While many couples desire postcard beaches and exotic vistas for their Honeymoon escape, not every couple can make it happen. I was in the middle of Spring Semester when I got married so a long, expensive getaway was definitely not an option. If you find yourself in a similar situation then get creative with your honeymoon plans. With many years ahead of you for the big, touristy trips don’t feel bad about doing something smaller and more intimate now. Keep in mind that big travel plans and sightseeing tours can make a honeymoon stressful rather than relaxing which is the very opposite of what this time is supposed to be! With the wedding and all the preparations now over, it’s time to have fun and enjoy the company of your new spouse. After talking to some friends and family, I’ve put together a list of alternative honeymoon ideas that may be exactly what you’re looking for!

1. Drive, don’t fly. If you’re short on time or aren’t looking forward to the frustrations of air travel than plan a honeymoon somewhere you can drive to in a few hours. The time spent in the car is a great way to just relax and talk over all the events that led up to your big day. Another plus is that you won’t have to arrange for any transportation once you get there, you will have already brought it with you! My husband and I drove up the coast of Central California for our honeymoon and stopped to look at whatever we felt like whenever we felt like it. It was extremely relaxing from start to finish and we weren’t worn out from all the travel when we returned home.

2. Go camping. Yes I said it, camping. If you’re the outdoors type then this might be the perfect option for getting away after all the hustle and bustle of your wedding. The quiet seclusion of nature and the ability to wander around as you please with no one to bother you may be very appealing. While it’s not exactly my first choice a couple of my friends chose this as their honeymoon escape and really enjoyed it. They said their favorite part was knowing that they could really be alone without feeling the pressure of dinner reservations or the need to hurry. With so many beautiful national parks and recreation areas to choose from you’ll have no problem finding the perfect spot ...just watch out for bears!

3. Stay in town. Find a fabulous hotel nearby and then spend your time being pampered by all it can offer. Order room service, get massages, lounge by the pool, or just hang out in your room. This definitely offers some serious rest and relaxation and a great opportunity for you and your new spouse to spend plenty of quality time together! I found this was a favorite honeymoon choice for my friends attending college or on a more limited budget. No one said you had to go far to enjoy a romantic newlywed getaway!

4. Hang out at home. I recently met a couple who told me they’d spent their honeymoon at home. They had just rented their first place together and couldn’t wait to settle in so instead of heading out of town, they snuggled up at home. To keep things interesting they came up with a list of things in their area that they’d always wanted to do but never got around to and did a different one each day. This is definitely a budget-friendly and unique honeymoon idea. With no travel stress, plenty of your favorite take-out and lots of fun activities, staying at home can feel like anything but!

5. Travel smart. If you’re really wanting to get farther away than the above options allow then keep a few simple tips in mind when making your travel plans. First, go during the off season. Not only will prices be lower on airfare, hotels, and car rentals but you’ll also avoid the crowds that swell in number during peak travel times. Second, look out for deals. Some travel websites offer great prices if you book your trip as a package or if you’re flexible on your dates and times. Finally, try to select flights that leave at off hours. Morning and evening flights are generally more in demand—and therefore more expensive—than those that take off in the middle of the day. By going during less popular flying times you’ll be able to save money!

Remember that the whole point of a honeymoon is to let the newlyweds spend private, uninterrupted time together to enjoy their first days as husband and wife. With that in mind, it doesn’t matter if you’re on the beaches of Cancun or curled up on the couch at home; you can have a fun, romantic honeymoon anywhere!

- Kelsey Gonzalez