Boscov’s Travel

Located within The Marketplace at Steamtown, Boscov's Travel operates as a full-service travel agency, leveraging a long-standing history that dates back to 1974. As an extension of the Boscov's Department Store brand, it was founded on the principle of making travel accessible and affordable, a mission it continues to this day. This Scranton branch is one of 18 locations, positioning itself as a brick-and-mortar alternative to impersonal online booking engines by emphasizing personalized service and expert knowledge. The agency serves a wide range of needs, from individual leisure trips and honeymoons to complex corporate travel and large group travel arrangements.

The Value of Personalized Travel Planning

One of the most significant advantages highlighted by customers of the Scranton location is the direct access to experienced travel consultants. In an age of algorithms and automated responses, the ability to speak with a knowledgeable professional proves invaluable. Reviews consistently praise specific agents for their professionalism and responsiveness. For instance, agent Loreen Lynch is noted for her expertise in booking trips to destinations like Jamaica, ensuring the chosen resort exceeded client expectations. This level of curated advice is a core part of their service, with advisors specializing in destinations like Mexico, the Caribbean, and Europe, as well as specific types of travel such as cruises and Disney vacations. Another agent, Karen Rand, has been commended for her remarkable ability to resolve last-minute issues, effectively salvaging travel plans when complications arose. This problem-solving capacity is a critical differentiator from online platforms, where travelers are often left to navigate cancellations or booking errors on their own.

The agency’s services are particularly beneficial for complex itineraries. Planning for a family of 11 with members scattered across the country, for example, was handled seamlessly by the team, who not only booked the accommodations but also coordinated separate, intricate travel plans for each family unit. This meticulous attention to detail extends to corporate travel as well, where efficiency and reliability are paramount. Boscov's Travel emphasizes that its advisors save clients significant time—reportedly over 20 hours of online research—and provide a single point of contact for every aspect of the trip. This comprehensive support includes a 24/7 emergency service line, offering peace of mind that assistance is available if unforeseen circumstances arise during a trip.

Specialized Offerings and Exclusive Packages

Beyond standard bookings, Boscov's Travel has developed several exclusive offerings that provide significant value. A frequently praised service is their charter trip to Walt Disney World in Orlando. For over 40 years, the company has provided non-stop charter flights from local airports, including Wilkes-Barre/Scranton (AVP), making the journey to one of the world's most popular destinations remarkably convenient for local families. These vacation packages are competitively priced and comprehensive, bundling flights, transfers, and accommodations, removing the logistical hassles for travelers. As an Authorized Disney Vacation Planner, their agents possess in-depth knowledge to customize these trips to fit any family's preferences.

The agency’s portfolio of exclusive tour packages extends to other destinations as well. They offer a curated collection called "Boscov's Travel Select Cruises," where advisors hand-pick sailings from major lines like Royal Caribbean, Norwegian, and Celebrity to simplify the overwhelming number of choices for customers. These selections often come with added value, such as transfers to local ports. Additionally, they partner with tour operators to provide guided trips to the Western U.S. and international destinations, along with escorted one-day bus trips to regional attractions like theaters and wineries. This demonstrates a commitment to catering to diverse travel styles, from those seeking relaxing all-inclusive resorts to adventurers wanting immersive cultural experiences.

Client Experiences: The Good and The Bad

The vast majority of public feedback for the Scranton office is overwhelmingly positive, contributing to its solid 4.1-star rating. Clients repeatedly use words like "professional," "knowledgeable," and "honest." The sentiment is that the agents genuinely care about the outcome of the trips they plan, providing support even after payment has been made. This builds a high level of trust, leading to repeat business for both personal and corporate travel needs.

However, no service is without potential drawbacks. While specific negative reviews for the Scranton branch are scarce, broader feedback on the Boscov's Travel brand highlights issues that can occur. Some customers have reported booking errors, such as incorrect room types or seating arrangements, which led to frustration. In some instances, clients felt that the agency was not proactive enough in resolving these issues, placing the burden back on the traveler. This underscores the importance for any potential client to meticulously review all travel documents and confirmations upon receipt. While an agent can be a powerful advocate, the ultimate responsibility for verifying details lies with the traveler.

Considerations for the Modern Traveler

Choosing a traditional travel agency like Boscov's Travel involves a trade-off. The primary benefit is expertise and personalized service, which can be invaluable for planning a significant dream vacation or navigating complex international travel. Their established relationships with suppliers can also lead to perks and discounts not available to the general public.

On the other hand, this model has limitations compared to online travel agencies (OTAs). The physical office has set operating hours and is closed on Sundays, which may be inconvenient for those who prefer to do their travel planning outside of a standard workday. While they offer emergency after-hours support, the initial planning and booking process is confined to their business hours. For travelers who are comfortable with extensive online research and prefer the flexibility of 24/7 booking, the direct-to-consumer online model might be more appealing. The value proposition of Boscov's Travel is not necessarily in being the absolute cheapest option, but in the comprehensive service and support that accompanies the booking, potentially saving travelers from costly mistakes and immense stress.