by Robin Pavel

Anniversaries represent special occasions that mark one more year of being with the person you love. Some people even celebrate monthly anniversaries, but this term is usually applied to the passing years of a marriage.

It is a great opportunity to plan a romantic anniversary getaway for just the two of you. It may just be a single day together, out of the entire year, but it is a special time and it should be celebrated with an evening out, or even better with a romantic getaway weekend.

Going away from the boring chores of daily life can be a great incentive. Marriage is not the proverbial rose garden. It involves two individuals making an effort to create a happy home life. Add kids to the mix and suddenly your days are filled with school activities, homework, housework and laundry. Sometimes those romantic getaway vacation spots seem so far away and impossible to reach.

A romantic and relaxing anniversary getaway is always a happy event, and since you will be the one accompanying your spouse, you win as well. If you, like many newlyweds, had to watch your budget on your honeymoon, you may want to consider splurging this time around, and having that second honeymoon that you have always wanted.

You could take a cruise or visit a city neither of you has been before. You could even take a long weekend or a week away and visit somewhere romantic and sunny. When you get home, you can regale your friends and acquaintances with stories about your second honeymoon and all the wonderful things you saw and did.

Another good idea is to renew your wedding vows during your romantic anniversary getaway. You can discuss this with your spouse or even keep it a secret until the last moment! Plenty of inns and resorts offer getaway packages which include the use of their chapel and a wedding cake and other perks. Some might even include a horse-drawn carriage in the wedding vow renewal package. This would definitely make your anniversary getaway even more special.

Maybe it would be romantic for your partner and yourself to return to the place where you had your first date or where you first met. You can reminisce about the early days and what you thought of each other back then.

You should pick a romantic getaway that matches your budget and something you think you would both enjoy. The main thing is spending time together in a relaxed and romantic atmosphere and most hotels can help to make this a reality.