Men 'more concerned with making relationships official than women'

One in ten surveyed say dream proposal 'disastrous' in practice as Venice, Paris and Rome named most romantic spots to get engaged

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle during an official photocall to announce their engagement (Chris Jackson/Getty Images)

The days of women desperately wondering when their partner will go down on one knee are over - after a study found sensitive modern men are the ones who are keen to make things official.

Researchers who polled 2,000 adults found women like to wait until more than two years and seven months have passed before being presented with an engagement ring.

But men frequently jump the gun by asking for their partner's hand in marriage after around two years and four months together.

That possibly explains why more than one third of those who took part in the study claimed their proposal "could have gone better".

Worryingly, almost one in ten described the moment they proposed, or were proposed to, as "disastrous".

The survey, which was commissioned by European rail pass provider, My Interrail, also revealed one in three would have liked the proposal to take place "in a more romantic location".

One in four would have liked to have been proposed to as they enjoyed their "favourite view" and one in five would have liked to have become engaged on a beach.

Around one in five said the perfect place to be proposed to would have been on holiday.

Philip Barnard, International Manager at Rail Delivery Group said: “As our findings reveal, most people think it’s a good idea to propose when on holiday, so they may even use it as an opportunity to get engaged to their loved one.

“Travelling by rail in Europe opens up lots of fantastic opportunities for people, helping them to explore, meet new people and make memories”.

It also emerged more than half of those who took part in the poll felt it was a good idea to propose while travelling with your loved one, on a trip, a weekend away or a sunshine break.

While Paris has long been considered the most romantic destinations in Europe, it seems loved-up Brits now favour Venice as their ideal romantic escape

Venice was also named the top location where people want to propose or be proposed to, followed by the Lake District and Rome.

More than a third of traditional Brits feel the tradition of requesting the parent’s permission before asking for their partner’s hand in marriage should be adhered to.

And 57 per cent strongly agree marriage is a commitment couples should make to one another if they take their relationship seriously.

As well as providing the ideal opportunity to propose, married Brits think a weekend away together is also the perfect way to keep the spark alive in a relationship.

Failing that, making more time for one another and taking a holiday together will also ensure Brits keep the flame of love alive with their partner.

Philip Barnard added: “Valentine’s Day is such a romantic time of year, which is why we wanted to help three lucky couples win the trip of a lifetime.

“By working, in partnership, with the railway companies in Europe we are able to help customers explore over 10,000 destinations with just one train pass.

“Travelling around Europe using either Interrail Global or One Country Pass helps customers to save money on their journeys.

''The money they save can then be used on making the most of the areas they’re travelling to.''

Top 10 most romantic destinations in Europe

1. Venice, Italy
2. The Eiffel Tower, Paris, France
3. Rome, Italy
4. The Lake District, England
5. Florence, Italy
6. Isle of Skye, Scotland
7. Juliet's Balcony, Verona, Italy
8. Trevi Fountain, Rome
9. Oia, Santorini, Greece
10. North Yorkshire Moors Railway, Yorkshire, England

SWNS