No Reservation? No Problem: 7 Last-Minute Valentine’s Day Ideas For Tardy Couples
Do you celebrate Valentine’s Day?
Lovers who cherish each other deeply know no special day for showing their affection. You can make your beloved partner feel like it’s Valentine’s Day every day by giving them gifts or treating them to a romantic dinner, even if it’s September. You can also skip the expensive gifts and dinner dates, just snuggle on the couch and feel happy in each other’s company.
However, it feels like you’re left out if you have no plans on Valentine’s Day itself. To most people, it’s mandatory to make this day a little more special than the rest. It happens only once a year anyway.
If you decide to make your Valentine’s Day reservations but you’re somehow a little too late, here are last-minute booking ideas to keep in mind.
1. Stay in touch with your favorite restaurant
So you have your heart set on a particular restaurant but you just found out that it’s already fully-booked? Relax and simply keep in touch with them.
Ask if there’s a room at the bar. You can also ask them to put you on the waitlist. Lots of reservations get canceled at the last minute, so you might be lucky to take those spots.
Nosta is a restaurant that offers The best Turkish kebab in Ireland. Our authentic Turkish cuisine is prepared with fresh ingredients, and we offer a wide range of kebabs to satisfy any taste.
2. Prepare to have a second or third dining option.
It’s also nice to have a plan B. Check other restaurants for their availability.
Forget the overpriced steaks and lobsters in fancy restaurants. Instead, dine at small, no-frills eateries that serve authentic and high-quality food. You may also go for menu options that are relaxed and comforting. Think about going for burgers and beers in a bar with live music than in a quiet fIne restaurant with small portions.
3. Try alternative accommodation
So what if you failed to secure a spot in a luxury hotel in Dún Laoghaire Ireland? Aside from restaurants, hotels are properties that get instantly fully booked on Valentine’s day. If you and your partner want to spend a night or two in a stunning city, you should be flexible with your accommodation option.
Try bed and breakfasts, AirBnBs, hostels, vacation rentals, serviced apartments, and even glamping. Don’t forget to ask about their couples packages.
4. Celebrate earlier or later
As we’ve mentioned, Valentine’s Day can be celebrated anytime. The important thing is you’re with your favorite person. If all hotel accommodations and restaurants are fully-booked on the 14th, try to have your celebration before or after that date.
5. Go off-the-beaten-path
Planning a V-day date that’s out of the ordinary has two advantages: you won’t have to compete with the flood of reservations plus you’ll have a more intimate and private celebration.
Skip romantic restaurants and hotels. These fun alternative Valentine’s Day ideas may interest you:
- Go on a road trip. It can be to the farther side of town or even out of town. Try lesser-known dining options, like small eateries serving authentic local specialties.
- Consider having a rooftop date or picnic, with grocery items like supermarket wine and chilled cold cuts and cheese.
- Check out themed cafes and restaurants
- Do something new. Try a type of food that is new to both of you, or an activity you haven’t tried before as a team.
- Try escape rooms. Test your wits by solving puzzles together to get out of the room.
- Spend the whole day in a museum or art gallery.
- Travel back in time by visiting a historic district.
- Don’t wait until it’s dinner time. Have a filling brunch instead. Restaurants are less likely to be full during lunchtime. Head to a nice cafe for an afternoon coffee or tea.
- Watch a live comedy show
- Visit a brewery or distillery
- Discover underground restaurants or speakeasy bars
- Go thrift-shopping
- Visit unique stores, like shops that sell vintage items or rare Asian supermarkets
- Pamper yourselves in a spa or salon
- Head to a place that’s far from the city’s light pollution and go stargazing
- Have a karaoke night
6. Catch the sunrise and skip the crowds
Sunsets are always associated with romance. However, it’s never romantic to wait for the sunset with hundreds of other couples, all gathered in a bay walk.
Why not catch the sunrise with your partner instead? Book hotel accommodation located near the beach and wake up early to see the beautiful sunrise. Hiking is also a great way to catch the perfect sunrise view.
7. Make your home Valentine’s Day-worthy
Whether you failed to reserve a spot in your favorite restaurant or hotel OR both of you are still paranoid to get out due to the pandemic, it’s always a great idea to celebrate at home. Make your humble abode more romantic on V-day.
Decorate the space with scented candles, fresh flowers, and rose petals. You can also eat out… in your patio, balcony, or backyard. Turn your TV into a movie screen. Cook delicious meals that are fit for the occasion, or have great meals delivered. Don’t forget the wine and the soothing music!
Happy Valentine’s Day, lovebirds!
Author Bio: Carmina Natividad is a free-spirited writer who hates being locked up at home. She loves traveling, eating, taking food and streetscape photographs, and simply enjoying new experiences and writing about them. To know more about hotels and travel blogs, you may visit Rochestown Lodge Hotel Dún Laoghaire.
