Archive for June, 2011

Judith Mullisky was very surprised when she heard her name announced as the 1st place winner at the Mohegan Sun at Pocono Downs on January 23rd, 2011. Sundance Vacations had previously joined the Mohegan Sun at Pocono Downs for a fabulous Fire & Ice Promotion which took place every Sunday during the cold month of January. Participants were able to earn entries all month long and ten grand prize drawings were held each Sunday at 6:00pm.

Judith was ecstatic when she was presented with the 1st place prize; a certificate from Sundance Vacations which entitled her to receive roundtrip airfare for two, transfers, and 7 night/8 day luxury accommodations at her choice of one of four HOT destinations – Aruba, Bahamas, Barbados, or St. Thomas. Although the certificate could be redeemed anytime during the year, she and Robert Parks Jr. made the decision to head to Aruba in the middle of June for their fantastic getaway.

When they visited the Sundance Vacations office located on Highland Park Blvd. (across from the Mohegan Sun Arena) to pick up their travel documents, they both lit up the entire office with their laughter, anticipation, and excitement. “We were ready to pack our bags and head off to the island with them!” quotes Administrative Assistant, Pam Fantaskey.

After a brief photo receiving their travel items from Vice President of Business Development, Candy Bednar, they were on their way to pack for a full week of some fun in the sun. When asked if they were planning any special activities in Aruba besides a little R&R, they both smiled and mentioned that they did happen to notice that there was a casino on the island!

Since they couldn’t pack us along in their luggage, they promised to send us some pictures. Upon their recent return we received beautiful photos of the island scenery, the picturesque resort, and several breath-taking sunsets. Robert commented, “We had a fantastic vacation. We had a wonderful time all week!” Congratulations again both Judith and Robert! We are glad you had such a great time! Thank you for sharing your memories!

Sundance Vacations has teamed up with 105 The River and the Mohegan Sun at
Pocono Downs to present a weekly giveaway at each “Party on the Patio” every
Thursday night throughout the summer. Doors open at 6pm. Be sure to stop by
so you can enter to win!

Congratulations to last night’s $100 Free Play Winner, James Fovalli of
Scranton, Pa!

As a member of the US Travel Association we’ve been following the association’s efforts to launch a trusted traveler program for airline screening.  Yahoo news reported on the potential launch of the trusted traveler program for this fall.

http://news.yahoo.com/s/nm/20110622/us_nm/us_usa_security_aviation

TSA has been under pressure to improve the security screening process and create a program for those business and frequent fliers willing to undergo prior security background screenings so they can speed through airport checkpoints.

“We’re working with airlines, U.S. carriers initially, to say for those who are willing to share information about themselves, what can we gain from that that would help us make informed judgments” about passenger security, TSA Administrator John Pistole told the Senate Homeland Security Committee.

We remain cautious until the details regarding the extent of information that will be required in order to participate are released.  If the program is not too onerous certainly Sundance Vacation’s tens of thousands of frequent travelers will benefit.  “Excess inventory to drive to destinations flies off the excess list so if air travel becomes easier we can expect more fly to destinations to pick up in popularity,” says Sundance Vacations founder John Dowd.

We will continue to monitor this development for our travelers.

As the summer heat barely kicks in (especially at corporate headquarters in Pennsylvania because all we have been seeing is rain), Sundance Vacationers are dying for something hot.  Look out East Coast because there is a new sin city in town!  According to USA today, Atlantic City is modeling itself after Las Vegas. “As Wayne Parry of the Courier-Post of Cherry Hill, N.J., reports: “Miss America and her tiara are gone, replaced by lingerie-wearing blackjack dealers, beverage servers in bustiers or fishnets, a million-dollar steakhouse/gentlemen’s club and soon a ‘Naked Circus.’”

The Tropicana Hotel in Atlantic City is making some changes, including the addition of a “party pit” gaming area with sexy waitresses and dealers.  They are also putting up the “Naked Circus”, although the actors are not completely naked.  This is a publicity stunt just like the Las Vegas “Naked” pool.

The excitement is just cranking up in this east coast hot spot.  It has the convenience of the beach but the excitement of Las Vegas.  It’s a good thing the Sundance Vacations has great locations near Atlantic City including Brigantine and Ocean City.  It is just a short distance across the bridge from Brigantine and you can emerge yourself in the lights and sounds of the roaring Atlantic City.  Our Ocean City destination is only 20 minutes from the city. So take a weekend with your significant other, the guys, or girlfriends because the fun is just beginning in Atlantic City!

So adults and parents, do you approve in the change Atlantic City is making towards its tourism?  Did you like Atlantic City as a family vacation spot or did you see this city emerging as the next big thing?  Comment your thoughts!

After a week on vacation I feel 10 pounds heavier than when I left.  Here are some helpful tips to eating healthy while on vacation.

1. Eat light during the day so you can enjoy dinner out!
2. DO NOT BUY OREOS! (or the junk food of your craving)
3. Have plenty of fruit available
4. Eat 1 piece of toast instead of 2 and pair it with fruit
5. Sub your wonder bread for pita; you can save 40 calories!
6. Exercise! Try jogging, rollerblading, riding a bike, or venture to a yoga studio!
7. Take a hike, you burn more calories walking long distances than for a short run.
8. Try protein smoothies, vanilla powder tastes delicious in Yoplait smoothie mixes.  The protein will fill you up as well!
9. Sub out soda for water, soda dehydrates you anyway.
10. Steer clear of Caesar salad, don’t let the “salad” fool you, it’s not healthy.

Being on a vacation where the room rates are $500 a night does not leave much money for activities on the trip.  Instead book your Sundance vacation to the South Palm suites on the east coast of southern Florida.  Florida offers a wide variety of activities from the beautiful beaches to delectable dinners.  If you are a previous New Jersey beach traveler be sure to enjoy the dramatically fewer people on the beach than in Jersey.  Personally after a few full days on the beach I get a little restless yet I hate to give up my valuable time in the sun!  If this is you, try boating.  We used Marina One to rent a small boat for around $500.   It was a comfortable size for our family of four with plenty of room to sun bathe or just relax and admire the beautiful homes of the intra coastal.  “Relax” is the key word here.  The intra coastal although offering a harbor from the waves of the ocean is not a place for thrill seekers.  Signs reading “no wake zone” and “minimum wake zone” plaster the docks.  But while cruising slowly, if you’re lucky, you may catch a glimpse of a manatee.   Although a pricey excursion your savings with Sundance allow you to enjoy your vacation to the fullest.

Upon arriving in the Grand Tetons you may feel a sense of seclusion as the bison and Elk roam just feet from the car. Yet the rugged terrain of the Tetons is accompanied with the quaint town of Jackson.

The Grand Tetons offer a variety of activities of all ages! For the adventurous member of your family book a tour with Jackson Mountain Guides.  The tours range from difficult overnight climbs to the Teton peaks to beginner climbs in Boulder City.  We took a 5 year old on the climb in Boulder City where she was able to scale large boulders and feel the effects of true rock climbing gear and all!  The hikes are also numerous in the area.  My personal favorite is the hike at Jenny Lake. You take a leisurely ferry ride across the lake to the trailhead where you can begin your climb to Inspiration Point.  The climb is scenic with waterfalls cascading ahead of you, and wildlife just steps away not to mention the adrenaline rush when you reach the top. The views at the point are breathtaking. If hikes are not your think try a bike ride! The trails are flat and paved yet surrounded by immaculate views and wildlife.   Not adventurous enough? Try paragliding off of Jackson Hole’s Ski area.  I highly recommend Jackson Hole Paragliding! They have Tandem gliders so you can ride with a professional who might even throw in a few tricks to make the descent even more exciting!

After a long day of adventure settle town for a leisurely dinner in the quaint western town of Jackson. The town is filled with eclectic western infused shops as well as souvenirs! For higher end dinning visit the Teton Village just 10 minutes from Jackson. Whether you stroll down the streets and pop into a saloon or sit down for a five star meal Jackson is bound to have something for everyone.