Boscov’s Travel

Located within the Palmer Park Mall in Easton, Pennsylvania, Boscov's Travel operates as a branch of the well-known Boscov's department store chain. This affiliation provides a sense of stability and corporate backing not always present with smaller, independent agencies. They offer a full spectrum of services, from cruises and all-inclusive vacations to customized tours and family vacations. However, customer experiences paint a picture of a highly inconsistent service, where a traveler's satisfaction may depend heavily on the specific agent they work with and the complexity of their itinerary.

The Upside: Planning and Agent-Specific Success

For many clients, particularly those new to booking complex trips, Boscov's Travel proves to be a valuable resource. Several positive accounts highlight the helpfulness of the staff in navigating the planning stages. One agent, Audrey, is mentioned by name in multiple reviews for her excellent service. She is praised for being wonderful with first-time cruise planners, thoroughly explaining all the details, and maintaining timely communication. This level of personalized attention is a significant benefit for those who feel overwhelmed by the sheer volume of online travel options. Another client noted that for a trip to Punta Cana, the initial planning was easy and the logistical components were executed seamlessly, indicating a solid foundation in the basics of booking flights and hotels.

The agency also organizes its own bus tours and group trips, which appear to be well-managed from a transportation standpoint. One customer, while having minor complaints about the onboard entertainment and food, specifically commended the quality of the bus, the driver, and the overall job done by their tour coordinator. This suggests that for structured vacation packages and group travel, Boscov's has effective systems in place.

Significant Downsides: A Pattern of Inconsistency and Lack of Support

Despite the positive experiences, a considerable number of reviews point to serious deficiencies that potential customers should weigh carefully. The service level appears to drop dramatically when problems arise, both during the trip and with post-travel issues. A recurring theme is a sense of abandonment, where the travel consultants who were helpful during the booking phase become unresponsive or ineffective once a client is facing difficulties.

On-Trip Problem Resolution

One of the most concerning accounts involves a couple's trip to a recommended all-inclusive resort in Curaçao. After paying extra for a "Preferred Guest" upgrade based on the agency's advice, they faced a cascade of problems at the resort, including hours-long check-in delays, persistent shortages of basic amenities like room and beach towels, and limited dining options. Despite calling the Boscov's office multiple times from the resort for assistance, they reported receiving only "lip service." The agency's promises to contact the resort and rectify the situation yielded no tangible improvements, leaving the clients to fend for themselves. This failure to advocate effectively for a customer in a difficult situation is a major red flag for any travel agency.

Attention to Detail and Pre-Departure Accuracy

Another client detailed a series of frustrating oversights in the planning of a 12-day cruise to Greenland and Iceland. Critical components, such as airport transfers, were reportedly not arranged as expected, forcing the travelers to handle it themselves. They were also given incorrect information regarding the need for power adapters. Furthermore, an excursion booking was allegedly mishandled and almost missed, saved only by the client's own diligence. The review culminates in a description of "total incompetence," suggesting that the agency's process lacks the meticulous double-checking required for complex international travel itineraries.

The Perils of Third-Party Services: Travel Insurance

Perhaps the most severe criticism leveled against the agency involves the sale and support of travel insurance. A family of eight purchased a trip to Punta Cana along with a full-refund insurance policy for every traveler. When one person had to cancel, they were told they would only be refunded for the airfare portion, not the full cost as they believed the policy stipulated. Weeks after returning, the family had still not received any payment and claimed they were being "ghosted" by both Boscov's Travel and the vacation provider. The client labeled the insurance a "scam" and a "crime against consumers," highlighting a critical breakdown in communication and accountability. This type of experience undermines the very purpose of using a tourism professional, which is to have a trusted advocate.

Conclusion: A Calculated Risk

Choosing Boscov's Travel in Easton appears to be a gamble. There is a clear potential for a positive outcome, especially if you are assigned a diligent and experienced agent like Audrey for a relatively straightforward trip like a cruise or an all-inclusive package. Their ability to simplify the initial booking process is a definite plus for many. However, the evidence of significant failures in crucial areas—problem resolution during travel, attention to detail, and support for ancillary products like insurance—cannot be ignored. The experiences of clients who faced serious issues suggest a systemic weakness. The agency's legal terms and conditions state they are not responsible for the acts or omissions of their suppliers, a standard clause, but the reviews suggest a practical unwillingness to step in and assist when those suppliers fail. Potential clients should approach with caution, ask detailed questions about the level of support provided during the trip, and independently verify all critical details of their itinerary. It is especially important to read and understand every line of any travel insurance policy before purchasing, rather than relying solely on the agent's description.