Recent Happenings

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.

Just for being our fan, Sundance Vacations is giving you a gift! To get you ready for the summer season, we want to give you a UV silicone bracelet. UV silicone bracelets turn colors when exposed to the sunlight. They are a great reminder to apply sunscreen while out in the sun. These are great for the whole family while on vacation to the beach or any hot and sunny location. The best part is that they are free for you just for being our fan on Facebook.

How do I get my UV bracelet?

• Go to our Facebook page and “like” our page.
• Once you “like” our page, click on the sign up link (or follow this link) on the left side of the page.
• Then click on “begin survey” and fill out your information.

We will then send you a free UV bracelet! That simple.

The sign up form is only used to receive a free gift. You are not entering in any contest or sweepstakes. We are doing this for you, our fans, for your support! We want to give back!!! Sundance Vacations will not use your personal information for anything other than sending you a special gift for being our fan. Sign up to receive your free gift today!!! If you are interested in registering for our sweepstakes, please head over to www.sundancevacations.com!!!

Congratulations to Kandi Mell of New Jersey!!!

Click to download pdf Sundance Vacations: Write a review, Get Money Back Flyer

Back in June we saw hope when the U.S. Department of Transportation released an early version of rules and regulations that will be put in place to protect stranded passengers. Topics discussed included a bunch of issues from how airline companies repay people that were sold tickets on oversold flights to how luggage fees are displayed on carrier websites. Now it is February, and according to an article in The Baltimore Sun, we are being told that April is when we can actually see a final version released or so they claim. Officials are still in talks over fines and penalties for passengers that are made to idle for 180 minutes or more on domestic flights in small/medium airport hubs. Come April more issues will magically pop up. Cynical? Maybe but lets wait until its actually released. Whatever the talks may be it seems passengers are left stranded once again…

Source: http://www.baltimoresun.com/topic/ct-biz-0214-tarmac-delays-20110214,0,686308.story?track=rss-topicgallery

As discussed in a previous blog post the TSA (Transportation Security Administration) is under a lot of pressure to implement a program to alleviate unnecessary screenings for trusted and respected travelers. As the TSA works tirelessly on finding a way to create an adequate and efficient traveler trust program, a few articles have already started hinting at some of the procedures and processes involved with the programs logistics. The concept that we have come to know is a 3-tier approach to security. Travelers are classified as either a Trusted Traveler, Regular or Risk.

According to an article posted on Flying with Fish (a blog about flying) the 3-tier program works like this:

The Trusted Travelers, would be those who submit to a complete background check, much like those under the previous Registered Traveler program, and similar to the current Global Entry program that U.S. Customs and Border Protection (US CBP)has in place at international airports. US CBP’s Global Entry program allows those who have undergone a background check to bypass the lines at passport control and use a kiosk to enter the country.   With the TSA’s projected Trusted Traveler program, a traveler who has been verified would receive a ‘lighter’ search,  use a walk-through-metal-detector instead of an Advanced Imaging Technology (AIT) scanner and in theory be able to keep their shoes on and their laptop in the bag.”

A “Regular” traveler would undergo the standard security procedures in place today.

A “Risk” traveler would receive a more thorough search of their clothing, baggage and potentially be asked a series of questions.

However, many are skeptical of this approach and feel a lot of roads need to be crossed in order for it to be an adequate and safe system. The same article goes through multiple steps that need to be addressed before a new program is implemented:

• Being able to positively identify each traveler and matching them to their boarding pass
• “IT issues associated with having a live stream of data of all passenger information coming into each and every TSA checkpoint.”
• IT-Hardware needs – “hardware needs a budget of hundreds of millions of dollars … something the TSA does not presently have in its budget.”
• Logistics – “The physical altering of security checkpoints at airports to allow for the three-tier screening to be carried out.”

And of course, “Who would perform the passenger background checks for the Trusted Traveler system and who would determine a ‘Regular’ vs ‘Risk’ passenger?”  The “Who?” and “Where?” seem to be the biggest issues – government agency or independent contractors? How will the information be secured? How will it be payed for?

These questions and many more are on everyone’s minds considering the TSA has yet to answer any of these questions. It is only a matter of time before any of this becomes a “TSA just talks” game.

Be sure to keep reading the Sundance Vacations blog as we are going to update you as information is released.

Source: http://boardingarea.com/blogs/flyingwithfish/2011/02/10/can-the-tsa-create-a-viable-trusted-traveler-program/

According to an article posted on the New York Times website this week, tough airport screening procedures may get a face lift. After much scrutiny over security check point screenings at airports many different organizations (U.S. Travel Association and International Air Transport Association were specifically quoted) are proposing new procedures be put in place to give certain travelers the right to bypass those annoying and sometimes very intrusive airport screenings.

The article states that, “A crucial part of the group’s ‘checkpoint of the future’ proposal, and similar plans under discussion by other industry organizations, is creating a trusted traveler program that would allow passengers to undergo a background check to gain access to an expedited security lane at the airport.” The article goes on to say that travelers that want to be apart of the program will have to go through an application process, which will have certain fees attached to it, but in the end the travelers that are approved will be clear from the intrusive airport screenings.

Even though there are proposals on the table, the risks are not very far away. The fact that every country is different and has their own needs and resources, costs associated with making travelers feel safe and the ability to keep a certain level of privacy and protection of individual rights are all concerns that make changing the current procedures a long process. Making sure every “t” is crossed and “i” is dotted is a big deal when it comes to airport security.

While there are risks about creating a program like this; John Pistole, head of the TSA (Transportation Security Administration), is open to ideas and understands the need for a trusted travelers program. A spokesman from the TSA said, “If people have ideas, [John Pistole] wants to hear them because he’s looking at ways to make changes.” Robert Poole, director of transportation policy at the Reason Foundation finished the article by being quoted saying, “For the first time since 9/11, I think we have the conditions where it might be politically possible to have a serious debate about [airport security]”

Read the full article here – http://www.nytimes.com/2011/02/08/business/08security.html?_r=1

Well folks, Phil did not see his shadow which means Spring is right around the corner. But lets not jump to any conclusions just yet… According to Wikipedia (yeah, yeah, yeah. Not the most reliable source but for Groundhogs Day I am sure it will do.),  “of [the] 115 predictions on record so far, Punxsutawney Phil has predicted an early spring 15 times (13%). As to his accuracy, according to the StormFax Weather Almanac and records kept since 1887, Phil’s predictions have been correct just 39% of the time.” To add more to that, the entire North East was just hit with a pretty major snow and ice storm. Phil made his prediction but I think it is safe to say we should wait to see what Mother Nature has in store for us for the rest of February…and at this rate, March too.

Every once in a while TAN receives a testimonial that really touches our hearts… just in September TAN received the following from a long-time client:

September 19, 2010

Dear folks at TAN,

The purpose of this letter is to tell you all how impressed I am with your organization. I spent the week of September 10^th through the 17^th in Branson, Missouri at the Eagle’s Nest Resort at Indian Point and I couldn’t have had a better stay, unless the Dallas Cowboy cheerleaders were staying next door but anyway it was a week to remember!

My wife, Maryann, and I purchased [this vacation program] for when we both retired. But the old saying goes, “If you want to make God laugh, tell him your plans.” Maryann died last October.

My squad from Vietnam and I have remained in touch all this time and from time to time over the years have gathered to remember our buddies who didn’t make it, and to share time together.

There were approximately eight guys and one woman who attended this reunion. We learned that our friend Doc had recently undergone surgery for cancer and would have to undergo chemo when he got back. His wife very much wanted him to have a good time, and boy, did he.

Where I saw the condos we were to stay in, and met the nice people at the Eagle’s Nest I was thrilled. After a great time I had at the resort and the fantastic treatment I received from the TAN folks, I am ready to give a testimonial any time you want. The condos were much better than staying in a hotel. Every one told me what a great time they had and what a hero I was for arranging it, but I give all the credit to TAN. I still have six more chances to stay with you and am really looking forward to it.

On behalf of all my Corpsmen I want to thank you all for a trip that we will all remember.

Sincerely,
Bob Martin

P.S. Our other Corpsman would have been here but he designs golf courses and was in China. When he hears what a great time we had, he’ll be at the next one I’m sure. My wife would have loved it!

From July 1st until August 31st, fans of the Sundance Vacations fan page on Facebook had the opportunity to submit a favorite vacation photo for a chance to win a  four day/three night cruise for 2 to a choice of either the Bahamas or Mexico. The trip included a round trip airfare for 2 not to exceed $800.00 in total airfare from any major airport originating from eligible states, 1 night stay in the port city, a departure from Miami or Port  Canaveral Florida for the Bahamas or a departure from Los Angeles California for Mexico.

For two months fans submitted their stories and favorite vacation photo for a chance to win! Once the submission period was over on August 31st, the voting period was open for three weeks. Fans rushed to vote for their favorite vacation photo and story. Just this past Wednesday on September 22nd Jennifer Clark of Carlisle, PA was crowned the winner with the most votes. Congratulations to Jennifer Clark!

Here is the vacation photo that Jennifer submitted for the contest. The photo was taken at Ocean City with her son.