Boscov’s Escorted Motorcoach Adventures

Looking for a fun day trip or a few day getaway? Look no further than our exciting motorcoach adventures.

Day Trips
Our Escorted Motorcoach Day Trips are great when you are looking for a fun and fast getaway. From seeing great theater, to exploring the outdoors, to eating your way through a city, our bus tours are great for people of all ages.

April 18
9/11 Memorial, NYC - Departs from Neshaminy and Wilmington

May 19
Statue of Liberty/Ellis Island, NYC - Departs from Exton, Neshaminy and Wilmington

May 26
Intrepid Sea-Air-Space Museum, NYC, Fleet Week - Departs from Atlantic City and Vineland

June 16
Annapolis and US Naval Academy, Annapolis, MD – Departs from Camp Hill and Selinsgrove

June 23
Circle Line Cruise of Manhattan, NYC - Departs from Exton, Neshaminy and Wilmington
Black History Tour, Washington, D.C. – Departs from Atlantic City and Vineland

September 26
9/11 Memorial, NYC – Departs from Atlantic City and Vineland

September 29
Seaside Spirits II with Charles Adams III – Departs from Reading and Douglassville

October 20
Hudson River Fall Foliage Cruise – Departs from Camp Hill, Colonial Park, Lebanon, Reading and Easton 

Over night Trips
Our Escorted Motorcoach Overnight Trips are a great way to take a few days to explore a new area, or get to know a place that you have been in a different way. Whether you are seeking leisurely bus tours, or adventurous tours by bus we have a great mini vacation planned for you.

May 14-17
Wildwood by the Sea, Wildwood, NJ – Departs from Camp Hill

October 19-21
Witch Weekend, Salem, MA – Departs from Atlantic City and Vineland

For more information and pricing, contact your local Boscov’s Travel Specialist, email travelrequest@boscovs.com or call 800-755-8020.

Life in the Slow Lane

With inspiring ports of call, breathtaking scenery and a relaxed ambience—what’s not to love about river cruising?

                For those of us besieged by stressed-laden careers and complicated personal lives, enjoying what vacation time we have often means packing in as much nonstop fun and sightseeing as is humanly possible. Of course, the unfortunate downside of this is enough to leave even the best of us weighted down by the dreaded “vacation hangover”—that tired bummed out feeling you have upon returning home and there’s absolutely no motivation to assimilate back into the real world. It’s almost like you need another vacation just to recuperate from the one you just returned from.

                Somewhere back amidst the chaos of everyday life, the importance of getting away from it all seems to have lost a little of its purpose and spirit—particularly when it comes to unwinding and recharging our batteries. While you could ask your boss for a few extra days of R and R (good luck with that), a growing number of travelers are turning to river cruises as a way to enjoy more of their vacation time without the hassles tied to traditional getaways.

The Other Side of Cruising

                Unlike traditional ocean cruises with their larger-than-life ships and more limited itineraries, river cruising provides a completely different experience and takes you places only a river cruise ship can go. A river cruise offers a historic and tranquil backdrop on elegant floating hotels complete with excellent service and gourmet cuisine. This wonderful mode of discovery offers easygoing comfort and convenience because you only unpack once and are taken from one fascinating country to the next, creating memories that will last a lifetime, all at an unhurried pace. Best of all, there are a wide array of itineraries on many of the world’s most scenic rivers and waterways.

                Along the way you’ll have the opportunity to uncover treasures such as charming squares, magnificent cathedrals, and bustling marketplaces just a stroll away from the vessel. There is no waiting in long lines to get on or off the ship, and there are always amazing sites to explore—scenic vineyards, historic castles, or countless UNESCO World Heritage Sites—even from the comfort of your ship and stateroom via panoramic views.

                Comfortable and convenient, river cruises offer a greater variety of destinations than you could encounter any other way. You spend less time getting there and more time being there. It’s little wonder that river cruising is one of the fastest-growing segments of the travel industry.

Diane on the Danube

My husband and I joined Mayflower Tours on The Legendary Blue Danube River Cruise on October 3, 2011 for a one week river cruise.  The deluxe escorted tour began in Budapest, Hungary and cruised up the Danube River and ended its voyage in Passau, Germany.  

Although small in size, carrying just over 100 passengers, the ship was very classy and service was excellent.  The cuisine on board was outstanding and featured many local dishes.  Meals included a full breakfast, lunch, dinner with wine, beer and soda, afternoon tea and pastry, as well as an evening snack.  The entertainment onboard was also very enjoyable.  There was an on-board pianist, some folkloric performances, and a funny crew show as well.  The “Bells of Rome” performance was the best!

The well-run tours included some motorcoach tours and some walking tours in the small towns along the river.  We preferred the walking tours through the smaller towns because they were less crowded and had beautiful scenery and architecture.  While we were there we also did some geocaching which took us to some interesting places.

Since Mayflower Tours charters the boat for their clients only, most passengers were U.S. based.  Of the approximately 100 passengers, my husband and I were among the youngest of our very mature fellow travelers.  We enjoyed listening to stories of their many past vacations to Antarctica, Galapagos and more.  They also told us some of their secrets to success and how they have been able to travel around the world.  It was a great experience to be surrounded by these successful, well-educated world travelers since we share the same future goals.

We enjoyed touring so many cities in a relaxed mode.  We would awake to a new city almost daily with no early wake-up to rush to another airport or drive for many hours a day.  Daily, we fed our stomachs with excellent cuisine and fed our minds with history dating back thousands of years.  We hope we learned enough from our fellow passengers so we can continue to travel the world.

If you enjoy great culture and cuisine while slowly cruising, then this may be the tour for you too!

For more information on this tour and other great cruising options, contact your local Boscov’s Travel Specialist, email travelrequest@boscovs.com or call 800-755-8020.

The Top 5 Romantic Destinations in the World

When you’re in love, there’s a desire to share it with the world—and it’s a big world out there!

Whether you want to shout your love from the peak of a mountain or while snorkeling, our top Travel Specialists know just the place where you can proclaim your adoration.  Based on their own experiences and those of our clients, here are the Top 5 Romantic Destinations in the World…

Maui, Hawaii

Hawaii’s island of Maui has always been synonymous with romance.  Combining the perfect blend of relaxation and adventure, Maui has it all for the great romantic escape.  From the artsy boutiques of Lahaina to the 10,000-foot heights of Haleakala—the island’s volcano—Maui combines the best of the big island.  Here you can gasp at waterfalls, trek rainforests, hike in the presence of volcanoes and indulge in every kind of water sport imaginable.  Maui also has perfect weather year-round, so you can save money on your romantic getaway by booking off-season, which is usually September through November.

St. Lucia

Legend has it that Saint Lucia resonates with romance and adventure—which may be the reason why it was chosen by ABC’s The Bachelor: On the Wings of Love for the final episodes.  With miles of gorgeous palm-fringed beaches, unspoiled rainforest and the majestic Piton Mountains, St. Lucia is the sort of island that travelers to the Caribbean dream about—a small, lush tropical gem that remains relatively unknown.  The steep coastlines and reefs here offer superb snorkeling and scuba diving, and the rainforest preserves are one of the Caribbean’s finest for hiking and bird watching.  Not to be missed is the island’s Soufriere volcano, the world’s only drive-in volcanic crater.

Bora Bora

The island of Bora Bora is possibly the single most famous and breathtaking island destination in the world.  Two towering peaks of sheer black rock dominate the center of the island and make an impressive backdrop to the world-famous lagoon.  Lush tropical slopes and valleys blossom with hibiscus, white palm-covered motu circle the illuminated lagoon like a delicate necklace.  White-sand beaches give way to emerald waters where colorful fish and coral gardens greet the giant manta rays.  This could be easily described as the center of the romantic universe, where luxury resorts and spas dot the island with overwater bungalows and thatched-roof villas.

Lake District, Italy

Italian is the language of love in our opinion, so the perfect European getaway for romance has to be the Italian Lake District.  Here you’ll find yourself inextricably drawn to the beauty of lake Garda, Lake Como, Lake Maggiore and even intimate Lake Orta where you can indulge in a lakeside villa, secluded castle or panoramic chapel.  If it’s grandiose you’re after, choose Lake Garda.  This large lake features picturesque resorts including the Riva del Garda, situated on the water’s edge.  Take a trip to the tiny port town of Gargnano with its Villa Feltrinelli, or perhaps drop in on George Clooney at his Villa Oleandra in Lake Como.

Maldives

Perhaps the world’s most romantic long-haul destination, the Maldives are geographic marvel and for most people, the single greatest island experience.  Located 435 miles south-west of Sri Lanka, the Maldives are a series of ancient coral reefs that grew up around the sides of towering prehistoric volcanoes.  The volcanoes have long since sunk into the ocean, leaving behind 1,190 tiny islands of unrivaled beauty.  Of those islands open to visitors, most are only large enough to accommodate one resort.  No matter which resort island you choose, you’ll discover plenty of romance, excellent dive sites, and endless expanses of ocean and sky.

For more information on these and other great destinations, contact your local Boscov’s Travel Specialist, email travelrequest@boscovs.com or call 800-755-8020.

Avatar Coming to Walt Disney World

Have you ever watched a movie and thought, “That would make a really cool theme park ride”?  James Cameron’s Avatar made me think just that. Apparently I was not the only one thinking that. The brains behind Walt Disney World and James Cameron himself had that same idea.  However, in true Disney fashion, they have upped the ante.

Disney recently announced a long-term creative partnership with James Cameron’s Lightstorm Entertainment and Fox Filmed Entertainment to design and construct not just a ride, but a whole theme park land based on the soon to be series of Avatar movies. Set to begin construction in 2013, Pandora will come to life as part of Disney’s Animal Kingdom.

Why Animal Kingdom?  Where else would a world so structured around nature and animals fit? Animal Kingdom strives to connect guests to nature and animals—whether real or mythical.  The Avatar story is all about protecting the world in which they live and the creatures that they share it with.  I could not think of a better home for this attraction than Animal Kingdom.

Working side by side, Disney Imagineers and James Cameron (and his team), will bring Pandora to Earth in the form of a combination of entertainment, merchandise locations, and restaurants. Still in the early stages of the design process, not much more information is known.  The most definite fact about this upcoming expansion is that it is sure to be a completely immersive experience.

Check back for updates and for more information about a Disney vacation contact your local Boscov’s Travel Specialist, email travelrequest@boscovs.com or call 800-755-8020.

7 Fun Things to do in Indianapolis

With the upcoming Super Bowl XLVI (Sunday, February 5^th) there will be an influx of tourists to Indianapolis, Indiana to see the big game. If you plan on heading to Indianapolis, here are some fun things to do outside of Lucas Oil Stadium. If I missed something on this list, please be sure to comment to help out other travelers!

1. Brickyard Crossing
   Play 18 holes on one of the most famous public golf courses in the United States. With four of Brickyard Crossing’s 18 holes located within the walls of Indianapolis Motor Speedway, this course is every speed junkie’s dream.
2. Canal and White River State Park
   The nation’s only urban state park, White River State Park offers a wide variety of fun.  It includes the White River Gardens, the Hilbert Conservatory, the Indianapolis Canal Walk and the Indianapolis Zoo.
3. Easley Winery
   The Easley winery is open seven days a week for tastings and tours. The winery is featured annually at the Vintage Indiana Wine and Food Festival and is easily one of the most impressive wineries with its claim to fame being that it is the oldest family owned brewery in the state.
4. Indianapolis Children’s Museum
   Founded in 1925, the Indianapolis Children’s Museum is a respected, family-oriented museum.  The museum is the largest children’s museum with displays, shows and events aimed to please every member of the family.
   
5. Track Attack Racing School
   Track Attack Racing School gives visitors the chance to learn to zoom around Indianapolis Motor Speedway at speeds of over 100mph behind the wheel of a low-slung sports car.
   
6. The Slippery Noodle Inn
   No frills about it, just hands down good food, music, and booze. A must see, The Slippery Noodle Inn is Indiana’s oldest bar and the site of some of the best jazz and blues in Indianapolis.
   
7. Indianapolis Motor Speedway
   Home to the Indy 500 and the Brickyard 400, the Indianapolis Motor Speedway is the granddaddy of all Indiana race tracks. For dedicated gearheads, you can also find the Indianapolis Motor Speedway Hall of Fame Museum on site.
   

Mystery Photo Challenge #48

Here’s how it works: we post an image and provide a clue. Leave a comment with your guess. Good luck!

Hint: This Texas must-see river attraction is for pedestrians only.

Mystery Photo Challenge #47

Here’s how it works: we post an image and provide a clue. Leave a comment with your guess. Good luck!

Hint: This national park is widely held to be the first national park in the world.

Mystery Photo Challenge #46

Here’s how it works: we post an image and provide a clue. Leave a comment with your guess. Good luck!

Hint: This national park is one of the largest and least segmented habitat blocks in the Sierra Nevadas.

2012 Hottest Music Festivals

Dying to get away from it all this year and hear some great music?  The 2012 music festival season is already heating up with many of the hottest new acts and veteran bands lining up to take the stage—and lucky for you, we’ve got your ticket to the most exciting events across the globe.  Whether it’s rock, jazz, electro, folk, dance, hip-hop or pop, we’ve got you covered with a festival to suit every musical taste.

South by Southwest Music and Media Conference (SXSW) · Austin, TX

March 13^th-18^th, 2012
www.sxsw.com/music
SXSW is unlike any other music event. By day, thousands of conference registrants network in the halls of the Austin Convention Center and sit in on informative panel discussions.  While the event is designed for the music industry folks, any music lover can register for an entrance badge.  Badge holders receive access to daytime events at the convention center and afternoon artist performances.  Attendees also have access to many official SXSW parties each afternoon and receive first admission into all evening showcases.  At night, SXSW showcases hundreds upon hundreds of global musical acts on over eighty stages throughout downtown Austin.

Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival · Indio, CA 

April 13-15, 20-22, 2012
www.coachella.com
A massive music and arts event, Coachella’s beautiful desert setting is guaranteed to dazzle your eyes and rock your socks off.  The festival focuses on alternative rock, hip-hop, and electronic music as well as large sculptural art.  If you want to hear up-and-coming acts alongside established groups, this is the place.  Several stages are set-up throughout the grounds, with each playing live music continuously until late in the evening.  Held at the Empire Polo Fields in Indio (just outside Palm Springs), Coachella welcomes all ages.  Recent performers have included Paul McCartney, The Killers, Muse, Morrissey, Tiesto and Jay-Z.