Ever get tired of the typical romantic night out to dinner? Does the thought of another evening at the cinema make you yawn? If you need some excitement injected into your dating life, these ideas will help you think outside the box and reinvent the way you think of romance.

1. Hop on a train

Seeing the countryside from a train is lovely, especially if you're on board to do exactly that rather than use the journey as a means to an end. A leisurely ride, a stop at a small historic town for a bit of lunch, perhaps a short walk in the countryside before hopping back on the train--it's a great day out. It has variety, excellent company, and that special sense of being on a journey together with no purpose and no pressure other than to enjoy yourselves and have fun together.

2. Day hike and a picnic

There's no reason a romantic getaway can't be had on a budget. The outdoors offers endless possibilities for inexpensive ways to spend time together, even if you're not usually the outdoor type. A summer or fall walking tour of a nearby bit of countryside can be an easy and relaxing day out. It's also the perfect way to get to know each other all over again in a private and beautiful setting. Bring a picnic and you will be in your own little world together for the entire day.

3. Hot air balloon ride

This is a great way to impress. It's exciting and different, and guaranteed to be completely unexpected. Experiencing balloon flight is much more relaxing and romantic than any other way of flying. A balloon goes where the breeze takes it, drifting along high above the earth. It feels like you have no cares in the world. You can escape life for a few hours and just enjoy the view and each other's company.

4. Cycle tour

Even if you're not normally a cyclist, this can be an excellent summer outing. Hire a bicycle and enjoy a laid-back ride over rolling hills and through green pastures. It's a completely different experience from driving a car--you'll be amazed at how much more you notice about your surroundings and how easily you can talk while riding bicycles side by side. Most cycle hire companies have planned routes on quiet back roads or old railroad beds--all you have to do is see where the journey takes you. You can even inject some fun competition and have a bit of a race on a country road. You'll feel like kids on summer holiday, and your everyday concerns will fall away. You might even find an old wayfarer's inn for lunch, taking you back to the days of travel on horseback.