travel advice – Boscov's Travel: Blog

Pack Like a Pro: The Top 5 Travel Essentials for 2026

Posted on January 28, 2026January 28, 2026 by boscovstravel

At Boscov’s Travel, we know that the difference between a “good” trip and a “great” trip often comes down to the details. While we handle the big stuff—like booking your dream cruise or an all-inclusive getaway—your peace of mind starts with what’s packed in your luggage.

Before you zip that suitcase, make sure these priorities are at the very top of your packing list.

The Top 5 Travel Essentials:

1. Digital & Physical Document Backups

In 2026, travel is more digital than ever, but technology can fail. This is the number one priority for every traveler.

Digital documents: Take a photo of your passport, insurance card, and itinerary. Save them to an “offline” folder on your phone.

Physical documents: While digital is convenient, we still highly recommend carrying a physical copy of your travel documents—which your Boscov’s Travel Advisor will provide for you before you depart! It is also a smart move to keep paper backups of your passport and photo ID. If your phone battery dies or the airport Wi-Fi is spotty, you’ll be glad to have these essential papers right in your hand.

2. Your “Health & Comfort” Kit

Don’t wait until you’re at a high-priced airport kiosk to find what you need. Pack a small “In-Flight Essentials Kit” in your carry-on containing:

Prescription meds: Always keep these in their original bottles to breeze through airport security and customs.

A portable power bank: Essential for keeping those maps and boarding passes up and running!

Reuseable water bottle: Stay hydrated to beat jet lag and save on purchasing bottled water after security.

3. The “Peace of Mind” Tracker (AirTags/Tile)

If you’re checking a bag, this will help with giving you peace of mind. Tossing a Bluetooth tracker into your luggage lets you see exactly where your bags are from your phone. Whether you’re headed to the Caribbean or overseas, knowing your suitcase made it onto the plane is the best way to start a stress-free vacation.

4. Multi-Port Universal Adapter

If you’re heading to an international destination or on a cruise, the old single-plug adapters are a thing of the past. In 2026, look for a universal adapter that includes multiple ports to meet your electronics’ charging needs. This allows you to charge your phone, camera, and tablet all from one outlet. This is especially helpful in historic hotels or on cruise ships where outlets can be limited

5. The Boscov’s Travel 24/7/365 Safety Net

The most important thing you can bring isn’t in your suitcase—it’s in your contact list. When you book with us, you will have access to our 24-hour, 7-days a week, 365-days a year Emergency Service line.

Why it matters: Travel can be unpredictable. If a flight is canceled at 2:00 AM or a transfer doesn’t show up, you won’t be stuck calling a generic 1-800 number or a bot. You’re calling a Boscov’s Travel Advisor who is on-call and ready to assist you. Make sure you have this number in your phone and with your travel documents before you leave the driveway!

Whether you’re dreaming of a new adventure or have questions about an upcoming itinerary, our Boscov’s Travel Advisors are here to ensure you’re prepared for wherever the journey takes you. From your first packing list to your return home, we are with you every step of the way.

Ready to see the world? Contact your local Boscov’s Travel or call 800-755-8020 or visit https://www.boscovstravel.com/ to start planning your 2026 getaway today.

Oh Joy! There’s So Much to Love About Norwegian’s Newly Reimagined Ship

Posted on May 20, 2019May 20, 2019 by boscovstravel

Introducing the New Norwegian Joy

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

Have you ever heard of a ship that gets refurbished after only two years? Probably not – it’s unheard of. Once again, though, Norwegian Cruise Line doesn’t disappoint and has decided to refurbish the Norwegian Joy for the American market. Originally created for the Asian market, this ship underwent a $50 million makeover and let me tell you, this ship is GORGEOUS!

With a guest capacity over 3,800 and overall length 1,094 feet, this ship features a race track like sister ship Bliss, and so much more. It will make you feel like you’re living in an entertainment-packed resort no matter where you are on the ship. Take on the challenge of outdoor laser tag and virtual experiences, ride the first of its kind two level race track… then check out the water slide that hangs 11 feet off the side of the ship, the casino, observation lounge, splash academy, teen club, and a kids’ aqua park – there is something do for every member of the family.

After my extensive research, I must say I’m so obsessed with the wide range of dining options (yes, I am restaurant guru). There is an American diner restaurant, an outdoor promenade and The Waterfront where you can eat outdoors overlooking the beautiful ocean! Enjoy 16 dining options – – food is everywhere you turn.

So the big question: how can you experience this beautiful cruise ship? She will be sailing year round – summers in Alaska and the rest of the year sailing the Mexican Riviera, from Miami and LA to the Panama Canal. So if any of these sound interesting to you then get ready to sail!

I’m excited with anticipation as I’m about to book my first cruise (through Boscov’s Travel, of course) and am absolutely considering this ship! It really looks like a dream vacation with endless possibilities and things to do! Great job Norwegian! I’ll let the pictures speak for themselves.

If you’re ready to start planning your Norwegian Cruise aboard the Norwegian Joy, email [email protected] or call 800-755-8020.

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

Do I Really Need Travel Insurance?

Posted on April 5, 2019 by boscovstravel

Do you need travel insurance? It’s the age old question. Travel protection isn’t fun to think about. Who wants to consider what could go wrong when you’re planning your big trip this year…

Here’s the truth. There’s a really good chance your vacation will go off without a hitch; you’ll have Insta-worthy pics and memories to last a lifetime. But with all things, there’s a small chance it will not go as planned. We’ve seen it all – families with a child who breaks their foot in a pool and needs to fly home on a different flight, hurricanes that delay vacation plans for days or weeks, and even a client who needed weeks’ long medical attention in Europe while his partner needed a hotel and to change flights. Luckily in all of these cases, the clients purchased travel protection to protect their travel investment.

So what’s the cost? Here’s an example.

As you can see, the brothers purchased the same trip and everything else even, by spending less than 4% in travel protection, Marvin was able to safeguard his investment and focus on the fun. Meanwhile, Mark’s trip hit a snag early, making the trip start off on the wrong foot knowing that he would be responsible for the additional expenses.

Ultimately it’s up to you, but we highly recommend travel protection. We can help you navigate the options and coverage to find the plan that’s right for you. In the meantime, you can get an idea about cost and coverage by using our handy travel protection calculator here.

Whatever you choose to do, we’re here to help.