Proposing abroad adds magic to the moment — but picking the right spot can be tricky. These tips will help you create a moment worth saying yes to.
The moment you get down on one knee to pop the question to your significant other deserves a magical location unlike any other. For many, that means heading abroad — to somewhere with the perfect climate, stunning scenery and plenty of lively spots to celebrate your engagement together.
With so many destinations to choose from, picking the right one can feel tricky — and even potentially overwhelming if you don’t know what to look for. To help ease your nerves and make it a stress-free process, here are my top tips to follow to guide you toward the proposal location of your dreams.
1. Pick somewhere significant.
Think back over the history of your relationship. Perhaps you met in a foreign country, took a special holiday together, or share dreams of the same bucket list location you’d both love to visit. Choosing a destination that’s significant to you and your other half is guaranteed to make for a meaningful proposal that feels unique to your love story.
Want to make it even more magical? Travel to your chosen destination for Valentine’s Day, your anniversary or Christmas. If you don’t usually take trips for these occasions, your partner may catch wind of your plans — in which case, you may want to travel during the off-peak season instead to keep the big moment a surprise. Not only will this approach keep your love guessing, but you’ll likely benefit from reduced costs, leaving more money in your budget to make the trip one to treasure.
2. Look for unusual activities.
Enjoying some fun activities together will help to build the excitement and romance between you both in time for your proposal. You might want to try something new and thrilling — like skiing in Switzerland, or skydiving in New Zealand. Or plan something more relaxed, like a picnic beneath the Eiffel Tower or swimming in crystal-clear Caribbean waters. Just make sure your plans are different enough from your usual activities to make the trip a memorable one from start to finish.
Of course, there’s something to be said for simply taking it easy, too. Delicious food, sunny skies and breathtaking views will help to relax you both. In fact, a quiet moment spent in a beautiful location may work wonders for those pre-proposal nerves.
3. Consider cultural norms
It’s important to research your chosen destination before planning your proposal, as some countries are more conservative than others when it comes to things like holding hands, hugging and kissing, or celebrating with an alcoholic beverage in public. While this shouldn’t stop you from proposing in a place that’s special to you, it does mean that you’ll need to be aware of cultural norms, and plan your proposal to be in line with local rules and etiquette expectations.
The UAE, Egypt, Indonesia and India, for example, each have public decency laws or social guidelines around being affectionate in public with one another in public. If you want to get engaged at one of these locations, it’s best to plan a private proposal. It’ll only help to make the moment that much more intimate and meaningful.
Keeping the ring safe
It might be the least fun part of planning the proposal, but knowing what you need to do to keep the ring safe is essential. Thwarted plans as a result of a lost diamond is a nightmare scenario for any proposer. It’s a good idea to get the ring insured before traveling, research your airline’s security policies, and look into the customs regulations for your chosen destination.
Make sure you store the ring properly, too. It’s best to keep it securely tucked away in your hand luggage, to protect from damage, loss or, in extreme circumstances, theft.
Proposing Abroad
Once you’ve covered the logistics of getting you, your partner and the all-important ring to your destination safely, all that’s left to do is plan the finishing touches your loved one will appreciate. Whether it’s floral décor, a champagne picnic or a concealed photographer ready to capture your special moment — or perhaps all three of those things — going that extra mile will show your significant other how much you really care. –Samantha Lewis
