By Kate Sheppard
When deciding when, where and how to propose, many people choose to do it on holiday, to make it an even more, special and memorable trip. It can be a great way to get interesting photos of the moment, with stunning backdrops, that you can send as postcards to all your friends to make the announcement…
But where should you go, if you are considering getting engaged? Do you want it to be somewhere traditionally romantic like Paris or Rome, or perhaps somewhere that says something about you as a couple, or a destination that has a specific meaning for you both? Or, maybe you want a holiday of a lifetime, and the ring is the diamond cherry on that cake? Here are some ideas for that all-important moment.
Engaged in Europe
If you don’t want to go too far afield, but still want to make a holiday to remember, European cities are ideal spots to go down on one knee. Paris is the city of love, and a sunset proposal on the Eiffel Tower is one of the most romantic places in the world – if you don’t mind that a lot of people have done that already. It is the second most popular place in the world to propose.
If you want a more original destination for your proposal, but one that is still steeped in romantic history, Italy could be the country for you. Whether you want to be immersed in the historic ruins of Rome, amongst the art in Florence or the vineyards of Tuscany, you would find it difficult to find somewhere in Italy that isn’t a perfect proposal spot.
For a slower pace of life, England’s Lake District combines stunning scenery with secluded areas for a private proposal where it is just the two of you for miles around. Take a boat, or a hike if you are feeling active and adventurous, and then settle down for a romantic picnic in the hills or by the water. But remember to pack the Champagne!
Cosying up in the Caribbean
If you want wall-to-wall sunshine, soft sandy beaches and crystal clear waters for your proposal, the Caribbean is the place to go. If you don’t have a particular island in mind, then taking a Caribbean cruise gives you the option of exploring several different areas, and you can choose the one which takes your fancy.
Cruise line staff will also be happy to help facilitate proposals, either on shore or on board the ship itself, so you can really make it a trip to remember.
The tropical surroundings are sure to make any photograph look even more idyllic, and you will be the envy of all your family and friends. And that diamond ring will sparkle like the sea in the sunshine, so make sure you show it off!
Wrap up in a winter wonderland
Prefer the cold weather? Snow and ice is more your thing? A trip to Norway or Iceland, with a stay in an ice hotel and the possibility of seeing the Northern Lights gives you the perfect opportunity to cuddle up close to your paramour and maybe experience one of nature’s most fantastic natural phenomenon. What could be more romantic than a proposal under the glittering skies of the aurora borealis?
Go one step further, for a more fun and festive proposal, and visit Lapland. Wrap up warm, head out on a husky sleigh ride, and get Santa and his reindeer involved, for the ultimate Christmas proposal.
New York for a cinematic backdrop
The ultimate in proposal spots, do the tourist thing and pop the question on a carriage ride in Central Park or climb to the top of the Empire State Building for the complete rom-com experience. There are so many famous landmarks in New York that you will be spoiled for choice.
Times Square is the place to be on New Year’s Eve, or get away from the hustle and bustle a bit more with a proposal on Brooklyn Bridge and with the sights of New York stretched out in front of you, as far as the eye can see.
Go wild on an African Safari
If you are an animal lover, set your wild side free with a safari trip. For a truly memorable setting, the plains of Africa offer a myriad of wildlife that can make the occasion even more special. Proposing with lions, tigers, elephants or giraffes in the background is certainly different, whether you are crossing the country in a battered jeep or enjoying dinner at a treetop hotel amongst the forest.
You could even hire a hot air balloon to take you across the Serengeti in Kenya or, for the ultimate grandeur, propose in the shadows of the awe-inspiring beauty of the Victoria Falls on the Zambezi River.
Final thoughts
Wherever you choose to propose, it is sure to be magical (as long as they say yes!) and memorable for you, but going abroad to pop the question will always be a popular choice. Whether you want cheesy and traditional, or something a bit more unusual, there is a destination to suit every couple. Just make sure you send a postcard to tell everyone all about it!
Kate Shepard is a travel and parenting writer based in the UK. Follow her on Twitter to catch more of her work!
Comments are closed.