Travel Tips: Make the most of a Valentine's Day getaway

Love doesn't have to cost much this Valentine's Day. Photo / Getty

Maybe you've already travelled as a couple, or perhaps this is your first trip away together. Which ever is the case, planning a special getaway for two can be surprisingly stressful. Expectations are often so high that just the thought of it can get your heart racing for all the wrong reasons.

But going away with your beloved doesn't have to be stressful or expensive. Here's how to plan a special stay that will make them - and not your credit card - swoon.

Planning

It can be fun to go with the flow but you should plan at least some aspects of your stay. Book accommodation you will both like, take a look at what activities are available before you arrive, and have a think about practicalities such as dining.

Doing this in advance shows your partner you care enough to put some effort into making sure the weekend goes well (even though at least one thing will invariably go wrong – more on this later).

Don't get caught up in the fantasy

There's more than one way to have a romantic getaway, and your weekend doesn't have to involve a plush suite filled with champagne on ice - no matter how much you love luxury and a nice bottle of wine.

Instead, think about what you and your partner enjoy and book a getaway that reflects your tastes, interests and budget. For example, if you both love the great outdoors, a glamping experience might be equally special, not to mention cheaper, than a night in a fancy hotel.

Love don't cost a thing (or much)

It's easy to show you care without sending your credit card into meltdown. If money is tight, you can splurge on one thing and save on others. If you know your partner would love to stay somewhere luxurious, for example, splurge on a nice hotel but have a picnic lunch. Buying a few treats from a deli or local market can make it special, as can choosing your partner's favourite foods. Ideally there will be somewhere nearby you can enjoy your feast, but if the weather isn't on your side, a picnic in your room is perfectly romantic.

Romantic getaway activities

If your partner doesn't drink wine but you love it, planning a trip to a wine region might not be the best choice. Unless, for example, they enjoy shopping and the area also has lovely gift stores and boutiques.

It's not possible to please everyone all the time but make sure your getaway contains something for both of you, not just the person organising the trip. Being willing to try something new can also be surprisingly fun. Your partner might be surprised how much they enjoy that surprise massage or the cycling trip you arranged.

Deal with any problems and move on

It seems that fate can't resist messing with travellers, especially those in search of romance. No matter how carefully you have planned your romantic getaway, something is bound to go wrong.

Hopefully, it will be something minor, like a disappointing main course, but it could be something worse. Most couples would find it hard not to get upset if the divine photos on the hotel website looked nothing like the view of the dumpsters from their $500 a night room.

But no matter how hard it might be, the best thing to do is discuss it, deal with it and move on.

In these situations, it can help to say out loud, "Well, this is really disappointing/annoying but I'm not going to let it ruin our romantic escape." With any luck, your partner will agree.