A vacation can be the ideal time to propose. Whether you’re in the surf with sand between your toes or climbing the summit of a gorgeous mountain, vacations offer no shortage of awesome opportunities to pop the question. If your vacation plans include asking your favorite person to spend the rest of their life with you (gulp!), the following tips will help you keep the experience smooth, fun and deeply meaningful.
- Make a plan for keeping your ring safe.
Losing your engagement ring is one way to instantly ruin your vacation, so think about how you’ll keep it safe until you’re ready for the proposal. Rule number one: Always pack it in the carry-on, never the checked bag, and make sure your bag doesn’t leave your sight. If you find it too risky to bring your real engagement ring, consider using a travel engagement ring while you’re on vacation. Also consider the risks and rewards of your partner wearing the ring during the trip. A minimalist engagement ring will often be fine with appropriate care, but a large and brilliant diamond can attract unwanted attention.
- Decide how far into the vacation you want to propose.
Lots of people save the proposal for the end of the trip (or close to it). This has the appeal of making it a climactic event and lets you line it up with a “last hurrah,” like dinner at a fancy restaurant. Alternatively, you could propose near the start and enjoy the post-engagement glow for the rest of the trip — but you’ll want to be reasonably sure that they’ll say yes if this is your plan. (As a general rule, if you’re not confident that your partner will say yes, proposing on vacation may not be the move.)
- Create a plan B.
Traveling can throw you all kinds of curveballs, so make sure you have a backup proposal plan. What will you do if your chosen space isn’t available, or the weather goes south? Having an alternative gives you more options for a special and memorable proposal, even if everything doesn’t line up perfectly. Consider indoor spaces like museums or local landmarks for inclement weather, and think about nearby restaurants where you might be able to swing a last-minute dinner reservation if the occasion demands it. Flexibility is key, and being ready to shift gears can turn a fiasco into a memorable story that you’ll cherish forever.
- Know the local customs.
Keep in mind that some places may have cultural customs that put a damper on wedding proposals, such as rules about publicly displaying affection. You don’t want to be rude (or even potentially break the law), but you also want to be free to do your engagement your way. Look for a place where local customs are in line with how you want to express your love. Do a little homework and chat with the locals to find out what’s cool and what’s not. In fact, if you’re visiting a country with a more buttoned-up culture, it’s a good idea to check during the proposal planning stage to ensure you don’t get stuck with an unworkable plan.
- Get help from locals.
The flip side of the previous tip: In some places, locals might be happy to assist with your proposal! Reach out to people such as your hotel concierge or tour guides for assistance. They can help you out with suggestions for romantic spots, and some may even be able to assist you with flowers, music or other proposal flourishes. Local vendors can also help out with unique and personalized touches you’d never have known about — from a private boat ride to a candlelit dinner in a hidden garden. Their insider knowledge can turn a proposal into an extraordinary experience filled with the charm and character of your vacation locale.
- Consider your partner’s privacy preferences.
Think about your partner’s comfort with crowds when deciding on a proposal spot. Some people will love being proposed to in front of a crowd at a major tourist attraction, while others would prefer a secluded mountain top or an intimate restaurant setting. You want a proposal that’s comfortable and meaningful for your partner, so spend some time researching likely crowd levels at your favorite proposal spots, keeping in mind the time of day you’re planning to visit. If you’ve got your eye on a popular spot, but you want to skip the crowds, consider getting up in the early morning to get a moment of relative solitude before the rest of the tourists show up.
- Plan your itinerary so the moment doesn’t feel hectic.
You can’t rush a proposal, so try to avoid the temptation to squeeze too many activities into your proposal day. Leave some space in your itinerary on the day of the proposal so you can roll with the punches if an unexpected issue arises. This breathing room will help soothe your stress and allow you to savor the lead-up to your big moment. You want a day that feels special and unhurried, so consider some more chilled-out activities like visiting a local bookstore or walking in a park. Remember, a proposal isn’t one more box to check — it’s a turning point of your life together, so treat it that way.
The best couples’ vacations are personal, meaningful and, above all, fun — and the same is true of proposals! While proposing always has the potential to be nerve-wracking, the number one rule is to relax. After all, you’re on vacation, too.
