By: Danielle Washington
Anniversaries are a special moment, but a milestone anniversary deserves a grand celebration. Taking a trip is an excellent way to celebrate a milestone anniversary as it allows you to step away from your daily life and refocus on each other. But, going somewhere basic just won’t do.
A milestone anniversary calls for a memorable travel experience that will leave you bragging about it until the next milestone anniversary. So whether you’re celebrating your first anniversary or 50 years of marriage, we believe any of the following destinations will make your friends envious.
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1. Santorini, Greece
Don’t let the media’s news of Greece’s financial issues fool you. The Greek Island of Santorini is still thriving and has not lost its signature magical feeling. Best known for its whitewashed houses, gorgeous beaches, and delicious cuisine, it’s no wonder that Santorini was named the #1 Island Overall in Travel + Leisure’s “World’s Best Awards.”
For an Instagram worthy romantic moment, relax on your private terrace enjoying views of the caldera. Or take a romantic stroll to the town of Oia to experience one of the world’s most breathtaking sunset viewing points, but make sure to get there early. If you’re looking for history or adventure, take a tour of Santorini’s many ancient ruins or hike a volcano. As you can see, there is so much to do here.
2. Dubai, United Arab Emirates
If you love Vegas, Miami and everything that screams glam, Dubai is the location for you. With the largest concentration of 5-star hotels and megamalls, Dubai is the hot spot for those looking for a fun-filled milestone anniversary. Like Vegas, you truly can do anything you want from skiing in the desert to exploring one of the world’s most beautiful skylines to lounging on a yacht.
If you can imagine it, it’s most likely in Dubai.
Dubai is also a foodies’ heaven with restaurants serving almost any cuisine, which matches the cities diverse cultures. Simply put, if you only live once, you’ll want to make sure you include a trip to Dubai in this lifetime.
3. Kenya – Giraffe Manor
Africa is a huge continent with a wide variety of ways to celebrate a milestone anniversary, but none really compare to the uniqueness of an African safari and beach vacation in Kenya. Start your journey at the Giraffe Manor, a charming 10-room boutique hotel located within 140 acres of an indigenous forest in the Langata suburb of Nairobi. This charming hotel modeled on a Scottish hunting lodge is an ode to the 1930s when European visitors first started coming to East Africa.
Here you can enjoy an incomparable moment of interacting with giraffes as they are known to poke their heads into guest rooms or the dining room’s french doors during breakfast. Or, take a guided walk around the forest and explore the region’s wildlife. One to two nights is all you’ll really need to get the full experience.
4. Kenya – TsavoWest / Mombasa
From there, continue southeast to Kenya’s largest game sanctuary, Tsavo National Park. This park is so big that it’s split into two parts, Tsavo West and Tsavo East. Tsavo West has a mixture of magnificent landscapes from swamps and natural springs to lava caves and rolling plains. Its variety makes it an ideal location to continue your African safari with opportunities to see red elephants, rhinos, and of course lions.
After you’ve gotten a chance to experience a real African safari, head to Mombasa to relax at one of its many beach resorts. Located on the Indian Ocean you can partake in many watersports like fishing, snorkeling coral reefs, or simply chillaxing under a palm tree on the white sand shores.
5. The Canary Islands
Spanish in politics, African in location and South American in culture, the Canary Islands are an exotic mix, making it an excellent setting for a milestone anniversary. The islands are also fortunate to have near perfect weather year-round, which is an added bonus. Each island has its own distinct character ranging from cosmopolitan to ecotourism. One of the largest and probably the most visited island is Tenerife.
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What makes Tenerife special is that it has something for everyone. Famous for its all inclusive resorts, volcanic golden sand beaches, tropical forest walks, and of course the island’s centerpiece, Mount Teide, the largest mountain in Spain, Tenerife is a worthy destination for your milestone anniversary.
6. Rhine River Cruise
Taking a Viking Cruise on the Rhine River is unlike any other cruise you’ll experience. This 15-day cruise starting in Amsterdam and ending in Budapest highlights some of the most scenic cities in Europe giving you and your spouse the opportunity to see these places up close from the comfort of the ship.
Just imagine how romantic it would be to lean against the rail of the ship with your loved one by your side as you watch the sunset over awe-inspiring castles in Cologne. Or imagine strolling down cobblestone roads in Vienna or wine tasting in the Rhine Valley? Talk to people who have been on this trip and they will all say what also helped make this a once in a lifetime experience was the staff and food. As these tend to be more intimate cruises, it feels more personalized, giving you an opportunity to get to know your fellow guests and crew-members.
7. Belize – Placencia
Want to feel like you’ve booked your own private island but got it for a steal? Well, you actually can book your own private island in Belize for as low as $100 per a night. Located in Central America, Belize often is overlooked for places like Jamaica, Costa Rico and Mexico. However, it is truly a hidden gem that won’t stay hidden for much longer.
When visiting Belize, consider staying off the beaten path in Placencia, a sleepy fishing village in Southern Belize that boasts 16 miles of tranquil beaches. There is nothing fancy about Placencia, but that’s part of its charm. Main Street is actually a sidewalk that runs through the village and it’s not unusual to be the only ones on the beach for miles. There are luxury resorts in the village, but consider staying in one of the bungalows directly on the beach for some additional privacy.
8. Belize – Ambergris Caye
If you’re interested in something more upscale instead, go to one of the many offshore islands in Belize known as Cayes. One of the most popular and the largest is Ambergris Caye, the crown jewel of Belize. Located next to the largest barrier reef in the western hemisphere, Ambergris Caye is known for it beaches and busy island nightlife. Book a horseback riding tour through the jungles of the Cayo District to see Mayan sites, snorkel with stingrays and sharks or explore the shops on the cobblestone streets of San Pedro. Whatever your desire, Ambergris Caye offers a wide selection of activities in addition to pure seclusion if desired.
Click here to book a FREE 15 minute travel consultation with Rogue Experiences and let us help you plan a milestone anniversary experience beyond your imagination!
About the Author: Danielle Washington is an expert Travel Consultant & Founder of Rogue Experiences who specializes in helping busy people unplug & explore the world through unique unforgettable travel experiences.