Valentine’s day is all about romance, joy, and love. It can also be a bit much, when we’re all flooded with heart motifs, flowers and chocolates. Especially because for most of us, love isn’t represented by any of these things.
So, what is great about Valentine’s Day really? It’s an opportunity to do something out of the ordinary with your partner. To express your love and do something really fun together. Not because you can’t do that on any other day. But, because why not use every reason to enjoy the good stuff?
So, let’s get right into it. These are the 10 best activities you can do to enjoy a very happy Valentine’s Day, without breaking the bank or resorting to teddies.
1. Take A Trip Together
There’s nothing more exciting than taking a proper, multi-day trip together. Play hooky (or plan it, if this isn’t the last-minute advice you’re seeking out) and book cheap flights to Cape Town or Johannesburg. These cities have so much going on, you’ll have a fantastically memorable time, without leaving the country.
You can also take a road trip through the countryside if you’d rather leave the cities behind. Stay at a charming little BnB, and find out what makes each small town special.
2. Go Ice Skating
Ice skating is such a fun activity, and it often gets left behind in your childhood. Rekindle that excitement, and take your partner to an indoor ice skating rink.
If it’s been a few years, you’ll likely spend the first hour clinging onto each other and laughing at your own inability. As you begin to get the hang of it, you’ll glide along, holding hands and enjoying the exhilaration.
It’s a great deal of fun. And, if this is one of your first dates, it’s also a brilliant option with no awkward silences and an opportunity to build memories together.
3. See A Show
There are always some great shows on Valentine’s Day, to suit every interest. You can see a comedy, if you and your special person love to laugh. You can watch an incredible play, a ballet, or even an opera. There’s something unique about live shows, which you won’t get from films.
The best thing about watching a show is that you get to sit together, enthralled and snacking on what you brought (always bring your favourite snacks, without the loud packaging). And then when it’s done, you get to chat about it.
4. Set Off On A Hike
Hiking may not be directly associated with romance, but if you’re keen on a day-date, it’s a much better option than you’d think.
You’ll experience something beautiful and challenging together. When you reach the top of that mountain, there’s nothing better than the feeling of success and relief. And, the views you’ll share are often phenomenal – that’s the major draw to the activity of hiking.
So, if you have the energy, ditch the heels and strap on your hiking boots. You can even bring a tasty picnic, and make a really special day of it.
5. Go To A Restaurant You’ve Never Been To
Restaurants aren’t one of the most exciting activities for Valentine’s Day, simply because they’ve been done before a hundred times over. But it is a good day to finally go to that restaurant you’ve been curious about.
Maybe it’s a bit pricey for a normal day, or it’s a cuisine you’ve never tried before. Take the opportunity to treat yourselves and get out of your comfort zone.
6. Enjoy a Wine and Chocolate Tasting
Another lovely day-date is wine tasting. It’s an unusual activity enjoyed worldwide and for good reason. You get to visit gorgeous wine farms, learn about wines while you try a whole range of them, and get just a little – very acceptably – day-tipsy.
Pairing this fun experience with chocolate just makes it that much better. Chocolate brings out the best in the wines, and are often made in-house to perfectly match the flavours of the selection.
7. Host a Game Night with Friends
If you’re not really the romantic type, but still want to enjoy some time together having fun, why not rope your friends in and have a games night? It’s a great deal of fun, and an opportunity to joke and laugh together, appreciating not only your romantic relationship, but also the love shared between friends.
You could even make it a drinking game night if you don’t have work tomorrow!
8. Take A Class Together
Have one – or both of you – always wanted to try out this one class, but you’ve never bothered to actually do it? This is the perfect opportunity to tick it off the bucket list.
There are a lot of creative spaces in every city and town, usually offering single classes where you can give it a try and see if it’s for you. Whether it’s dancing, cooking, pottery, or painting, you’re sure to have a pleasant time together and experience something out of the ordinary.
9. Make Your Own Happy Valentines Day Cards
This one’s a little cheesy, but it’s good cheesy. Get out the glue and the glitter, and make your own Valentines cards. This is an especially great activity for couples with kids. You can make it a fun family activity that your kids can enjoy too.
And maybe then, they can give their Valentines greetings to the person they fancy too.
10. Bake Together
Baking can be so much fun, and low-budget. Bake something special together, and have some fun with it. Pour a glass of wine, put on your favourite music, and don’t be afraid to get your hands a little dirty. And afterwards, you’ll have something delicious to treat yourselves to.
Last Thoughts On a Happy Valentine Day
Of course, the thing that makes Valentine’s day special is being around the people you love. Whether it’s your children, your friends, or of course, your partner, that’s the important part.
Have a little fun with it, and use the famous day of love to do something exciting. You won’t be looking back on a dull day with any of these Valentines activities.
If what you really want to do is get away till the whole love bubble blows over, book a cheap flight to Mauritius and wait it out in style.