The key to a great first date is picking a fun, inexpensive, casual activity that allows you to talk but also keeps you busy. (No one likes an awkward silence!)

For most of us, the dynamics of the modern-day dating scene are terrifying. Online dating apps have made it easier to meet people but more difficult when it comes to the face to face interaction / first meeting.

Tinder and similar apps give people the confidence to make contact with others. These are often people who may not have the same confidence to talk to a stranger in real life. We all know how terrifying that can be. Of course, Tinder dates also present a unique set of challenges. Your date may have a completely different personality in real life than they do online. A personality perhaps, that you do not click with the way you did online.

Here are a few date ideas to help make that first meeting more enjoyable and easy on you both.

Here are some fun and unique ideas for your dates (on a budget!)

PICNIC

Why not let one person be responsible for the drinks and the other brings the snacks.  Pick a fun location (a park, riverside, or really anywhere with a nice view).

LIBRARY

If you don’t ave anything to say, at least books will give you plenty to talk about! And if it goes well, pick a book for him to read and have him pick one for you.

DITCH THE DRINKS FOR ICE CREAMS

Meet at an ice cream shop. You’ll be surprised how much you can learn about someone based on their topping and flavour choices.

PUB TRIVIA

A great ice breaker. If the conversation between you and your date isn’t flowing well, at least the constant stream of trivia questions will provide some great conversation starters. You’re also able to find out a lot about your date’s hobbies and interests by which questions they are able to answer.

DIY WINE TASTING

No need to spend $30 a bottle of wine like you would at a restaurant. Buy 2 of your favourite bottles and compare your tastes and preferences. If you’re not a wine drinker, try beer or champagne. Here’s a little guide to wine tasting to get you started

OP SHOPPING

Go to a second-hand store and pick outfits to wear out for a drink. Even if you don’t follow through on drinks, you’ll still have a new ’90’s jumper or a pair of granny jeans!

TAKE YOUR DOG / DOGS FOR A WALK

A great way to kill 2 birds with one stone! Good exercise and a date with something to talk about (your dogs!)

GO TO AN ARCADE

A fun way to bond while shooting eachother or racing motorbikes

PLAY MINI-GOLF

Simple sports are fun ways to get competitive without getting too sweaty. Go during the week to save money.

HAVE A 3-COURSE DINNER AT 3 DIFFERENT PLACES

A great way to get the best of all worlds, especially if you can’t decide on just one restaurant. Have starters at one restaurant and move to the next place for your main meal and 3rd place for your last meal

COOK AT HOME

Or better yet, treat your potential paramour to a home cooked meal. You could impress them with your culinary skills or have fun trying a new recipe together. This post from Jamie Oliver will give you some inspiration for a romantic meal

BEACH

Nothing better than a walk along the beach. No need to be hand-in-hand. Just take in the fresh air, sound of the waves and hopefully good company.

GET ADVENTUROUS WITH A NATURE WALK

Australia has the worlds best walking tracks and the most unspoiled natural beauty right at our fingertips. Nothing screams romance like a hike to an amazing view with a picnic at the top. Check out Aussie Bushwalking – they have an exhaustive database of all the best walking trails in Australia from beginning to expert.

LEARN SOMETHING NEW

Head to your local museum or Art Gallery. Many capital cities have a free museum where you can learn about local history and native flora and fauna. Try GOMA in Brisbane or these free Museums in Sydney

GO DANCING

There are many free salsa dancing classes where you can pick up some new moves and get close to your sweetheart. Check out these Salsa Dancing groups in your area

Struggling To Save? Moving in with your partner? Need extra cash? Apply online today 

Cash Loans For Any Reason