Resources

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Local Honeymoon Specialists

While most travel agents are familiar with the well-known honeymoon venues, here are two local agents who exclusively plan honeymoon travel.

· Harvey McGarry (703-836-1100, http://www.macnairtravel.com/ ), romantic destinations consultant for MacNair Travel & Cruises/American Express in the Alexandria office.

· Jim Augerinos (800-320-7373, http://www.perfecthoneymoons.com/ ), honeymoon travel consultant and destination wedding coordinator, Perfect Honeymoons & Holidays Travel in Vienna.

Web Sites

· The Knot ( http://www.theknot.com/ ), devoted to putting on the perfect wedding, has a section on honeymoons. Has good descriptions of popular destinations and helpful features such as "Honeymoon Planning: Best Weather by Wedding Month."

· The Wedding Channel ( http://www.weddingchannel.com/ ), which is not a TV channel but a Web site, has honeymoon articles and ideas, a good photo library of top honeymoon destinations and message boards.

· TheBigDay Travel ( http://www.thebigday.com/ ) is an online travel agency that specializes in honeymoons. Offers searches by destination or interests, such as diving, golf or fishing. Also has a honeymoon gift registry.

· The Honeymoon ( http://www.thehoneymoon.com/ ) focuses on its honeymoon registry, but also links to travel agents who will book your honeymoon. Also contains basic info on top honeymoon destinations.

Resorts

Just about every hotel chain, especially in the Caribbean, offers wedding coordinators and honeymoon packages. Here is a sampling of some of the larger operations. Rates are per couple for a week's honeymoon in August. Some resorts offer free wedding ceremonies; contact individual properties for details.

· Sandals (888-726-3257, http://www.sandals.com/ ), which coined the term "weddingmoon," has 12 all-inclusive resorts in Antigua, Jamaica, St. Lucia and the Bahamas. Prices vary considerably by resort; Sandals Inn in Montego Bay starts at about $1,900, while Sandals Grande St. Lucian starts at $3,500.

· Secrets Resorts & Spas (866-467-3273, http://www.secretsresorts.com/ ) operates three adults-only, all-inclusive resorts in the Dominican Republic and Mexico. Complimentary honeymoon extras include champagne and flowers. Rates start at about $2,300.

· Couples (800-268-7537, http://www.couples.com/ ) operates four adults-only all-inclusives in Jamaica. Starting rates run about $2,850.

· Occidental Hotels & Resorts (800-858-2258, http://www.occidentalhotels.com/ ) operates 24 mostly all-inclusive resorts in Spain, Costa Rica, the D.R., Antigua, Aruba and Mexico. Free honeymoon perks vary but often include champagne or a room upgrade. Prices range from about $1,500 at an older Allegro property to $4,520 at the luxury Royal Hideaway Playacar.

· Grand Lido Resorts & Spas (800-467- 8737, http://www.grandlido.com/ ), part of the SuperClubs chain, offers two all-inclusive resorts in Jamaica. Honeymoon extras include a seventh free night and a bottle of champagne. Prices start at about $3,100.

-- Carol Sottili

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