By ABE MILLS
abe@du2.byu.edu
Why are honeymoons called honeymoons? For most, the primary concern may not be why so much as what, when, where, how much and sometimes who.
Once the who is determined, the next steps can be easy as 1-2-3, whether you use the Internet, a travel agency or both.
With the increasing availibility of the Internet, couples can surf the Web to custom create their perfect honeymoon package.
'If there are good deals, I'll find them on the Internet. I don't need a travel agent for that.'
-- Anjelie Eldredge, 21, a junior majoring in broadcast journalism
Peter Knudtson, a senior majoring in business management, said he found everything he needed on the Internet while planning his honeymoon with his wife, Amy.
'My first thought was to do something secluded,' he said. 'I started looking for bed-and-breakfasts on the Internet.'
Knudtson said he searched for the places and prices he wanted and was able to put together the whole trip for only $500.
'Using the Internet, there's no extra cost. It was easy and convenient. If you go to a travel agent, they might try to push you into a certain package,' Knudston said.
Anjelie Eldredge, 21, a junior majoring in broadcast journalism, was married on Jan. 31. She and her husband are going to wait about a year before going on their honeymoon. She said when she makes her plans, she will definitely use the Internet because she feels there is a greater freedom of choice on there.
'If there are good deals, I'll find them on the Internet. I don't need a travel agent for that,' she said. 'If we find a good deal on a flight to Florida then that's great, but if they have good prices for a flight to Switzerland, then we would probably make plans to go there.'
Whether someone prefers to go far away or stick close to home, the Internet can help. Erin Isom, 21, a junior majoring in early chilhood development, used the Web site of the Anniversary Inn in Salt Lake City to help her choose which room to stay in.
'Web sites are really cool, especially for hotels with theme rooms. We were able to see every type of room and find out exactly what was included before we got reservations,' she said.
Although using the Internet can be convenient and easy, but some may prefer personal service and may not feel comfortable making purchases online.
'Speaking to someones about their plans and exactly what they want, I can get an idea and it's easier for me to make suggestions that they might not have thought of,' said Mailani Obard, a travel specialist for Carefree Travel.
Obard said using the Internet, couples may search for something the agency has at their fingertips.
Kristen Johnson, an office manager for Morris Travel in Provo, agreed that personal service can be an advantage but also sees travel agencies and the Internet working together to help couples.
'A lot of people will do their research on the Internet then bring their idea into us. It's our job to find the best deals on what they've found on the Internet, so I think we work hand in hand with the Internet,' she said.
Johnson said another advantage to using an agency is responsibility.
'If there is a problem on your trip your agent can be your mediator and help you. If you make a direct purchase it's between you and the person you purchased from,' she said.