8 Affordable Things to Do for Your Next Date

Dating is one of the things that add color and life to a relationship. If it’s your first date with your special someone, most likely, your goal is to make a good first impression. Or, suppose you’ve been dating for some time now, you probably want every date to be more special than the last one.

Whatever your status is, you shouldn’t forget that dates don’t have to be expensive to be impressive or special. There are countless ways that you can enjoy your time as a couple without spending too much. By keeping your dating expenses low, you can save your money for more important things like affordable insurance or other types of investment.

Planning your next date? Try these low-cost date ideas that put happy and practicality together:

1. Visit a museum
   
   Local museums usually don’t charge expensive entrance fees, so you may want to check your area for nearby museums you can visit. A lot of museums even open their site for free visits during certain occasions like the National Arts Month in February.
   
   If the museum is just a stone’s throw away from your location, you can just go on foot instead of driving or booking a ride. Not only is walking more economical but it’s good for your health, too.
   
   You may want to start with the following museums, which are the most visited ones in the metro:
   
   
   • The National Museum (Rizal Park, Manila)
   • Ayala Museum (Ayala)
   • Mind Museum (Bonifacio Global City)
   • UST Museum of Arts and Sciences (Espana Boulevard, Manila)
     
     
2. Do volunteer work
   
   You or your partner may want to channel the Good Samaritan in you through volunteer work. Just choose the type of volunteer work that you’d like to do together. It could be visiting the sick, helping around a pet shelter, cooking for the homeless, and so on.
   
   Doing acts of kindness can benefit both you and your beneficiary since you’re helping those who are in need, and at the same time, you feel happy to be working for a charitable cause.
   
   
3. Check out thrift stores
   
   Any one of you needs to shop for a piece of clothing, accessory, or even furniture? Encourage your S.O. to go with you to your favorite thrift store or novelty shop. Chances are, you’ll find something unique that you can use to express yourself without burning a hole in your wallet.
   
   
4. Go on a ferry ride
   
   While you’re still saving for that cruise adventure, why not go for something similar like a ferry ride? There are several ferry boat services in and out of the metro, which will allow you to see different places at a fair price. For a more romantic vibe, schedule your ride once the sun sets and buildings light up the skyline. The cool breeze of the night can add to a delightful experience, too.
   
   
5. Play paintball
   
   Indoor or outdoor paintball can be a fun kind of date, especially if both of you are into competitive games. You can do this activity whether you’re with a group of friends, you’re shooting at other players, or you simply want to play against each other. For a few hundred pesos per person, you already have free bullets and free use of the paintball field, vest, and mask.
   
   
6. Take a virtual vacation
   
   Technology is everywhere, and you can use it to fulfill your travel goals through a 3D virtual tour. Websites that keep vast collections of high-quality images and videos give you a sneak peek of your dream destinations around the world until you’re ready to take the actual trip in the future.
   
   This prelude should also encourage the two of you to keep hitting your savings target so that you can soon make your dream vacation a reality.
   
   
7. Watch videos or play games on your phone
   
   Speaking of technology, your smartphone can give you unlimited access to all kinds of content online, so use it to your advantage. Pick a time to watch funny or entertaining videos together on YouTube or your social media feed, or play mobile games instead. Once you feel hunger setting in, cook up a healthy dish to cap off your screen time.
   
   
8. Schedule a karaoke night
   
   Anyone can use some belting out of his or her favorite songs, so give karaoke night a chance. Help each other in looking for song pieces to add to your playlist, or if any of you knows how to play a musical instrument, that person can provide the music while the other person sings along to the tune. If you haven’t decided on your couple song, this may be a good time to think about it, too.

Dating for Couples on a Budget

Fancy, expensive dates sure are lovely, but they aren’t your only option in showing your affection to someone you care about. More than the amount of money you spend on your date nights, it’s the time you choose to give to your spouse, girlfriend, or boyfriend that truly speaks to the heart.

Spread the love by sharing this post, so that other couples may be encouraged to make wise decisions about dating that won’t ruin their budget.

Then again, if your dating status is single, you’re doing fine. Check out our other post on the financial advantage of being single.