As summer draws near, it signifies a time for small work breaks and enjoying some leisure. We always anticipate fun couple’s nights, sans children, but the expenses often deter us. However, our discovery has been that planning these summer date nights in advance could save us a substantial amount of money and, hence, enhance the experience.
One of my favorite hobbies is checking out Groupon a couple of months before an event. This is primarily because Groupon regularly holds sales and it’s always profitable to grab those discounts early. The rates on Groupon are typically reduced by 40-60% off the standard price. And when they add an extra 20% off or $10 off local deals, it’s an irresistible offer!
An illustration of a pre-planned summer date night is a Distillery Tour for two that we’ve already booked. We get to sample their gins and receive a souvenir shot glass each. This hour-long class was originally priced at $30 but was discounted by 40% on Groupon, dropping it to $18. However, by waiting for a 20% off deal, we got it for $14.40, which is quite reasonable. With patience, we got it for an even more affordable price!
When it comes to stretching my dollar, I use my Ebates extension while shopping online or on my phone. I love Ebates because they give cash back just for shopping on specific websites. The cashback depends on the day as the percentages fluctuate frequently, especially on sites like Amazon. While Amazon is not used for summer date nights, I do use it for other purchases. On some days, one category may offer 5% cash back, while the next day there’s none. To determine which categories provide the best rewards, it’s essential to check Ebates daily.
But my experience with Groupon and Ebates together has been nothing short of fantastic – I got an additional $1.44 off our Groupon, bringing the total to $12.96. Getting such a great bargain for our date night was indeed a reason to celebrate!
Airbnb has become more than just a lodging platform; they now offer Airbnb Experiences too. Locals can host unique experiences they are experts at. For example, we offered a food and drink pairing culinary class, reflecting our expertise. This aspect of Airbnb offers another excellent avenue for unique summer date nights. There are various options from private chocolate tasting, sunset kayak tours to meditation and lunch sessions – the choices may be a tad pricier but are still reasonable.
Another resource, the Get Offline app (or website) is an enjoyable tool for exploring the local area and finding unique activities. The platform lists events like festivals, farmers markets, art shows, food truck gatherings, and more – many of which are free!
In summary, there are numerous ways to plan affordable yet exciting date nights. We’ve discovered fascinating activities that are often new to our friends, adding to the joy of sharing these experiences.
What are your favorite cost-effective strategies to plan summer date nights? So share some insights and enjoy the savings together.
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