Valentine’s Day is over a week. Personally, I am not very fond of being all smoochie smoochie on this day. I’d rather go on a date with Lex when we have something special to celebrate, or just for fun. I also think this day may be uncomfortable for many solo people. Even if you are, or choose to be, solo, a day like Valentine’s Day gives the impression that your life choices aren’t normal but ‘wrong’ and ‘incorrect’. Do what makes you happy! In addition, I always find it way too busy on this day. Although, this year will be different due to Corona.
Even though we don’t really celebrate Valentine’s Day, I still want to write a blog post for this day. In this blog post I give tips and date ideas that I would do myself, are not very expensive, Corona proof and suitable to do when you live in a camper. Oh and also, not only for partners, but great to do with your sibling, friends, family members, complete strangers, etc. So not just for people in a relationship. If you guys have any more ideas, let me know in the comments!
1. Preparing a meal together in the camper
Making some delicious dish in the camper can be so much fun. This activity does require good planning though. Because you often don’t have that much space in a van, you have to get creative. Divide the tasks so that you can cook together, but make sure they won’t require both of you to use the stove at the same time.
An example is making sushi together. We cook a pan of rice beforehand during the day so that it cools down in the evening. Lex fills and rolls the sushi and I cut the roll into slices and arrange them on a plate. We cook together, but each has our own task. I sit at the table cutting while Lex is rolling at the counter.
You can also make a number of small dishes each. Think tapas here. Serve them in different dishes or on plates (there won’t be many, because who has room for a full set of dishware in a camper!). And have a cozy picnic in the van with a blanket over the bed. You can also have a picnic outside, but depending on where you are, it may be too cold for that now.
2. Game Night
Playing a game together is always fun. I myself am very picky about the games that I like. Make sure the games you already have are suitable for two players.
A number of games that are suitable for this:
3. Movie Night
A cozy movie night is of course a standard date activity. Completely understandable! Crawl under a warm blanket on the couch or in bed. Cuddle while watching an exciting or fun movie. Of course that includes snacks! You can prepare these snacks together in advance. Or just buy them at the store.
4. Outside activity
This date idea is for in the van, but for outside. Drive to a nice nature environment like a park or some woods and take a hike together. You can make the hike as long or short as you want. Bring a bottle of water or a thermos with tea. During a long hike, don’t forget snacks so that you don’t get hungry on the way.
More of a citytrip kind of person? Take a long walk through a city or town where you are staying at.
5. Campfire and Smores
This is also an outdoor activity. And in my opinion the best! Your own campfire is just the best thing. Make sure you have all the ingredients to make smores. (Graham) cookies, chocolate and (vegan) marshmallows. Before starting a campfire, take a walk to search for a suitable stick to roast the marshmallows on. Prepare the stick with a pocket knife while the fire is still warming up.
Lex bought a bag of vegan marshmallows for my birthday. I am so happy. They are really good. I’ve had to live marshmallows for a number of years (because where can you find vegan marshmallows in The Netherlands???). That was tough…
Make sure you are allowed to light a campfire wherever you are. Either on your own property, with permission from the owners of a property or at a campsite where you can light your own fire. Always provide a bucket of water or sand when working with an open fire.
Final thoughts
Five tips and ideas for a good time with your SO, buddy or your family. On Valentine’s Day or any other day. Suitable for van life. Have fun!