How to Take a Budget Valentine's Day Vacation

A romantic escape doesn't have to break the bank.

A Valentine's Day getaway can be the perfect way to stoke the fires of romance in your relationship. Believe it or not, such a trip doesn't have to be luxurious to be fun and romantic. Here are steps to a romantic getaway that won't empty your pockets.

Things You'll Need

• A sense of romance and adventure

Instructions

1. Plan ahead and find a countryside lodging in a place that doesn't get much February business, and will thus have reasonable rates; don't be afraid to negotiate either. You could also consider camping if your partner is a serious nature lover not adverse to "roughing it," but otherwise such a rustic escape might be a hard sell.

2. Agree to skip the gift exchange this year, as the trip will be your gift to each other. Or create something romantic for each other-such as a personal poem or handicraft.

3. Go someplace close by, which will cut back on gas, wear and tear on your car, and other traveling expenses. It's amazing how even traveling a few hours away can really take you away from it all.

4. If you have children, plan ahead so they can do a sleepover at a friend's house, which will save you plenty on babysitting costs. Likewise, pet owners should find reliable family or friends to watch their critters, which will also save lots of money.

5. Instead of expensive flowers, gather your own bouquet around your lodgings. Fresher, more personal and cheaper-a triple bonus!

6. 

   Skip the expensive meal out and prepare your own romantic feast-if your lodging has a kitchenette-or do a simple but tasty "bed-top picnic." What could be more romantic than a spread of finger foods that you can feed each other and a bottle of wine?

7. Forgo a live show or play and just rent some classic romantic films to snuggle up to in your hotel room. "Casablanca" and "When Harry Met Sally" are two of my personal favorites, but it's all in your individual taste.