Pack your bags: The mini-moon

Couples are opting out of expensive excursions for smaller, more intimate honeymoons

For decades, couples would tie the knot and jet off to enjoy an elaborate weeklong European cruise or 5-star Caribbean vacation.

But as the price tag on weddings increase and the corporate workload grows, some couples are skipping the elaborate post-wedding vacation and opting for smaller, more intimate getaways close to home.

This allows them not only to save money, but to enjoy some much-needed R&R after planning a wedding.

An elaborate international vacation certainly has its advantages, but, especially if you and your husband paid for your own wedding, staying close to Charlotte can be just as nice.

Planning a mini-moon? Check out these suggestions:

Asheville

Drive time from Charlotte: 2 hours

Splurge stay: The Inn on Biltmore Estate

Duck

Drive time from Charlotte: 6 hours

Splurge stay: The Sanderling

Highlands

Drive time from Charlotte: 3.5 hours

Splurge Stay: Old Edwards Inn & Spa

Kiawah Island

Drive time from Charlotte: 3.5 hours

Splurge stay: The Sanctuary Hotel

Savannah

Drive time from Charlotte: 3.5 hours

Splurge stay: Mansion on Forsyth Park