Valentine’s Day suffers from one major logistical flaw: most couples have the exact same idea at the exact same time. The result is often special "set menus" in restaurants, inflated hotel rates, and long queues for tables—factors that frequently kill the romantic atmosphere.

At Flex To Go, we propose an alternative: shift the celebration to the weekend of February 20-22. This date is still close enough to the holiday of love but free from "peak season" pressure. By then, cities return to their natural rhythm, tables at good restaurants become available again, and hotel prices normalize.

In this scenario, a rental car becomes your tool for flexible planning—allowing you to drive out for a sunset or return comfortably to your hotel without worrying about night buses.

Calculating the Costs: What We Cover

To keep things transparent, we focus on "on-site" costs: the car, two nights of accommodation for two people, and leisure activities. We treat flight prices as a dynamic variable and consider them an add-on.

Under €120: The Smart Weekend

This option is for those who value smart solutions. The key here is flexibility: whether you live in a city with one of our branches or travel to one, having a car on-site completely changes the quality of your weekend. Instead of worrying about taxis, you gain total freedom.

Destination: Kraków – A Classic Reimagined

Kraków is always a solid choice, but with a car at your disposal, you can see much more than just the Market Square.

• What to do with the car? Instead of crowding into the center, take your partner for a sunset at Zakrzówek—the new paths and viewpoints are impressive—or take a quick trip to Ojców for a valley walk far from the city noise.

• Evening Plan: We recommend a walk along the Vistula River to see the illuminated footbridges and Wawel Castle from a different perspective.

• The Costs: At Flex To Go, rental for the weekend of Feb 20-22 starts from approx. €20 for 2 days (Fiat 500 class). Accommodation for these dates starts from approx. €33 per night. You can close the entire base of the trip (car + hotel) around €95.

Under €240: The European Upgrade

This budget allows for an international city break (assuming cheap flights) or an "experience upgrade": a better hotel, an exceptional dinner, or tickets to interesting exhibitions.

Option 1: Liverpool – Beyond The Beatles

This is a city with a raw, port character and incredible energy. The UNESCO industrial heritage, the revitalized Royal Albert Dock, and the monumental Cathedral make a huge impression in person. You can feel the sea breeze in the air, alongside the ever-present spirit of football. It is a fascinating mix of history and modernity, perfect for an unconventional city break.

• What to do with the car? Liverpool is a great base. Use your rental car to drive to Crosby Beach to see the famous "Another Place" installation (sculptures in the sea)—an incredibly photogenic and atmospheric spot, ideal for a couple's walk.

• The Costs: A car from Flex To Go (e.g., VW Up/Fiat 500) costs approx. €44–45 for 2 days. Accommodation starts from approx. €57 per night.

Option 2: Munich – The Bavarian Lifestyle

On one hand, there is a strong attachment to tradition and quality; on the other, innovation and modernity (after all, this is the home of BMW). This is a place where big-city life naturally blends with proximity to nature—just a walk by the Isar River or a visit to the English Garden allows you to take a break from the concrete. Munich offers a quality you can feel at every step: it feels both homely and worldly.

• What to do with the car? Munich lies close to the Alps and lakes. With a car, you can reach Starnberger See in less than an hour. A walk along the lakeshore with a view of the mountains guarantees a romantic atmosphere you won't find in the city center.

• The Costs: Rental (Smart Forfour/VW Polo) is an expense around €66–69. Hotels start from approx. €52 per night. The base for this trip is surprisingly affordable.

€475 & Above: Premium Experiences

This proposal is for those who do not accept compromises. Here, the car stops being just a means of transport and becomes one of the main attractions of the trip.

Premium Kraków

For those who value comfort, staying "close" doesn't have to mean sacrificing luxury.

• The Experience: Choose a premium class car (e.g., Mercedes CLA for approx. €117 for 2 days). A night drive through the city with good music in a comfortable, modern interior builds the atmosphere just as well as a candlelit dinner.

Florida – Chasing Summer (For Longer Trips)

Driving the iconic Ocean Drive in South Beach is an absolute must—the neons and historic hotels are best viewed while cruising slowly down the street (ideally with the windows down).

We also recommend a trip to Key Biscayne via the Rickenbacker Causeway—that is where you will find some of the best views of the city skyline and the ocean. If you have more time, a car allows you to escape to "wild Florida"—Everglades National Park is just an hour from the center.

• The Costs: This is a "bigger plan" option where the main cost is flights, and on-site prices can be extreme. Interestingly, you can find very low promotional rental offers at Flex To Go. The final budget depends mainly on hotel prices, which range from approx. €46 to fully luxurious amounts.

A Note on Flights (Last Minute Pricing)

When planning a trip abroad, remember to account for airfare, which is not included in the budgets above. Connection prices (verified as of January 14) for February 20-22 were as follows:

• Poznań – Liverpool: from approx. €186.

• Kraków – Liverpool: from approx. €268.

• Wrocław – Munich: from approx. €339.

If you choose an international option, the real cost of the entire trip (including flights) will most likely close above €475.

The Checklist for a Successful Trip

Valentine's Day doesn't have to mean queues and astronomical prices—sometimes it’s enough to shift the celebration by a week and simply spend a good weekend together. To make the trip a pleasure, we recommend a simple approach:

• Less is more: Choose 2-3 program points (e.g., a walk by the lake and dinner). The rest is free time.

• One sure thing: Book one thing in advance (e.g., entry to an exhibition or a table) to give the trip some structure.

• Car is freedom: Treat the car as a tool for independence. A night drive to a viewpoint is often more memorable than another dessert in a crowded café.

We wish you a beautiful Valentine's celebration—with good food, good views, and a moment just for you!