You want to show off your ring to everyone you know, near and far. But should you travel with your engagement ring?
It might be one of the most special (and most expensive) things you own — your engagement ring. You’ve been staring at it non-stop ever since it was slipped on your finger, so of course you’ll want to show it off to everyone you know!
Well, not so fast. You don’t want it to leave your finger, but you also don’t want anything to happen to it.
There are lots of mishaps that can happen while traveling, both in transit and at your destination. Ultimately, you’ll need to decide whether traveling with your engagement ring is worth it.
Damage
Damage is something to keep in mind not only if you’re planning on an active vacation, but also for the journey itself. If you’re recently engaged, you may not be used to wearing your ring yet. That can mean you unintentionally bump it against something or snag it somewhere.
You’ll also want to think about what you’ll be doing on your trip. If your itinerary includes scuba diving, parasailing, and rock climbing, you may not want your engagement ring along for the ride. If you have a super low-key vacation planned, you may not need to leave it behind.
Loss
Remember that time you took your ring off to wash your hands, then couldn’t find it for 20 minutes? Yeah, you don’t EVER want to repeat that again.
If you’re at home, chances are your ring will reappear at some point. But if you’re out of town…well, we don’t even like to think about it.
You know yourself. If you tend to lose track of things, it may be a good idea to leave your ring at home. If your ring stays on 24/7, you won’t really have to worry about loss.
Theft
Unfortunately there are some not-so-nice people in the world, and in certain tourist destinations, a big shiny ring can make you a target for theft.
That’s not to say that theft can’t happen anywhere — it definitely can, even in your own neighborhood. Think about where you’re traveling and the general safety level there. If you wouldn’t feel comfortable walking around at night, leave your ring at home. If you’ve been to your destination a million times and it feels like a second home, you may choose to keep it on.
Tips for traveling with your engagement ring
If you decide to jet off with your ring in tow, there are a few ways you can ensure it stays safe.
- Wear it discreetly and strategically. Never wear your ring while swimming, hiking, surfing, or doing any activity where it could get damaged. If you’re in an area where you feel unsafe, turn your ring around so the stone doesn’t show or tuck it into your pocket. You can also choose to store your ring in a hotel safe.
- Get your ring insured and inspected before your trip. If a prong is loose or a stone is missing you’ll want to address that before you take off. Insurance will cover you if the unthinkable happens!
- Purchase a fake engagement ring or a silicone band. Trust us — a lost $15 Amazon purchase won’t cause nearly as many tears as a lost engagement ring.
Traveling with your engagement ring is a personal decision. Weigh the pros and cons of both options, and do what feels right for you!