Gift an experience this Valentine.

Research suggests that spending money on experiences is better than buying stuff. So, this Valentine gift an experience to yourself and your loved one. Luckily, when it comes to happiness, duration of an experience does not matter rather it is judged on the thought you put into it .You are rewarded by that special smile on your face that is mirrored on  the face of your loved one, which warms up both your hearts too.

Yes, I know this is a travel forum and but I also feel that  just like   travel is an all fullfilling experience there are many others equally important ones .These special moments also need same eye for details as does travelling.  So go on and plan  a best Valentine.

Okay, so it is on a Monday and many of us are like Oh No! There will be few, who may have planned for this long weekend, applied for leave and are all set for an amazing adventure. Good for them! So what can they do?

Long weekend suggestions

Tripoto are full of great suggestions for a short or long holiday.Check out those and   Research by keeping some reference point. Few ideas…

All -inclusive resort for hassle- free, stress- free trip which can be a bit heavy on pocket.

An adrenaline filled overnight Camping Trip

Short Cruise

Wine tasting tour.

Staycation with couple spa, movie nights, lazy afternoon lunches and all night dancing.

Voluntary your time .Spread love.

Shopping spree (yes ALL THREE DAYS-one day window shopping with movie thrown in, second day actual shopping with long lazy Italian style lunch and third day of show off with all those Insta pics wand shopping for accessories with coffee and cake.

If you have a working day

Despair not. It is the quality that matters!

Use your Sunday to plan! Preparation is a key for an happy experiences, especially if you are bound to get busy on the first day of the week.

Watch sunrise together- holding hands and your favorite warm beverage in the other hand.

Go for walk (hand in hand) to your favorite park, carry thermos filled with your preferred beverage and some muffins. Enjoy the treat on your favourite spot in the park.

Go for breakfast date. Maybe to that dhabba that specialize in aloo ka paranthas or aloo puri or steamy idlis with sambar…

Pack each other something you cooked, with a love note or surprise your loved one by ordering their favourite dish (Hello Swiggy!)

Send at least 10 cheesy love messages to each other with pictures of the places you went last year or plan to go.

When you come home in the evening!

Light up your favorite room with aromatic candles.

Buy a nice pot(red maybe), potting soil and a plant-Plant your love plant together and watch it grow all year long.

Plan a snack only night -go visit your favorite pani puri stall or , soup stall or noodle stall…

Conjure a mad mocktail or coctail.

Ditch the candlelight dinner this year and try something totally different-moonlight dinner out in balcony/terrace (the full moon is on 16th February)

Skip the dinner -move straight to the dessert

Try the yummy chocolate /coca milk with your favorite cookies or maybe melt some chocolate and dip those pricy strawberries in it (its valentines after all)

What about visit to temple? and later distribute chocolates to those kids who gather around the gate for prasad (remember you want a special experience)

A nice stroll in your street, late in night when traffic eases.

Snuggle together and watch all those pictures you posted on social media. There is nothing like nostalgia to bring the glow of happiness!

What about that long distance relationship!

Zoom has been a miracle maker these hard times so use it to your advantage. Dress up as you would on an actual date. Order same type of food. Screen share your favourite travel pics, show each other funny videos, carry laptop outside and both of you see the moon. Read love letters to each other. Sing to each other. Share a quote. Offer gratitude to each other.

What about if you are single?

Self love and self care are the key.Indulge yourself.Go for walk in morning/ evening. Go for Solo dinner in that posh resturant or bring home your favourite food/dessert as treat.Soak your feet in warm salty water as scroll your picture of last trip.Give yourself a massage.Visit your favourite place(mine is a Nursery!)Binge on that series.Watch the moonrise up in sky .Avoid Social media.

Valentine is all about love! Show love to yourself first and then spread it to others.