Last Minute

My Personal Experience Onboard Norwegian Cruise Line’s Brand-New Ship the Luna: Q&A Edition

Posted on May 12, 2026 by boscovstravel

In March 2026, one of our Boscov’s Travel employees went on an inaugural cruise onboard the brand-new Norwegian Luna! Read her incredible experience below:

Norwegian Luna

Q: With Norwegian Luna being the newest Prima Plus class ship, was this your first time sailing with NCL or have you experienced their other classes? – A: This was not my first time cruising with Norwegian. My NCL journey actually started about 12 years ago when I sailed to the Bahamas on the Norwegian Breakaway with my husband’s extended family—a group ranging from an 11-month-old to 65+. More recently, in April 2025, I enjoyed a two-night preview of the Norwegian Aqua (the Luna’s sister ship), where the ship stayed docked for the event.

Q: Where did you sail from and where did you go? – A: We sailed from Miami, Florida to Great Stirrup Cay, NCL’s private island in the Bahamas. On my last cruise, we actually had to skip this stop because rough seas made tendering impossible. This time, however, we finally got to experience the island thanks to the new pier—no more tendering required!

Balcony Stateroom

Q: The Luna features some upgraded stateroom designs, which category did you stay in and how was the space? – A: We stayed in a forward-facing balcony cabin and it was very spacious and well equipped. There is nice space under the bed to store your luggage and three closets (two with sliding doors and one open) to store your clothing and personal belongings. Truthfully, the bed was the most comfortable bed I’ve ever slept in.

Q: What did you love most about the ship? – A: I absolutely loved the decor and layout of the ship. In my opinion, the Prima Plus class is the perfect size—neither too big nor too small. Because this series was built in Italy, you can see many luxurious touches in the finishes. The dining experiences were equally impressive; the food was truly phenomenal.

Q: If you had to describe the “personality” of the Luna in just three words, what would they be? – A: Glamorous, Playful and Immersive.

Norwegian Luna Hull Art: “La Luna“

Q: The hull art is stunning! Did you learn anything about the artist, ELLE, or the meaning behind the “La Luna” mural on the bow? – A: The story behind the Norwegian Luna’s hull art is fascinating. NCL commissioned world-renowned street artist ELLE to create the bow mural, titled “La Luna.” She designed the piece to represent the magnetic pull of the moon—a symbol of curiosity, emotion, and adventure. By blending dreamlike imagery with flowing cosmic shapes, the art perfectly captures the romance of the sea. If you look closely, you’ll even find intricate constellations woven into the design, serving as a beautiful tribute to the wonder of a starlit night at sea.

Hasuki

Q: Which restaurant on the Luna is a “must-visit” for future cruisers? – A: I especially loved the atmosphere at Hasuki—and the food was incredibly fresh and flavorful, too. The chef provides such fun, playful entertainment, all while preparing your dinner right before your eyes.

Indulge Food Hall

Q: The Luna introduced new dining concepts like Sukhothai (Thai) and the Indulge Food Hall. Did you get a chance to try these new additions? – A: I was able to experience the Indulge Food Hall. Personally, the logistics of getting your food aren’t my favorite, but I loved the idea of trying dishes from different parts of the world. The food really was great.

Vibe Beach Club

Q: From the Observation Lounge to the Metropolitan Bar, where was your favorite spot to grab a signature cocktail? – A: My favorite spot for a cocktail was the Vibe Beach Club. Imagine an adults-only outdoor oasis with comfortable loungers and the sun on your face—add a Mango Meltdown in your hand, and you have the perfect, relaxing atmosphere.

Aqua Slidecoaster

Q: Let’s talk thrills! Did you brave the new Aqua Slidecoaster or The Drop dry-slide? – A: ’m always up for a little thrill, so I absolutely tried the Aqua Slidecoaster and The Drop. On the Luna, the Aqua Slidecoaster felt faster through the tunnels than the one on the Aqua, which I thought was a nice update. The Drop was also super fun—I love it when adults can feel like kids again!

ELTON: A Celebration of Elton John™

Q: Between the Broadway-style theater and the interactive venues, what was your absolute favorite entertainment experience? – A: The high-energy Elton John tribute was my favorite entertainment experience, with the Eagles tribute coming in a close second. It was really neat to see how they incorporated real footage of Elton into the show; the talent of the performers was truly exceptional.

Tee Time

Q: Was there a specific “Luna Exclusive” feature or technology you’ve never seen on any other ship before? – A: Although I didn’t get to try it myself, the Swirl Wine Bar offers a virtual reality wine tour that several people onboard raved about. I also really enjoyed the interactive mini-golf course, Tee Time, which uses Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) golf balls to automatically track your strokes. Another cool find: some of the bars, like the Whiskey Bar, are experimenting with ‘clear cocktails.’ They use the exact flavors of traditional drinks—so your Bloody Mary tastes authentic, but looks crystal clear!

Q: Is there any “insider secret” about the ship that passengers might miss if they don’t know where to look? – A: I really appreciated the water bottle filling stations in the buffet—the water is actually chilled and refreshing. They’ve also upgraded the traditional buffet pizza with a wood-fire oven, which makes a huge difference in quality. One quick insider tip: the bathroom waste cans are tucked inside the cabinet doors to save space, so don’t be confused if you don’t see one on the floor!

Great Stirrup Cay Pier

Q: You mentioned you visited Great Stirrup Cay, NCL’s private island. How has the island experience evolved with the new pier and amenities? – A: Being able to walk straight onto the island without tendering is a huge upgrade for Great Stirrup Cay, making the transition on and off the ship a total breeze. My favorite spot was the 28,000-square-foot heated pool, which features a swim-up bar and plenty of room to either swim or lounge the day away.

Pool at Great Stirrup Cay

Q: We know there’s a new tram system on the island. How easy was it to get around to places like Silver Cove or the Vibe Shore Club? – A: The tram is a great addition for getting around the island. From the welcome center, you can hop on a tram that takes you to several key locations. It’s worth noting that to reach Silver Cove or Vibe Shore Club, you currently need to transfer to a second tram. After a full day onshore, using the tram to avoid the steep incline of the bridge on the way back is a total lifesaver!

Q: Is there anything else we did not discuss that you would like to mention? – A: Based on feedback from previous Prima-class ships, NCL made some brilliant design updates to the Norwegian Luna. They added a new exterior staircase that connects the pool deck to the top decks—a smart move that means you no longer have to cut through the buffet. They also increased the number of interior staircases to improve guest flow and accessibility. Best of all, the beloved ‘fish’ are back on the stateroom hallway carpets to help you easily find which direction is forward!

Norwegian Luna Inaugural Sailing Welcome Sign

Q: Would you sail on the Luna again? – A: Yes! I have always been a fan of the Norwegian Cruise Line brand. They consistently provide an excellent cruise vacation and a fantastic overall value.

Does this incredible experience incline you to sail on the Norwegian Luna? Your local Boscov’s Travel Advisor is ready to assist you in planning whenever you’re ready! Contact your local Boscov’s Travel or call 800-755-8020 or visit https://www.boscovstravel.com/cruises/norwegian/index.html to learn more.

Our Personal Experience Onboard Norwegian Cruise Line’s Brand-New Ship the Aqua: Q&A Edition

Posted on June 5, 2025 by boscovstravel

In April 2025, some of our Boscov’s Travel employees stayed onboard the brand-new Norwegian Aqua! Read their incredible experience below:

Norwegian Aqua

Q: Was this your first time on a Norwegian Cruise Line ship? – A: We had a variety of travelers with us ranging from first time cruisers – even first-time cruisers with Norwegian Cruise Line – all the way up to seasoned pros. It was really fun to watch how everyone interacted with one another. We were able to gain and give advice where needed, and of course, learn all there was to know to bring information back to our clients.

Q: What was the first thing that wowed you when you stepped onboard? – A: When stepping onto the Norwegian Aqua, we were floored/awed/taken back by the elegance and refined style of the ship, truly giving the ship a ‘modern relaxed feel.’ We noticed the lighting on the ship – even from one deck to another – really aided to the atmosphere, whether it be relaxing with a cocktail at the Belvedere Bar or bright lights shining your way around the shops. We couldn’t help but also notice how spacious and clean the ship was too. Great first impression!
Insider information: the Prima class was built in Italy, compared to the Breakaway class in Germany. We think this was smart and will aid in the ship feeling modern for years and years to come.

Penrose Atrium

Q: Describe the atmosphere and vibe of the ship in three words. – A: 1. Upscale 2. Luxurious 3. Serene

Q: What stateroom did you stay in? – A: As mentioned, we had a variety of travelers with us for this trip staying in a variety of staterooms ranging from Oceanview all the way up to a 2-Bedroom Family Villa in The Haven. Even with the variety, everyone had similar feedback that they could not believe how spacious the cabins and the bathrooms felt (a huge plus in our books)! There is ample amount of room to fit all your belongings and for them to stay organized as well.

Balcony Stateroom

Q: What was your favorite onboard entertainment? – We absolutely love the Broadway-styled shows onboard! Our top favorites were Revolution: A Celebration of Prince and Elements: The World Expanded. The latter show had incredible dancing, magic and acrobatics. The show incorporated the different elements: wind, water, fire, and even snow! Both shows had such great energy and we highly recommend them.

Aqua Theater

Q: What was your favorite restaurant onboard? What dish did you enjoy the most? – We all have our own favorite restaurant from the cruise including:

– Hasuki was a great hibachi-styled restaurant. The food was flavorful, colorful and fresh, but the headliner had to be the great entertainment from the staff preparing the food.

Hasuki

– Hudson’s Dining Room is one of the main dining rooms onboard. One of our travelers raved about the amazing menu with ‘the best braised short ribs I’ve ever had!’ And of course, crème brulee to top it off.

Hudson’s Dining Room

– Sukhothai is the new Thai restaurant onboard. We were told this restaurant was developed from a fan favorite, the Thai Cashew Chicken dish, and offers a range of authentic Thai cuisines. A lot of our group dined here one evening and had mixed reviews on whether it was worth the specialty dining cover charge or not.

Sukhothai

– Palomar is the Mediterranean restaurant onboard focusing on fresh fish and seafood. One employee dined here and had rave reviews. The floor to ceiling windows added a beautiful backdrop to the meal, service was excellent, and food was out of this world. Our recommendations are the Grilled Prawns and Greek Village Salad for appetizers, and the Filet Mignon for an entrée (the Lemon-Herb Maître d’ Butter ::drool::). We also recommend trying one of every dessert for the table with the Galaktoboureko being a surprise favorite of the table.

Palomar

Q: What was your favorite bar onboard? Was there a go to drink? – Our group had samplings from each bar onboard and tended to hop around between the Belvedere Bar, the Penrose Bar and the Local Bar & Grill. We liked the atmosphere/vibes at these bars and had plenty of space to hangout and sit. The Local Bar & Grill will be your go-to late-night spot and we recommend the cheese fries (don’t feel silly asking for 3 or 4 orders, they are on the smaller side and go fast). The weather wasn’t the best, otherwise, we would have enjoyed the multiple outdoor bars. Our go to drinks onboard – and some new fan favorites – included gin and tonics with a lime and a lemon, dark ‘n’ stormy, the classic Aperol spritz, whiskey on the rocks, etc.

Belvedere Bar

Q: What activities did you do onboard and which was your favorite? – It seemed like our group was able to cover the whole ship collectively, which was nice because for being onboard for just a day and a half, a single person wouldn’t be able to see all the offerings. Our favorite activities included the:

– Sail Away Party

– 90s Party

– Miniature Golf – Tee Time

– Pickleball

– Shooting hoops on the Glow Court

– The Improv at Sea Comedy Club

Tee Time

Pickleball Court

Glow Court

The Improv at Sea Comedy Club

Q: Was there anything on the ship you’ve never seen before? Tell us about everything new! – Mentioned above was the new Thai restaurant, Sukhothai, and Norwegian also introduced another restaurant to their Indulge Food Hall concept, Planterie, as well as Swirl. Planterie is Norwegian Cruise Line’s first dedicated plant-based venue and offers bowls and other healthy options like the Mediterranean Goddess Bowl with spiced vegetables, tabbouleh, and honey-roasted carrots, and the Southwest Bowl with smoked tempeh. Swirl is a wine lounge onboard the Aqua and offers a wine-by-the-glass menu and a selection of rare and premium vintages. This is a perfect place to cozy up to your partner and enjoy some wine together.

Indulge Food Hall

Q: How was the all-new Aqua Slidecoaster? – The Aqua Slidecoaster was so very fun and such a cool experience! The Aqua Slidecoaster is a new addition to Norwegian and is the world’s first hybrid rollercoaster and waterslide! We had a few brave souls within our group try this new activity in chilly weather (some went in clothing, some were extra brave and did it in their bathing suits). We are a thrill type of group so we collectively agreed the best part was the sendoff with the mechanical arm. After the sendoff, you then get to enjoy the standard leisure waterslide. Even if you aren’t a rollercoaster person, we still recommend trying the Aqua Slidecoaster out as it wasn’t overly intense.

Aqua Slidecoaster

View of the Aqua Slidecoaster from Vibe Beach Club

Q: What was your favorite spot to relax and unwind on the ship? – A great place to kick back and relax is the Observation Lounge. It’s a beautiful enclosed lounge with comfortable seating to sit back, relax, and enjoy the beautiful views. And of course, the Penrose Atrium is the prime spot to be while enjoying a cocktail and people watching. If the weather was nicer, we would have enjoyed the Vibe Beach Club (the adults-only section onboard; admission fees apply). And if you are lucky enjoy to stay in The Haven, absolutely take advantage of the sauna and hot tubs on the sundeck.

Vibe Beach Club

Q: How was the service from the crew throughout your time onboard? – Outstanding! The crew onboard was very friendly and above and beyond accommodating. Through our trade training onboard, we learned that they select the crew based on having previous experience onboard that type of ship class. No matter what the question or request, the crew was available and eager to help.

Q: What did you love most about the ship? – It sounds cliché, but we truly loved it all. The layout, style and finishes of the ship, the spacious accommodations, the dining venues, the outdoor areas (including the infinity pools and hot tubs), the accommodating staff. We are excited to share this ship with our clients knowing they will have an enjoyable vacation on an incredible product.

Q: Would you sail on the Aqua again? – Absolutely.

Does this incredible experience incline you to sail on the Norwegian Aqua? Your local Boscov’s Travel Advisor is ready to assist you in planning whenever you’re ready! Contact your local Boscov’s Travel or call 800-755-8020 or visit https://www.boscovstravel.com/cruises/norwegian/index.html to learn more.

My personal experience at Iberostar Rose Hall Beach Resort, Montego Bay, Jamaica

Posted on May 17, 2023 by boscovstravel

Recently one of our Boscov’s Travel Advisors took a trip to Montego Bay, Jamaica. Read her incredible experience below.

We traveled to Iberostar Rose Hall in Montego Bay, Jamaica at the end of March to early April, 2023 for four nights. We enjoy the fun activities, entertainment, beaches and great views that Montego Bay has to offer. The weather is beautiful as the temperatures in winter is around a high of 82 degrees and in the summer 87 degrees. The best part? The ocean water is 85 degrees all year round! It truly is a wonderful place to visit!

To make our trip as timely and efficient as possible, we booked a personal meet and greet service for our arrival at the Montego Bay Airport. This service brings someone directly to you to assist you through customs, immigrations, and baggage claim, then to your resort. And Iberostar Rose Hall is only a half hour away from the airport! We stayed in a room on the third floor with stunning partial views of the ocean and pool.

This resort was incredible with daily pool activities, nightly entertainment, stunning views, delicious food and so much more. One of the best parts of the trip is the all-inclusive amenities! Iberostar Rose Hall offers five restaurants and 6 bars, including a pool bar. There was no time wasted with all the great things to do on the property.

When staying in Montego Bay there is a lot you can do with many excursion options to choose from if you want to stray away from your resort. On this trip we took a two and a half hour Braco Stables Private Horseback Ride and Swim excursion. This excursion picked us up at our resort to visit the scenic sugar plantations and countryside, then to the shore to swim and go bareback riding with the horses on a beautiful private beach. I highly recommend this tour while visiting Montego Bay!

We really enjoy vacationing in Montego Bay and I highly recommend going at least once. Montego Bay is a stunning vacation spot for anyone. Since I have a wide range of knowledge on the area and of the resorts, it is important that I qualify my clients to fit them with the right resort and activities for what they expect on their vacations. Your local Boscov’s Travel Advisor is ready to help you find the perfect fit for your next vacation in Montego Bay, Jamaica and beyond. Contact us today!

2023 Orlando Charters are Here

Posted on August 18, 2022 by boscovstravel

We are continuing to provide convenient exclusive non-stop flights from select local airports in PA to Orlando, Florida so you can visit your favorite parks, attractions and beaches in 2023!

Boscov’s Travel is both an Authorized Disney Vacation Planner and Universal Preferred Travel Agency with a wealth of knowledge to customize your travel package any way you like. Come fly aboard a chartered Southwest Airlines 737 jet with us.

What’s included in the Boscov’s Travel charter?

Included in all Boscov’s Travel Orlando Charters:

Non-stop air aboard a Southwest Airlines® charter flight between your choice of three local airports — including Reading, Wilkes-Barre/Scranton and Harrisburg airports — and Orlando, FL

Additional Services you can add:

With all the recent changes in Disney travel and available packages, it can be confusing. Talk with your trusted Disney travel expert and they will guide you through all the new processes in place to make the most of your Orlando Charter. You choose your itinerary in Florida. Searching for sunshine and crystal-clear blue waters within the U.S. at one of the famed Gulf Coast beaches or a faster pace at Universal Orlando Resort? Planning for the most magical place on Earth? Enjoy travel arrangements for Magic Kingdom, Epcot, Disney’s Hollywood Studios, and Disney’s Animal Kingdom, plus Disney’s Water Park options. Your Boscov’s Travel Advisor will customize your package any way you like. Learn more about Walt Disney World

Southwest 737 airplane

What are the benefits of flying from a local airport?

These airports offer less congestion than driving to regional airports, little or no fees for 7-day parking, shorter security lines, and overall, less hassle.

Southwest doesn’t offer reserved seating. Can I be guaranteed to sit with my family?

Because of our exclusive partnership with Southwest Airlines, we are able to offer you complimentary reserved seating.

What time are the flights?

Flights depart at approximately 8:00 AM Sunday morning and return the following Saturday evening.

What do you charge for Disney tickets? What about Universal Orlando tickets?

We offer competitive pricing for Disney vacations and Universal Orlando theme parks. Rates vary by season and available offers. Talk to an Advisor and request a quote today!

How much is parking at the airport?

Parking is free at the Reading airport. There is a nominal fee for parking at Wilkes-Barre/Scranton and Harrisburg airports.

How much do you charge for luggage?

Your checked luggage flies free. Each passenger is entitled to one checked bag not to exceed 50 lbs., plus one carry-on bag and one personal item.

I’m ready to book my flight on Boscov’s Travel Exclusive Charter to Orlando!

Great! Visit our locations and hours page for find your closest Boscov’s Travel location to start planning today! Outside of the area? We are happy to assist you online and by phone at 800-755-8020.

My personal experience at RIU Dunamar Costa Mujeres, Mexico

Posted on May 14, 2022 by boscovstravel

Recently one of our Boscov’s Travel Advisors took a trip to Costa Mujeres, Mexico. Read her incredible experience below.

We travel to Mexico two times a year and stay at different resorts each time. We enjoy the beautiful sand, drinks, and food – it’s a great place to go! In the past some of our favorite hotels that we have stayed at are RIU Palace Costa Mujeres, Hard Rock Riveria Maya, Sun Palace and Blue Bay Esmeralda. This April 2022 we stayed at the RIU Dunamar, Costa Mujeres, and all-inclusive beachfront and kid friendly resort. We loved it!

This resort is across the bay on the mainland, just north of Cancun. The beauty is its location. This area feels calm and secluded, but is just thirty minutes away from Cancun’s bustling restaurants and nightlife. Isla Mujeres is visible from the resorts in this area.

Some of the best parts of our trips to Mexico is the all-inclusive amenities! RIU Dunamar offers four specialty dinner restaurants, a lunchtime poolside barbecue grill, six bars, including a 24-hour bar with snacks, and two swim-up bars. I would highly recommend this resort to families because of the Splash Water Park, RIU Land Kids’ Club and poolside activities during the day which are geared towards families.

When staying in Mexico there is a lot you can do with many excursion options to choose from if you want to stray away from your resort. Every time we take our vacation, we take a day trip from our resort to explore the area. On this trip we took a three-hour snorkeling excursion that picked us up at our resort to visit a coral reef, the MUSA statues which are made of material for coral to grow on, a shipwreck and underwater cenotes. The entirety of the excursion was beautiful, fun and educational. Afterward, we visited El Meco which is a small archaeological Mayan Ruins site, which was stunning.

The Mayan Ruins have eighteen structures located off the beaten path to the North of Cancun en route to Costa Mujeres near the Puerto Juarez ferry dock. It has the tallest pyramid on the Northeast Yucatan Peninsula. From the top of the Castillo Ruins one can see the Caribbean Sea, all of Cancun’s lagoons, and Isla Mujeres. I highly recommend visiting some of the Mayan Ruins on a vacation to Mexico.

Obviously, we love vacationing in Mexico and I highly recommend going at least once. Cancun, Rivera Maya and Costa Mujeres are all great vacation spots for singles, couples and families. Since I have a wide range of knowledge on the area, and with all the lodging options and areas to stay in, it is important that I qualify my clients to fit them with the right resort for what they expect on their vacations. Your local Boscov’s Travel Advisor is ready to help you find the perfect fit for your next vacation in Mexico and beyond. Contact us today!

My personal experience at the Virginia International Tattoo

Posted on May 10, 2022 by boscovstravel

Recently one of our Boscov’s Travel Advisors took a trip to Virginia International Tattoo and its surrounding areas. Read her incredible experience below.

“I recently had the pleasure of attending the Virginia International Tattoo. To the surprise of many, it has nothing to do with skin tattoos, but is a military exhibition that is the signature event of the Virginia Arts Festival. This was an especially great experience because it was the 25th Anniversary “Silver Jubilee.” This performance showcased 25 years of presenting the world’s most patriotic Tattoo, with an all-star lineup up of performers including: Military Bands, Massed Pipes and Drums, Elegant Highland Dancers, Precision Drill Teams, and Stunning International Performers.

The Tattoo was very entertaining and commanded audience participation throughout the show. Most amazing was the Star Spangled Banner, which brought everyone to their feet; service songs from all branches of the military that asked people to stand when your family’s service song was sung; and a grand finale of hundreds of pipers, military musicians, and singers joining together to perform Amazing Grace. This event occurs annually in Norfolk, VA.

While there, I took the opportunity to visit various other points of interest including: Virginia Beach; King Neptune, a colossal 34 feet high bronze statue that rises from the depth of the Atlantic Ocean at 31st Street and Atlantic Avenue overlooking Neptune Park; Virginia Military Aviation Museum; Norfolk Botanical Gardens; Navy Cruises “Victory Rover” sightseeing cruise; Nauticus, The National Maritime Center; General Douglas MacArthur Memorial, and the Chrysler Museum.

If you’re looking for a fun, educational, vacation, definitely consider booking tickets for next year’s Virginia International Tattoo and plan several days before and/or after to explore the rest that Norfolk and Virginia Beach have to offer.”

Contact your local Boscov’s Travel Advisor today to book a trip to next year’s Virginia International Tattoo.

Away for the Holidays

Posted on November 15, 2021 by boscovstravel

The holidays are the busiest and most wonderful time of year. There’s joy in the air, people are thankful, and time is spent with loved ones. Many people travel to see their family or desire to travel for a holiday vacay away during this time of year, but it can sometimes be stressful and even daunting. The days before Thanksgiving and Christmas are the busiest travel days of the year. But don’t let that stop you- there’s no need to fret! We have a few tips up our sleeves to help you enjoy your holiday away and to keep you in the holiday spirit.

Prepare yourself for peace of mind back at home. – Most of us have seen Home Alone and do not want to live Kevin McCallister’s time at home in real life. Depending on where you live, you may be worried about leaving your home for your holiday travels. Holidays tend to spike in burglaries as a lot of people are away from home for them. Try placing some of your house lights on timers, which will make your house appear as if someone is home. Ask your family or friends to stop by regularly when you’re away to check the mail, water plants, and keep an eye on your home. These two steps will give you peace of mind while you’re on your holiday trip.

Be patient and kind. – Prepare yourself for bumps in the road like crowds and delays. These times can be stressful and it may be hard to keep calm, but there’s plenty of ways help you keep your cool. One way to keep calm is by practicing breathing techniques to help you stay relaxed in crowded situations and during delays. You can also download your favorite shows and movies, take earbuds, snacks, and a magazine or book to help you stay occupied during your wait. Be sure to treat your flight attendant, drivers and fellow passengers with kindness as everyone is under the stress of the holidays. A smile can go a long way and it will also encourage others to be kind. It is the holidays so spread some cheer!

Ship your gifts. – You’ll want to do your best to avoid lugging more than your necessary suitcase through the airport. Ship your gifts ahead of time so they will be at your destination when you arrive. This relieves you of the unnecessary stress of lugging and worrying about where your gifts are. Take a moment before you leave to do the same with gifts received to make your return trip home easy.

Keep your luggage tagged properly. – You will want to keep your luggage tagged properly in case it gets lost in your travels. Your luggage tag should always have your name, surname, email, and phone number on it. This will ensure that your luggage will be able to make its way back to you just in case.

Check Covid-19 protocols to where you’re traveling and remember your masks. – If there’s one thing we know for sure about Covid-19 travel restrictions it’s they are subject to change. Covid-19 restrictions are staying in place for now and it is important that visitors research every country and state’s guidelines. Your Boscov’s Travel Advisor will know the most up to date and accurate guidelines. It is helpful to check in with the experts before your trip to ensure the best travel experience and least amount of stress. Also, don’t forget your masks and bring extra ones along too. Airports and public transportation methods like rail and motorcoach still require masks to be worn at all times. Depending on your destination you may need your mask, so it’s important to pack extra ones just in case you need it.

Fly on the actual holiday. – The busiest travel days in the year are the day before Thanksgiving and Christmas and usually the Sunday following the holiday. The best way to travel is by avoiding the most popular days which will reduce crowds and delays.

Travel late or early in the day. – Statistics have shown planes that travel earlier in the day have a better on-time performance. If your flight is cancelled you will have more options of taking a flight later in the day since your flight was originally earlier. If you’re driving, the best time to hit the road is when everyone else is asleep – either early in the morning or late at night. If you are solo driving, you can nap once you arrive at your destination and if you have a travel companion, you can take turns driving.

Arrive early to the airport. – Getting to the airport early is always a good idea and is especially important during the holidays as more people are traveling. This means that lines and wait times could be longer than usual, especially with Covid-19 travel regulations and short-staffed companies.

Always have a backup plan. – Things can change in a second. You should always have a Plan B (and even a Plan C). The preparation and knowledge from a Travel Advisor can help set expectations and curbs stress if something comes up and your travel plans need to be cancelled or rescheduled.

Are you ready for your holiday travels after these tips? We are! With these holiday travel tips you can make the most of your travels and arrive full of holiday cheer. Speak with your local Boscov’s Travel Advisor for more assistance with your holiday travel or book your holiday vacation today. Happy Holidays and safe travels!

Halloween Fans Vacations

Posted on October 12, 2021 by boscovstravel

Spooky thrills, the hair on your neck standing straight up, screams, and pumpkins – nothing sounds better to a Halloween fan than this. It’s October, are you itching for some Halloween fun? We’ve pulled together some of the best vacation spots for Halloween thrills for all ages. We promise you’ll be shaking in your boots and having the time of your life. Now is the perfect time to start planning a ghoulish getaway for next year.

1 – Savannah, Georgia – Known as the city that’s built on top of her dead as there’s always a cemetery nearby

Grave Tales Ghost Tour:

• All ages
• 90-minutes
• Walking tour
• Alcohol and pet friendly tour
• History and haunting
• Visit Savannah Haunted Mansions, Historic Homes, Haunted Cemeteries, Burial grounds, Revolutionary War Battlefield, and more
• Visit Johnson Square where you could meet Little Gracie. This spirit plays in the square and is known for grabbing guests’ hands

Dead of Night Ghost Tour:

• Ages 16 +, most popular adults only tour
• 90-minutes
• Walking tour
• Alcohol and pet friendly tour
• Explore locations where darker hauntings take place like demons, possessions and murders – you’ll always be watched on this tour
• Visit 5-8 locations including: the Foley House Inn and the Sorrel Weed House

Ghosts and Gravestones Trolley Tour:

• Ages 13+
• 1-hour
• Trolley tour
• Haunted sites, eerie legends, and frightening residents
• Visit the Andrew Low House, Perkins & Son’s Ship Chandlery, cemeteries, bloodshed battlegrounds, and more

2 – New Orleans, Louisiana – Known for it’s rich and dark history haunts

Haunted Pub Crawl:

• Ages 21+
• 2-hours
• Walking tour
• Alcohol friendly – drinks keep flowing
• Visit haunted pubs and restaurants
• Visit the Haunted Bourbon Orleans, the Ghosts of Tujague’s, Pirate’s Alley, Lafitte’s Blacksmith Shop, and more

The Killers and Thrillers Tour:

• Ages 16+
• 90-minutes
• Walking tour
• Alcohol and pet friendly tour
• If you’re a true crime fan, this one’s for you – you’ll learn about the most notorious and gruesome crimes of the city
• Visit the Pharmacy Museum, Sultan’s Palace, Beauregard-Keyes House and follow an off beaten path for more

Ghosts of New Orleans Tour:

• All ages
• 90-minutes
• Walking tour
• Alcohol and pet friendly tour
• Visit some of New Orleans most famous haunted locations including: Lafitte’s Blacksmith Shop, LaLaurie Mansion, the Andrew Jackson hotel, the Haunted Hotel Villa Convento, and more

3 – Disney’s Magic Kingdom, Orlando, Florida – Known for its not too spooky magical time

Boo Bash:

• All ages
• 3-hours
• Trick-or-treating throughout the park
• Shorter wait times
• Parades
• Performances
• Characters in Halloween attire
• Special décor, lighting and music
• Ice cream novelties, popcorn, and select beverages included in event cost
• Festive food and beverages including: foolish mortal funnel cake and apple ginger dale frozen drink (allergy-free options available)

4 – Universal Studios, Orlando, Florida & Hollywood, California – the 30^th year of the world’s premier Halloween event

Halloween Horror Nights

• Ages 13+
• Hours vary between 6:30pm and 2:00am
• Scare zones where you’ll be surrounded by shadows lurking, scares, screams, and thrills
• 13 Haunted Houses including: Beetlejuice, the Haunting of Hill House, the Texas Chainsaw Massacre, Universal Monsters: the Bride of Frankenstein, Case Files Unearthed: Legendary Truth, and more
• Jack the Clown will be back lunging from the shadows
• Mazes
• Select rides and attractions
• Live entertainment
• Themed foods and drinks including alcoholic beverages

These thrilling locations and tours make our hairs stand up – we’re excited to go! Are you ready for the biggest spooks and fun of your life? Dare to begin your Halloween vacation now by visiting our start planning page today. Outside of the area? We are happy to assist you online and by phone at 800-755-8020.

Holiday Travel: Where to go for the Holiday Season

Posted on November 19, 2019 by boscovstravel

The following post is written by Amanda from the Boscov’s Travel marketing department.

Before you know it, the holidays will be here (I know some of my colleagues have started decorating for Christmas already!). If you are like me and like to plan ahead to avoid the rush, stress and are not quite your house can fit one.more.toy., consider giving the gift of travel. Besides, statistics show 53.1% of people report receiving unwanted gifts during Christmas. Give your family, friend or loved one a dream vacation, tour, cruise because we can guarantee that gift will not end up in the trash (like the 4% that are immediately thrown there!). Below are tips and recommendations on where to go on 1) an extended vacation 2) a weekend getaway as well as 3) day trips to experience this holiday season.

Extended vacation

WALT DISNEY WORLD
Most people typically associate the most magical place on earth with summer vacations, but visiting the magic during the holiday season can be the best time to go. The Christmas lights, decorations, shows, weather, WAIT times… yes you heard me right – there are typically less crowds! Just travel before December 23rd as this starts the peak week for Disney crowds and lasts until New Years. My family typically travels to Disney the second week of December and it’s about 70-75 degrees during the day and high 60’s in the evening. It’s so perfect considering Pennsylvania is about 30 degrees at that time.
Let us help you plan your Disney holiday. We still have 2019 packages available through our exclusive non-stop flights from select local airports. Call or visit your local Boscov’s Travel to plan your magical vacation!

CRUISING
If you’ve ever been on a cruise during a holiday, you know the staff goes all out! Whether it be Halloween or Christmas, on cruise lines like Royal Caribbean, Norwegian Cruise Line or Disney Cruise Line, you’ll be charmed by the activities and creativity of the crew. Plus you can even take cruises into the New Year… talk about the ultimate party at sea. Bonus perk: no time spent laboring over the holiday meal.

Weekend getaway

HERSHEY, PA
Yes, this sounds bizarre but this recommendation is for the people who want that theme park experience, but might be on a budget, have time constraints or you’re looking for something a little closer to home. Hershey is a great destination for winter activities. No, you won’t get that warm weather, but you will get great park deals as well as fewer crowds. Hershey Park remains open during this time with select rides available to ride and entrance is historically anywhere from $20-23. Santa visits and brings his reindeer in for the season for you to visit and feed. How cool is that? Hershey is also known for their Christmas light displays where you experience the dancing lights in the comfort of your warm car. Turn on their radio station and travel through Hershey’s very own Candy Cane Lane! It’s super cute for the young ones and well worth it.

NEW YORK CITY, NY
What a place to visit during the holidays! The city is just gorgeous once the holiday hits the town. The Rockettes, Christmas Village, The Nutcracker, Christmas markets, Rockefeller Center, and beyond… New York really shows up for the holiday. You know when you see movies of people ice skating in NYC? You can do that too! Just visit Bryant Park Winter Village. This 17,000 square foot ice skating rink features lots of activities nearby with vendors and businesses in the area. Be sure to check out Santaland at Macy’s, the New York tradition since 1902.

Day Trips

PEDDLER’S VILLAGE IN DOYLESTOWN, PA
Peddler’s Village is a cute town-like setting with quaint shops and fine dining. They feature grand illumination lighting with one million lights and an annual Gingerbread House competition and display. This place feels like a fairytale when you visit it at Christmas time. With over 60 specialty shops, from bakeries, restaurants, clothing, jewelry stores, unique food stores, this is a day trip I would tell everyone to visit at least once.

PHILADELPHIA, PA
Ohh Philadelphia. Macy parade? Check! City Hall festivities, ice skating, Philly’s own nutcracker, and Love Park village make this a Christmas-y day trip. Holiday pop-ups during the holidays are a draw for the City of Brotherly Love. If you decide to spend a weekend, I would head over to the Macy’s Christmas Light show on the first night. Every two hours there is a free performance and it is AMAZING! Macy’s has the whole second floor transformed into a village so you can relax and enjoy (and stay warm). Once you hit the city for a day two make sure to head over to City Hall. This is where the Deck the Hall Light show plays and you can skate on the ice rink. Then head over to Philadelphia Christmas Village in Love Park. With 80 wooden booths of merchants of all different varieties, there is something for everyone in this village. End your night over at the Comcast Center where you will see a super high-res LED holiday show.

Ready to start planning? Contact your Boscov’s Travel Specialist to get away for the holidays.

Visit Boscov’s Travel located within select Boscov’s including Pennsylvania (Camp Hill, Colonial Park/Harrisburg, Easton, Lancaster, Lebanon, Neshaminy/Bensalem, Wyomissing, Reading, Pottstown, Pottsville, Scranton, Selinsgrove, Wilkes-Barre), New York (Binghamton), New Jersey (Atlantic City and Moorestown), Delaware (Wilmington), and Maryland (Salisbury). View our locations here. If you live a little further away, book over the phone by calling us at 800-755-8020. Learn more at boscovstravel.com

Summer Trip Inspiration (Leave Your Passport at Home)

Posted on June 10, 2019 by boscovstravel

The following post is written by Amanda from the Boscov’s Travel Marketing Department.

Need some inspiration for trips to take this summer but lapsed on your passport? We’ve got you covered. There’s still time to plan the perfect state-side getaway.

There’s so much to see in our big, beautiful country. Let us take the stress out of planning and get inspired by the relaxing, scenic, and picture perfect destinations right in your backyard.

IDAHO

It sounds bizarre to pick a state not traditionally known as a vacation spot, but this state is one not to be missed. Craters of the Moon National Park represents one of the best preserved flood basalt areas (column rock structure formed by rapid cooling of lava). The average elevation for this park is 5,900 feet above sea level.

Another beautiful sight to see is Shoshone Falls Park, a waterfall on the Snake River and two hours driving distance from Craters of the Moon. Some call this the “Niagara of the West,” and it’s within driving distance of Yellowstone National Park. Rent a car for the day and you can check off two states on the trip.

Travel tip: Idaho is known for its potatoes. Which become french fries (ironically invented by the Belgians) and the best snack ever.

UTAH

Zion National Park, Bryce Canyon National Park, Arches National Park, and Canyonlands National Park are just some of the parks you can visit while on a trip to Utah. Need I say more?

Even with five national parks, not everyone is into an adventure hiking only vacation (me being one of them). So if you’re not into visiting all the parks you can easily split it up!

My ideal trip there would be two parks and two cities – Park City and Salt Lake City (and of course sitting at a resort staring at the beautiful views). Yes this is all possible to do in a couple days! Park City and Salt Lake City are only a half an hour apart giving you time to experience the beauty of nature and the culture of the people.

SOUTH CAROLINA

One of the most charming southern states, head to Charleston for some real southern hospitality. Known for their fun nightlife, food, and history you cannot go wrong here. You can ride a carriage on a historical tour, head to a plantation or tour a historic mansion like Wentworth Mansion. Charleston also has boat tours, walking tours and even ghost tours! Enjoy a long weekend trip in this beautiful location.

NAPA VALLEY

Oh the wine country! This is the place to go for either a girl’s trip, romantic getaway, or just some time really enjoy views and the good life. We recommend a tour package with four or five days to enjoy the views, vineyards and savor the harvest of the west coast.

Whether you want to just spend all your time at different vineyards or wine and dine on a train through Napa Valley, we can help you achieve it.

Ready for us to plan your next trip? Ask about packages with trusted tour operators to any of these stunning locations and see the best this beautiful nation has to offer!