Top ten tips for Romance on the cheap

January 2009

Top ten tips for Romance on the cheap

Try and let your heart not your wallet do the talking this Valentines. Check out The Weekenders tips for the perfect, low-cost, romantic minibreak...


1. Use your imagination

You might think the love of your life will only accept five-star luxury as a sign of your affections, but a bit of thought, a bit of effort and a few extra little touches will make a budget weekend ten times more romantic.

2. Take the train

If you’re clever, you’ll get better value, far less hassle and extra romantic brownie points if you ditch the car. For the best advance fares, check out www.thetrainline.com as soon as you’ve decided when to go away.

3. Country pubs

Re-discover the art of conversation at a gorgeous country pub. Whether you spend hours with a jug of Pimms in summer or a few pints and numerous games of Boggle when it gets nippy, you can easily while away a romantic afternoon.

4. Get cultured

If you fancy a city break with a difference, forget the shops and head for the galleries. You’ll be surprised how good a potter around a (free) art gallery can be for the soul, the heart and the wallet.

5. Walk

Yes, just walk - whether you’re into long, country rambles, romantic strolls along the beach or a relaxed amble to the nearest drinking hole. Plan your weekend around one great walk and you’ll be left light of heart, yet heavy of cash.

6. Picnics!

The humble picnic can be a real deal-maker, whether it’s a classic summertime spread on a riverbank, a bottle of bubbly and some snacks on the train or a sumptuous feast on your hotel room floor.

7. Bring your laptop

If you can restrain yourself from checking your emails, a laptop and a good supply of DVDs is the perfect antidote to otherwise expensive nights out. Snuggling up in a cosy hotel room with a copy of Casablanca? You can’t beat it.

8. Lunch it up

If you can’t resist the best restaurants, check out their lunch deals for a great value alternative to pricey evening sittings. Same food, same wine, same opportunities to hold hands over the table - just cheaper.

9. Soppy shopping

Keep your credit cards back at the hotel and agree on a £10-per-person budget to buy the other person a suitable souvenir. It’s shopping, but happily splurge-free, and you’ll (hopefully) end up with something lovely to remind you of the trip.

10. KEEP SCHTUM!

If you’ve got it right, your weekend away will be all about the romance, not about the tightening of the belt. There can be few things less romantic than someone counting the pennies, so for goodness’ sake keep your budget to yourself.



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