Pop the Question in a Unique Place – Happy Valentine’s Day from Booking.com
As Valentine’s Day draws near, it’s a time to show our loved ones just how much they mean to us, and if popping the ultimate question to a significant other – “Will you marry me?” -- now is a great time!
Global research commissioned by Booking.com, the world leader in connecting travelers with a diverse range of amazing places to stay, has shown just how much happiness travel can bring. In fact, 45% believe planning a vacation and traveling bring more of an emotional boost than getting engaged*, so why not boost happiness levels to new heights and combine a vacation with an engagement to remember.
The ring is purchased, the proposal practiced in the mirror, now all there is to figure out is where to ask. To make it almost impossible to say no, Booking.com has delved into its over 1 million properties to source destinations across the globe to suggest a list of seriously romantic places with a unique twist to make the proposal an occasion to remember.
Juliet’s Balcony, Italy
Romeo and Juliet are one of the most iconic couples in literary history. They may not have had the happily-ever-after they were hoping for but that doesn’t mean it isn’t possible! Head to Juliet’s balcony and ask, “Where for art thou, Romeo?” before asking the even bigger question. The Lady Capulet apartments are only a 5-minute walk from Juliet’s house and offer luxury accommodation in the heart of this romantic city.
Balloons over Bagan, Myanmar
A hot air balloon ride is one of those bucket list, once in a lifetime opportunities, but doing it over the beautiful pagoda’s and landscape of Bagan is something else. It’s equally romantic at sunrise or sunset, with a glass or two of champagne ready for popping the question. After the adrenalin rush, retreat to Bagan Lodge for some pampering at the spa and pool and celebrate the engagement with traditional cuisine at Tiffin Box.
Loi Krathong Festival, Chiang Mai
Thailand’s festival of lights is a beautiful tradition to be part of and an incredible place to propose. Place a floating candle into the water on a krathong together, and watch as it twinkles off into the distance to mark the occasion. The festivities in Chang Mai also include watching hundreds of magical floating lanterns get set off into the sky. Stay in the quaint Green Tiger Vegetarian House, a calm and relaxing hideaway in the heart of Chiang Mai.
Salar De Uyuni, Bolivia
To really sweep a loved one off their feet, a romantic view is essential and Bolivia’s Salar de Uyuni is one of the most incredible sights in the world. It’s the world’s largest salt flat, holding over 10 billion tons of salt, set against an epic backdrop where pink flamingos sometimes gather. Its picture perfect for popping the question. Hotel Palacio de Sal is another must as it’s built out of salt bricks and even features salt furniture.
Kirkenes Snowhotel, Norway
For a trip to remember, travel to the beautiful country of Norway, which has several beautiful places to propose -- after an exhilarating husky ride, underneath nature’s twinkling background of the Northern Lights or even in a private snow hotel. The romantic Kirkenes Snowhotel offers picturesque mountain views, artic themed snow suites, intricate snow sculptures and thermal bedspreads to keep couples cozy.
*Research commissioned by Booking.com and independently conducted among a nationally representative sample of 1,000 people from each of the 17 markets who had taken at least 1 domestic or international vacation in the past year. In total, 17,157 respondents (18yrs +) were surveyed from the UK, Germany, France, Netherlands, Italy, Spain, Croatia, Russia, USA, Canada, Brazil, China, Japan, India, Thailand, Australia and New Zealand. Data was collected from 9 September to 4 October 2016.