Hi everyone
I am in the process of planning our 10 year anniversary trip in 2004 and have narrowed it down to the following places:

Jamaica (we were married here in 1994)

Orlando (Walt Disney World)

California (San Francisco, Santa Barbara or San Diego)

Mexico (Cozumel)

Myrtle Beach (if all of the above are not doable, and we do like it here).

We don't have a budget set yet, but I am working on it, but our price range is moderate.

Background: My husband is an adventurer, but he also likes beaches, sightseeing, (hates shopping).. I am a sightseer, shopper, beach lover. However, we do compromise when making travel plans. NYC is one of our favorite places to visit for weekends. We really like this city.

All suggestions welcome!

P.S. A cruise is out of the question for my husband..(I went on my first cruise in 2001, and enjoyed it).


The Williams

Personally, I would choose Jamaica. That would cover beach and siteseeing. Not much for shopping.

After that, I would probably choose San Francisco... you have wine country to the north, great beaches to the south, and plenty to do in the city itself... along with plenty of great shopping.

For me it would have to be based on time of year! Weather plays a big part on my vacations, so I may not want to go to Jamaica during hurricane season, you might not enjoy San Francisco in the winter, etc.
That being said, I would never go to Walt Disney World unless I was taking kids! Not very romantic with hundreds of kids around and very expensive to boot!

I agree with Ally on skipping Walt Disney. . Too many kids, but then again depends on when you go. I'm not much of a beach person, so I would never choose Jamaica. But looking at your choices, I'd probably go for Jamaica or Cozumel. San Francisco and wine country would definitely be my second choice, preferably over San Diego. But the time of year is definitely a deciding factor here...

Those places are all so different it would be hard to narrow it down. I and my wife had to make the same kind of decision last year and we had a long list like yours. We bought the book...Honeymoon Vacations for dummies.
Inside there is a questionaire for you and your partner to fill out. After scores are tabulated it gives you the place that fits you both the best. The scores are in the following areas. Adventure,shopping,beaches,amount of money to spend etc. Might give it a look or make one of your own. (just a thought)
Anyway...based on those locations (I have been to three) My personal choice would be Orlando (hoping someone from the Orlando and Vegas bashing thread doesnt throw anything) I and my wife dont have kids and enjoyed it very much.
(it doesnt have a beach but you could do a side trip to the coast...)
Have fun!

Orlando is about as romantic as an afternoon in a Toys 'R' Us next to a Sam's Club. If you were treating your kids to the theme parks, great, but if it's a tenth anniversary trip, don't you want better memories than "here we are waiting in line for another ride" pictures...?

Jamaica would be a nice nostalgic choice, but I wouldn't choose it myself. And it's not just because I live on the West Coast.

Depending on time of year and budget, I'd go for the California trip. Whatever the city chosen, you will be able to do a CLASSY, romantic holiday.

San Francisco? Maybe split it between a couple of nights on Nob Hill (the views!) and Carmel...? SF is still a pretty town, although the homeless problem is notable.

Santa Barbara is lovely, a bit quiet for me, but you'll have beaches, upscale hotels and restaurants, and the Santa Ynez wineries nearby.

San Diego is farther south, a bit warmer than the other two CA cities, more city-like. You could do a fantastic holiday in La Jolla-- small-town feel (despite being a San Diego neighborhood), cool beaches, sweet little downtown area (LJ Village), wonderful restaurants on the Cove. And you're close enough to San Diego's other attractions (Balboa Park, Downtown and the Horton Center-- if you must shop--, Coronado "Island", etc.).

Baxter: Good question. I know Jamaica is beautiful-- but I've lived on an island in the Caribbean (Puerto Rico, when I was a kid) and don't need to see another one at this time. Plus, I'm a big city kind of guy and need to have that vibe available to me when I travel. I don't know why. If I were more low-key in that area, Jamaica would be ideal. I don't mean to steer anyone away from it-- I'm just expressing my viewpoint.

Thanks everyone

your replies are great. I am sorry I forgot to mention that my anniversary is in July..

Dowling: Actually, the REAL reason is as I state (the "gay" thing never occurred to me). Although cultural or political conservatism do enter into my travel plans (you never find me anywhere in Cobb County, GA-- nor do I think they'll miss me), Jamaica and the whole Caribbean just don't interest me....

Although I love Jamaica and NYC, I would skip them both in July because of the heat. I went to Jamaica two years ago the begining of August and was miserable. Turn the burner on your stove on high and put your hand about 4 inches above it and that was what the heat would compare to. I've also got stuck in NYC in some miserable heat waves in July. I've never been to Mexico in the summer but think it would be similar.

If you are wanting to have sun and beaches, I would look into Maine or California.

If the city is your thing, I would look into San Francisco.

If the heat and humidity do not bother you, go with one of the tropical locations.

Good luck!

Gee, I wasn't much help.