Are you looking forward to spending Valentine’s Day with someone special, but not sure if you can afford to do so? Here are some tips for a frugal Valentine’s Day Getaway.
1. Plan ahead.
One tip to help you save money on hotel, dining and entertainment costs is to plan ahead. Hotel prices are driven by supply and demand. The longer you wait to reserve your room, and the more rooms the hotel sells, the more you’re likely to pay.
2. Look for deals on coupon sites like Groupon or Living Social.
These sites often offer deeply discounted pricing on select travel packages, near and far from home. Just make sure you pay attention to blackout dates and the fine print before you make your purchase.
3. Save money off hotel costs, dining and even flowers with the Entertainment Book.
The Entertainment Book is available in select markets throughout North America and offers discounts on lodging, dining and entertainment costs. You’ll save the most money if you’re able to pick up the Entertainment Book when it’s on sale. Order now to Enjoy free shipping on all Entertainment Books!
4. Save money off the price of a nice dinner with Restaurant.com gift certificates.
Restaurant.com sells gift certificates that can be used at participating restaurants throughout the United States. The gift certificates do require a minimum purchase. The gift certificates are frequently sold at a deep discount which are obviously the best deal.
5. Stay close to home.
When was the last time you explored your hometown? Valentine’s Day offers the perfect opportunity to explore your town like a tourist. Visit the local shops, dine at an independent establishment and spend the night at home in your own bed. You’ll save on gas, lodging and possibly entertainment.
6. Visit an off-season destination.
If you have your heart set on a getaway far from home, consider visiting a location during the off-season to take advantage of deeper discounts. Just double check the hours on any attractions you hope to see.
7. Look for a package deal.
When booking your room, ask if the property offers any packages. You may find a deal that includes lodging, meals, and entertainment. Just do your research and check out individual pricing before you book to ensure you scored the best deal.
8. Skip the add-ons like flowers and wine.
While relying on someone else to take care of all the little details are nice, you’ll save money if you buy your own flowers, chocolates, and wine and skip the add-on bundle a hotel may offer. So visit the Dollar Store for some fake rose petals, make your own chocolate covered strawberries and buy your favorite bottle of bubbly so you can splurge (or not) elsewhere.
9. Prioritize.
Let’s face it, sometimes you can’t have everything. If money is an issue, consider whether you would rather spend the night away from home or dine at your favorite restaurant.
10. Be flexible on your dates.
Remember, you don’t need to celebrate Valentine’s Day on February 14th. You can save a lot of money by celebrating the weekend before or after this Lover’s Holiday.
How do you plan to spend Valentine’s Day?
Here are some posts written by some blogging friends that may give you some ideas.
- 5 Simple Valentine Gifts for the Mom With Young Kids
- Splurge on a Romantic Dinner at Home
- Surprise Your Valentine with Fabulous Gluten-Free Treats
- How to Surprise your Tech Savvy Valentine
- Tips for a Frugal Valentine’s Day
- The Ultimate Valentine Surprise
- Valentine Giveaway Fairies to the Rescue
- 50 Fun Date Ideas
- Romantic Winds are Blowing Your Way for Valentine’s Day
© 2014 – 2017, Tonya Prater. All rights reserved.
Elaina- A Time Out for Mommy says
These are some really great ideas! Thanks for sharing!
Kayla J says
He’s so caring. He would do anything to make someone smile!
Kristen says
My favorite thing about my Valentine is her knows how to treat a female with respect.
Amy M says
My favorite thing about my valentine is that I can completely be myself around him!
Seth says
I love that my Valentine has taught me the game of golf. We play as often as our life allows us to.
Sharon says
Now that I’m a mom, it’s the handmade gifts and cards from my girls. They make my day special. <3
Sheila says
I love the fun Valentine’s decorations and receiving Valentines day treats from friends and loved ones.
DanielleD says
What I love about my husband is that even when we just stay at home for our dates he finds a way to make it romantic, with simple things like sitting in front of the fire together & just talking.
Tonya says
There’s nothing better than a fireside chat and cuddle! 🙂
Tammilee says
I love spending time with my Husband for Valentines day. He is my favorite part of my holiday
Melissa says
These are great tips. I’m hoping i’ll be able to get a valentines getaway.
Tonya says
I hope the tips help you!
Michelle says
These are great tips! We haven’t been on a getaway in forever so I can’t wait to try some of these out!
Tonya says
If you decide to try some of them, I’d love to hear how they worked out for you. Have a great Valentine’s Day!
Liz @ A Nut in a Nutshell says
I’m very rarely flexible on my dates, but I do a lot of your other tips. I’m super good at cutting out extra fluff from the budget. I don’t mind that a bit!
Tonya says
I’ll cut out whatever I need to. 🙂
Jennifer m says
I love that he loves me no matter what!
Shawna says
The CHOCOLATE!!!!!!!!
Sarah @Must Have Mom says
This year will be a very low key, at home Valentine’s Day as I will most likely be getting out of the hospital after having a c-section with our 4th baby! Definitely different than date night 🙂
trisha says
This is the one time I spend tons of money! HA!
Nicole Brady says
I’ve never been one to fawn over the day but it’s certainly fun now that I have kids. They get so excited about all the little things like a simple sticker from a friend.
Tonya says
My mom once sent my kids a simple Valentine card in the mail with a one dollar bill. They were so excited! It was like the best Valentine’s Day present ever.
Cat Davis says
I love those ideas. We’ll be staying in or hitting the gym this V-Day. It’s just another day for us.
Tonya says
Probably the same here. My husband works out of state so I’ll be lucky to see him on Valentine’s Day. We prioritize our anniversary though. 🙂
Donna says
That he is kind and generous and a devoted husband and father. I love how he makes time every day (most of the time, a lot of time) to spend with our son. And makes sure we have a date night or lunch at least once a week. I am so proud of him and how hard he works for us. He is such a good man. <3
Denise F says
My valentine is my husband, father of our two little boys, who has stood by me through thick and thin. We’ve been through a devastating flood and a house fire within a year of each other. He is my rock and my best friend. We don’t really go out to dinner together like we used to, or spend money on ourselves. It would be wonderful to have a date night for Valentine’s Day!!! 😉
Hanan says
He takes good care of our family!!
Beth says
Valentine’s is the end of Beth Week here (our anniversary, my birthday then Valentine’s day). I love the specialness of that week even we do celebrate on a budget!
Tonya says
Beth Week, huh? So the festivities just go on all week, don’t they?
Robin Gagnon {Mom Foodie} says
I agree about staying close by… a night of romance at the hotel a half hour away, may be better than one several hours away. Traveling has a way of making many of us tired.
Sara Phillips says
I love Groupon and such for deals. Mostly we do Valentine’s Day at home – after the kids are in bed.
Tonya says
That’s what my husband and I always did when our kids were little. Or we’d include them in the celebration with us.
Not So Average Mama says
Great tips! We usually stay home on Vday, but may head out the night before for a dinner and a movie date 🙂
Susan says
One of my favorite things, is getting a sweet and sappy card, I just love them better than candy to me.
Amanda says
chocolates!
Ashley - Embracing Homemaking says
Oh, I love the getaway ideas. So fun!
Karen says
my favorite thing about my Valentine is that he shows me every day how much he loves me. Seriously, he is the best!
Sarah C. says
Love the fun times we have together as a couple and a family!
Cayce Thomas says
I love this post! What a great way to make the holiday memorable! I’m going to use some of those ideas too! 🙂
Jeffrey says
I like spending time alone with my love!
Amy W. says
My husband is a wonderful godly father and husband. He works hard to make sure we are taken care of and never complains about it. He shows his love to God and us openly. So thankful for him!
Jennifer I. says
He works so hard to provide for our family of 6, and rarely complains about it.
Tiffany Schmidt says
Hubby always gives me my gift the day before Valentines and says he couldn’t wait another day to tell me he loves me.
Tonya says
Haha! That sounds like me! I can’t keep gifts to myself for long- it drives me crazy! 🙂
Lauren O. says
My favorite thing about my Valentine is that I can be myself around him and that he is a great dad.
Melissa says
since i have no significant other this year, my favorite part this year will be buying myself candy and indulging a bit!
miranda says
I love that he is funny
Maureen says
My husband is quiet and reserved and he surprises me at unknown moments of kindness and love.
Jennifer H. says
We love to do the same things and always have fun.
DESIREE H says
I enjoy being able to spend time with my husband and enjoy a nice date!
Mel {MamaBuzz} says
My husband is my Valentine, and I love everything about him. He’s always been there, no matter what, and he’s not above cleaning up the messes in life or holding my hand through the difficult as well as the good times. I love him so much. Thanks for this awesome giveaway opportunity! Great tips!
Amanda K says
My hubby is my Valentine. What I love the most is what a great father he is! He never complains and is always there to help pack lunches, practice spelling tests, drive them to sports. etc.
Ericah64 says
One of my favorite things about my “Forever Valentine” is that he sees “the big picture” so much better than I do. If we should win, it will help us to celebrate our love for Valentine’s Day while keeping in mind the “big picture” of our finances – our need to get out of debt and develop more frugal habits!