Dine & Delight for Less Than $100

Would you love to catch dinner and a show but don’t want to be out too late or empty your bank account? Here are 6 great options for lunch and a show. A great meal and a great play all for under $100 (and we’ll drive)!

Happy Days – Allenberry Playhouse, Boiling Springs, PA (June 23, 2013)

Happy days are here again!

Come join us for lunch at the Allenberry Playhouse before experiencing the melodious production based on the hit Paramount Pictures television series. “Happy Days – A New Musical” reintroduces one of America’s best-loved families, the Cunninghams, and the days of 1959 Milwaukee complete with varsity sweaters, hula hoops and jukebox sock-hoppin’.  The famed drive-in, Arnold’s, is in danger of demolition, so the gang teams up to save it with a dance contest and tv-worthy wrestling match. Come join in the fun with Richie, Potsie, Ralph Malph, and the “king of cool” Arthur “The Fonz” Fonzarelli. This family friendly musical will have you rockin’ and rollin’ all week long!

Footloose the Musical – Pines Dinner Theatre, Allentown, PA (July 14, 2013)

For all you theater lovers, come join us for a fun filled day that will have you dancing in your seats!

Based on the 1984 hit movie, Footloose, The Musical bursts onto the live stage with a production that you don’t want to miss.  Featuring exuberant dance numbers, and a Tony-nominated top 40 score, Footloose celebrates the wisdom of listening to young people, and guiding them with a warm heart and open mind.

Annie – Allenberry Playhouse, Boiling Springs, PA (July 28, 2013)

Come join us for lunch at the Allenberry Playhouse before experiencing this charming production of “Annie”.

The story begins December 1933 in an orphanage in New York City. One of the orphans, Annie, is restless and embarks on the adventure of a lifetime.  Annie yearns to find her parents who left her at the orphanage with a locket and a promise to return for her one day.  She meets some new friends along the way, including a stray dog named Sandy and a well- to-do billionaire, Oliver Warbucks.  Sing along to your favorite songs including “It’s The Hard Knock Life,”  “Easy Street,” “Tomorrow” and many more.

South Pacific – Dutch Apple Dinner Theatre, Lancaster, PA (August 17, 2013)

South Pacific spins a romantic tale of love and loss on a tropical island naval base during World War II. Two couples – U.S. Navy nurse Nellie Forbush and French plantation owner Emile de Becque, and Lt. Joe Cable and a young local native girl fall in love. Many songs are considered the finest Broadway classics including Some Enchanted Evening, Younger Than Springtime, Bali Ha’i, There is Nothin’ Like a Dame, Wash That Man Right Outta My Hair and A Wonderful Guy.

 Menopause the Musical – Dutch Apple Dinner Theatre, Lancaster, PA (September 8, 2013)

Menopause The Musical has entertained and inspired women from coast to coast and internationally.  It’s set in a department store, where four women with nothing in common but a black lace bra meet by chance at a lingerie sale.  The women make fun of their hot flashes, forgetfulness, mood swings, wrinkles, night sweats and chocolate binges.  This hit show includes parodies of songs from the 60’s, 70’s and 80’s, and culminates with a salute to women who are experiencing The Change!

Christmas Show – Allenberry Playhouse, Boiling Springs, PA (December 6, 2013)

Allenberry Playhouse opened in the summer of 1949 and has become a leading attraction.  Each year they present an original story written just for Allenberry filled with laughter, music, and holiday cheer! Come celebrate the holidays with us!

For more information or to book your getaway today, contact your local Boscov’s Travel Specialist by calling 800-755-8020 or emailing travelrequest@boscovs.com.

10 Day Trips for Under $100

Looking for a quick getaway? Check out these great Boscov’s Motorcoach trips that get you away from it all, but stay within your budget.

Atlantic City Air Show – August 17, 2012
The Atlantic City Airshow “Thunder Over The Boardwalk,” is one of the most popular events in Atlantic City with heart-
stopping feats, aerobatics maneuvers, formation flying and solo routines by military and civilian pilots. See the show
from the boardwalk or lay on the beach and catch some rays along with the show!
See flybys and demonstrations that reach up to 15,000 feet and go as low as 50 feet over the water in front of the
Atlantic City skyline, along with performances and demonstrations by the U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds, Coast Guard
Search and Rescue, Geico Skytypers, Golden Knights Parachute Team and much more!!

Adventure Aquarium/Battleship New Jersey – August 19, 2012
First, take a trip around the world, from the back-bays and beaches of the eastern coast to the outer reaches of South
America, without having to actually board a plane!
If it feels like you’re being stalked, you are. The moment you enter our new 40-foot shark tunnel, you’ll feel it. Dozens of
hungry eyes following your every move. They’ve got ghostly jellyfish, creepy Giant Spider Crabs and even a Giant
Pacific Octopus.
At INTERACTIVE INLET, you will get to see and TOUCH many of the world’s exotic and seldom-experienced sea
creatures including slimy shrimp, pulsing moon jellyfish, fresh-water stingrays, lobsters and much more

Then head over to The Battleship New Jersey, the ideal destination for fun and informative, interactive visits for all ages.
Tours of the “Big J”, led by expertly-trained docents, give visitors an up-close-and-personal look at so many things that
make the Battleship New Jersey unique: weapons systems, berthing areas, command and control centers, galley, on-
board museum exhibitions and so much more!

New York City Food Lovers’ Tour – September, 8, 2012

Zabars ~ has to be experienced, in person to be truly understood. You will have the opportunity  to see the crowds, hear the banter of the sales help, smell the croissants baking, admire the rich brown hues of the coffee, sample cheese from every corner of the world, enjoy the beauty of hand sliced nova and walk upstairs and see the largest selection of imported copper cookware anywhere.  It really is a one of a kind adventure.

Magnolia Bakery specializes in hand crafted classic American desserts. They make everything fresh from scratch in small batches throughout the day using only the finest ingredients. They bake the old-fashioned way without the use of preservatives or stabilizers so their desserts are meant to be enjoyed fresh from the oven.

Eataly is more than a supermarket with restaurants. It is an energetic marketplace, an opportunity to taste and take home the products of artisans who till, knead and press to bring you the highest quality products at a fair price. They have assembled the absolute best Italian producers from every region under one roof and the absolute best chefs to cook their wares.  Eataly is the heartbeat of Italy.

Russ & Daughters  BEST OF NEW YORK “Best Bagel & Lox” says New York Magazine: ”The bagel: hand-rolled and boiled. The cream cheese: all-natural and double-whipped. The salmon: speaks for itself.”

Chelsea Market - A one stop culinary food shop, a gourmet lover’s wholesale-retail wonder world and an energetic, industrial-chic hotspot, all meshed into one million square feet of space, along a historical 800 foot concourse on the most unique city block in Manhattan.

Statue of Liberty & 9/11 Memorial – September 9, 2012
9/11 Memorial - Visit the 9/11 Memorial. The Memorial honors the lives of those who were lost through models, films and genuine artifacts

Liberty Enlightening the World - The Statue of Liberty was a gift of friendship from the people of France to the people of the United States and is a universal symbol of freedom and democracy. The Statue was dedicated on October 28, 1886, designated as a National Monument in 1924 and restored for her centennial on July 4, 1986.

Mt. Airy Casino – Moments to Remember - September 19, 2012
This high energy musical extravaganza will take you on a musical journey that will delight audience members with the stories and events that took place during the 50’s and 60’s. Rock and Roll of this time talked about “Teenagers in Love.” They “Twisted”, “Rocked Around the Clock” and talked about a cheating girl named “Runaround Sue.” The fabulous decade of  the 1960’s started off with sweet and innocent love songs of the “Four Seasons” and “The Monkees.” It ended with the psychedelic rock experience.

Bloomsburg Fair – September 23, 2012
Horticultural exhibits, Farm & Garden exhibits, Food exhibits, Hobbies exhibits, Arts & Crafts exhibits, Needlework exhibits, 4-H & FFA exhibits, Agricultural exhibits, Livestock exhibits, Flower exhibits, Poultry exhibits, Rabbit exhibits, Antique Farm Machinery Museum, Free Entertainment at the Bandshell & Millennium stage, Restored Farm House, Historic Restored One Room School House and lots of food stands, merchandise stands, games, rides and more. Bring the family for a day of fun!

Fall Foliage Train Ride – September 25, 2012
Come enjoy all the beauty that Northeast Pennsylvania has to offer while taking a relaxing train ride through the most colorful splendors of fall. Also, enjoy the Joey Vincent Show – the best one man show you’ll ever see! His singing, comedy and impressions are sure to put a smile on every face!

Cape May Zoo & Whale Watch - September 28, 2012
Come join us for a day of fun and excitement full of animals and marine life. We will start off the day with free time at the Cape May Zoo, which is home to over 250 species and more than 500 animals. Among the many animals, you will see the newest additions to their zoo, two beautiful snow leopard cubs. Be sure to check out the train and carousel rides that are also available. Then it’s off to the Marina for a three-hour whale & dolphin watching cruise. The Delaware Bay Estuary is a sanctuary for many species of marine life. The unique  confluence of fresh and salt water make for a nutrient rich area teaming with life and conducive to whale and dolphin activity. Unlike other areas, where the whales are far away, many of the whale and dolphin sightings occur within the Delaware Bay or within ten miles of land. The excursion is fully narrated by your Captain who will point out local history as well as many types of marine life.

American Girl Place in New York City - October 10, 2012
Spend a day you will never forget—at American Girl Place New York.  Situated in the heart of the Big Apple’s most prestigious shopping, cultural and business neighborhood, American Girl Place New York is much more than a store. It’s a place for magical experiences and memories you will cherish forever.
From the hustle and bustle of Fifth Avenue to a magical world of dolls, books and toys just for you – that’s how far you’ll travel when you step through our doors.  It’s your day, so lead the way into the boutiques at American Girl Place New York.

Sweet & Salty “Foodie Tour” - October 30, 2012

Come join us for a day full of wonderful food and fun on a foodie tour of the Landis Valley and Lititz areas.
We will begin our day at the Landis Valley Museum with a guided tour of the village. The tour will include a horse-drawn wagon ride and a tasting of sticky buns, snitz and cider. Lunch will be served at the historic Landis Valley House Hotel.
We will then visit the Sturgis Pretzel Factory where we will each hand roll a pretzel. After the demonstration and tour, each person will receive a soft pretzel and enjoy a bag of pretzels for the road.
Our next stop will be the Wilbur Chocolate Company where we will savor the aroma of freshly made candy while watching the candy makers hand dip chocolates. We will sample their famous Wilbur Buds and have time to shop.
Our final stop will be in the downtown area of Lititz where there will be time to browse the quaint shops and find a souvenir to take home before departure.

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

Ann Arbor, MI – A Break From the Ordinary

As a traveler, one of the greatest thrills of crisscrossing the globe is being wowed by a city you would normally have written off as nowheresville.  And when that happens, it’s like unearthing a buried treasure and wanting to show everyone what you discovered. That’s pretty much the feeling first-time visitors leave with after experiencing the overwhelmingly charming and shockingly delightful city of Ann Arbor, MI.

When it comes to the ultimate question of What’s there to do?, Ann Arbor holds its own extremely well against cities two or three times its size. Ann Arbor is a rare jewel: a small, friendly town with big city sophistication; a close-knit community with vibrant neighborhoods and a rich mix of cultures; a world-class educational and high-tech research center. As the locals like to say, ‘Ann Arbor is 28 square miles surrounded by reality.”

Getting There

Perfectly proportioned with just the right amount of sights, sounds, tastes and shopping diversions, Ann Arbor makes a fantastic weekend getaway. The city is located about 25 miles from Detroit Metropolitan Airport, is accessible by Amtrak and is within driving distance of cities in the Midwestern  U.S. and Canada. As well, there are many luxury and budget-friendly hotels, and unique bed and breakfasts here to choose from.

Out on the Town

Although geographically small, the Ann Arbor area is perhaps most renowned for its cultural offerings. From exclusive art exhibits to performances by jazz legends, there are abundant arts and cultural offerings. More than 30 independent bookstores, dozens of unique galleries and a variety of top-notch museums—including the newly-renovated University of Michigan Museum of Art—are all within the downtown limits. The Ann Arbor are also offers a bounty of recreational activities for those looking to golf, hike, or cycle, and three metroparks are within a short drive of the city center.

There’s no underestimating the integral role the University of Michigan plays in cultivating the city, shaping its economy, population, and cultural awareness. On Saturdays during the football season, the city is electrified with Go Blue Fever. Even if you’re not a big football fan, the atmosphere throughout Ann Arbor is energized with plenty of shops and restaurants feeding the masses late into the night. Though the city is certainly a college and sports town, Ann Arbor is multi-faceted, having reinvented itself to become a top Midwest food, culture, outdoor recreation destination.

Saving Up For Your Dream Vacation?

Times are tough and saving for a dream vacation can be hard work. However, just because you are saving up for your dream vacation doesn’t mean you can’t get away. All work and no play can start to drive you crazy. Break away from it all without breaking the bank.

Check out these great overnight motorcoach trips.

• May 15-18 – Wildwood by the Sea
  Enjoy the beauty of the ocean before the hot summer sun and crowds arrive. Wildwood, NJ offers something for everybody.
•  June 1-3/ September 7-9 – Niagra Falls – Ontario, Canada
  Take in the view of the Falls on a guided tour and enjoy free time at the park or try your luck at the Fallsview Casino.
•  June 10-12 – Op Sail 2012 – Norfolk, Virginia
  Tour the sites of Norfolk including the Norfolk Botanical Garden, Norfolk Naval Base, and of course, the Tall Ships.
•  June 13-16 – Finger Lakes Wine Trail
  Finger Lakes Wine Country is full of breathtaking scenery with gorgeous views of rolling hills, crystal blue lakes, sprawling vineyards, farmland, waterfalls, charming towns and villages, and world-class wines! 
• August 7-10 – Montreal/Quebec City
  Visit the largest French speaking city in the world after Paris (Montreal) and the only walled city in North America (Quebec City), both with a distinctly French flavor worthy of a visit! We’ve married the pleasure of an informative guide for you to become familiar with all the “tourist spots” along with time to explore the nooks and crannies at your own pace! 
• September 17-23 – Mackinac Island and Henry Ford Complex
  Mackinac Island beckons you to a bygone era of old world hospitality and charm. We’ll return to a time of horse drawn carriages with nothing intruding on the serenity and natural beauty of the island. This place was named one of the top ten most beautiful islands in the world by National Geographic. We arrive by passenger ferry, no motorized vehicles are allowed on the Island.
•  October 19-21 – Salem Witch Weekend
  Halloween and witches go hand in hand in Salem, Massachusetts, a city forever linked to the infamous Witch Trials of 1692. Come explore the mystery of Salem and discover the facts and myths of the Witchcraft Hysteria. You’ll have a “witchy” good time, if you dare!

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

Spring into Spring

With Spring finally upon us it is time to get outside and explore! Go out and enjoy sun and have some fun!

Here are some great upcoming day trips to take in April and May.

• Statue of Liberty & 9/11 Memorial – NYC, NY - April 8, 2012
  First, visit the 9/11 Memorial. The Memorial honors the lives of those who were lost through models, films and genuine artifacts. Then it’s off to the Statue of Liberty. The Statue of Liberty was a gift of friendship from the people of France to the people of the United States and is a universal symbol of freedom and democracy.

• Cherry Blossom Parade – Washington, DC – April 14, 2012
  The parade features talented marching bands from around the country and provides colorful and musical entertainment. Lavish floats, giant helium balloons, marching bands, and performers burst down the historic avenue in an energy-filled spectacle of music and showmanship seen only once a year during the National Cherry Blossom Festival.

• Longwood Gardens – Kennett Square, PA – April 15, 2012
  We invite you to visit Longwood Gardens, which now encompasses 1,077 acres of gardens, woodlands and meadows. Enjoy over 11,000 types of plants and more fountains than any other garden in the United States.

• Frank Sinatra Jr. at the Taj Majal – Atlantic City, NJ – April 18, 2012
  Premiere vocalist Frank Sinatra, Jr. and his 20-piece big band conducted by Terry Woodson will pay tribute to his legendary father and entertainment icon Frank Sinatra.

• Peddler’s Village Strawberry Fest – Lahaska, PA – May 6, 2012
  Enjoy a variety of strawberry treats including chocolate dipped strawberries, assorted pastries, strawberry shortcake, strawberry jam, and strawberry fritters. Live entertainment and strawberry pie-eating contests add to the enjoyment of this traditional spring celebration.

• Apple Blossom Festival – Biglerville, PA – May 6, 2012
  Take in the beauty and the fragrant scent of the fruit blossoms as you ride through Adams County’s 20,000 acres of fruit orchards.

• Statue of Liberty & 9/11 Memorial – NYC, NY – May 13, 2012
  First, visit the 9/11 Memorial. The Memorial honors the lives of those who were lost through models, films and genuine artifacts. Then it’s off to the Statue of Liberty. The Statue of Liberty was a gift of friendship from the people of France to the people of the United States and is a universal symbol of freedom and democracy.

• Statue of Liberty & Ellis Island – NYC, NY – May 19, 2012
  Spend a day at the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island. Since 1886, Lady Liberty has welcomed immigrants and visitors to her shores. Today, she is recognized as a symbol of freedom throughout the world. Ellis Island was once the gateway to freedom and economic opportunity for immigrants landing in the United States. More than 12 million immigrants passed through its doors between 1892 and 1954.

• Intrepid Sea-Air-Space Museum – NYC, NY – May 26, 2012
  Come join us for Fleet Week at Intrepid. Every year vessels from all over the world visit New York harbor to honor our men and women who serve our nation in the Armed Forces. Activities to observe include tug of wars, bands, drill teams and search & rescue demonstrations. The Intrepid is located at Pier 86 in the heart of Manhattan. This unique museum is comprised of the Intrepid, an Essex Class aircraft carrier; the Growler, an original Darter class nuclear submarine and Concorde, the fastest commercial airliner ever built.

And don’t miss this exciting 4 day trip!

• Wildwood by the Sea – Wildwood, NJ – May 14 – 17, 2012
  Enjoy the beauty of the ocean before the hot summer sun and crowds arrive. Wildwood, NJ offers something for everybody from the beach to the boardwalk. We’ll include a trip to Wildwood’s neighbors – Atlantic City and Cape May.

 

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

10 Great Day Trips Under $100

 Sometimes you just need get away for the day. We totally understand and have a great selection of motorcoach day trips to help you escape the ordinary without breaking the bank.

Here are 10 great trips for under $100

1. Adventure Aquarium, Camden, NJ – March 18, 2012
        Take a trip around the world, from the back-bays and beaches of the eastern coast to the outer
        reaches of South America, without having to actually board a plane!
2. Cherry Blossom Parade, Washington, DC – Aril, 14, 2012
        Join us in our Nation’s Capital for the 2012 Cherry Blossom Festival and Parade.
3. 9/11 Memorial, New York, NY – April 18, 2012
        Join us for a day of reflection as we visit the new 9/11 Memorial at the World Trade Center site in
        New York City. Built to bear solemn witness to the terrorist attacks on both September 11, 2001 and
        February 26, 1993, it honors the victims of these attacks and those that risked their lives to save
        others.
4. Ladies Day in Cape May, Cape May, NJ – June 17, 2012
        If you want to get away for the day and have a great time with friends or family, then this is the tour
        for you!!!
5. Cape May Zoo & Whale Watch, Cape May, NJ – June 30, 2012
        Come join us for a day of fun and excitement full of animals and marine life. We will start off the day
        with free time at the Cape May Zoo, which is home to over 250 species and more than 500 animals.
        Then it’s off to the Marina for a three-hour whale & dolphin watching cruise.
6. Yuengling Brewery & Wine Tour, Pottsville, PA – July 13, 2012
        Our first stop of the day is Jersey Acres Farms and Stone Mountain Wine Cellars. We will then tour
        Yuengling Brewery also known as America’s Oldest Brewery.
7. Philadelphia Zoo, Philadelphia, PA - July 29, 2012
        The Philadelphia Zoo’s 42-acre Victorian garden is home to more than 1,300 animals, many of them
        rare and endangered. The Zoo, fulfilling its mission of conservation, science, education and recreation,
        supports and engages in conservation efforts to protect endangered species around the world.
8. Stone Harbor Craft Show, Stone Harbor, NJ – August 5, 2012
        We will arrive in beautiful, quaint Stone Harbor, NJ for their annual craft show. 275 artists and
        crafters will display and sell their goods along with food vendors. The location of the show is across
        from the ocean. Come along to shop and relax by the sea. No stops will be made to or from the show.
9. Atlantic City Air Show, Atlantic City, NJ – August 17, 2012
        The Atlantic City Airshow “Thunder Over The Boardwalk,” is one of the most popular events in
        Atlantic City with heart-stopping feats, aerobatics maneuvers, formation flying and solo routines by
        military and civilian pilots.
10. Sweet and Salty “Foodie Tour”, Lititz, PA – October 30, 2012
         Come join us for a day full of wonderful food and fun on a foodie tour of the Landis Valley and Lititz
         areas.

For more information and pricing, 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.
   

The BIG January Cruise Sale 2012

Winter has been making its presence known and even snow bunnies are dreaming of warmer destinations at this point.

So, how do Boscov’s Travelers beat the winter blues? By taking advantage of our annual BIG January Cruise Sale and making their 2012 vacation dreams a reality!

That’s right, our BIG January Cruise Sale is back and making waves! Book a cruise January 9-14 to receive discounts, complimentary upgrades, onboard credit, free dinner and more from these participating travel providers:

• Royal Caribbean International
  
• Norwegian Cruise Line
  
• Celebrity Cruises
  
• Holland America Line
  
• Disney Cruise Line
  
• Carnival Cruise Line
  
• Avalon Waterways
  
• Travel Insured

We look forward to seeing you in 2012!

Click here to view our sale circular for details.

Contact your local Boscov’s Travel Specialist or call 800-755-8020.

9 Ways to Save on Travel in 2012

If your travel budget is tight, take heart. In many ways, there’s never been a better time to travel than 2012. Competition for tourism leads to travel deals and savvy planning also saves travel dollars.

1. Flexibility pays.

Tweak travel time for significant savings. Peak or high season travel always costs more and destinations are crowded. Travel off-season or on the shoulder season. It’s not necessary to go to Asia during monsoon season or the ski slopes when they are bare! Booking a getaway as little as a week or two, pre-or-post peak periods saves 20% or more.

2. Consider alternatives.

Compare airfares at alternative airports within a metropolitan area, such as LaGuardia, JFK and Newark in the New York area; Reagan National, Dulles and Baltimore in the Washington DC area; and Miami and Fort Lauderdale in Florida. Get the best rates on lodging a few miles away from the center of big cities and theme parks. Ask about free shuttles and public transportation.

3. Discover the value of cruising.

Cruise fares include lodging, all the food you can devour, round-the-clock on-board activities/entertainment, free kids camps and plenty of personal attention. Although charges for gratuities, shore excursions, cocktails and gambling can add to the bottom line, rock-bottom basic cruise rates hover as low as $60 per day per person for a seven-day Caribbean cruise. Pick a port within driving distance, such as Baltimore, Maryland; Bayonne, New Jersey or New York City; and save on air travel.

4. Beat the Euro.

Book a Mediterranean or European cruise or tour paid for in your home country’s currency. The more all-inclusive the better. Make certain that once a deposit is made, the price is locked in and not subject to change with fluctuating exchange rates, including: Eastern Europe, Mexico, the Caribbean, Southeast Asia, Argentina and China.

5. Rely on a professional.

While the Internet brings the world to your fingertips, the amount of information is overwhelming. Don’t be too quick to click. Unwary travelers discover that online deals are not always what they seem. When professional travel agents understand personal interests and budgets, they are masters at comparing travel options and uncovering legitimate promotions and perks that won’t weaken the wallet.

6. Join the clubs.

Inquire about senior, corporate and first responder discounts. Enroll in airline, hotel and rental car membership programs. Members get preferred rates and rewards. Factor in freebies like complimentary breakfasts, free parking, free Internet access and free local shuttle transportation.

7. Capitalize on local promotions.

Make the first stop at your destination the local tourism office or chamber of commerce and stock up on local discount coupons and inside tips. Many major cities offer a “City Pass” (citypass.com or smartdestinations.com) that provides admission to multiple attractions, and shopping and dining discounts at savings of 50% or more. In Europe, 44 cities offer a European City Card (europeancitycards.com) with similar savings. Purchase passes online prior to arrival for additional savings.

8. Safeguard your vacation investment.

Unforeseen events, illness and other problems that cause vacation cancellations are costly. Some medical insurance plans and Medicare do not cover illness or medical evacuation at international destinations. When trip costs cannot be recovered, it pays to spend a little money to protect your travel investment.

9. Take advantage of special offers.

Deals and special offers can lead to big vacation savings, like dollars off, cruise on-board credits and more. We update our travelers often regarding special offers, so like us on Facebook, follow us on Twitter or contact your Boscov’s Travel Specialist and ask to be signed up to receive updates via email.

Next week is National Cruise Vacation Week ― which means savings for YOU!

It’s no secret ― we are bananas about cruising. And with countless ship and destination options, amazing entertainment, delicious food and super cool towel animals; what’s not to love?

We are celebrating National Cruise Vacation Week with special offers from our favorite cruise lines. All you have to do to receive these special bonuses is book your cruise October 17-22, 2011, with your Boscov’s Travel Specialist!

Click here for more information.