A 2010 survey by TheKnot showed that about 30 percent of U.S. newlyweds stayed in the continental U.S. for their entire honeymoon, an increase over previous years. These couples chose popular vacation places like Florida, California, and Nevada for their trips, as well as other domestic areas that were closer to home.
The main reason for honeymooning within the U.S.? Cost was likely a constraining factor. The average cost of an international honeymoon was about $5,200, while the average cost of a continental U.S. honeymoon was about $2,300.
So if you're looking to save a bundle on your honeymoon -- or if you don't like plane rides -- check out these stateside honeymoon destinations that you could drive to:
1. Cape Cod: If you're up for a relaxing, intimate, and calm honeymoon, there's no better destination than the easternmost point of Massachusetts. And if you really want to save money and make your honeymoon even more intimate, book your trip for the spring or fall. These shoulder seasons offer pretty weather but fewer tourists and better room rates. Besides Cape Cod's ocean views and historic backdrop, it offers cute little B&Bs, which have more personality and cheaper fares than hotels.
2. Key West: If your ideal honeymoon involves both tanning at the beach and hitting up the nightclubs for some fun together, Key West is a great honeymoon location. The weather in this section of Florida is great year-round, though tourist activity and room rates are at their peaks during the winter months.
3. Yellowstone: For a more adventurous, outdoorsy honeymoon check out Yellowstone National Park. There are plenty of places to hike or have a romantic picnic. If you're really up for an adventure, pack your tent to camp out for part of your honeymoon, and then spend the rest of your honeymoon in a luxurious private cabin.
4. New York City: For the cultured couple who envisions a mix of restaurants, performances, and shopping during a dream honeymoon, New York City is a wonderful destination. Stay in a luxury hotel, and enjoy everything from Chinatown to Broadway during your New York stay. Another great option could be to split your honeymoon between the city and the countryside of New York, where you'll find plenty of great bed and breakfasts to enjoy.
5. Wine Country: A wine country tour in California may be just the thing if you want to enjoy a relaxed but sunny honeymoon. Look into wine tours for some great rates and savings on honeymoon and vacation packages to this beautiful area.
As you can see, there are plenty of great honeymoon destinations within the continental U.S., some of which have nothing to do with white sand beaches. The great part about the U.S. is that you can get nearly any sort of honeymoon you want -- from a cultured city stay to a traditional beach honeymoon to a rugged outdoors hiking vacation. Chances are, you can probably even find an affordable, exciting place to stay close to home if you're on a limited honeymoon budget.
Just be sure you budget for gas and other road trip essentials for your honeymoon, and prepare to have the time of your life.