How to Plan a Destination Proposal

• by Tracy C.

• Also try: How to Propose

Introduction

• As proposals grow ever more elaborate, one of the most popular places to pop the question is on a trip. Yes, it will require more advanced planning, especially if the trip will be a surprise, but the destination proposal has also become one of the most romantic. Before you book your flight and renew your passport, be sure to do a little research so that this will be the trip that inspires the response you're hoping to hear.

Step 1: Will It Be a Surprise?

Will the perfect spot be a big surprise? (Creative Commons photo by Ralph Orona)

• Do you already have a trip planned that you think will provide the perfect atmosphere for your proposal? Or will this trip be one to surprise and charm your intended?

1. If the two of you have a trip planned that you're excited about, it could be the perfect environment for a proposal, and this way, your significant other is prepared to take a trip: she's packed, she's taken time off, she's had the requisite beach vacation mani-pedi.
2. For the control freaks out there, a planned trip might be the way to go.
3. On the other hand, if you want to surprise your beloved by romantically spiriting her away to a foreign clime or a remote beach cottage, you'll need to keep your plans mum.
4. Because so many couples discuss marriage beforehand and getting engaged is somewhat expected, a surprise trip can really up the excitement factor.

If You are Planning a Surprise Getaway

1. Request the necessary time off from your beloved's boss well in advance.
2. Even if you are just taking a weekend trip, it's best to find out (perhaps through a co-worker), if your gal has a major presentation on Monday morning.
3. Also be sure to consider any important dates she won't want to miss. Planning your engagement the same weekend as her mom's 60th surprise birthday party is not a good idea.
4. Perhaps the hardest part about planning a surprise trip isn't planning it. It's packing for it: enlist a close friend or relative to help. At least ask a friend what the necessary items would be for a particular destination (e.g., at least two bathing suits for a tropical location).
5. Don't forget toiletries and cosmetics and any prescription medications your significant other takes on a regular basis.
6. If you will need passports, you'll want to find out if your partner's is currently valid and where to find it.
7. If you have no idea where to look for her passport, it's best to leave extra time before your flight for her to go home and retrieve it.

Step 2: Decide on a Location

Your choice may become a special place to return to again and again. (Creative Commons photo by Anuradha Ratnaweera)

• Where is the perfect proposal site?

1. Consider your partner's personality as you decide on the perfect locale. Is she the adventurous type? Would an African safari provide a dramatic backdrop to your proposal? Or would she most enjoy a relaxing spa vacation?
2. Also take into account the places she's said she wants to go to (would a surprise trip to Italy be a dream come true?) or if there is somewhere you went together that retained special significance. If you bonded over a camping trip to the Adirondacks several years back, recreating that memory could become very meaningful.
3. Some of the most romantic locations include Paris, Cairo, Italy, the Grand Tetons, and the Brooklyn Bridge. See Forbes.com's picture slideshow to get an idea of what some of these spots can look like.
4. You will probably want to choose a location you would like to return to, as you may enjoy celebrating future anniversaries in this soon-to-be special place.
5. Think about how much time you have. Especially if a wedding is on the horizon, you both might need to reserve vacation time for your honeymoon and the wedding itself.
6. Also think about your budget. If you've already blown it on the ring, a simple proposal might be the better choice. There are plenty of romantic options that don't have to cost a fortune.

Yes, the Eiffel Tower is romantic. (Creative Commons photo by Lloyd Morgan)

If You're Leaving the Country

• This will take a little more advanced planning.

1. Apply for new passports if necessary, or renew them if they are no longer valid.
2. Determine whether or not you are required to apply for a visa from your host country.
3. Certain locations will also necessitate vaccinations. See the CDC's advice on recommended vaccinations for particular travel spots.
4. Be sure you at least know a few basic phrases if there will be a language barrier.

Step 4: Before You Leave

• There are still a few things to manage before departure.

1. You should contact the concierge at the hotel you will stay at to get advice on the best local restaurants, how to arrange for flowers or champagne, or how to proceed with a proposal at a special site (can you get into the Louvre after hours? How easy will it be to charter a sailboat from your hotel? Is it possible to have candles placed around your cabin? Etc.?).
2. If the trip will be a surprise, you probably want to tell at least one close friend or relative your plans in case anyone worries about your sudden disappearance.
3. Don't forget your camera!
4. Mind the ring! Do not keep the engagement ring on your person when going through airport security. The last thing you need is a TSA agent popping the question for you.

Step 5: You've Arrived. Now What?

Success! And a beautiful backdrop for photos! (Creative Commons photo by Lazy Lightning)

• You've managed to whisk away your beloved to the perfect proposal destination. Everything is in place, so what do you do now?

1. Don't wait until the last day of your trip to propose. While you don't want to ask for her hand in marriage the second you hear, "It is now safe to use your cell phones," making your significant other wait the entire trip could cause her to be suspicious if you don't quite seem like yourself. Plus you'll want to relax and enjoy your post-proposal bliss for another couple of days.
2. Figure out how you'll be able to contact your families with the good news (do you need to buy a prepaid phone card for a foreign destination? Does your cell phone have international capability?).
3. Don't forget to get down on one knee! Yes, you've come all this way, but a whopping 90% of women recently surveyed want their proposers to pop the question on bended knee.
4. And remember to take some photos of the special place so you can show friends and family when you get home!

Resources for How to Plan a Destination Proposal

• Forbes.com: Most Romantic Places to Pop the Question
• Forbes.com: In Pictures: The Most Romantic Places to Pop the Question
• The Knot: How to Propose
• The Knot: The Best Proposals of 2007
• The Knot: Destination Proposal Pointers
• ABC News: 'Tis the Season to Get Engaged
• Wedding Channel: Destination Proposals
• Brides.com: How to Propose: A Groom's Guide
• The Knot: 50 Romantic Ways to Propose
• The Orlando Sentinel: "Will Anyone Make a Modest Proposal about Marriage Requests?" (December 26, 2007)
• CDC: Vaccinations

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