MEN and women rarely agree on what makes a romantic date.

While heart-shaped chocolates and Valentine's kitsch often send both sexes running, spending the most romantic weekend of the year at Rodney Parade isn't always ideal either.

But with a little bit of forward planning it's easy to put together a day with something to suit all tastes.

Lisa Evans is manager at the Supakart karting centre, based at the Leeway industrial estate in Newport

The centre is open from noon on Valentine's Day for couples looking for an untraditional way to celebrate.

She said: "Karting is an excellent Valentine's date. It would be different and a bit of fun, too.

"It could be seen as more for the man than the woman, and most of our customers are men, but we do get plenty of women, too."

If guns and getting dirty are more your man's cup of tea, then paintballing is always a good option.

Just make sure the bruises aren't bad enough to spoil the evening's fun.

Once the men have had their fun and it's time for them to spoil their wife or girlfriend, it's traditional romance that is in order. A weekend at a plush hotel never fails to impress.

At the Celtic Manor Resort, in Newport, they are offering a range of packages to suit all pockets this weekend.

All include an overnight stay at the five-star hotel, dinner, champagne, and a Welsh love spoon.

For those with a head for heights, a surprise hot-air balloon ride over the beautiful Wye Valley could be the perfect Valentine's treat.

Jo Bailey is managing director of Champagne Balloon Flights, based near Abergavenny.

She said: "It's a really beautiful and romantic way to spend the day."

After an hour-long flight couples are greeted with chilled champagne.

Jo said: "It's the most fantastic feeling in the world, and it's not something you do every day."

And of course, a simple but thoughtful Valentine's card will always do the trick.

Relationship expert Jenni Trent-Hughes said: "The best Valentines I've ever received and held onto for years are the cards.

"You can translate your love into a big flashy gift, but for the small price of a card and a stamp, you can leave a lasting impression that says as much, if not more."