Congratulations! You’ve found ‘the one’. Now you’re keen to seal the deal with a romantic proposal abroad. But where should you pop the question to your soon-to-be travel buddy for life?
Here are some of the world’s best places to get engaged – all you need to do now is get them to say ‘yes’.
Cappadocia, Turkey
Engaged couples often describe feeling like they’re on Cloud Nine – and you can get even closer to it by proposing on a hot air balloon ride in Cappadocia, Turkey. Afraid of heights? You can choose from enchanting locations: the views from Göreme’s rooftops are dreamy at dawn, with hundreds of balloons silhouetted against pink skies. Meanwhile, the jagged rocks at Red Valley viewpoint come alive at sunset. Consider checking into one of the region’s luxury cave hotels for an unforgettable end to your first day as fiancés.
Ushuaia, Argentina
You’d go to the ends of the earth for your partner – so why not whisk them away to Argentina’s southernmost town, Ushuaia? Here, you can hike through Tierra del Fuego National Park, visit the Martillo Island penguin colony, or kayak in the Beagle Channel before getting down on one knee. With a surprising number of restaurants here, and a thriving craft beer scene in Patagonia, it’s ideal for toasting a new engagement. If your budget allows, consider an unforgettable Antarctic Peninsula cruise for a truly once-in-a-lifetime experience.
New York City, USA
From Love Story to West Side Story, New York City is home to some of the world’s most famous romantic locations – making it an ideal place to turn your engagement dream into reality. For something quintessentially NYC, you could pop the question in Central Park after a morning stroll, present a ring at the Top of the Rock, or collaborate with the staff at Tiffany & Co to surprise your partner as you ‘browse’ the diamond rings. Alternatively, you might consider a romantic walk along Brooklyn Heights Promenade as the sun sets behind Manhattan’s skyscrapers, creating the perfect moment.
Anglesey, Wales
When it comes to proposals, timing is everything. On Llanddwyn Island, a tiny tidal island off the coast of Anglesey in Wales, this is especially true – as you’re also depending on the tides to allow for safe passage. This remote spot was the home of St Dwynwen, the patron saint of lovers. If February 14 seems too cliché, consider surprising your partner with a proposal on St Dwynwen’s day (January 25) – however, a late summer proposal is likely to bring better weather.
The Maldives
Why wait until the honeymoon for an idyllic island getaway? The Maldives is the quintessential romantic destination, making proposal planning seamless. You could ask for their hand in marriage from the deck of your water bungalow; share a candlelit dinner on the beach; or enjoy a luxury catamaran cruise at sunset while watching spinner dolphins leap from the Indian Ocean.
Garden Route, South Africa
Ready for a road trip to remember? Drive along South Africa’s Garden Route, which stretches from Mossel Bay to Storms River. This journey takes in some of the world’s most stunning coastlines. Consider proposing during a barefoot walk along Noetzie Beach, or gather the courage after some wine at the vineyards outside Plettenberg Bay. Alternatively, you could ask your loved one to take the leap – both literally and figuratively – in Wilderness, where you can paraglide over sweeping beaches or enjoy a canyon jump; marriage is an adventure, so why not start as you mean to go on?
Agra, India
Sure, it’s India’s equivalent of an Eiffel Tower proposal, but sometimes a tried-and-true favorite is what you need. Unlike Paris’ icon, the Taj Mahal has a truly romantic backstory. Commissioned by Emperor Shah Jahan in the 17th century as a memorial for his late wife, he was laid to rest there with her 35 years later. The majestic white marble monument is one of the new seven wonders of the world and, unsurprisingly, welcomes millions of visitors each year. Aim for sunrise for the best light and cooler temperatures, but be prepared for inevitable onlookers.
Byron Bay, Australia
The anticipation leading up to a proposal can be overwhelming, but laid-back Byron Bay can help you forget your jitters and ease into that unforgettable moment. Nature does much of the work when it comes to charming your partner – all you need to do is pack a picnic, perhaps some champagne, and guide them to the beach. Between May and November, you might even see whales breaching from the shore – a visit to Cape Byron Lighthouse offers a stunning bird’s-eye view.
Jökulsárlón, Southeast Iceland
With glistening waterfalls, bubbling geysers, dramatic coastlines, and ice caves, Iceland’s awe-inspiring landscapes provide countless beautiful spots for a proposal. Confident that there’s no shortage of stunning scenery, you can choose your moment whenever it feels right. However, if you’re searching for a clear vision, consider Jökulsárlón. This glacial lagoon’s icebergs look especially magical under the northern lights if you’re lucky enough to witness them. Nearby Diamond Beach, known for its iridescent chunks of ice that wash up on its black sands, makes another worthy location to present a sparkling ring.
Vancouver, Canada
If you both feel equally at home in a fancy restaurant and in hiking boots, Vancouver could be your dream destination. The cosmopolitan city’s food scene is second to none, and after a day spent exploring Capilano Suspension Bridge Park or cycling the Stanley Park Seawall Bike Trail, you’ll definitely deserve a celebratory meal. Reserve a table at Hawksworth for high-end Canadian cuisine or enjoy farm-to-table dining at Forage. For a more adventurous twist, head to Vancouver Island, where you could pop the question after a kayak trip or at the summit of Mount Douglas.
This article was first published Oct 24, 2019 and updated Jan 17, 2022.
