Forgo the island getaway but still score big on alone time.

by Marra Ciuffetelli

When you hear “honeymoon,” a mental image of jetting off to Hawaii or the Caribbean pops into your head—but did you know that, according to AAA as of 2008, a vacation in Hawaii costs, on average, almost $800 a day? Newlyweds pack their bags and head off to the islands for their honeymoon, spending too much and worrying about the expense later. Couples can easily enjoy their honeymoons a little closer to home—it all comes down to a little creativity.

Stay-cation

Why not stay home and have a stay-cation? It may not sound appealing or romantic, but some alone time with your new husband is really what makes a honeymoon so important. Stay in and order takeout from your favorite restaurants every night, snuggle under a blanket and watch your favorite movies. Take a drive to Newark’s Main Street or to Rittenhouse Square in Philadelphia, and take an evening stroll holding hands.

Weekend getaway

If you and your hubby are itching to get away for a few days, try a nice B&B or hotel in the area. Book a few nights at a cozy B&B in historic Cape May, like the beautiful Queen Victoria Bed & Breakfast (102 Ocean St., Cape May, 609-884-8702, www.queenvictoria.com), or a swanky hotel near Atlantic City like the Borgata Hotel Casino & Spa (1 Borgata Way, Atlantic City, 609-317-1000, www.theborgata.com). You also can’t go wrong booking a weekend away in Rehoboth Beach or Lewes. There are plenty of hotel options to choose from. Stay right on the beach at Boardwalk Plaza Hotel (2 Olive Ave. & the Boardwalk, Rehoboth Beach, 227-7169, www.boardwalkplaza.com), or stay canal-front at Hotel Blue (110 Anglers Road, Lewes, 645-4880, www.hotelblue.info).

Road trip

There is nothing more exciting than jumping in the car and taking a road trip. There are so many great cities within a few hours, from Baltimore to Washington D.C. to New York City. Take in a ball game, tour some museums or enjoy some Broadway shows. Get to any of these cities in less than four hours and have the honeymoon of your dreams.