Boscov’s Travel

Located within the Camp Hill Mall's Boscov's department store, Boscov's Travel operates as a full-service travel agency that has garnered a reputation for both commendably detailed planning and significant, frustrating lapses in execution. Client experiences paint a picture of a business with a knowledgeable frontline staff capable of crafting excellent trips, but one that is also susceptible to critical administrative errors and a concerning lack of post-booking support when things go awry.

The Planning and Booking Experience

On the positive side, many customers report exceptional experiences during the vacation planning stages. Agents at the Camp Hill location, with names like Amy, Joy, Tammy, and Ken frequently mentioned, are often praised for their helpfulness and expertise. They appear adept at understanding client needs and budgets, presenting a range of viable options for destinations like all-inclusive resorts in Mexico and complex family vacations to destinations such as Walt Disney World. Clients appreciate the ease of the booking and payment process and find value in pre-departure meetings designed to review itineraries and alleviate any travel-related anxieties.

The agency also demonstrates a capability to handle more than just standard bookings. For instance, they have successfully organized trips for families with special requirements, ensuring all necessary supports are in place. A notable offering that sets them apart is their organization of exclusive charter flights to Orlando, which simplifies travel for many local families heading to the theme parks. This service, along with their expertise in creating custom travel packages, positions them as a potentially strong tour operator for those seeking a streamlined process.

Significant Service Failures and Inconsistencies

Despite the strengths in planning, a pattern of serious service failures emerges from customer feedback, which prospective clients should carefully consider. One of the most critical functions of a travel specialist is ensuring accuracy in all documentation, and this is an area where the agency has demonstrably failed at times. One family reported a cascade of errors on a single trip, including receiving an information packet for the wrong hotel with another person's name, an incorrect date of birth on an airline ticket that caused significant delays with TSA, and incorrect names on the hotel reservation itself. These are not minor oversights; they are fundamental errors that can derail a vacation.

Communication also appears to be a significant weakness. In the aforementioned case, the travelers received no response from the agency after contacting them on the first day of their trip to report the numerous issues. A follow-up email was eventually answered with the news that their agent was on vacation, indicating a lack of a backup system or even a basic auto-reply to manage client communications in an agent's absence. This lack of responsiveness is a major concern for any traveler relying on an agency for support.

Post-Trip Problem Resolution

Perhaps the most telling accounts involve the agency's handling of problems after a trip is completed. One long-time client, who praised her agent's planning skills for multiple trips, had a deeply negative experience after expensive clothing was stolen from her hotel room in Mexico. While her local agent was sympathetic and advocated on her behalf, the corporate "Post Travel Support Team" allegedly refused to contact the hotel, citing a lack of "supporting documentation" that the client was unable to obtain from the uncooperative hotel staff.

This response undermines a primary reason many people use a travel consultant: to have an advocate with industry leverage when serious problems like theft occur. The expectation is that the agency will intervene and communicate with their travel partners on the client's behalf. The failure to do so in this case left the customer feeling abandoned and highlights a potential systemic issue in the company's approach to crisis resolution. The responsibility was shifted back to the client, negating the value of having professional representation.

Final Considerations for Potential Clients

Boscov's Travel in Camp Hill presents a dual-sided offering. The agency possesses experienced agents who can, by many accounts, plan wonderful and well-organized vacations, from cruise deals to intricate land tours. Their ability to provide multiple options and manage logistics during the planning phase is a clear strength.

However, the documented instances of critical booking errors and, more importantly, the inadequate support system for when things go wrong, are serious drawbacks. The difference between a smooth trip and a travel nightmare often lies in the details and the availability of support. Potential customers should weigh the convenience of the planning service against the risk of these significant service gaps.

• Verify Everything: If you choose to book with this agency, it is imperative to meticulously double-check every detail of your itinerary upon receipt. Confirm names, dates of birth, hotel names, room categories, and flight information directly.
• Clarify Support Protocols: Before finalizing payment, ask specific questions about their process for handling in-travel emergencies and post-travel issues. Understand who your point of contact will be if your primary agent is unavailable.
• Assess Your Needs: For a straightforward trip, their planning services may be perfectly adequate. For more complex or high-cost luxury travel, the reported inconsistencies in support and attention to detail warrant careful consideration.

Ultimately, while Boscov's Travel has the potential to be a valuable partner in booking flights and hotels, the experiences of past clients suggest a service that can be inconsistent. The quality of your experience may depend heavily on the individual agent, but the corporate policies for handling errors and client issues appear to be a significant vulnerability.