Why Anniversaries Deserve a Passport Stamp

Claire Young on 22 July 2025
There’s something quietly powerful about anniversaries. They're not just a tick on the calendar — they’re a reminder of everything you’ve built together. From the dizzying just-married glow of year one to the golden calm of fifty years side by side, each milestone deserves a moment of pause... and a little adventure.

Maybe you’re marking a first anniversary and want to escape the chaos and soak in your “we did it!” moment on a beach in the Maldives. Or perhaps it’s a silver anniversary and you’re ready to rediscover each other over wine in Tuscany, away from the to-do lists and laundry piles.

Anniversary trips don’t have to be extravagant (unless you want them to be). They just need to be intentional. Whether it’s a weekend in the Cotswolds or two weeks sailing around the Greek Islands, the gift is time — together, uninterrupted.

Because love, like travel, is about shared experiences. The laughs, the mishaps, the magic. And if there's one thing I know for sure, it's that the memories you make while exploring the world stay with you long after the bags are unpacked.

So go on — celebrate your story. Wherever you are in your journey, love deserves the world. Here's my list of 10 popular anniversary milestones and a perfectly matched destination for each.

1st Anniversary – Paper Destination: Kyoto, Japan Symbolic and serene, Kyoto’s temples, traditional paper crafts, and poetic beauty make it perfect for reflecting on year one.

5th Anniversary – Wood Destination: Ubud, Bali Treehouse villas, jungle hideaways, and soul-soothing tranquillity – a lush, grounding escape that feels in tune with nature (and your journey).

10th Anniversary – Tin/Aluminium Destination: Dubai, UAE Sleek, modern and a little bit shiny – this anniversary is all about strength and sparkle. Think rooftop dining, desert luxury, and wow-factor everything.

15th Anniversary – Crystal Destination: Lake Louise, Canada Reflective, timeless, and pure – a crystal-clear lake surrounded by mountain peaks feels just right to celebrate clarity and commitment.

20th Anniversary – China Destination: Shanghai & The Great Wall Blend tradition with transformation – explore ancient wonders and vibrant modernity in a journey as dynamic as your 20-year love story.

25th Anniversary – Silver Destination: Tuscany, Italy Rolling hills, vineyard strolls, slow dinners under the stars – Tuscany’s timeless elegance is perfect for silver romance.

30th Anniversary – Pearl Destination: French Polynesia (Bora Bora) Pristine, rare, and breath-taking – pearl anniversaries deserve overwater luxury and that once-in-a-lifetime “just us” feeling.

40th Anniversary – Ruby Destination: Santorini, Greece Fiery sunsets, dramatic views, and deep passion – Santorini is a celebration of enduring, passionate love.

50th Anniversary – Gold Destination: South African Safari & Cape Winelands Bold, rich, unforgettable – just like your journey together. Safari thrills by day, golden vineyards by night.

Any Anniversary – Just Because Destination: Paris, France Because love doesn’t need a milestone to be celebrated. Paris is always a good idea. ??