Skyscanner’s top 10 most romantic, and more unusual, locations in which to pop the big question.
So, you’ve found the person and you’ve found the ring. If you think the hard part is over then you might want to think again. Now comes perhaps the most difficult decision; where to propose?
Remember, the question “So, how did they propose?” will be asked of your partner for the rest of their life, so it’s down to you to ensure they have a story to tell!
When it comes to deciding on a location, somewhere that means something to both of you or on an adventure you know she’ll love is the best place to start. Steer well clear of clichés like the Eiffel Tower or the overly public displays in front of crowds at a baseball game (unless they’re a huge fan). Make it unique and personal and you’ll hopefully secure the answer you’re after!
1. Flying over Heart Reef, Whitsunday’s Islands, Australia
Looking as if it had been placed in the sea especially for your big day, Heart Reef in Queensland’s Whitsunday’s really is a perfect heart-shaped island in the middle of the ocean. Book a three hour seaplane adventure to take you around and over the island and get ready to propose to your other half. Don’t worry; the pilots are used to adjusting arrangements in order to make the moment as perfect as possible.
2. Imagine Proposing in Peace, Central Park, New York
It can be tricky finding somewhere with an air of tranquillity in New York, that’s not overrun with tourists. However, The Strawberry Fields Memorial to John Lennon in Central Park is a touching and very romantic location. Due to strict rules about noise, it’s quieter than most places in the city and with a constant coverage of flowers and candles, the mood is already set. Double points if your loved one happens to be a Beatles fan!
3. A Roman Proposal, Rome, Italy
Thousands of years have passed since the Via Sacra, the main street of ancient Rome, was used during the parades to welcome home the Roman armies from the provinces. On a warm summer’s night, walk up the ancient stoned road just off the Colosseum and continue as it twirls up the beautiful Palatine hill, lined with scented trees. You will hardly meet another soul, making this a perfect place for a private rendezvous.
4. French Kissing, River Seine, Paris, France
In honour of the romantic black and white movies of the time, take a walk hand in hand along the Pont Neuf Bridge over the River Seine in Paris, stopping in the middle for a kiss worthy of the silver screen. It’s not hard to see why film makers have used this location time and time again for their scenes of couples in deep embrace so make the most of the romantic setting by popping the question.
5. A Fairy-tale Proposal, Bavaria, Germany
The fairy-tale Neuschwanstein Castle that belonged to 19th century Bavarian King Ludwig II and set high in the stunning Bavarian mountains should put a huge smile on the face of your loved one. With a horse-drawn carriage up the hill to the castle you’ll feel like royalty from a fairy story from centuries past. Neuschwanstein Castle is one of the most magical castles in the world and a stunning place to propose to your prince or princess.
6. Over the Plains of the Masai Mara, Kenya
If you love the idea of an African adventure then a hot air balloon ride over the stunning Masai Mara might just be the perfect way to pop the question. A gentle ascent will take you high above the tree-tops as panoramic views of wildlife and savannah grasslands unfold below. As you watch the sun rising, floating where the wind takes you, get down on one knee and ask away. On landing, celebrate with a champagne breakfast in the beautiful African outback.
7. My Big, Fat Greek Proposal, Santorini, Greece
Lead your partner by the hand through the narrow passages between the tiny white houses high in the hills of Santorini, where you’ll find spectacular views out across the endless blue Aegean Sea from the edge of the volcano crater in Oia. Watch a fiery orange and pink sunset while getting down on one knee and asking your loved one the big question.
8. The Height of Romance, Lucerne, Switzerland
For a proposal with a Dr Zivago feel take the world’s steepest cogwheel rail track to the top of Mount Pilatus in Lucerne on a snowy winter’s day. From the top you’ll be rewarded with views of more than 70 snow-covered mountain peaks and dazzling lakes. Choose to propose at the top or wait until you are enjoying dinner in the enchanting Pilatus-Kulm Hotel beneath crystal clear starry skies. Wake up the next morning to sunrise and shimmering snow.
9. A Rocky Beginning, Petra,Jordan
Described as a ‘rose-red city half as old as time’, the ancient Nabataean city of Petra, half built and half carved into the rock, is both an unusual and very romantic destination for a proposal and one your partner is unlikely to forget. Wait until the city is lit with thousands of flickering candles before whisking your partner off to a private little passageway in the rocks and proposing.
10. A Night on the Tiles, Prague, Czech Republic
Wait until dark before leading your loved one to the centre of the 13th century Charles Bridge in the magical city of Prague. You’ll have quiet and uninterrupted views across the city’s distinctive red tiled roofs with just the mysterious statues of patron’s and saints that line the bridge, for company.
