New research has revealed that Gen Zs and millennials are the most demanding generation yet when it comes to popping the question. With almost a quarter (23 percent) insisting traditional proposals in a restaurant, pub or round your mum and dad’s house are outdated and old fashioned.

Almost two thirds of the Instagram generation (62 percent) claim that dramatic and extravagant proposals have become more common in recent times. In fact, the study by holiday experts On the Beach, found that over a third (35 percent) of modern Brits say the proposal moment is AS important as the big day.

Popping the question locations

And anyone planning to pop the question soon should take note, as a fifth (21 percent) of the young Brits polled said they would be more likely to accept a partner’s hand in marriage if it happened in an exciting location.

In fact, due to the events of the last few years, those surveyed who are planning a proposal claim they will definitely do it abroad, with Santorini (35 percent), the white sands of Barbados (33 percent) and Crete (25 percent) chosen as the most ideal settings.

These were closely followed by sunsets in Mauritius (24 percent) and Antigua (24 percent), under the Eiffel Tower in Paris (21 percent) and during a luxury weekend away in Dubai (20 percent).

Young Brits are also dreaming about proposals on Lindos Beach in Rhodes, Greece (16 percent), or on the fairytale Mjet Island in Croatia(14 percent).

Respondents ages

The research of 1,500 Britons aged 18 to 40 also reveals that 36 percent think asking permission to marry someone’s son or daughter is plain old fashioned.

35 percent say the proposal percent say the proposal is a key moment in a couple’s relationship and so it needs to be as memorable as the big day itself. More adventurous settings for proposals include during whale watching in Iceland (12 percent), onboard a roller coaster ride at Disney World in Florida (nine percent) and at the pyramids in Egypt (eight percent).

And a spontaneous eight percent would like to get engaged in Las Vegas – so then they can head straight to the chapel.

However, any Britons looking to propose on holiday should be wary of any potential stresses when it comes to carrying the ring, as over half (52 percent) who popped the question abroad said they broke out in a sweat over trying to hide the ring from their partner.

45 percent struggled to get the ring through security undetected, while 37 percent say their other half even found the ring in their luggage.

Zoe Harris, Chief Customer Officer at On the Beach, said:

“Our research shows that when making the ultimate romantic gesture it really does pay to ‘put a wing on it’ and head abroad.

“If you’re hoping to pop the question in one of our top destinations, you can book with confidence knowing we’ll make the most wonderful week of your year even more special with our Lounge and Fast Track perks (and help keep your secret safe too). Here’s hoping that 2022 is the year destination proposals can finally take flight.”

To help starry-eyed lovers enjoy a romantic and panic-proof proposal this summer, On the Beach has launched a trio of faux travel guides, hollowed out with secret ring box compartments to transport the precious cargo undetected. The travel guides are based on the nation’s top proposal wishlist destinations; Santorini, Barbados and Crete.

The study also found that, thanks to the travel restrictions of the last few years, 39 percent of modern Brits who are planning to propose to their partners abroad will combine this with an extended holiday.

The research also suggests it’s best not to drop hints to your other half about how you’re considering proposing, as over half (55 percent) think an out of the blue proposal which totally takes you by surprise is the most romantic way to pop the question.

Brits having to propose at home in the UK should take note, as the worst situations to pop the question were revealed to be on the sofa while watching TV (43 percent), while doing the dishes (41 percent) and stealing a friend’s thunder by proposing at their wedding (40 percent). Also to be avoided are proposing at the supermarket (38 percent), in the car (35 percent) and during a football match (33 percent).

It’s also been revealed that 22 percent of the Brits polled who are engaged or married admit they felt disappointed by their own proposal experience.

Top 20 most romantic proposal locations

1. During a sunset in Santorini  35%
2. On the beach in Barbados       33%
3. During a sunset in Crete        25%
4. During a sunset in Mauritius   24%
5. During a sunset in Antigua      24%
6. Under the Eiffel Tower        21%
7. On a luxury weekend in Dubai      20%
8. On Lindos Beach in Rhodes    16%
9. On Mljet Island in Croatia      14%
10. Sipping cocktails on the beach in Sardinia    12%
11. While whale watching in Iceland. 12%
12. On the beach in Antalya        10%
13. On Bang Tao Beach in Phuket, Thailand     10%
14. On a roller coaster in Disney World, Florida    9%
15. Paddle boarding on the beach in Tenerife    9%
16. Visiting the pyramids of Egypt      8%
17. In Las Vegas strip       8%
18. On the Palatine Hill overlooking the Colosseum in Rome   8%
19. During a helicopter ride over the Grand Canyon    7%
20. Next to the Hollywood sign in LA     6%