Top Reasons to Plan Valentine's Day in Advance

By Stephen I Alexander

Valentine's Day is allegedly the most romantic day of the year, and an opportunity to show the special loved one in your life just how much they mean to you. However thousands of couples all over the world will face a disappointing Valentine's Day because the other half forgot about the date. Like it or not, Valentine's Day gifts need to be planned in advance, or else there is no chance of getting through the day without someone bursting into tears (or an argument). Take a look below at some of the best reasons why you should have been planning Valentine's Day well in advance - unless you want to rush to the petrol station for flowers and a card on the day!

Reason #1: Restaurants will not accept bookings on the day for Valentine's dinners
Whether it is because you can't decide where to go, you're too busy to call, or you think the prices will be exorbitant, there will come a point (usually the eve of Valentine's) when you finally have run out of excuses and call the restaurant, only to discover they have been fully booked for the past week. It's time to face the facts; the restaurant will have an overpriced set menu, and it will be busy. If you want to take your loved one out somewhere nice, then pick up the phone now, or otherwise make alternative plans. Put your kitchen skills to the test and cook your own three course menu or better yet, take your loved one out for a culinary excursion, or let her choose from a choice of culinary experiences. Go out for afternoon tea for two, partake in a cheese and wine tasting course, or even learn to cook a meal together under the guidance of a trained chef. Whatever you choose, they will appreciate the gesture better than an apology for forgetting.

Reason #2: Hotels and flights will be too expensive if booked last minute
Admittedly hotels and flight companies do take advantage of Valentine's Day and take a little extra from the purses and wallets of couples. However, take this as an opportunity to explore somewhere off the beaten track. With so many destinations competing against each other for business, many of the lesser-known destinations will cut prices to encourage people to choose them over the more popular destinations. Instead of looking at the Eiffel Tower, why not wander the romantic streets of Prague, or swap Venice for Treviso? In fact, why not explore more of the UK and have a staycation? Many gyms and health resorts offer spa breaks for couples, giving discounted prices for couples that normally don't visit on a regular basis. If you feel like exploring a new place, then take a unique excursion, like a 'glamping' holiday with a romantic break in a yurt in the countryside, or a stay in a boutique hotel in Jersey. You can still enjoy a trip away together, save money, and see another side of your country.

Reason #3: They will be away on Valentine's Day
It's a sad fact that many couples will be apart on Valentine's Day, whether it's due to long distance or work commitments. Just because you are not together on the big day doesn't mean you are off the hook. In fact, it is for this reason that you should plan in advance for Valentine's Day. Surprise them with gift days, so they can still enjoy the day without you. For example, let them test drive a sports car, or white water rafting.

Reason #4: Valentine's Day events are clich�d and boring - why bother?
Not all couples want to celebrate their love together through the conventional ways; dinners, film dates, etc. On the other hand coming up with original ideas to celebrate Valentine's Day can be challenging, if not impossible if you have been together for a while. If you're both adrenaline junkies, then spend the day getting the blood rushing with a bungee jump experience or countryside tour from the seat of an old fighter plane. Not everyone's idea of love is jumping off heights bound by rope, and that is understandable. If you still want a romantic excursion, but don't want to pick from the stereotypical options, there are still plenty of things to do. Go to the theatre and watch a play or musical together, get close and steamy with an intensive salsa workshop for two, or escape for a 'Bond-themed' break for two. In order to do any exciting activities for Valentine's Day however, forward planning is essential. Classes fill up quickly, and many recreation facilities need forward notice for scheduling employees and filing paperwork.

Reason #5: You don't want to leave anything to chance
If you have just begun a relationship with someone, chances are you want to pull out all the stops and impress them on the big day. In order for the day to run smoothly and romantically, forward planning is the key to success. Book a dinner cruise along the Seine, or Thames if you want somewhere closer to home, or impress your loved one with a table at a five star restaurant. Make sure it is a place he or she will enjoy, and take the time to remember his/her likes and dislikes. There is no point booking a table at a steak restaurant if he/she is a vegetarian! But whatever you choose, make sure you book it in advance. Not only do these romantic hotspots book quickly, but if booked far in advance some places offer early bird deals.

With just a little bit of planning, Valentine's Day can be an enjoyable day spent with the person you love, instead of a hassle. And remember, Mothering Sunday is on the 10th of March this year, so start buying your gifts for Mother's Day early too!

Stephen Alexander has been writing about how to plan your Valentine's Day in advance. Visit Red Letter Days for information on Valentine's Day gifts or click this link for a range of experience days. Great deals on spa days for two can also be found here.