The upside of an affordable car rental is that you have more left to spend on that special someone. So, this Valentine's Day, if you're looking for something completely different, ditch the overcrowded restaurants and try one of these three car-related dates:

1. TAKE A SCENIC DRIVE WITH A FEW ROMANTIC STOPS ALONG THE WAY.

There's nothing better to set the mood than a scenic, sunset drive. And because we are blessed with one of the most beautiful countries, there are loads of routes to choose from, no matter where you are.

• The Garden Route: Rated as one of the most beautiful coastal drives in the country, The Garden Route meanders for 800km between Cape Town and Port Elizabeth. Imagine driving through picturesque landscapes, hand in hand with your loved one.

Book your rental car with First Car Rental and explore the stunning Garden Route at your own pace.

www.gardenroute.co.za

• Chapman's Peak Drive: Between Noordhoek and Hout Bay is the winding road of Chapman's Peak, more fondly known as 'Chappies'. It overlooks the turquoise Atlantic Coast on the southwestern tip of South Africa, offering breathtaking views.

Hire a car from First Car Rental and take a romantic drive along Chapman's Peak.

www.chapmanspeakdrive.co.za

• Magalies Meander: Forming the Magalies Meander is the drive from Pretoria to Magaliesburg. This route offers splendid viewpoints of the koppies and grasslands, perfect for a romantic day out.

Start your adventure with First Car Rental and experience the beauty of the Magalies Meander.

www.magaliesmeander.co.za

• Midlands Meander Drive: Also known as the Arts and Crafts route, The Midlands Meander takes you through the most picturesque countryside, among lush forests, towering mountains, lakes, and idyllic roadside cafés and villages.

Plan your Midlands Meander with First Car Rental for a truly memorable Valentine’s Day.

midlandsmeander.co.za

2. HIT A DRIVE-THRU AND THEN HAVE A PICNIC.

Don't have enough cash for flowers or a restaurant dinner? Why not hit the drive-thru and head somewhere scenic for a picnic? With a car rental from First Car Rental, you can easily pick up your favorite takeout and find a beautiful spot to enjoy each other's company.

What to bring:

• A spacious picnic blanket
• Citronella candles to keep the bugs away, and some regular candles to set the mood.
• An old-fashioned woven picnic basket.
• An ice bucket to keep your drinks chilled.
• Some hand-picked flowers, which you can place in a CONSOL glass.
• A blanket in case the weather turns cold.
• And of course, your delicious takeout.

3. STARGAZE IN NATURE.

Tired of the hustle and bustle of the city? Why not get out of town and spend the evening stargazing with the one you love most? There's really nothing more romantic!

• Maropeng Visitor Centre, Cradle of Humankind, Gauteng: Escape the city lights and pollution for an intro to astronomy with resident astronomer Vincent Nettman. Enjoy dinner and drinks before taking on the telescope.

Rent a car from First Car Rental and head to Maropeng for an unforgettable stargazing experience.

www.maropeng.co.za

• Golden Gate Highlands National Park, Free State: The Golden Gate Highlands provide a sense of space unknown to city dwellers. Take a sneaky stargazing weekend trip and embrace the massive Free State night sky.

Explore the Free State with First Car Rental and enjoy the serenity of Golden Gate Highlands.

www.sanparks.org/parks/golden_gate

• Kruger National Park, Limpopo: Head to South Africa's most iconic game-viewing destination and the second-largest park in all of Africa to see some of the most beautiful star-studded skies.

Book your First Car Rental vehicle and embark on a stargazing adventure in Kruger National Park.

www.sanparks.org/parks/kruger

• The Cederberg, Western Cape: About 240 kilometers from Cape Town are the Cederberg Mountains. Located high within this landscape is the Cederberg Astronomical Observatory—a perfect spot for gazing at the stars.

Rent a car with First Car Rental and head to the Cederberg for a night under the stars.

With First Car Rental, your Valentine’s Day can be more than just dinner and a movie. Plan an unforgettable experience that’s as unique as your love.