Valentine's Day is this weekend. Have you neglected to plan something for your sweetheart? Fear not, we've got a list of fun and budget friendly ideas to get romantic this Valentine's Day!
1. Go For a Romantic Walk
This is a great way to spend some time with your loved one this Valentine's Day. Walking naturally helps the conversation flow, so you can take in the scenery and enjoy each others company. Find a romantic spot - a walk by the beach, or to a local mountaintop with a great view. Even if you live in a city you'd be surprised what you can find. Most cities have a botanical garden, and most towns too! I suggest going to Google Maps and picking a green looking spot to check out - it's always the first thing I do when I am exploring a new city!
2. Pack a picnic
While you are on your walk, why not try to plan a picnic? You can be as creative as you want with this one - blankets, cushions, candles and wine will all make your picnic extra special, and you can get away with it for under $50
3. Cook Dinner Together
Get inspired together and try a new recipe. Cooking together is a fun activity, and you can enjoy the results together! Jamie Oliver even has a page dedicated to romantic recipes. Check it out, pick something, pick up the ingredients and spoil your loved one with a gourmet dinner from the comfort of your home. Extra points because you get to Netflix and chill after.
4. Check out some free entertainment
Valentine's Day falls on a Sunday this year, which is good news! Most capital cities have some form of free live entertainment on a Sunday. You can head to your local Beer Garden or just stroll through the mall, you are bound to find something. Try Eventbrite, you can search by location, date and cost.
5. Head to a Museum or Gallery
Most capital cities have a free art gallery or museum. Learning and discovering new things is a fun date idea. Add a trip to get ice cream and a walk around the city and you have a date for under $20. Here are some free museums in your city:
Brisbane
Sydney
Melbourne
Darwin
Adelaide
Hobart
Canberra
Perth
6. Check out a local market
Markets are a great date idea. There is food, entertainment, and you can browse interesting stalls to find a bargain. Here are some of the best ones around Australia:
Brisbane
Sydney
Melbourne
Darwin
This is by no means an exhaustive list. There are dozens of markets to discover!
7. Try Something New
If you've been dating a while you might feel a little lived in - so why not try a new hobby. You can try painting, a jigsaw puzzle, fishing - whatever takes your fancy. The main thing is that you do it together!
8. Go Somewhere New
This one will only cost you the petrol in your tank. You don't have to go far. Spend a bit of time looking at Google maps and pick a place you have never been before. Go explore! You may find your new favourite coffee joint, a stretch of beach you never knew was there or your new favourite park. The world is your oyster!
I hope you find something fun to do this Valentine's Day. And if you are spending it solo, there is no reason you can't treat yourself or a friend to any of these ideas.