorado before splitting up in Boulder.

I remember that road trip with great fondness — singing ’90s pop songs, sharing each other’s music collections, the night out where we convinced some college students I was Australian, the giant meals we cooked, and the explorations we had together.

It was this experience that finally helped me become comfortable saying hello to strangers and making friends.  

2. Living on Ko Lipe

While it’s a big tourist destination now, back then it was a sleepy little place with one nice resort, a few bungalows, and limited electricity. Though you could see the island was going to be the next Phi Phi (one massively overdeveloped place), in that moment, it was still paradise.

I went there to meet a friend. On the boat ride over, I bonded with Pat (an older Irish guy) and Paul and Jane (a British couple). I somehow managed to lose my flip-flops even before we got to the island and decided to go barefoot during my stay. “It will only be a couple of days,” I said.

Those couple of days turned into a month.

Pat, Paul, Jane, my friend Olivia, and I met a few other people who never seemed to leave the island too, and we formed a tight-knit group . During the day, we would lounge on the beach, play backgammon, snorkel, or head to one of the other islands in the national park.

At night, we would dine on cheap seafood, drink beer, and make up beach games until the lights went out. We spent Christmas together, gave each other gifts, and bonded with the locals, who invited us into their homes and sparked my interest in learning the Thai language.

But, when my visa finally expired and I had to run to Malaysia to get a new one, I had to say goodbye. It was bittersweet, but all good things come to an end sometime. (I did end up running into all of them around Thailand in the months thereafter.)

This experience has remained with me forever and taught me that the best things on the road happen when you least expect them.  

3. The Shit Story

Out of thousands of nights in a hostel, this was the grossest thing that has ever happened to me .

Afterward, I vowed to only stay in dorm rooms if I absolutely had no choice — and definitely not in a hostel with a reputation for partying.  

4. Living in Amsterdam

Greg and I always seemed to be at the casino at the same time, and he kept inviting me to join him for private poker games he ran. When you have a lot of someone else’s money in front of you, you tend to have a suspicious eye when they invite you out later.

But the more I learned about him and how people talked to him, the more I realized he was just a good guy and that this was his way of welcoming me to town. Eventually I said yes, and his social group became my social group while I was there. We would eat, drink, and play poker.

They taught me Dutch, introduced me to Dutch food, and showed me the sights of Amsterdam .

Sadly, Greg was killed in a robbery a few months after I left Amsterdam, but my experiences with him taught me to be more open and welcoming of strangers and that people aren’t always ill-intentioned.  

5. La Tomatina

Entering my hostel dorm, I met two Aussies, two Americans, and a guy from Malaysia . We were going to be my roommates for the next week, as the hostel required everyone to stay four nights during the festival.

In that time, we six just hit it off. All of us quickly bonded and spent the next week having the time of our lives, pelting tomatoes at each other, drinking sangria, nursing hangovers with gelato, and being led around by Quincy, our Malay friend with impeccable Spanish.

Deciding the fun shouldn’t end, we kept traveling together to Barcelona .

There, I remember one girl joining our crew and mentioning how it was so weird that such a geographically diverse group was so close. “How did you all meet each other?” “We just met last week!” we replied. “Really? I thought you guys had known each other for years!”

In the years since, though we don’t see each other often due to the geographic distance between us, we’ve stayed connected. When we do visit each other, it’s like we’re back in Spain and no time has passed at all.

When you click with people, you click with people. No matter where I go, I carry that time with me.  

6. Learning to Scuba Dive in Fiji

There, my friend pressured me into scuba diving. “You’ve always wanted to do it. It’s cheap to learn here. Stop being a wimp!”

He was right.

I had no excuse, so I signed up for a certification class . However, I was nervous. “What if I drown? Can you really breathe underwater?” During my first dive, I was hitting that oxygen tank like a stoner hits a bong! I went through the tank in under 30 minutes, when it should normally have lasted close to an hour.

And — though my dive partner kicked my regulator out of my mouth and I almost drowned — learning to scuba dive was one of the greatest experiences of my life. Seeing the ocean from below the surface was earth-shattering. I had never been surrounded by so much natural beauty and diversity. It was definitely one of those “wow!” moments in life.

After that experience, I decided I should be a little bit more adventurous. It’s led me to try rollercoasters more (I hate heights), helicopter rides (seriously, I hate heights), and canyon swings (fuck heights); attempt more adventure sports; and get outdoors more (nature is too wonderful not to).

( P.S. – Watch me scream like a baby in this video on my canyon swing.)  

7. Safari in Africa

Like scuba diving, it was just one of those “wow!” moments, when you realize how wonderful life and nature are. Being in Africa was an incredible adventure , and its beauty and the hospitality of its people have stuck with me ever since.  

8. Living in Bangkok

However, I had just decided to extend my travels and go to Europe the next year, so, low on funds, I needed more money! I decided to find a job, as I had heard teaching English paid a lot money . At the same time, a friend found out I was staying longer and introduced me to one of his friends in Bangkok, who introduced me to more friends.

Suddenly, I found myself living in an apartment with a circle of friends, and having a girlfriend and a life. It wasn’t easy at first, but the longer I stayed, the more I got out of the house and the more of a resident of Bangkok I became.

It was this experience that taught me I could make it anywhere — that I was a capable, independent person who could start a life from scratch.

Because if I could start a life in a place like Bangkok, I could start a life anywhere.  

9. Finding Family in Ios

Our days were spent on the beach, we hosted BBQs for dinner, and our nights were a blur. As my newfound family found jobs at the bars on the island, I wrote and blogged. It was so much fun that when I found out most were returning to Ios the following year, I did too .

Ios, to me, is that wild, carefree summer where you feel the world is your oyster and nothing can stop you and your friends from conquering it.

Though the years have passed, I still stay in touch with many of the people I met in 2009, running into them in NYC , Australia , Hong Kong , Scotland , and various other parts of the world.  

10. Patagonia

After trying to find a balance between work and travel , I finally cracked. I could not manage both well at once and started to get bad anxiety. It changed how I travel: no longer do I travel and work. If I try to do both at once, one will always suffer.

So now, if I’m in a new place, I’m in the new place! The computer is away. I’m there to explore, not work.

It was a hard lesson to learn, and it will be interesting to see how it plays out over longer trips, but with my eye twitch gone and the panic attacks subsiding, I’m in a much better place.

I’ve created more memories than I can remember in the last ten years. I often find myself remembering something that has found its way back from the dark recesses of my mind and saying, “Oh yeah, that did happen. Damn. How did I forget something like that?”

It often feels like my mind is running out of room.

I count myself lucky to have been able to experience all I have in the last ten years. Not everyone gets a chance to travel , especially for as long as I have. I’m often amazed at the trajectory my life has taken by simply saying “I quit” one day .

Was it always fated to be this way? Did the universe conspire to make this happen?

Or was it simply chance that brought me to where I am? Was this in me the whole time, and I just had to realize my potential?

As the poem goes, “two roads diverged in the woods” — and the one I took did make all the difference.

I don’t know what that other road was like and, frankly, I don’t care. I never wonder about it. I never think “what if?” The road I’m on is not one straight path upward but it’s a better road than I could ever imagine.  

Book Your Trip: Logistical Tips and Tricks

Book Your Flight Find a cheap flight by using Skyscanner . It’s my favorite search engine because it searches websites and airlines around the globe so you always know no stone is being left unturned.

Book Your Accommodation You can book your hostel with Hostelworld . If you want to stay somewhere other than a hostel, use Booking.com as it consistently returns the cheapest rates for guesthouses and hotels.

Don’t Forget Travel Insurance Travel insurance will protect you against illness, injury, theft, and cancellations. It’s comprehensive protection in case anything goes wrong. I never go on a trip without it as I’ve had to use it many times in the past. My favorite companies that offer the best service and value are:

• SafetyWing (best for everyone)
• Insure My Trip (for those 70 and over)
• Medjet (for additional evacuation coverage)

Want to Travel for Free? Travel credit cards allow you to earn points that can be redeemed for free flights and accommodation — all without any extra spending. Check out my guide to picking the right card and my current favorites to get started and see the latest best deals.

Need Help Finding Activities for Your Trip? Get Your Guide is a huge online marketplace where you can find cool walking tours, fun excursions, skip-the-line tickets, private guides, and more.

Ready to Book Your Trip? Check out my resource page for the best companies to use when you travel. I list all the ones I use when I travel. They are the best in class and you can’t go wrong using them on your trip.  

Got a comment on this article? Join the conversation on Facebook , Instagram , or Twitter and share your thoughts!

Disclosure: Please note that some of the links above may be affiliate links, and at no additional cost to you, I earn a commission if you make a purchase. I recommend only products and companies I use and the income goes to keeping the site community supported and ad free.

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We took our 7-year-old son to Waikiki for our 10th wedding anniversary. We catered the trip to us, not him.

• For our 10th wedding anniversary, we wanted to go back to the same place we honeymooned.
• We decided to bring our 7-year-old son. 
• The trip was catered to what we wanted to do, not his interests, but he still had a blast.

Anniversary trips are about the marriage, not the kids. But we chose to take our little one with us across the Pacific to Hawaii to celebrate 10 years of matrimony. We spent our honeymoon in Oahu, and taking our son back to the island gave us a unique opportunity to see how much we'd changed in the past decade. Since the vacation was about our marital milestone, we catered the trip to us, not our 7-year-old. 

The beach is the main attraction in Waikiki, and we had plenty of time playing in the ocean. But out of the water, my husband and I chose what  we  wanted to do . This meant staying in a fancy hotel, eating at nice restaurants, and enjoying plenty of relaxation — no aquariums or water parks. And still, everyone had a fantastic time.

We hiked a trail that my whole family loved 

We love to hike, but my little guy can quickly become disinterested. We decided to do the Diamond Head Summit Trail, and the 1.6-mile round trip trek — built in 1908 as part of the US Army Coastal Artillery defense system — entertained him almost immediately. I had a fleeting moment of regret when he started to complain during the initial quarter-mile stretch of concrete path, but he was hooked as soon as we hit the dry dirt trail with intense switchbacks.  

The curvy trail only got better as we traveled up and down steep staircases, through a long, narrow tunnel, and past bunkers built in 1915. The summit offered jaw-dropping views of the turquoise coastline. 

Our catamaran ride wasn't aimed at kids, but mine had a blast  

The big yellow boats conveniently departing from Waikiki Beach are designed for adults, as there's a bar on board, but kids are allowed to join. We chose an early excursion to avoid a party crowd, and the staff couldn't have made us feel more welcome. 

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We sipped complimentary drinks and enjoyed the ocean views . Our son loved the lively music and the giant splash net at the front of the boat. One staff member even helped him spot a sea turtle swimming below. 

Our hotel was  luxurious — even with a seven-year-old

The Royal Hawaiian — or the " Pink Palace of the Pacific " — is the same place we stayed on our honeymoon, and we wanted to stay there again for our anniversary. It's a perfect quiet escape from the busy streets of Honolulu. The airy and elegant historic hotel is the epitome of chic with its pink walls, black-and-white tiled floors, and lush greenery. Plus, their Mai Tai Bar, which makes the best mai tais on the island (in my opinion), has a kid's menu, and my little picky eater loved everything on it. 

We opted for a room with a balcony, so when our little one went to bed, we sat outside listening to the waves, chatting, and playing cards.

We enjoyed nightly live music and award-winning restaurants 

Instead of Googling "best restaurants for kids in Waikiki," we chose places where we were excited to dine. Our two favorites were Duke's Waikiki and Merriman's. We were drawn to Duke's for its nightly live music and oceanfront location, the upbeat tunes, tiki torches, and tacos kept us happy all night. 

The award-winning Merriman's was also a hit. Its farm-to-table Hawaiian cuisine was our favorite meal on the island. Our 7-year-old went so far as to say he'd had "the best pasta of my life." In my husband's opinion, they also made the best mai tai on the island, rivaling those at the Royal Hawaiian. Only adding to our experience, our lovely waiter talked to our son just as much as he chatted with us.

Full disclosure: no matter where we dined, the notepad and box of crayons I kept in my purse proved magical.

We all learned something new at our first Hawaiian luau

We went to a luau, and it was a highlight of the trip. When we arrived, our family got matching Kukui Nut Leis and temporary tattoos, plastic ponchos when it rained, and enough Hawaiian food and tropical drinks to last us all night. Throughout the three-course sampling of local dishes, my husband and I tried so many new culinary treats, including poi and pink haupia cake. Our son dined on fried chicken, which he loved almost as much as his virgin piña colada.

As expected, the entertainment was a mix of music, hula dancing, and storytelling. Not quite as expected, we saw a rainbow over Diamond Head and learned so much about Hawaiian history and culture . 

Will we cater every vacation to us rather than to our son? No, and I wouldn't want to. But this family trip is one I'll never forget, and not only because my husband's new morning uniform is his recently acquired Royal Hawaiian pink and white striped hotel robe.

Watch: How this shop survived centuries making traditional Japanese sweets

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What to do on 1st trip w/kids ages 9-15? - Las Vegas Forum

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What to do on 1st trip w/kids ages 9-15?

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9 replies to this topic

Pool days at MB are fun but crowded. We do this every year and generally rent a cabana one day. The Delano pool cabanas are generally a little less expensive and less crowded. But, this will obviously depend on price. If you don't do that, you can bring your own pool floats to use in the lazy river. There is a compressor station to use to inflate them, so you can just slip them in your luggage and pump them up on-site. It opens at 8 so between 8-9 is the best time to try and find a lounger.

I really like MJ One at MB/Delano. Lots of acrobatics and trampoline action at it. O is a water based show.

Like I said in your other post Mac King is a fun afternoon Magic show, and Mat Franco is awesome as well.

The kids would love the Skywalk and the dam. The West rim is a beautiful area itself and with time constraints it may whet your appetite for the park area some day. The kids would be in awe of the dams size and hopefully you could get the interior tour too. I just saw Mad Apple at NYNY. Great variety of acts and all quite good I thought. Not sure about the silk though. Don't forget Bellagios Conservatory. Def go to the M&M Store. have fun

Kids are thrilled by the strip in general. Just seeing all of the hotels and their attractions is super exciting.

I think the kids would enjoy the West Rim Skywalk. Also Mac King show. Lots of acrobats in KA no silks that I recall. Have not seen Mad Apple but heard may have questionable language/humor so maybe check that out before hand.

The national park with more views and museums is just too far for one day.

Enjoy. The 15 year old will in particular think its a cool thing to do.

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Win a VIP trip to see Ed Sheeran: X 10 Year Anniversary Show!

Ed Sheeran will play a special show to celebrate the 10 Year anniversary of his sophomore album Multiply (X) at the Barclays Center on May 22nd! And SiriusXM has your chance to win a VIP trip for 2 to see the show LIVE and win a signed guitar by Ed!

One lucky SiriusXM subscriber  will receive roundtrip coach airfare for 2 to New York, NY, including a 2-night hotel stay and 2 Premium tickets to see Ed Sheeran: X 10 Year Anniversary Show. PLUS, the winner will receive a signed guitar by Ed Sheeran!

For Ed Sheeran: X 10 Year Anniversary Show info and tickets, click HERE .

Ed will also release a new anniversary edition of the album on June 21st, featuring 9 additional tracks.

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FOX 5 celebrates 10 years of Zip Trips with new special

More fox 5 dc summer 2024 zip trip destinations revealed.

FOX 5 is revealing our Zip Trip Destinations for the summer of 2024!

BETHESDA, Md. - FOX 5 DC is celebrating the 10th Anniversary of FOX 5’s Zip Trip. 

A brand-new FOX Local special highlights many of the top moments and segments from Zip Trip over the past 10 years. 

The FOX 5 team shares their favorite memories – from a Jr. Reporter push-up competition to getting proposed to by a viewer live on-air. The special captures the spirit and excitement of our Zip Trips and why they have been a party in the mornings for over a decade.

Watch the special on the FOX Local smart TV app , and be sure to catch our tenth Zip Trip season every Friday this summer! 

Here's where we're heading for this year's Zip Trip!

I Took 13 Overnight Trips Last Year, And Here Are 13 Travel Products My Family Can’t Live Without

A fter a grueling 1.5 years spent renovating our condo by hand, my partner and I declared 2023 the year of travel. Over the course of the year, we took 13 trips with our toddler daughter — ranging in length from one to seven nights. 

These adventures took us to visit family in Missouri and Mexico, but also to a variety of east coast locations that we could drive to, including city escapes to New York City and Washington D.C., beach trips to Ocean City, Maryland, and Rehoboth Beach, Delaware, and locations nature lovers and history buffs would love, including the Finger Lakes and Gettysburg.  

In 2023 alone, we put more than 6,000 miles on our car for our overnight travel adventures — not including various day trips plus two plane trips. 10 out of 13 of these trips were three nights or less, and needless to say, in this year of weekend trips, we learned a lot about packing well. Here are 13 products I can’t live without on a weekend trip with my family.

For more incredible product recommendations in your inbox each week, sign up for our  Hand-Picked newsletter .

Luggage & Organization

1. monos carry-on, 2. beis weekender, 3. bagsmart toiletry case, 4. bagail packing cubes, family & toddler must-haves, 5. portable sound machine, 6. travel potty & water wipes.

Now, this essential is limited to toddlers and young kids, but it has easily been the best $20 purchase I have ever made – I am not exaggerating. I purchased this travel toilet and reusable liner when my daughter first started potty training, and it has been a lifesaver for the last two years. No matter where our travels take us – whether we’re running errands near home or on a long road trip – we always have an emergency bathroom in our trunk for our soon-to-be four-year-old. Simply pull over, open the trunk, and we’re good to go.

Don’t forget to keep the Water Wipes stocked as well.

7. Baby Carrier

Comfort essentials, 8. compression socks, 9. water bottle, 10. essential oil roller, entertainment, 11. ipad + kindle unlimited.

As a voracious reader, no travel day is complete without a good book. I love a physical book as much as the next person, but as someone who easily reads a book every 2-4 days – especially on vacation – I love having the Kindle app downloaded on my iPad , and a membership to Kindle Unlimited . If you’re looking for a great summer read, Abby Jimenez’s latest release, Just For The Summer , was my most recent five-star read (though it's not on Kindle Unlimited).

Confession: I wish I were an audiobook person, but I have difficulty focusing during road trips. If I enjoyed audiobooks more, I would absolutely sign up for Audible.

12. America The Beautiful Annual Pass

No weekend getaway or road trip is complete without a stop to one of the 400+ sites managed by the National Park Service, and I will never leave home without my America The Beautiful Pass .

Truthfully, my family doesn’t pay for the $80 pass – my spouse is active-duty military, and we receive a free pass annually – but I believe it would be worth it if we didn’t enjoy this free military perk. We use our park pass constantly, and I will always prefer stopping for a break in a national park versus a rest stop, even if there is a detour involved.

13. Snacks, Snacks, And More Snacks

Where are you taking your next weekend trip? If you are looking for family travel inspiration, here are 14 Travel Destinations Across The U.S. The Entire Family Will Love.

The post I Took 13 Overnight Trips Last Year, And Here Are 13 Travel Products My Family Can’t Live Without appeared first on Only In Your State ® .

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Blinken Tells Ukraine ‘You Are Not Alone’ as Russia’s Military Makes Gains

The Biden administration had warned for months that Congress’s delay in approving an aid package would leave the Ukrainians vulnerable.

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American Support for Ukraine has ‘Never Wavered,’ Blinken Says

Secretary of state antony j. blinken made an unannounced visit to kyiv amid russian military gains..

We’re meeting at a critical moment. Putin is ramping up yet another offensive against Ukraine in Kharkiv and across the east, sending wave after wave of Russian soldiers, Iranian drones, North Korean artillery and tanks, missiles and fighter jets built with machines and parts supplied by China. The coming weeks and months will demand a great deal of Ukrainians, who have already sacrificed so much. But I have come to Ukraine with a message. You are not alone. The United States has been by your side from Day 1. We are with you today and we will stay by your side until Ukraine’s security, its sovereignty, its ability to choose its own path is guaranteed. Now, after the delay in approving the latest U.S. assistance package to Ukraine, a delay that left you more vulnerable to Russia’s attacks, some Ukrainians may be wondering whether you can count on America to sustain its commitment. The $60 billion aid package that was approved by our Congress with overwhelming support across both political parties and both houses of Congress, I think demonstrates that you can, and a significant majority of Americans believe we should continue to provide assistance to Ukraine. Indeed, the American people’s support for Ukraine has been consistent over the course of the war. It has never wavered.

By Michael Crowley

Reporting from Kyiv, Ukraine

Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken sought to reassure Ukrainians on Tuesday that they could weather an ominous new Russian military offensive and count on long-term support from the United States and its European allies.

“You are not alone,” Mr. Blinken declared in remarks in the capital city, Kyiv, where he arrived by train on Tuesday morning for an unannounced visit at what he called “a critical moment” for Ukraine’s future as Russia makes fresh military gains around the northeastern city of Kharkiv.

It is Mr. Blinken’s fourth trip to Kyiv since Russia launched a full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, and the first by a senior U.S. official since President Biden signed a $60.8 billion aid package approved by Congress three weeks ago after months of infighting among House Republicans.

Mr. Blinken’s trip was planned before the Russian offensive, which has only underscored the importance of the American support that he came to highlight.

Hours after meeting with President Volodymyr Zelensky at his presidential offices and hearing his pleas for still more military assistance, Mr. Blinken conceded that the delay in U.S. aid had “left you more vulnerable to Russia’s attacks.”

But he argued that American support for the country remained durable. Congress ultimately approved the aid package first proposed by Mr. Biden last fall with overwhelming bipartisan support, he noted, implicitly downplaying the significance of the minority of House Republicans who managed to tie up the package for months.

“The American people’s support for Ukraine has been consistent over the course of the war,” he said. “It has never wavered.” That statement is supported by many polls that have shown enduring support for sending aid to the country.

Mr. Blinken was unable to guarantee continued financial support for Ukraine of the kind he and Mr. Biden have overseen, given the unpredictable nature of the U.S. political system — and, in particular, the skepticism about arming Ukraine often expressed by Mr. Biden’s Republican challenger, Donald J. Trump.

But he cited ways in which, he said, the country had enjoyed a “strategic success” since the war began more than two years ago, even though Russia occupies about one-fifth of Ukraine’s eastern territory.

Despite efforts by President Vladimir V. Putin of Russia to “lay waste” to Ukraine’s economy, he said, the country’s gross domestic product grew by 5 percent last year, and its steel factories have doubled their output over the past six months.

Mr. Blinken also reaffirmed the goal of Ukraine’s eventual membership in NATO. He said that “tangible steps” would be outlined at a NATO summit in Washington in July to help build its military and bring it closer to the alliance, including security agreements between Ukraine and each member country that extend for a decade and are not subject to political winds.

“These agreements send a clear message that Ukraine can count on its partners for sustainable, long-term support,” Mr. Blinken said. Such agreements involve intelligence sharing and military planning and cooperation, not direct financial aid.

“As the war goes on, Russia is going back in time,” Mr. Blinken said. “Ukraine is moving forward.”

But Mr. Blinken also cautioned that if Ukraine wanted to integrate with the West, including by joining the European Union, it must adopt legal and political reforms and commit to “rooting out the scourge of corruption — once and for all.”

“Winning on the battlefield will prevent Ukraine from becoming part of Russia,” he said. “Winning the war against corruption will keep Ukraine from becoming like Russia.”

Mr. Blinken, who arrived on an overnight train from Poland, met earlier in the day with Mr. Zelensky, who profusely thanked him for the “crucial” aid package for his country. Yet Mr. Zelensky quickly added that Ukraine was still in need, pointing to the Russian military advances near Kharkiv in recent days. Russian forces captured another village, Lukiantsi, overnight and bombed Kharkiv on Tuesday morning, injuring four people.

Calling air defense a “deficit for us,” Mr. Zelensky said, “We really need it today, two Patriots for Kharkiv.”

Mr. Blinken did not specifically respond to that request for the U.S.-made surface-to-air missile system. But he told Mr. Zelensky that incoming American aid — some of which he said had already arrived — would “make a real difference on the battlefield.”

Mr. Biden and Mr. Blinken had warned for months that Congress’s delay in approving critically needed U.S. arms would leave Ukraine’s military vulnerable along an eastern battlefront that has been at a stalemate for months. A senior U.S. official declined on Tuesday to draw a direct connection between the delayed aid and Russia’s gains near Kharkiv. But the official, who spoke of the condition of anonymity, said it was clear that the gap in funding had left Ukraine weakened as its military awaited ammunition and other critical equipment.

The official added that Ukrainian forces had held their positions and were exacting a toll on the Russians, and that they were likely to make gains as U.S. assistance flowed into the country.

A second senior U.S. official would not say whether Russia had been notified in advance of Mr. Blinken’s visit. Russian forces have frequently attacked Kyiv with missiles and drones.

Earlier, Mr. Blinken dined with Ukraine’s foreign minister, Dmytro Kuleba, at a pizza restaurant founded and staffed by veterans of the war. He planned to make more stops around the city on Wednesday before returning to Washington.

Maria Varenikova contributed reporting.

Michael Crowley covers the State Department and U.S. foreign policy for The Times. He has reported from nearly three dozen countries and often travels with the secretary of state. More about Michael Crowley

Our Coverage of the War in Ukraine

News and Analysis

Ukraine asked the Biden administration to provide more intelligence  on the position of Russian forces and military targets inside Russia, according to U.S. and Ukrainian officials.

President Volodymyr Zelensky signed into law a bill allowing some Ukrainian convicts to serve  in the country’s military in exchange for the possibility of parole at the end of their service, a move that highlights Kyiv’s desperate attempts to replenish its forces.

NATO allies are inching closer to sending troops into Ukraine to train Ukrainian forces . The move would be another blurring of a previous red line and could draw the United States and Europe more directly into the war.

World’s Nuclear Inspector: Rafael Grossi took over the International Atomic Energy Agency five years ago at what now seems like a far less fraught moment. With atomic fears everywhere, the inspector is edging toward mediator .

Frozen Russian Assets: As much as $300 billion in frozen Russian assets is piling up profits and interest income by the day. Now, Ukraine’s allies are considering how to use those gains to aid Kyiv .

Rebuilding Ukrainian Villages: The people of the Kherson region have slowly rebuilt their livelihoods since Ukraine’s military forced out Russian troops. Now they are bracing for another Russian attack .

How We Verify Our Reporting

Our team of visual journalists analyzes satellite images, photographs , videos and radio transmissions  to independently confirm troop movements and other details.

We monitor and authenticate reports on social media, corroborating these with eyewitness accounts and interviews. Read more about our reporting efforts .