We’re barely into 2026, but would it surprise you that I’m already planning a trip for 2029?
Let me explain. 2029 will be our 25th wedding anniversary. And, it’s also the year that we will become empty nesters, as my youngest will go off to college that fall. Naturally, I want to plan a milestone trip for just me and my husband. Since having kids, we haven’t had hardly any travel with just the two of us, and this is the perfect occasion.
So why do I need to start thinking about this now? Some of my trip ideas require significant savings and planning, so I’ll need time to get my ducks in a row. This year’s travel plans are already booked, and we’re planning going to the Olympics in 2028. That only leaves next year open for other travel. And, if we need to save up a significant amount for the big 2029 anniversary trip, we’ll need to travel lightly/cheaply next year.
I have so many ideas for this big milestone trip! Here are some on our short (err, long) list:
Galápagos Islands Cruise
Our friend went on a cruise around the Galápagos Islands and raved about it. We’ve never been to South America, so this cruise would give us a chance to visit a few places before/after the cruise. The wildlife and scenery look stunning! This would definitely be an epic vacation.
However, due to limits on tourism and cruise ship size, cruises around the Galápagos Islands are quite pricey. We’d be looking at $20k for the cruise for 2 of us. Ouch!
European River Cruise
My parents went on two European river cruises and raved about them.
These ships don’t have all the bells and whistles that big cruise ships have, but the itineraries are appealing. They cost more than a traditional cruise but less than a Galápagos Islands cruise.
South American Cruise
Since we haven’t visited South America, several cruise lines offer itineraries that include Chile, Chilean Fjords, Argentina, the Falkland Islands and more. This would be a great way for us to get a taste of several South American countries.
Switzerland
My family of 5 (+1 niece) visited Switzerland in 2022, and it remains one of our favorite destinations (see my trip report here).. My husband and I would love to return to Switzerland and see more of the countryside, including the Matterhorn.
But…I think our kids would be so upset if we returned to Switzerland without them!
Bora Bora
Then there’s the ultimate romantic destination: Bora Bora. Leana and her husband went there a few years ago, and it looks breathtaking. Costs could add up quickly, though, considering the cost of flights to the island from Tahiti and the high price of resort dining.
Croatia and Greece
A few years ago, my entire family visited Santorini and Mykonos on a cruise. Then, my daughter and I spent a few days in Athens after the cruise, and we loved it! I know my husband would love Athens, too. We could combine a trip to Athens with a few days in Dubrovnik, Croatia and then relax on a new-to-us Greek or Croatian island.
Maui
I’ve been to Hawaii 3 times, and each trip has been well worth the flying time. We haven’t yet been to the island of Maui, and I’d also love to return to the Big Island.
France
My husband and I spent our honeymoon in France, so this country will always have a special place in my heart. While we’ve returned to Paris since our first trip, we haven’t had a chance to return to some of the smaller towns. We’d love to return to Amboise and explore other quaint towns in the countryside.
Are you planning a big milestone trip in the next few years? Which destination would you choose?
Author: Nancy
Nancy lives near Dallas, Texas, with her husband and three kids. Her favorite vacations include the beach, cruising and everything Disney.
Galapagos was a dream trip for us, we even took a 9 and 11 yr old. Looking at a tiny ship (i am motion sensitive) over a weeks time costing a wedding amount of money, we opted to do just land based. Fly into Baltra, see the highlight seals/blue footed boobies/giant tortoises/etc and do a day trip or two out to uninhabited islands to snorkel with penguins. You can even fly to a second island (ferries are long and miserable I hear). Cruises do go to remote islands you can’t see otherwise, but unless you need to see a specific type of bird or iguana you’ll be blown away with what is available from land based trips. Probably my favorite of many, many trips
@Brian Thanks for sharing that perspective! I haven’t researched doing it as a land trip. Sounds like it might be a good option.
We have taken 2 river cruises with Gate 1, which tends to be more reasonably priced. Guess I did wait more last minute for even better prices! We really enjoyed them. We spend some time in Budapest before the last one. We really love that city!
@Lynn Thanks for the recommendation! I didn’t know that Gate 1 had river cruises. Never been to Budapest!
I find it fascinating that there is not even one inspirational journey mentioned above is in North America. I suppose it’s hard to find very interesting itineraries in the USA for a seasoned traveler, but I think it’s just a crowdsourced consensus that interesting places are abroad. My feeling it’s because of even residents are not well-versed of the multitude of natural wonders this continent has possesses, plus marketing highlighting locations worldwide that are easy to sell (but most of them become overcrowded with millions of tourists).
I see the appeal of anniversary travel being on the leisurely slow-pace side, like cruising or sunbathing at Bora Bora – nothing wrong with that if transportation to starting/ending points is fairly easy and painless. Personally I won’t do it if it takes 1-2 full days to get door-to-door in each direction. That’s too much hustle for an anniversary trip. Cruising Europe looks cool, although most days you have to jump off in a new port and roam around town – not about a slow-pace here. Long transatlantic cruises might be the answer, with just few ports in the end of journey, like Venice or Barcelona.
Being lucky by experiencing many National Parks in the US, I can say that I’d be happy to plan a special vacation in one of them (or nearby). Such plan will include both nature sightseeing and relaxation time with the partner – enriching senses and souls together within such shared time. Additional pluses are low safety concerns, no language barriers, and familiar set-ups.
From you list, I would’ve chosen Greece most likely, but France might appear more romantic to your taste. The picture of Ambroise reminded me of the very similar-looking castle in Asheville, South Carolina (Biltmore). It’s one of two great American estates we’ve visited past year that are even grander inside and outside over their European counterparts (Biltmore, SC and Crane Estate, Massachusetts). Those are another reason to think about not going abroad, but spend vacations in North America.
Another overlooked gem is Mexico City – with excellent museums, Diego Rivera murals, huge ancient pyramids (day trip), great parks and palaces, local culture, plus delicious food choices at every corner. All within an easy reach from the US, and for fraction of the costs.
Happy travels!!
@Aleks Thanks for sharing your perspective! The trouble with many destinations in North America is that we’ve already been there. Growing up, my family traveled extensively within the US, and my husband traveled a lot with his previous job. Our trip to Banff in Canada for our belated 20th was fantastic, though, and I loved that the flight time wasn’t bad at all! Mexico City is on my list for a shorter trip because it’s so easy to get to from DFW. Good chance I’ll go there with my daughter for a long weekend someday.
Minor trivia about South American cruises for your consideration. The Falkland Islands gives a chance to see some unusual birds (PENGUINS!). But the water can be rough and often the stop gets cancelled.
Cruises going round the southern tip of South America can offer some Alaska-like fantastic scenery. My experience (and what I read) was that the wildlife generally isn’t as impressive as Alaska.
Some cruise lines offer cruises between Chile and Florida (or elsewhere on east coast) that include a Panama canal transit. They may have a stop in Southern Peru that offers a flightseeing excursion to see the Nazca Lines if you are into ancient mysteries. Some include chances to leave the ship for a few days for a land segment to the Galápagos Islands or to the Andes and Cuzco if those places interest you. Won’t be cheap, and of course you will miss a port call or two. I took one of these on HAL and it was highly memorable, though I didn’t use the Andes/Galapagos option. Panama Canal was fascinating.
I’ve written the above from general experience, if one of the special things I mentioned is critical to you, naturally you should verify it will be available on your specific trip.
@Mike B Thanks for sharing your experience! I cruised on HAL to Alaska and I wouldn’t hesitate to book another one with HAL.
Since your looking at cruises Carnival cruise is staring an African cruise to Morocco, Tunisia it sounds interesting.
@Boonie Thanks, I’ll check that out!