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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!

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.

A USA Today Travel article published recently with the headline “Americans ready for vacation, despite high gas prices” claims that “More than six of 10 Americans say it’s important they get away from home this year.” The article also says that most are willing to find a way to go on vacation despite the rising gas prices.

You would think that with increasing costs all around the board from airfare to gas prices to hotel prices most people would prefer to stay home or in other words opt out of a vacation for a staycation. However, Anne Banas, executive editor of the website SmarterTravel, was quoted in the article saying, “I think the ‘staycation’ is dead. People are sick of it.” During the recession we saw many people choose a staycation. People were saving their money or conserving any way possible during the hard times. However, now even the fluctuating fees and rising prices in the travel industry do not play a huge factor in deciding to stay or go. People are going. After skipping vacation last year or the year before people want to get away regardless of the prices.

Because people are traveling despite prices, it does not mean that people are just spending and spending without a care. Travelers are not only going but they are willing to hunt for bargains. Brian Hoyt, spokesman for the online travel company Orbitz, is quoted saying, “Consumers are saying, ‘I’m still going to go, but I’m going to do it smartly… You’re seeing the consumer be very savvy this summer season but again refusing to give up their right to travel.”

Sean Oakley, Marketing Manager at Travel Advantage Network or TAN (A Sundance Vacations vendor) said, “The volume of booking for TAN(Sundance Vacations) clients has stayed consistent, despite rising gas prices. This is a good illustration of one of the biggest benefits of our program: inflation protection. Our clients don’t have to worry about any rising cost in their TAN vacations, which makes it easier for them to travel in the face of rising gas prices.”

In fact, Sundance Vacations and TAN are helping customers travel even more in 2011. Together we created a Value Season deal, which cuts the cost of Peak Season fees in half for select months in various locations. This cuts back on the amount of time a location was normally considered in Peak Season.  So instead of travling for $30 a night during peak, customers now have the option to travel for $15 a month during the new Value season.

Along with Value Season deals, we also split up locations to accommodate more value season dates. Candy Bednar, VP of Business Development, explains, “Another exciting change to the destination list is that Hawaii has been designated by two separate areas just like our Florida destinations. This separation of Maui, Hawaii and Molokai, Hawaii gave way to add a three month value season to Molokai for September, October, and November. I think this is a great opportunity to get our clients on that Hawaiian vacation that they have been dreaming about! It’s already got me thinking about a fall getaway to paradise for a few days!”

With people traveling and relentlessly hunting for the best deals Sundance Vacations is here to accommodate that need and many others at our wide variety of locations and properties at a fraction of normal travel prices.

Despite travel falling as the largest target for fraud, the industry still deals with it on a daily basis with thousands of people ending up being the victims of credit card fraud. In order to prevent fraud from happening to you while you are on vacation, we put together a researched list of tips that can help you avoid credit card fraud:

• Use only one credit card while traveling.
• Keep a second one close by but in a safe place just in case the credit card you are using gets stolen.
• Keep all receipts!
• Check your credit card statements daily (even when you get home too!)
• Verfiy every purchase or charge made on your credit card.
• If you become the victim of credit card fraud, call the credit card issuer immediately! You most likely will not be held responsible for the attack.

The most important thing is to know what is being charged at all times and to verify those purchases. The sooner you know that fraud was committed the faster you can prevent any more fraudulent charges from happening.

The Gulf Shores Plantation runs along the Gulf of Mexico in Gulf Shores, Alabama.  With 4,000 feet of private beach, guests are sure to have a relaxing vacation.  Gulf Shores Plantation has six outdoor pools, an indoor pool, eight tennis courts, a basketball court, volleyball court, shuffleboard, horseshoes, putting green, an exercise room, outdoor charcoal grills with picnic tables to enjoy a family cookout, a sauna, and a game room.   Also, for the avid golfer, Kiva Dunes Golf Course is conveniently located right next door.

There are numerous activities for guests to participate in on their Gulf Shores vacation.  Parasailing, scuba diving, boating, fishing, kayaking, jet skiing, sailing, golf, mini golf, and even dolphin cruises are among the fun activities available in the Gulf Shores.

Looking to do something out of the water?  In the Gulf Shores, there are many fun attractions that make for perfect day trips away from the beach.  For the kids, there is Waterville USA, where you can splash around in the water rides, or the Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo to enjoy the wide variety of exotic animals.  Fort Morgan is another popular attraction that is only eight miles away from the resort.  Take the Mobile Bay Ferry from Dauphin Island to Fort Morgan and enjoy a trip into history.

The units at the Gulf Shores Plantation include air conditioning, telephone, TV, unlimited free WiFi access, a kitchen with a dishwasher and a microwave, and a balcony or patio.  Travel to Gulf Shores and experience all it has to offer!

Deep in the serene backwoods of Wisconsin Dells, Wisconsin, on 60 wooded acres, sits the Dells Club Condos property.  The property is located next to the Wisconsin River and is surrounded by magnificent landscapes. Seeing as Dells Club Condos is in a rustic area, hiking, biking, fishing, boating, horseback riding, skiing, snowboarding, and golf come natural as some of the most popular local activities.

Dells Club has a heated pool with deck area, a tennis court, and a boat pier with seating, to entertain guests while on-site.  The units at Dells Club Condos come complete with a full kitchen – including a microwave, TV, VCR, a patio or balcony, and a wood-burning fireplace for the cold winter months.

Despite the peaceful surrounding, there are definitely way to make some noise during an experience in Wisconsin Dells.  Downtown Dells is a must-see during the trip: dining, shopping, art galleries, boat tours, and exciting nightlife can all be found in Downtown Dells, along with so much more.

Other attractions in Wisconsin Dells include visiting Noah’s Ark Water Park, Timbavati Wildlife Park, Cave of the Mounds, the Kalahari Indoor Theme Park, and the Ho-Chunk Indian reservation to try your luck in the casinos.  Also, there are dinner cruises, theaters, and plenty of restaurants for guests as they enjoy their stay in Wisconsin Dells.

Guests looking for a relaxing, nature-filled getaway must visit Dells Club Condos.

Located in the Caribbean Sea, near the northern end of the Lesser Antilles archipelago, Nevis is the epitome of “island paradise.”  Surrounded by crystal blue water and white sandy beaches, Nevis is a picturesque sight.  The island is about 220 miles southeast of Puerto Rico and is a 36-square-mile isle, part of the inner arc of the Leeward Islands chain of the West Indies.

With a volcanic peak, called Nevis Peak, at the center of the island, the sandy beaches are composed of a mixture of white coral sand and brown and black sand that have been eroded and washed down from the volcanic rocks, which are the composition of the island.  The softly sloping green coastal plain of the island offers beautiful fresh water springs, in addition to non-potable hot springs

Located on the beautiful slope of Nevis peak, Monkey Rock is located around six miles from town, and approximately seven miles from the beach.  The Monkey Rock unit comes complete with a wrap-around patio that gives you a breathtaking view of the Caribbean Sea.

For a fun day with the whole family, take a trip down the Nevis slope to Pinney’s Beach.  The palm tree lined beach is surrounded by coral reefs, which protect the beach from large waves, making it an ideal place for swimming and tanning.  For the museum guru, visit the Alexander Hamilton Replica House and take a look at all of the Hamilton memorabilia.  Other exciting activities include horseback riding, hiking, mountain climbing, tennis, golf, water skiing, and wind surfing.  You can even explore the island’s multiple shipwrecks while snorkeling or scuba diving! Your stay at Monkey Rock is sure to make for an excellent tropical vacation.

An article was recently published on USA Today Travel titled “Three reasons why airfares are likely to rise” about exactly that – rising airfares! David Grossman, author of the article, writes “According to the U.S. Department of Transportation, the average domestic airfare (excluding checked luggage and other ancillary fees paid after ticketing) jumped 13% from $301 to $341 in the second quarter of 2010 vs. the previous year. That $341 fare was 3.8% more than the previous quarter and represented the fourth consecutive quarterly fare increase.” This fact alone is scary but the article goes on to discuss reasons why airfares are rising which include: capacity cuts and rising demand, prolonged period of higher oil prices and changing business models for low-cost airlines. It may be obvious that there are more reasons as well but for the sake of the article the author only discussed three. Anyway whatever the case may be it does not look like travelers have much of an option when controlling fees or at least getting fairly cheaper rates than before.

However, as a wholesale travel provider Sundance Vacations offers bulk vacation packages that make saving on vacations similar to the way people save when they buy a case of soda instead of a can. Because of this increase in airfares, budget conscious travelers are seeking cheaper travel alternatives to help them save. In fact, last summer when prices originally spiked we saw a considerable jump in demand for drive to destinations and we predict the same for this summer as well.

Sundance Vacations has a lot of destinations on the east coast in areas such as the Jersey shore, Ocean City, Virginia, Maryland, South Carolina and Hilton Head – all of which are within a days drive from any one of our east coast sales offices. When it costs double to fly anymore, consider driving to a Sundance Vacations destination – where you not only save on getting there but you save on the overall vacation as well.

The Resort and Club at Little Harbor

Situated on 350 acres of land in Apollo Beach Florida, the Resort and Club at Little Harbor has secluded beaches and marinas that are perfect for a peaceful getaway.  The resort is a part of a residential community called Little Harbor which is not a heavily populated or busy setting.

If you are looking to explore the area around the resort, you can travel to Tampa Bay where vast arrays of activities are located.  In Tampa, you can have a fun-filled family trip by visiting the Busch Gardens theme park, The Florida Aquarium, Tampa’s Lowry Park Zoo, Tampa Greyhound Track, Ybor City, Big Cat Rescue, or Dinosaur World.  Tampa also offers many golf courses, beautiful beaches, fascinating museums, bars, theatres, and exciting shopping locations to suit your liking.

As for onsite activities at Little Harbor, there is a pool with a deck area that overlooks the beautiful Tampa Bay, a hot tub, fishing piers and docks, canoeing, kayaking, tubing, shuffleboard, a spa and a fitness center, a conference center, tennis courts, retail stores, a playground, horseshoes, a lively Tiki Bar, and the delicious Sunset Grill Restaurant.  You can also put on your scuba equipment and explore the captivating reefs in the Gulf of Mexico.

The rooms at Little Harbor are charming.  Accommodations include a kitchen with a microwave and mini-refrigerator, cable television, telephone, Internet access, central heating and air conditioning, washer and dryer, iron and ironing board, and a private balcony or patio. Some rooms also have dishwashers and fireplaces.

The Resort and Club at Little Harbor is located in a tranquil setting, but has many exciting activities to participate in Little Harbor is sure to be the perfect place to stay during your Tampa Bay vacation.