Carolina Bed & Breakfasts

B&Bs are known for offering guests a unique charm, along with home-style breakfasts and hospitality. Many Bed and Breakfasts also go the extra mile by providing evening hors d'oeuvres, wine and other spirits and fresh baked desserts. Many allow for you to snuggle in their complementary robes while they deliver breakfast to your room. Because each B&B is one of a kind, consider visiting several on your honeymoon - either along the coast or in the mountains.

Vacation rentals and swaps

Using local resources (such as Craigslist, EBay or other forums and blogs) allows you to search out vacation rentals and swaps for all destinations and budgets. These opportunities allow for bartering and bidding, which can really bring the price down. Think outside the box as to where to look; our world is filled with countless travel and destination possibilities.

Be aware that these sites don't always guarantee the quality, safety or privacy that you'll receive if you use a nationally recognized company or seller.  On the other hand, there have been a lot of excellent transactions that have resulted from this types of transaction.

Mini cruise

Mini cruises (3-5 nights in length) to the Bahamas or the Caribbean are extremely affordable. They start at under $200/person if you are traveling in the off-season and can get up to around $450/person during summer vacation months (this is not including taxes or other related fees). Many of your normal travel costs are included the price, including all food; most ships offer food 24 hours a day and the variety and quantity at your fingertips is amazing! Not to mention, cruise ships come with a complete itinerary of activates that will keep you entertained any time of the day or night. Most ships also include other fun amenities, such as a gym, disco, day spa, casino, pools, etc. Some even feature miniature golf, rock climbing, water park or basketball courts. Visit cruise line sites to view all they have to offer.

Often not included in the cost are alcoholic beverages and soft drinks plus the price of excursions that you choose to participate in while at one of your shore stops, photos and other memorabilia that you purchase on or off the ship.

Camping in the Carolinas

It's a money-saving classic, but just because you're camping doesn't have to mean your skimping. Plus, there's nothing like leaving your technology behind to spend several days in the sun and nights under the stars with the love of your life. Look into the many camping destinations; beach or mountain campsites are just the beginning. If you two are naturally the adventurous or outdoorsy type, incorporate sailing, golfing, hiking, bike riding, skiing or lake swimming. Don't forget to find ways to give your trip a romantic touch - bring some bubbly (champagne or sparkling cider), chocolate-covered treats and anything else mood-inspiring. Replace camping's stigma of dirt and bugs with memories of a lifetime.

Couples extended weekend

Take a 4-day weekend and dedicate it "Couples Activities Only." Choose a handful of things to do together that you enjoy; or you pick two, he picks two and together you pick two. Such activities could include taking a cooking class, spending an afternoon getting a couple's massage at a day spa, taking dancing lessons or going horseback riding. Throughout the weekend, stay a night or two at a local hotel, just to get you out of your normal environment.

North/South Carolina mini road trip

Nothing creates ‘together time' like a road trip. Plan an itinerary that takes you to Carolina sites to which you haven't yet traveled. Drive from north coast to south coast or vice-versa.  Along the way visit museums, amusements parks, outdoor festivals, or landmarks and historic sites.

Visit Wikipedia.com and type "List of National Historic Landmarks in North (or South) Carolina" in the search bar for a detailed list.

Retreat

Marriage retreats are perfect for rejuvenating your relationship at all stages. While many churches offer these retreats, there are also resources for couples seeking secular enrichment.

For all of these activities, bring your camera and make the most of your alone time. Honeymoon plans don't have to be expensive or extravagant to be enjoyable; so, relax and enjoy being husband and wife!