AS we approach Valentine’s Day, money-saving experts are warning that experience vouchers don’t always offer the best value for money.

Over the years, gift experience vouchers have rapidly grown in popularity. With experiences including wine tastings, spa days, weekend getaways, and candle-lit dinners, many shoppers may view an experience voucher as the ultimate romantic and stress-free gift.

However, Leon Trotman, the Managing Director at My Debt Plan, believes in certain cases, these gifts can actually cost a couple more money.

Leon Trotman said: “Experience gift vouchers have become increasingly popular, promising everything from dining experiences and spa days to overnight stays and adventure packages.

"While they can be a convenient and thoughtful gift, they occasionally don’t offer the best value for money. This is why, in certain cases, booking directly can often be a cheaper, easier, and more reliable option, especially if you already have a specific destination in mind.

“Before purchasing or redeeming any voucher, always compare the price against the provider’s own website. Many hotels and restaurants run their own seasonal offers or direct-booking discounts that voucher sites don’t reflect. This means you could unintentionally pay more via a voucher than you would by booking the same experience yourself, resulting in a missed deal.”

Outdated listings can also be an issue. Some consumers report buying add-ons or packages that the accommodation no longer advertises, leaving guests disappointed when certain extras are no longer available and are consequently cancelled.

Before buying your voucher, it’s a good idea to check recent Tripadvisor reviews for the specific hotel, restaurant, or activity provider.

Leon added: "With Valentine’s Day quickly approaching, availability for the actual weekend is already limited at many hotels and venues, meaning experience vouchers can quickly leave couples disappointed when they struggle to secure the dates they want. This is why it's best to avoid experience vouchers if you're looking for a last-minute gift idea.”