World's most authentically romantic travel destinations

Uluru/Ayers Rock and the Outback •
Australia •
The lack of light pollution around Uluru in the Australian Outback means it's one of the clearest places in the world to see an astonishing number of stars in the sky at night. Grab a swag (outdoor sleeping bag) and a bottle of bubbly — or book a room in one of the nearby luxury hotels — for an unforgettable location to pop the question. (Photo: ernieski / Flickr)

Acropolis •
Athens, Greece •
Add a bucketload of history to your proposal in romantic Athens, Greece, at the breathtakingly stunning Acropolis. Don't go for the cheesy shot in front of the crowds; find a quiet picnic spot as you wind your way up to the knee-trembling climax that is the Parthenon. (Photo: Darrell Godliman / Flickr)

Franz Josef Glacier •
New Zealand •
Bit of an adventurer? Your other half won't be expecting you to pop the question on a hiking trip around stunning Franz Josef Glacier in New Zealand. But the dramatic backdrop of this glistening scenery clashing with the too-blue sky will make for a keepsake photo of the moment unlike any other. And the shimmering ice will complement perfectly the rock on her finger. (Photo: swifant / Flickr)

Rio de Janeiro •
Brazil •

Buzzing with energy and flamboyant costumes, Brazil's Rio Carnival will add a burst of life to your proposal — and you can continue to celebrate in style if you coincide asking the question with a trip to see this spectacular, hedonistic annual affair. Dance late into the night, watch the extravagant parades and drink caipirinhas after she (or he) says yes! (Photo: courtesy Gogobot)

Bora Bora •
French Polynesia •

This sigh-inducingly stunning island surrounded by a lagoon and a barrier reef is spot-on for a never-to-be-forgotten proposal destination. Book a sailing trip on the glistening turquoise waters or find a quiet spot on one of the cake-mix-soft, too-white pristine beaches for a paradise-style moment. (Photo: Rachel_thecat / Flickr)

Whitehaven Beach •
Australia •
Wow. Whitehaven beach in Queensland, Australia, really does look just as pristine in real life as it does on the postcards. The 7 km (4.3 mile) stretch of white sand and too-blue sea is on stunning Whitsunday Island, a national park in the middle of the Great Barrier Reef. You can't stay here overnight, so book a day trip, find a secluded spot and let the scenery do the talking. (Photo: irvanzeffendi)

Juliet's Balcony •
Verona, Italy •

If it's good enough for Shakespeare's Romeo & Juliet, it's good enough for us. If your (hopefully) fiancée-to-be is a literature fan, this beautiful 14th-century building (home of the Cappello family – possibly the model for the Capulets) in the romantic city of Verona in Italy will tick all the right boxes. (Photo: courtesy Gogobot)

Basilique du Sacre-Coeur de Montmartre •
Paris, France •
Forget the Eiffel Tower. Instead, wander up the winding cobbled streets and steps to the beautiful Sacred Heart Basilica in Montmartre – the highest point in Paris. Overlooking the twinkling lights of this romantic city, with the stunning landmarks as a backdrop, it sets the scene perfectly. And, if all goes according to plan, spend the night in this area, dining on top-class food in a traditional French cafe and sipping Champagne. (Photo: courtesy Gogobot)

Table Mountain •
Cape Town, South Africa •

A fan of heights? Jump into the Cableway, ride to the top of Table Mountain in South Africa, and sweep your bride-to-be off her feet with an unrivaled view across Cape Town, the surrounding peaks and the vast ocean. If you want to propose a little closer to the ground, head to the long white-sand Bloubergstrand Beach for a Table Mountain backdrop to remember. (Photo: courtesy Gogobot)

Ahmedabad •
India •

Coincide your visit with the International Kite Festival in the busy “Jewel of the West” city of Gujarat, India, for a stunning backdrop to your proposal, with kites flying overhead like beautifully colorful birds. Head to Ahmedabad Police Stadium and join thousands of locals and tourists who lie down to watch the fascinating festival in the clear blue sky above. (Photo: Gujarat Tourism)

Hampton Court Palace •
London •

For the full English experience in London, forget the London Eye and the tourist-buzzing streets of the South Bank and head to somewhere more tranquil instead. Hampton Court Palace was once home to royals including King Henry VIII. The 60 acres of gardens and grounds are spectacular. Either time the Big Day to coincide with the Hampton Court Palace Festival or bag a picnic and some bubbly and relax underneath one of the magnificent yew trees. (Photo: Mike_fleming / Flickr)

River Cafe •
Greater New York City •

Leave New York’s crowds of tourists behind and book a table at this incredibly romantic restaurant, nestled under the Brooklyn Bridge. With knockout food and a jaw-droppingly impressive skyline featuring Manhattan and the Statue of Liberty, it'll be a night to remember, whatever the outcome! (Photo: courtesy Gogobot)