Road Scholars Recommend: Dream Destinations for an Anniversary

Every year, more than 1,300 couples celebrate their anniversaries with us. Sometimes the destination is epic, like an African safari. For others, a charming city fits the bill. For still others, it’s a return to where they met, or a first visit to a place that has always fascinated them.

We asked our community where they’ve taken an anniversary journey, and why. Here are their top 10 spots. Perhaps one will inspire you!

Italy

“When my husband and I got married in May 1975, I told him Rome was the one place I would like to go some day. He surprised me one day while I was on my computer, handing me one of your catalogs and telling me to check out one of your trips to Rome, Florence and Venice to take for our 50th wedding anniversary. I found the Italian Extravaganza: Rome, Florence and Venice program and enrolled us. We are looking forward to this once-in-a-lifetime experience for our 50th!”

— Denise & Ken Z., Shelby Township, Mich.

Costa Rica

“We have participated in Road Scholar programs on all seven continents since we retired. As we began planning for our 50th anniversary we knew that we wanted Road Scholar to be a part of the celebration. The question was where to go. We looked at many programs, but it was the Costa Rican concept of pura vida (pure life) that won us over. How better to celebrate our many happy years of life together than a place where the flora and fauna and beautiful people experience pura vida every single day? We couldn’t have chosen a better destination.”

— Eva & Hugh P., Greer, S.C.

France

“A panoramic cover shot of Paris on the cover of a Road Scholar catalog piqued our interest. I was so taken with the photo, I clipped it and taped it to a cupboard door. We started talking seriously about going to Paris as we celebrated our 49th wedding anniversary in 2019, considering it as a journey for our 50th. A second goal for the experience was to walk under the Arc de Triomphe where my father marched with Patton’s army on VE Day in 1945. Covid and a series of health challenges for me over the next three years precluded all t ravel, and the trip was shelved for good … or so I thought. Jerry had other ideas; he saw me making a health comeback and contacted Road Scholar in January 2024, registering us for Paris at a Slower Pace: Art & Culture in the City of Light. I was so surprised. We arrived in Paris in September, one month before our 54th anniversary. Paris was a pinch-me adventure of a lifetime. We even made it to the Arc de Triomphe. Truly, a ‘wow’ experience.”

— Jerry & Carol E., Louisville, Ky.

Africa

“We celebrated our 48th anniversary on the last full day of our Safari by Water & Land: Zimbabwe, Namibia & Botswana adventure this fall. In Africa, every day is an adventure, with unexpected and exciting experiences around every bend. On our anniversary, we were unable to return to our cabin for a bit in the afternoon because there were two lions sitting on the path! (They finally left.) After dinner that night, the staff at the bush camp sang a celebratory song and brought out a cake we shared with all of our new friends. We’ve celebrated many happy years of marriage in many ways, but we will never forget our African anniversary!”

— Mary Kay & Craig S., Chicago, Ill.

Greece

“We went back to Crete after 60 years. We were married July 18, 1964, and 10 days later I was stationed on Crete courtesy of the U.S. Air Force. My wife joined me that fall, and we spent the next 15 months having a wonderful experience on Crete. We decided that if we were ever going to go back, this was the time. So we looked for ways to celebrate our anniversary year in Crete and chose Road Scholar.”

— Jim & Mary F., New Bern, N.C.

Scotland

“Imagine yourself in a lovely little room for two, sitting in two cushy side chairs beside a little bistro table overlooking a beautiful loch in the highlands of Scotland. That was part of our 51st wedding anniversary day! The day also included meals in fascinating places, a monument or two, a walk along that loch's shores, and a lecture. For us, nothing has compared to celebrating our lives together, maybe just in a pair of jeans or sweats, while learning about the world and celebrating with others who might just become friends.”

— Sharon & Rich R., Greenfield, Mass.

Australia & New Zealand

“Over the years we have traveled to all 50 states and more than 20 foreign countries. In each location we try and do something that will remind us of that particular location and adventure. Since both of us are celebrating our 75th birthdays as well as our 55th wedding anniversary this year we decided to take a once-in-a-lifetime journey to Australia and New Zealand. We have volunteered on a scenic railroad for 26 years, and when we saw the multiple historic train rides in New Zealand we decided to combine these two experiences.”

— Carol & Bob M., Chagrin Falls, Ohio

Alaska

“We highly recommend exploring Alaska with Road Scholar, as we did in celebration of our 44th anniversary! We spent six exciting days observing wildlife (e.g., caribou, brown bears, moose) in Denali National Park, hiking trails and attending nightly lectures. Our cabins were located right on the banks of the Nenana River. Talk about a million-dollar view! We couldn't have asked for better accommodations, better food or better instructors. Words cannot describe the scenery everywhere you go! You won't be able to take your eyes off the breathtaking views of the 750-mile Alaskan Range and Mount Denali.”

— Don & Eileen R., North Franklin, Conn.

Portugal

“We chose this program to celebrate our milestone anniversary because we wanted to have a learning adventure in a beautiful, natural place. It is our way of appreciating our 50-year marriage and the good health we still have to enjoy a hiking adventure. We love exploring new places, especially with a focus on the natural world.”

— Alice & Joey D., Fincastle, Va.

Croatia

“Croatia is a beautiful and romantic country. The medieval old towns combined with modern amenities and a warm culture make for an experience that has it all. The beautiful boat on which we navigated the Croatian coast is a work of art and fostered incredible group cohesion while allowing opportunities to spend time together on our own as well. There is truly nothing more romantic than candlelit meals in the old towns of Croatia. It felt right to celebrate our anniversary with our newfound friends and wonderful guide! This was truly an adventure of a lifetime!”

— Barb & Scott K., Barrington, N.H.

Looking for More Ideas?

Here are another dozen unforgettable anniversary experiences Road Scholar can offer you:

• The Old World charm of Québec.
• The pristine ecosystem of the Galápagos Islands.
• The carriage-lined streets of historic Charleston, South Carolina.
• The laid-back vibe of Key West, Florida.
• The majesty of Yosemite.
• The quaint villages of the Cotswolds.
• The mysteries of Machu Picchu.
• “Les bon temps” of New Orleans.
• The azure waters of the Aegean Sea.
• The otherworldly landscapes of Iceland.
• The rhythms of Havana.
• The rugged coast of Ireland.

We hope this glimpse into the celebratory experiences of other Road Scholars will inspire you to choose a dream anniversary journey of your own. We’ll close with this wonderful comment from an anniversary participant on a program to Italy:

“When we renewed our vows 10 years ago on our 40th anniversary, I said: ‘We are lifelong learners, you and me. We are each other’s student, each other’s teacher. I want to spend the rest of my life studying with you. Choosing, every day, to go forward together, teaching and learning from each other.’”

— Melinda R., Benicia, Calif