When you are single, it can be hard enough at times to support yourself, much less have money to take someone out on a date. If finances are a struggle for you right now, you need not resign yourself to a life of being alone. There are numerous inexpensive date ideas that allow you to have fun, get to know each other better and go easy on your wallet.
Hit the Walking Trails
Going for a walk with your potential love interest is really a three for one deal. It costs nothing, you both get exercise and it gives you the opportunity to see if conversational styles mix well together. If there are long, awkward silences, it does not necessarily mean that you are ill fated for one another, but it does help you to understand the topics that keep your conversations rolling and those that do not.
If the two of you are both in good physical condition and feel up to it, you can take your walking to the next level by going hiking or mountain climbing. Another option for nature lovers is for both of you to bring along a digital or disposable camera and photograph interesting or pretty scenes that you come across. You can also take pictures of each other, but be sure to ask first or you may spend the rest of the date with a grumpy person who hates being photographed.
Cheap Culture
There are many opportunities for dates if either of you likes art, books or music. Many art museums are free to browse through or low cost if they do charge a fee. As for books, the two of you can spend hours in a bookstore without buying a single thing. You can show each other some of your favourite topics or authors, flip through a few pages of books you are interested in and then end the afternoon in the bookstore coffee shop. Most bookstores also have a separate music selection, so you can do the same thing in that section of the store with the exception of listening to music samples rather than flipping through books.
Seasonal Outdoor Activities
Weekends bring plenty of outdoor activities in all of Australia’s seasons. If you both love wine, consider going to a winery and learning how it is made. You may even get to taste some of the samples. Another thought is to take your date to a berry or pumpkin farm to pick some goods and take them home. You will have a lot of fun helping each other locate the best berries and pumpkins and it will be even more fun when you decorate or eat them together later.
Alternative Dinner Ideas
Why go to an upscale restaurant with upscale prices when you can put on an elaborate spread for your date at home? Find out your date’s all-time favourite meal and then go grocery shopping together for the ingredients. When you have everything you need, put the meal together by yourself and impress your date with your cooking skills. For a really romantic touch, put some wine on the table, dim the lights and play some romantic music. You can enjoy good food and good company without interruption from a waiter or having to leave a big tip.
An outdoor picnic is another romantic way to eat dinner together. When you figure out a day that will work best for you, check the weather forecast in advance and then start planning. Just make sure you pack the non-food essentials like forks and knives, napkins and a corkscrew to uncap the wine if that is the beverage of your choice.
Go out on the Town for Less
If there is a pub that you both enjoy meeting at for a few drinks, skip the drinks and take up billiards or darts instead. Both of these are free or low-cost activities, whereas each of you having two or more drinks can add up quickly. Bars also offer live music on a regular basis that is free for customers or costs a minimal cover charge.
Enrol in a Regular Activity You Both Enjoy
If you have gone out on more than a few dates, you have surely discovered a pastime that both of you enjoy pursuing. It may be something like dancing, photography, art or another passion that is more fun when you enjoy it with another person. Check the Internet for listings of local classes that are open to the public and inexpensive and ask your date if he or she would like to take part in the activity regularly. It will give you a break from planning future dates and will be something for the two of you to enjoy learning while also spending time together.
