Near or Far, an Anniversary Trip is a Great Way to Celebrate

It's no coincidence that many couples plan an anniversary trip to celebrate a special anniversary. Getting away from it all - including jobs, kids and day-to-day chores - is a wonderful way to let your spouse know you would marry him or her all over again.

But anniversary trips come in all shapes and sizes. Adult children whose parents are celebrating a 50th anniversary may consider taking their parents on an anniversary trip that includes the grandchildren (more on this later). Whether it's a quiet weekend for just the two of you at a quaint country inn or a week on a cruise ship with three generations of your family, anniversary trips are a perfect vehicle for celebration.

Plan a romantic anniversary trip getaway

Has your wife always dreamed of going to Paris? Or would the most romantic thing in the world be a return trip to your honeymoon suite in Bermuda? Even if you're not an avid traveler, there's a lot to be said for a change of scenery to celebrate your anniversary . This could involve a short train ride into New York City for the weekend or a drive to the shore. Whatever says romance to you (and your spouse) is the best choice. It could be an island in the Caribbean, a cruise ship to Alaska, a chalet in the Alps or any number of fabulous cities like San Francisco, Rome or Montreal.

An anniversary trip close to home

You don't need a passport to ignite the spark of romance. If you hate to fly or don't want to break the bank with a big anniversary trip, there are plenty of other options. Consider an overnight stay in a posh hotel with a romantic, candlelit dinner at the hotel or a nearby restaurant.

Look into interesting destinations close to where you live. The important thing is to plan an outing that you both enjoy - whether it's an anniversary trip through local vineyards followed by dinner in a charming café or a weekend at the beach featuring a gourmet picnic lunch. If you are staying close to home, you may also want to invite your favorite people to join you for an anniversary party. We have great anniversary party ideas that will help you create lasting memories.

.....Or venture far away

If you have the time and the resources, a special anniversary is the perfect time to venture to a part of the world you've never seen - provided, of course, that it appeals to both of you. An African safari, an anniversary trip to Tahiti or a visit to New Zealand are just a few possibilities. If you're over 55, organizations like Elderhostel put together budget-friendly trips to destinations in the US and abroad. Most are tied to a particular area of interest, such as cooking classes in Sicily, exploring the natural beauty of Patagonia, enjoying theatre in London or trekking through the national parks of Utah.

Should your anniversary trip be just the two of you - or a family affair?

An anniversary trip is the perfect time to plan a second honeymoon - just you and your spouse with no kids in sight. It's also a perfect time to gather your children and even grandchildren together (particularly if your family is separated geographically and you don't get to see each other too often). Whether you want to celebrate alone or with the rest of your clan is entirely up to you, of course. And if you and your spouse disagree, you can probably find a way to compromise - perhaps spending a few days alone and then having the rest of your family join you for the remainder of the anniversary trip.

If you're an adult who would like to host an anniversary trip for your parents , there is one important rule of thumb: This is a trip for them. If they like warm weather and you're a ski buff, this isn't the occasion for a week in Aspen. Make sure you understand the type of trip your parents would enjoy, and then make all the arrangements. And if an anniversary trip isn't feasible, consider throwing them a party instead. Need some special anniversary party ideas ?

Renew your vows

Many couples decide renewing wedding vow s is wonderful idea on a special anniversary - often a milestone year. This can be done locally, of course, but you may want to make this a part of your anniversary trip. As you make your travel plans, you'll need to consult with the place you're staying to make the arrangements for your ceremony, as well as to book accommodations for your guests. Hotels and resorts have event planners who can assist you . If you're going somewhere exotic or far from home, you should probably limit the guest list to 20 people, but certainly no more than 50. Large numbers make it difficult to manage activities and keep track of your guests' comings and goings. Looking for more things to think about when you renew vows ?

Indulge yourself

This is no time for holding back. You're celebrating the success of your marriage and sharing the experience with the love of your life. Of course, this anniversary trip shouldn't jeopardize your finances or exceed what you can realistically afford. But within these parameters, by all means treat yourself to something special : a luxurious spa package, dinner at a four-star restaurant, an expensive bottle of champagne, a hot air balloon ride. This is also the perfect time to treat your spouse to a special gift of anniversary jewelry. If you'd love a special piece of jewelry and want to give him hints, here are some suggestions .

Dazzle her with a special gift

What better time to show your spouse how your love has grown than the anniversary of your wedding? You probably know what would please her by now (if not, be alert to hints she may be dropping!). Is your wife a romantic? Is she creative? Or is she the sentimental type? No matter what her personality, chances are excellent she'd be thrilled with diamond jewelry. Consider 3 stone diamond ring s , anniversary bands, a 3 stone diamond pendant , 3 stone diamond earrings, or even a 5 stone diamond ring . Any one of these gifts is sure to take her breath away. Imagine presenting her with a ring in a velvet box on your anniversary trip! Want more anniversary gift ideas?