Bucket List Travel Ideas

Bucket lists seem to be all the rage these days. Everybody is asking, “What’s on your bucket list?”, or saying, “There is another item checked off my bucket list!”

If you don’t have a bucket list, maybe it’s time to create one! Here are some travel ideas to help get you started or add to your current wish list of travel fun.

United States

• Take a helicopter tour over the Big Island in Hawaii. (Get an overhead look into an active volcano!)
  
  
• Experience the magic and pixie dust of Walt Disney World. (It is the land of dreams, after all!)
  
  
•  Visit Denali National Park in Alaska. (Have your camera at the ready, the sights are spectacular!)
  
  
• Watch the sunrise over the Grand Canyon. (See a national landmark at its most beautiful.)
  
  
• See the Bellagio fountain light show in Las Vegas! (You’ll feel luckier just by watching!)
  

Europe

• Climb the Eiffel Tower in Paris. (See the City of Lights from above the lights.)
  
  
• Take a Gondola ride in Venice. (Enjoy the romance of the city the way it was meant to be seen.)
  
  
• Sail down the Danube River in Europe. (See the elegance of Europe from the inside.)
  
  
• Stroll the Champs Elysées in Paris. (You’ll feel fancy just being there.)
  
  
• Make a wish in the Trevi Fountain in Rome. (Close your eyes, toss your change, change your life!)
  
  
• Kiss the Blarney Stone in Ireland. (Bend over backwards and gain the gift of eloquence.)
  
  

At Sea and Beyond

• Zip line above Royal Caribbean International’s Oasis of the Seas. (What a thrill! And what a view!)
  
  
• Swim with the dolphins in the Caribbean Sea. (Can you really name a better swimming partner?)
  
  
• See the pyramids of Egypt. (Take a trip into the desert and see the wonders of the world.)
  
  
• Find the “big five” on a safari in Africa. (Elephants, rhinoceros, buffalos, lions, and leopards, Oh My!)
  
  Live the dream! For help checking items off of your bucket list and other great vacation ideas, contact your local Boscov’s Travel Specialist, email travelrequest@boscovs.com or call 800-755-8020. 

Boscov’s Campus of Courses: Travel Enrichment Seminars

I love early fall. The weather is cooling, leaves are starting to turn and fall, kids are getting settled at school and, best of all, Boscov’s Campus of Courses is back!

Boscov’s Campus of Courses is a series of educational seminars held in the department store’s famous Auditorium on a variety of fun subjects such as arts, crafts, fitness and health. I’m happy to announce that Boscov’s Travel is participating again with free Travel Enrichment Seminars in September and October!

This is an excellent opportunity to learn more about a specific destination or type of travel. From brides and grooms planning a honeymoon to large groups, there are interesting and useful travel tips for everyone.

Atlantic City, NJ

• Caribbean Night - Tuesday, September 25, 2012 – 6:30pm
  Join our Boscov’s Travel Specialists and Sandals Resorts for our Caribbean Night! These resorts are the best in the Caribbean and the ideal location for honeymoons, destination weddings, and romantic getaways. Also learn about Beaches, the perfect all-inclusive family destination.
  Click Here for more details.

Camp Hill, PA

• Alaska Travel Night - Friday, September 28, 2012 – 6:30pm-8:30pm
  Let us introduce you to everything you can discover on a trip to Alaska: the awesome beauty, the wildlife and the fascinating people. We will discuss how to choose a tour or cruise and many other details on how to make the most out of your trip.
  Click Here for more details.

Colonial Park, PA

• Discover Disney - Tuesday, September 25, 2012 – 6pm-8pm
  Whether you have been to Disney World before or if it is your first trip, there’s lots to discover! The shows, the rides, the resorts! Nobody does it like Disney. And, no one can provide a better Disney Vacation than Boscov’s Travel. Learn all about our Disney Charters and our Exclusive Roundtrip Jet Service from the Harrisburg International Airport or one of three other local airports to Orlando.
  Click Here for more details.
• Boscov’s Bridal Event - Saturday, September 29, 2012 – 11am-12pm
  Join Boscov’s Registry and Boscov’s Travel for information from the experts on registries, honeymoons and destination weddings.
  Click Here for more details.
• Hawaiian Paradise - Saturday, September 29, 2012 – 1pm-3pm
  Explore the beauty of the Hawaiian Islands-by land and by sea-escorted or independent! Join the travel professionals from Boscovs Travel and Globus Family of Brands for an interesting and informative seminar on this tropical paradise.
  Click Here for more details.

Easton, PA

• Boscov’s Bridal Event - Friday, September 28, 2012 – 6:30pm-7:30pm
  Join Boscov’s Registry and Boscov’s Travel for information from the experts on registries, honeymoons and destination weddings.
  Click Here for more details.

Reading, PA – East Branch

• Boscov’s Bridal Event - Saturday, September 29, 2012 – 11am-12pm
  Join the wedding experts from Boscov’s to learn about our range of services – all in one convenient place! Boscov’s Registry, Catering, Wishes Event Design and Boscov’s Travel Honeymoons & Destination Weddings will assist you with arrangements for your big day the Boscov’s way.
  Click Here for more details.

Scranton, PA

• Discover Disney - Saturday, September 22, 2012 – 2pm-4pm
  Whether you have been to Disney World before or if it is your first trip, there’s lots to discover! The shows, the rides, the resorts! Nobody does it like Disney. And, no one can provide a better Disney Vacation than Boscov’s Travel. Learn all about our Disney Charters and our Exclusive Roundtrip Jet Service from the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton International Airport to Orlando.
  Click Here for more details.

Wilkes-Barre, PA

• Royal Caribbean Cruise Night - Thursday, September 20, 2012 – 6:30pm-8:30pm
  Learn about the newest innovative ships, exciting destinations & the value of cruising! Join Boscov’s Travel and special guest, Denise Reichwein, from Royal Caribbean International for a fun and informative seminar.
  Click Here for more details.
• Boscov’s Bridal Event - Tuesday, September 25, 2012 – 7:00pm
  Join Boscov’s Registry and Boscov’s Travel for information from the experts on registries, honeymoons and destination weddings.
  Click Here for more details.
• Discover Disney - Thursday, September 27, 2012 – 6:30pm-8:30pm
  Whether you have been to Disney World before or if it is your first trip, there’s lots to discover! The shows, the rides, the resorts! Nobody does it like Disney. And, no one can provide a better Disney Vacation than Boscov’s Travel. Learn all about our Disney Charters and our Exclusive Roundtrip Jet Service from the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton International Airport to Orlando.
  Click Here for more details.

For more information on these great events and great vacation ideas, contact your local Boscov’s Travel Specialist, email travelrequest@boscovs.com or call 800-755-8020. For information on other Boscov’s Campus of Courses events, please contact your local Boscov’s Department Store.

Top 5 Walt Disney World Resorts

In anticipation of our upcoming Disney Day in Reading, we polled our social media fans on the best Disney hotels. According to a tally of votes on Facebook and repins on Pinterest, these are the Top 5 Walt Disney World Resorts.

5. Boardwalk Inn (Price Range: Deluxe)

Located near Epcot, Boardwalk Inn captures the whimsy and elegance of Atlantic City in the 1940′s. Enjoy the sights and sounds of the boardwalk without having to leave the resort. Looking for a water adventure? Try the Luna Park Pool and take a ride down the 200-foot long Keister Coaster water slide. Want a relaxing pool experience? Never fear, the Boardwalk also has 2 quiet pools located on the east side of the resort for your enjoyment.

4. All-Star Music Resort (Price Range: Value)

Close by to Animal Kingdom, All-Star Music Resort welcomes you in to all things music. From show tunes to calypso to country to jazz and rock n’ roll, it’s all here for your entertainment and enjoyment. Even the pools here are musical, the main guitar-shaped Calypso Pool features a Three Caballeros fountain and you can’t go wrong with grand piano-shaped Piano Pool either.

3. Contemporary Resort (Price Range: Deluxe)

Not only is the Contemporary Resort located within walking distance of Magic Kingdom, but it is also the only hotel to have the Walt Disney World Monorail pass right through the main concourse. While choosing your room at Contemporary, forget oceanview, try Space Mountain view or Cinderella Castle view! (Much more exciting than the ocean if you ask me.) Need time away from the parks? Try out the resort’s arcade, beach, miniature golf and water sports. Whether you are looking for excitement or relaxation, Contemporary has something for everyone!

2. Pop Century Resort (Price Range: Value)

Pop Century Resort may be a step back in time, but it is also just a step from Epcot, Disney’s Hollywood Studios, Disney’s Boardwalk area and ESPN Wide World of Sports. Pop Century pays homage to times gone by featuring giant icons such as toys, gadgets, music, movies and more that helped shape the 1950′s-1990′s.  If you beat all of the high scores at the Fast Forward Arcade, take a break in the 3 fun shaped pools (Flower-shaped Hippy Dippy Pool, bowling pin-shaped Bowling Pool and the monitor-shaped Computer Pool).

1. Caribbean Beach Resort (Price Range: Moderate)

This resort is located just a short distance from Epcot, Disney’s Hollywood Studios and Disney’s Boardwalk area. Set on the 45-acre Barefoot Bay, this resort is a tropical lakeside paradise. While staying at the Caribbean Beach Resort, be sure to check out their 6 heated pools, 2 water slides, or 2 12-person spas. Traveling with little ones? They are sure to enjoy the water play area featuring squirt hoses, a large bucket that pours water from above and kid sized water slides.

For more Disney fun check out the Top 5 Rides at Walt Disney World! Also, be sure to stop by Disney Day in Reading, PA on Friday, June 22, 2012!

For mor information or to book your own magical adventure, contact your local Boscov’s Travel Specialist, email travelrequest@boscovs.com or call 800-755-8020. 

Disney Day 2012!

It’s that time of year again! Disney Day at the Reading Mall is back!

Boscov’s Travel is hosting Disney Day on Friday, June 22^nd. You’ll want to bring the whole family for a fun day at Boscov’s, including kids’ activities, cake and more. We can’t wait to see you all again and make this year’s Disney Day more fun than ever!

Boscov’s Travel East, Reading Mall

1:00pm – 5:00pm
Kids’ prizes
Crafts and coloring
Face Painting
Cake and refreshments

3:00pm
Appearance by the Chick-fil-A Cow and the Reading Royals’ Slapshot!

3:00pm – 5:00pm
Join us for a live remote with Jo Painter of WEEU and the Boscov’s Travel staff.

Top 5 Rides at Walt Disney World Resort

In preparation for our upcoming Disney Day in Reading, we polled our social media followers on their favorite things about Disney. After tallying votes on Facebook and repins on Pinterest, here are the results for the Top 5 Rides at Walt Disney World.

5. Tower of Terror – Hollywood Studios

Based on the television show The Twilight Zone, the Tower of Terror opened at Disney’s Hollywood Studios (MGM Studios at that time) in July of 1994. The ride is a drop tower thrill ride which is meaant to simulate the elevator drop in the show which sent an elevator cart full of passengers to the Twilight Zone after the Hollywood Tower Hotel is struck by lightning. Get in line and you might find yourself dropped into the Twilight Zone.

4. Big Thunder Mountain Railroad – Magic Kingdom

After a disasterous flash flood hit the small mining town of Tumbleweed, the town was abandoned. It is said that Tumbleweed was built on  Native American sacred land that had been cursed. Before long, the old mine trains started racing around the mountain on their own without engineers or a crew. In 1980 this indoor/outdoor rollercoaster was opened to allow tourists to experience the wild ride that these possessed trains offer.

3. Kilimanjaro Safari – Animal Kingdom

Experience all the thrill and adventure of an African Safari without needing to remember your passport. While onboard the safari vehicle, you will feel like you are really in Africa. See safari animals such as elephants, hippos, wildebeasts, rhinos, and more! Make sure to have your camera at the ready to catch these beautiful creatures in their natural habitat.

2. Haunted Mansion – Magic Kingdom

Enter if you dare into this spooky mansion that dates back to 1971. The Haunted Mansion in Liberty Square is home to the Ghost Host and 999 of his dearly departed friends. Travelling with little ones? No need to worry, these ghosts and ghouls are more merry than scary. So jump in your doom buggy and stop by for a visit.

1. Toy Story Mania - Hollywood Studios

Whats better than a Disney 4-D movie? Try a Disney 4-D interactive ride! Throw on some 3-D glasses and head to Andy’s room to test your skills with your spring-action shooter. Hope you’ve had your target practice. Feel the woosh of the air as your virtually flung objects fly through the air and watch out for the water balloons… they tend to pop and splash. Come back again and again to try for the day’s overall high score!

Love Disney? Be sure to check out next week’s post Top 5 Walt Disney World Resorts and stop by for Disney Day!

For mor information or to book your own magical adventure, contact your local Boscov’s Travel Specialist, email travelrequest@boscovs.com or call 800-755-8020. 

…And Baby Makes Three or Four or More! The Pleasures & Pitfalls of Family Travel

Family travel brings to mind happy memories and nightmares. It is a wonderful bonding opportunity and a minefield for conflicts. In spite of the many pleasures, travel is stressful and travel with children of any age often adds to the stress. Use these tips from a former flight attendant and family traveler to reduce the stress and add some fun to family travel…

Is the beach ball half empty or half full?

1. Seek out attractions and activities that appeal to everyone. While most travel activities are group-oriented, respect the individual interests of each family member. Join forces to create a destination wish list that gives everyone a taste of their favorites from dining to diversions. Create a contest with rewards for finding the most unique travel destination experiences. Also, establish a family travel budget. Give each child a travel allowance to reduce constant pleas for souvenirs and snacks.
2. Buy each child their own age-appropriate luggage. Choose kid luggage that is pulled easily or worn as a hands-free backpack. Be sure you can juggle their bag and your own in the event of a mid-travel meltdown. Teach school-age children to be smart travelers. Allow them to create their own packing list and pack their own luggage (with supervision). For infants and toddlers, use individual large zip-locked bags to separate each family member’s clothing. Pack at least two changes of clothing in a carry-on bag. Accidents and travel go hand-to-hand, especially with infants and toddlers. Check out some of the cute, kid-friendly, Disney themed luggage and backpacks at Boscovs.com.
3. Discuss and practice clearing airport security ahead of time to take the uncertainty out of the process and avoid misbehavior. Check and re-check carry-on bags to ensure there are no tools or toys that could be mistaken for weapons. Be prepared for “owies” with a small first aid kit. Take medications and medical records for chronic illnesses and a current photograph of all young travelers, including teens, in carry-on luggage.
4. At your destination, stay alert. Child-proof hotel rooms for toddlers—no matter how much you trust your child. Check out companions they meet and the activities they participate in at hotel and cruise ship camps. Know when, where and what teens are up to. Check rooms and baggage. Yes…snoop! Don’t take any chances with current travel security and stringent drug laws. Be safe… not sorry.
5. When traveling with infants and toddlers, invest in a combination (FAA-approved) car seat/stroller. You would never hold an unrestrained child in an automobile, and holding a baby in an airplane (especially for take-off and landing) is dangerous. If a sudden stop occurs or the flight encounters unexpected turbulence, it is almost impossible to keep a firm grip on a baby in arms.
6. Chill out! Stay flexible and calm. Children take their lead from you. If you are visibly upset and stressing out, they will meltdown and add more to your stress. When Murphy’s Law rears its ugly head, be prepared with Plan B and even Plan C.

In the words of Hodding Carter, “There are two lasting bequests we hope to give our children, one is roots; the other is wings.” With practice, a healthy dose of patience and a positive outlook, family travel creates memories that last a lifetime and wonderful wings.

Family Travel Sale
We’re having a Family Travel Sale! Book May 7-12, 2012 for great special offers on Disney vacations, cruises, tours and resort getaway. Click here to view our email announcement for more information.

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

The Top 5 Family Vacation Spots in the World

Planning a vacation that everyone in the family will love and remember can have its challenges. To make sure your next family getaway is a smash hit, consider everyone’s needs and don’t be afraid to shake things up by going somewhere new. From family-friendly resorts and theme parks to exciting outdoor and cultural adventures, the best family getaways always offer something for everyone. Based on our travel specialists’ own experience and those of their clients, here are the Top 5 Family Vacation spots in the world.

1.       Costa Rica

A veritable playground for kids of all ages, Costa Rica packs in a more natural beauty, culture and adventure than most countries many times its size. What kid wouldn’t love seeing fascinating wild animals, lush rainforests, towering volcanoes and warm sundrenched beaches? Friendly, affordable and endlessly captivating, Costa Rica is an ideal destination to choose if you’re looking to mix in some educational experiences for the kids. The country’s rich biodiversity is practically everywhere, making for plenty of What’s this? What’s that? moments. Arenal Volcano National Park and Braulio Carrillo National Park are great places to get up close with the country’s flora and fauna. Best of all, a trip to Costa Rica can be as adventurous or as relaxing as you want it to be. The country’s small size allows you to spend time both on the beach and in the rainforests.

2.       Grand Canyon National Park

Want to really impress the family with a vacation filled with endless ooohs and aaahs? Then head straight for Grand Canyon National Park in Arizona. Carved out of rock by the Colorado River over thousands of years, Grand Canyon National Park has oodles of fun programs for a wide range of ages. These free activities explain some of the canyon’s mysteries in a way that even the youngest kids will understand. One of the most popular programs is the Junior Ranger program where kids get to participate directly with the park’s rangers by learning how to help preserve our National Parks. Once the kids have completed their assignments in their booklets, you can head to the Visitor’s Center to have their “research” reviewed by a Park Ranger. After a swearing in ceremony, each Jr. Ranger will then receive an official Grand Canyon Junior Ranger Certificate and badge.

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.

Walt Disney World Quick Tips: Dining

Try dining at on-site Disney resorts

Don’t forget about the resorts for Dining Options, even if you aren’t a guest there. Some are just a short boat ride (Hoop-De-Doo, Trail’s End, Whispering Canyon) or short monorail ride away (Chef Mickey’s). These restaurants may not be as full as the ones in the parks and if they are character meals, you can usually get more interaction from the characters. A great character meal is Goofy’s Breakfast at Cape May Resort. Characters will usually sit at your table and interact with the kids.

Save on snacks and drinks

You are allowed to take food and drinks into the parks, so feel free to bring along a few snacks and bottled water for your day.

Purchase a dining plan to save money

The Dining Plan is a great value. You have a wide variety of choices to please any palate, with more than 200 restaurants available.

Table-Service
There are table-service restaurants, where you are served your meal. These can include character dining and dinner shows. Dinner shows will account for two meals instead of one.

Quick-Service
Quick-service is your fast food meal and snacks are available, such as popcorn, ice cream, drinks and more.

There are three different dining packages available:

• Two Quick-service meals and two snacks per night
• One table-service, one quick-service and one snack per night or
• The Deluxe Dining Packing, which includes any three meals and two snacks per night of your stay.

You may use your meal allotments any way you like. If you would like to use two quick-service meals in one day, you can, even if you go over your daily allotment. Your allotment is for your entire stay.

Also see:

Walt Disney World Quick Tips: Magic Kingdom

Boscov’s Travel Orlando Charter Vacations

As to Disney logos, pictures and properties: © Disney.

Walt Disney World Quick Tips: Magic Kingdom

Jennifer is one of our Corporate Travel Consultants, and although she specializes in coordinating air, hotel and car rental arrangements for business travelers, she’s a huge fan of Walt Disney World and visits every year. Here are a few of Jennifer’s tips for navigating Magic Kingdom. Thanks, Jen!

Attend the opening ceremony

At least one morning, get up early and head to Magic Kingdom for the opening ceremony. It’s best to get there at least 30 minutes prior to park opening. If you are there early enough, your family can be chosen to help Mickey open the park! This is a great way to start a magical day!

Beat the crowd

When you first arrive at Magic Kingdom, go right for the train station. Go up to the platform and look down Main Street. It is usually very crowded as soon as the park opens, but makes for great pictures of Main Street and Cinderella’s Castle. After a few pictures, get on the train and head to Frontierland. By doing this, you’ll beat the crowd to this part of the park, and can usually get on Big Thunder Mountain with little to no wait. After that, head to either Liberty Square area or Adventureland. You can usually get to the rides and attractions in these areas before the crowds do.

Where to watch the fireworks and parade

A great place to catch the parades and fireworks in Magic Kingdom is in the Liberty Square area. The crowd is not as big, and you don’t have to stake out your spot as early here as you would along Main Street. She’s also watched the fireworks in the Fantasyland area and says it was a pretty good view as well.

As you may already know, we’re celebrating Disney Day tomorrow at Boscov’s Travel. If you’re in the Reading, PA or Wilmington, DE areas, stop by for fun kids’ activities, like prizes, crafts and face painting!

Ready to start planning your Walt Disney World getaway? Visit our website to find out more about our nonstop charter flights to Orlando from local airports and contact your local Authorized Disney Vacation Planner at Boscov’s Travel.

As to Disney logos, pictures and properties: © Disney.