Wedding Week: Five Of The Hippest Domestic Honeymoons

With gas prices on the rise and the poor exchange rate between the U.S. dollar and the euro making European travel expensive, more newlyweds may be looking to stay close to home for their honeymoon trips.

Each year a little more than a third of U.S. couples' honeymoon trips take place domestically, and according to Susan Breslow Sardone, author of Destination Weddings for Dummies, certain local spots can be just as enjoyable as their international counterparts.

MainStreet's special June series on Weddings has already pointed out some honeymoon "perks" to avoid (like booking the often overpriced "honeymoon" suite), and why it is a good idea to invest in a quality robe before you jet off. Now here are a few of MainStreet’s picks for top honeymoon locales that will keep you close to home:

LAS VEGAS
The city, which is known for its quick stop wedding chapels and exuberant nightlife is the perfect place for couples looking for action and excitement on their honeymoon. With numerous hotels, like MGM Grand (MGM) and the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino populating the Las Vegas Strip, there is no shortage of places to stay in the bright city. Similarly, couples have their choice of world class shows, casinos, and shops to experience. Hotel and flight prices range depending on the season but in June a roundtrip flight for two on Continental Airlines (CAL) from New York to Las Vegas costs about $950 while the average daily rate at the Wynn Las Vegas (WYNN) is about $350 per night.

NIAGARA FALLS
For some 200 years, probably longer, couples have spent the time following their wedding at Niagara Falls. Of course the falls are the main attraction but there are plenty of other relaxing and fun things for couples to do during their trip. There is the legendary Maid of the Mist coat cruise, The Guinness World of Records Museum, The House of Frankenstein, and Mystery Maze. According to Breslow Sardone, it is best to stay in a room with a view of the falls and she suggests The Skyline Brock Hotel which has rooms that range from $79 pre night to $289.