How To Plan Your Valentine’s Weekend Getaway Without Breaking the Bank
Written by
J. Arky
Edited by
Zuri Anderson
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Looking for a way to sweep your loved one off their feet this Valentine’s Day? Tell them that you planned the perfect romantic vacation without going overboard on your budget.
After all, one of the most attractive attributes these days is knowing how to spend smartly and save on cost without sacrificing quality.
GOBankingRates got some expert tips from Fred Harrington, the CEO of Coupon Mister, who shared that “[w]ith the right strategies, planning a Valentine’s Day getaway can be both romantic and budget-friendly.”
Here is how to plan your Valentine’s weekend getaway without breaking the bank.
Book in Advance
The earlier you book, the more you save. That’s because hotels, airlines and rental companies tend to up their prices the closer it gets to Feb. 14 when everyone is looking to book last minute. Getting your plans booked early saves you money, as well as stress.
“Deals can usually be found if you subscribe to newsletters and set alerts to make sure you don’t miss out on these opportunities,” Harrington recommended.
Set a Budget
Put a number down on paper for how much you want to spend this Valentine’s Day, then stick to you. If it helps, break this budget down into various sections, such as travel costs, meals and fun. Then you can see where your priorities lie and where you can save.
A great Valentine’s Day does not have to be one where you end up broke.
Consider Nearby Destinations
Paris, New York, Rome — all of these cities scream romance, however, they might not be accessible to you from where you live.
Are there local destinations you can drive to? Is there a region in your home state where you could take a train to spend the weekend?
Skip spending lots of money on travel, waiting in crowded airports and booking cars to and from destinations by finding a retreat that is close to where you already live. Chances are you can get there in a reasonable amount of time, which allows more special moments to spend with your Valentine.
Be Flexible With Dates
“Mid-week getaways can be much cheaper than weekend trips, and most destinations won’t be as busy, making for a more intimate experience,” noted Harrington.
That means if you and your date are fine not celebrating specifically on Feb. 14, you could save some money and potentially have your own Valentine’s Day on another date.
Take Advantage of Package Deals
Websites like Groupon, Travelzoo and Secret Escapes tend to offer package deals for Valentine’s Day. That means you can save money by booking your accommodations and activities together.
“Sign up early for alerts to catch deals as they become available, and don’t hesitate to snag one, as they often sell out quickly,” Harrington advised.
Eat Like a Local
Find a restaurant in town and give the business your money. You will likely get some better food for a lower price, as well as support the city you are in and get an authentic experience at the same time.
“Being able to support the local economy directly is a big advantage to staying away from contrived establishments,” Harrington said. “These places are also great for striking up a conversation and learning about the area.”
Look for Free Activities
The beach, the mountains, even a nearby park: All are great places to enjoy your Valentine’s Day for free. Romantic experiences tend to be heightened when you do not have to worry about the bill at the end of the night, so take advantage of free things to do wherever you decide to celebrate.
Conclusion
“Saving money doesn’t have to mean living under tight constraints. You can have jam-packed days of fun without spending a dime,” Harrington offered. “You’re really only limited by your imagination, so stay focused on the main goal, which is to have fun and spend time with the one you love.
“As long as you save money on the actual travel portion of your trip, exploration and conversation are free. Spend time wandering around, chatting up the locals, and most importantly, chatting up the one you’re travelling with. If you do that, the budget will likely end up being the last thing on your mind as you create lasting vacation memories, all without destroying your savings.”
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