AAA big on serving travel needs

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STAFF PHOTO/C.J. MARSHALL Travel Agent Brenda Frystak shows some of luggage and other travel items available at the AAA North Penn of Tunkhannock.

This February, a number of local people will be taking part in a cruise to Iceland to observe the celestial spectacle of the Northern Lights.

The cruise is a package provided by AAA North Penn of Tunkhannock to folks looking for an exciting spot to vacation.

On the cruise will be AAA Travel Agent Brenda Frystak. Although Frystak will have the opportunity to see the Northern Lights, her presence on the trip will be business-related, as she serves as an AAA Escort for her clients who purchased the vacation cruise package.

“The escorts go along on the tours or the cruises,” Frystak explained. “They pick the clients at the Scranton office, and transport them to the pier or airport and go along on the trip as well.”

An AAA Escort, Frystak explained, serves as a personal travel agent for the group, handling any issues or changes that might occur during a trip.

“We’re there to make certain the customer does not have to handle such things,” she explained.

This is but one of the many services offered by North Penn AAA which has caused it to be named Best Travel Agency for the past two years running by the readers of the Wyoming County Press Examiner.

“We take our time,” Frystak explained about what makes North Penn popular with its clients. “We try to put together a package that provides a lasting experience, that leaves a lasting impression.”

North Penn works hard to tailor a travel package to meet individual customers’ needs. If a family with a husband, wife and children came in looking for a package, several options would be available.

“We might suggest a family destination like Disney or a cruise to the Caribbean,” Frystak explained. “Something that everyone would enjoy.”

For those on a budget, one option would be a drive trip, with destinations available just a few hours from home.

“We offer AAA land passes to Hershey Park and Knoebels,” Frystak said. “Or we can suggest a beach vacation to the Jersey Shore.”

One very popular vacation package is an cruise to Alaska offered each August. North Penn Regional Office Manager Lisa Burleson said the cruise is sold out, which it quickly does each year.

Another fall vacation package with two seats remaining is the President’s Colorado Rockies, which will run from Aug. 31 to Sept. 9. Spots are also available to the Riu Palace on the Riveria Maya in Mexico from Nov. 11 to 17, Burleson said.

Those favoring a warmer climate can opt for an 11-day cruise to the Caribbean beginning March 27. The cruise starts in New York, with stops scheduled at the islands of San Juan, St. Thomas, Saint Martin, and Tortuga.

Riverboat tours in both the U.S. and Europe are another popular option. The boats provide overnight accommodations, as well as transportation to various stops along the river.

North Penn also provides a variety of service to help make traveling easier. People traveling outside the country can obtain exchanges from U.S. to foreign currency. Clients can also obtain pre-loaded VISA debit cards, which are replacing travelers checks as a secure method of carrying money on a trip.

“We also have a travel store,” Frystak explained. “People can buy luggage and all sort of travel accessories.

According to North Penn Regional Office Manager Lisa Burleson, many clients express surprise when they first see what is available at the travel store.

“They say – ‘Look at all this stuff. I’ve looked all over and you have it right here,’” Burleson said.

One other very popular travel service with North Penn’s clients is Trip Tik, Burleson explained. A client will indicate where he or she wants to go, and the office will be provide detailed information about the various points of interest – including motels, restaurants and tourist spots – along the route.

Concerning North Penn being named the best travel agency, Burleson the credit belongs to Frystak.

“She’s the number one travel agent,” Burleson said. “She sits down with you and makes certain your trip will be special. No trip for her is too big or too small.”

Both Burleson and Frystak confirmed that the other members of the AAA North Penn office have also worked very hard at meeting all their clients needs.

Anyone wishing further information may contact the North Penn office at 570-836-5104.