Valentine’s Day is a special occasion to celebrate love and affection with your significant other. While traditional date ideas may include going out to a fancy restaurant or taking in a show, why not switch things up and plan an outdoor date instead? From picnics in the park to hiking in the mountains, the possibilities are endless. Here are some tips to help you plan the perfect outdoor Valentine’s Day date.
Decide on what to do
You’re spoilt for choice when it comes to ideas for celebrating Valentine’s Day with your beloved. You can go on a dinner date in a fancy restaurant or you can surprise your partner with a romantic candle-lit dinner at home. If you’re not into cheesy dinner dates and tired romantic gestures, why not plan something more adventurous like an outdoor date?
Here are some ideas for your outdoor Valentine’s Day dates that you can consider:
– a movie night in your backyard with a projector and comfy blankets
– a romantic hike together on a nearby trail and a picnic lunch to enjoy the scenic view
– a sunset picnic with some snacks, a bottle of wine, and a blanket while enjoying the scenic view
– a winter sports adventure like ice skating or taking a romantic ski trip
– a hot air balloon ride at sunset for a truly unique and romantic experience
– a beach or lakeside date where you can take a walk along the beach or rent a kayak or canoe to explore the waters together
– a leisurely yet romantic stroll in the park, botanical garden, or rose garden in your city
– a city-scape bike ride to see some beautiful sights and sounds
– a camping trip for the weekend and spend Valentine’s Day stargazing and enjoying each other’s company in nature
Remember, these are just a few examples. You know your partner’s preference better than anyone so you can tailor the date to their interests and what you think they would enjoy. While brainstorming some outdoor activities that your partner will enjoy, don’t forget to consider the weather, time of day, and your budget when deciding what to do.
Choose the right location
Consider the weather and the time of day when selecting a location for your date. If it’s going to be cold or rainy, look for an indoor location that has outdoor access, such as a greenhouse or a conservatory. If it’s going to be warm, think about a park, a beach, or a picnic spot with a nice view.
Make reservations
Once you’ve decided on where to have your special date with your Valentine, you have to book a slot if it’s necessary. For example, if you want to spend Valentine’s Day at one of the popular camping spots, you need to make sure there is a spot available for the night. If you’re planning on a beach trip, book a hotel room and perhaps a table in one of the restaurants in the area. These romantic spots tend to be super busy on this day, especially if it falls on a weekend. Don’t forget to make reservations in advance to avoid disappointment.
Plan the meal
Your partner will truly appreciate you more if you make your Valentine’s Day feast yourself. Think about what food you’d like to share with your Valentine and plan it accordingly. If you’re camping, look up some easy-to-cook meals that don’t require too much preparation or cooking time. You should also know what equipment and tools to bring so you don’t end up with uncooked meals and growling stomachs. You’ll need a portable stove, camping pots and pans, a fire starter and tinder, and of course, ingredients for the meal.
A special occasion calls for a special meal. Prepare something special for your Valentine and surprise them with a delectable dinner. A juicy steak cooked over a campfire, a warm vegetable soup with freshly baked bread, and a bottle of their favorite wine are great options to make your Valentine’s Day dinner more special.
If you’re camping in the mountains, wake up early the next morning so you can prepare breakfast and hot coffee for your partner. Surprise your lover with a hearty meal as they enjoy the marvelous view from atop is a great way to make your partner’s heart melt.
For a picnic in the park, lay out a spread of finger foods such as cheese, cold cuts, fruits, and sweets. Do the slicing and other preparations at home so you don’t get messy during your picnic date. You can also bring some light snacks like trail mix or nuts to nibble on while enjoying the view. Don’t forget to pack bottled water or juice for your special Valentine’s Day date!
Pack everything you need for your outdoor date
Forgetting the corkscrew for a bottle of wine or the marshmallow sticks for a campfire s’mores session can ruin what could be the perfect outdoor Valentine’s Day date. To avoid such disasters, pack everything you need ahead of time and double-check if you have all the essentials with you. Since you’ll be outdoors, it might be difficult to find the things you need in case you forgot something.
Make a checklist so you don’t forget to pack anything. Also, consider how much you can carry. If you’re going on a hike or a picnic, you can bring a lightweight bag and a few containers for all the items you need. If you’re planning a V-Day camping trip, you can use a larger backpack to store all your items.
If you’re driving to a campground or park, you can pack more stuff in your vehicle such as a camping stove or solar stove, a chiller for your fresh food and drinks, a cooking set, utensils, and everything you can use to properly prepare your special meal.
Don’t forget your camping and survival gear
What you need to bring will depend on what date and place you have in mind. But since you’ll be spending time outdoors, it’s important to bring the right gear to ensure a safe and comfortable trip. Some basic gear to consider bringing, especially if you’re going on a hiking or camping date, includes:
Tent and sleeping bag: These will provide shelter and warmth, especially if you’re spending the night under the stars.
Water bottle or hydration system: Staying hydrated is crucial while hiking, so bring plenty of water or a way to purify it.
Ready-to-eat food: Aside from the special meal you’re making, you should bring freeze-dried food and snacks like trail mix, energy bars, dried fruits, and nuts to keep you energized.
First-aid kit: Make sure your kit includes all the basics like bandages, disinfectant, painkillers, scissors, and a tourniquet. Bring extra items if needed such as insect sting ointment, sunscreen, and a snake bite kit.
Fire starters and tinder: Bring waterproof matches, lighters, Ferro rods, magnesium blocks, and tinder for your campfire.
Map, compass, and GPS device: These will help you navigate, stay on track, and ensure you make it back home safely.
Clothing and footwear: Bring clothing that is suitable for the weather and terrain, as well as sturdy footwear to protect your feet.
Thermal blanket, wool blanket, and ponchos: Be ready for bad weather by bringing items for warmth.
Lantern, flashlight, and headlamp: for visibility when it gets dark.
Multi-tools: Bring a multi-tool that has a knife, scissors, can opener, bottle opener, and other useful tools.
Powerbank and solar charger: Keep your devices charged while you’re outdoors.
Whistle and mirror: In case of emergency, you need these items to signal for help.
Toiletries: Brush your teeth before giving your lover a kiss and make sure you look good with a comb and mirror. You’ll need hand sanitizer and alcohol to clean your hands, too.
Cleaning supplies: Pack a trash bag and wet wipes to keep the place clean.
Sunglasses, hats, and sunscreen: Protect yourself from the negative effects of the sun.
Bug spray and bear spray: Don’t let mosquitoes and bears ruin your date.
Schmoopy items: Bring a deck of cards, board games, books, or a journal to make the most out of your date!
Camera: You want to capture all the lovely moments of your Valentine’s Day date outdoors so don’t forget your camera. You can use your phone camera but make sure you have an extra battery pack or powerbank so you can keep taking photos.
Set the mood
If you’re having your Valentine’s Day date in your backyard, you can easily create a romantic atmosphere with flowers, lights, and music. Use scented candles so you can get a whiff of their pleasant aroma every now and then. Just make sure you don’t put the candles too close to any flammable materials. To be safe, prepare a fire extinguisher nearby.
String lights can make your backyard look magical, especially when they twinkle in the night sky. You can also hang up outdoor decorations like paper lanterns or ribbons to bring some extra flair to your date setting.
Put together a small bouquet of fresh flowers and set the mood with some romantic music playing in the background. This will help create an atmosphere of love and appreciation on your special day.
Think about setting up a cozy outdoor seating area where you can sit close to one another, talk, and enjoy the romantic atmosphere. You can also grab a few blankets for extra warmth in case it gets chilly during your date night. If you want to be extra romantic, you could also sprinkle rose petals around the room. Create a beautiful centerpiece with fresh flowers and a few meaningful trinkets to complete the romantic vibe.
And of course, music is essential. Put on some soothing music in the background and let it play in the background as you enjoy your evening with your loved one.
Make the date more interactive
Make the date more fun and engaging by planning an activity for you and your date to do together. You don’t have to settle for just one activity or idea. If you’re planning a romantic hike, for example, you can pack some food so you can enjoy a picnic before heading back home. You can also bring a decent camera and some props if you want to do a photography session during the hike.
You need to think outside the box if you want something more exciting for both of you to enjoy. This will surely be an unforgettable experience that you’ll both cherish forever.
Be open to change
Remember that the best-laid plans sometimes have to change, so be open to adjusting your plans if the weather doesn’t cooperate or something else comes up. Just make sure that the focus is on spending time together, not the plan itself.
Get your significant other a nice gift
Don’t forget to grab a small gift for your significant other. It could be something like the usual bouquet of flowers, chocolates, jewelry, or even a card expressing your love. You can also get them something that suits their taste more.
For example, if your partner is into the great outdoors, get them something like camping gear or a new pair of hiking boots. Or, if they’re into cooking, a new set of knives or even a witty apron should be nice.
Whatever your gift is, make sure it’s something heartfelt and meaningful that will show your partner how much you care about them. This gesture will go a long way and make the day even more special. A thoughtful gift can be a great way to show your appreciation and love.
At the end of the day, your date isn’t really about what activity you do or where you go. It’s all about spending quality time with your special someone and enjoying each other’s company while creating new memories. So plan ahead, create an experience that both of you will enjoy, and have a wonderful Valentine’s Day!
Check out Gentleman Pirate Club and discover more tips on how to safely enjoy the outdoors.