Getting engaged when you go on holiday is one of the most magical ways to take the next step together in life. It can take an ordinary trip and elevate it into something magical and romantic. But planning the perfect holiday proposal is always tricky. You want to make sure it’s memorable and romantic. You want to make sure it’s something that your partner will enjoy. And you also want to be confident they will say yes.
If you’re thinking about popping the question on your next trip, try exploring some of these holiday proposal ideas. While they won’t work for everyone, you should be able to find something that resonates with your relationship dynamic.
1. Right at the start of your trip
Popping the question on the plane is a great way to get the trip started in style. This will also take the pressure off you to keep the proposal secret during your trip. A lot of people struggle to hide their nerves when they are preparing to propose, so getting it out of the way at the start of your trip will allow you to enjoy yourself. There’s also the chance you could get an airline upgrade to celebrate your proposal.
Don’t try this if: Your partner is afraid of flying. They won’t be able to enjoy the proposal if they are anxious about the flight. Instead, wait until you arrive at your destination.
2. At a restaurant
The classics are classics for a reason. Planning your proposal during a fancy meal is a beautiful way to ask your partner to marry you. You’ll have the perfect backdrop and you might even get lucky and people around you will snap photos of your engagement. If you’re nervous, pop the question with the starters rather than waiting for dessert so you can also enjoy your meal.
Don’t try this if: Your partner hates attention. If the thought of all eyes being on them will make them cringe, they are more likely to appreciate a private proposal.
3. On a boat ride
You can’t beat a sunset boat ride proposal. Charter a boat with a skipper so you can focus on more important things; like sharing a picnic and a bottle of bubbly. As the sun sets, the ring emerges and you can ask the most important question of your life.
Don’t try this if: You’re or your partner are particularly clumsy. You don’t want to drop the ring and see it go overboard.
4. At a famous sightseeing location
Going somewhere with a popular attraction? Why not pop the question during a day of sightseeing? Bonus points if it’s somewhere extra romantic, like Venice. If you want to beat the crowds, try suggesting an early start so you can have the place to yourself when you pop the question.
Don’t try this if: You’re heading somewhere too obvious, like the Eiffel Tower. Save it for a lesser-known and more private spot where you can enjoy a moment of peace and quiet together.
5. On the beach
Enjoy a beach day with your better half? Why not make this an extra special occasion by hiding a ring in your beach towel? A beach proposal is best done when you find a secluded spot where you can be alone. Take a blanket out just before sunset with a bottle of bubbly and pop the question when they are least expecting it.
Don’t try this if: Your partner hates the beach. Yes, some people dislike the feeling of sand getting everywhere, and no amount of romance will help them to overcome this feeling.
6. Under the stars
Book a star gazing night and then pop the question after you see a shooting star together. This could be an organised night, or it could be a night just for the two of you. You don’t have to have fancy equipment to enjoy a night looking at the stars together. All you need to do is find a secluded spot away from bright lights and look skyward.
Don’t try this if: The weather is unpredictable in your holiday destination. If there’s a chance your proposal could be ruined by cloudy skies, stick to something more reliable.
7. In the wild
Heading out into nature for the day is a great way to pop the question. Your partner will be distracted by the sights and sounds of nature, so you can focus on finding the right moment. This is a great option if you want to find a quiet moment alone. You could try planning a hike, or even try something more adventurous like scuba diving or snorkelling.
Don’t try this if: Your partner hates the outdoors. It might seem romantic, but if they aren’t having a good time, they’ll struggle to get on board with your idea of romance.
8. On the trip home
If you can wait this long, a proposal on the trip home is an incredible way to end your holiday. Perhaps your partner has been expecting the proposal during the trip, and then you surprise them with a proposal on the flight home. This will be an incredible conclusion to your trip and will make the prospect of heading home and back to work more palatable when you have something incredible to celebrate.
Don’t try this if: You’re nervous about proposing. You’ll ruin your own holiday by ensuring that you’re preoccupied with the flight home. You might also be visibly nervous about the ring being discovered during your trip.
Top tips for proposing on holiday
If you’re planning to propose on holiday, make sure you keep the following things in mind:
- Keep the engagement ring in your hand luggage, not your checked luggage, as this will minimise the risk of losing it.
- Have a contingency plan in place if your first choice of proposal doesn’t work out.
- Keep your nerves in check so they don’t think something is amiss.
- Don’t make the entire trip about the proposal. Make sure you make other plans around the proposal.
- Plan out your proposal speech ahead of time to avoid getting tongue-tied.
- Try documenting your proposal with a hidden camera.
