I have recently been stocked by a subsidiary of TAN called Sunshine Vacations because I signed up to win $50K. My husband and I finally responded to their repeated calls. We were offered a "free" 3 day/2 night vacation, including air and hotel, to Orlando, Las Vegas, or Reno. I was just wondering if anyone had been on one of these "vacations"? If so, what was it like? Crappy hotel in a shady neighborhood?

A quick googling finds this as the first result:
http://www.ripoffreport.com/reports/ripoff135610.htm

Yeah, I already saw that before I posted my question. Talks more about the actual sales tactics than the trip. Thanks for your help!

Also saw this: Atlantis Vacations - Holiday Chat, Holiday Discussion, Photos, Reports, Reviews (http://www.holidaytruths.co.uk/viewtopic.php?p=564241)

Check out the post from theadder. Looks like a timeshare hard sell seminar you must attend.

Then there is this: Travel Agent Charged With Defrauding Vacationers (http://www.northcountrygazette.org/articles/062706TravelAgent.html)

I have recently been stocked by a subsidiary of TAN called Sunshine Vacations because I signed up to win $50K. My husband and I finally responded to their repeated calls. We were offered a "free" 3 day/2 night vacation, including air and hotel, to Orlando, Las Vegas, or Reno. I was just wondering if anyone had been on one of these "vacations"? If so, what was it like? Crappy hotel in a shady neighborhood?
I highly discourage you from participating in any "free" travel offers. Although they appear to be wonderful, they usually end up having hidden costs or being a scam. If you want to have a fun vacation at a low price without stress or worry, book through a reputable travel agent. I am a Joystar Travel Agent and am certified by many leading travel companies such as Princess Cruises, MGM Las Vegas, Outrigger Hotels, Celebrity Cruises, Hilton Hotels, and many others. I would be happy to answer any travel related questions for you. Good luck and happy traveling!

Not accurate at all

Also saw this: Atlantis Vacations - Holiday Chat, Holiday Discussion, Photos, Reports, Reviews (http://www.holidaytruths.co.uk/viewtopic.php?p=564241)


Then there is this: Travel Agent Charged With Defrauding Vacationers (http://www.northcountrygazette.org/articles/062706TravelAgent.html)

I was actually an employee of this company for about 4 years.

The Sunshine Vacations in your article is NOT the same company at all. Sunshine is actually a member of the Columbus BBB and has been for quite a few years. Go to the Columbus Ohio BBB page and search it out. Whoever that guy is in that article is in NO way apart of Sunshine or Travel Advantage Network. I have no idea who that guy is and I know everyone from the tip-top of the company on down.

Sunshine (and it's sister company in Cincinnati, SmarTravel, as well as other offices in the Mid-Atlantic) sell vacation week packages for Travel Advantage Network, based out of Millersville, MD (who is also a BBB member and actually won a BBB award a few years back - search 'em out).

With the marketing, you probably registered for the $50K car or cash drawing (I'm not sure what promo they're running now). It's completely legit - a winner is selected once a year. You'll be contacted by the marketing office and offered some sort of small trip (used to be furnished by Spirit Incentives, probably still is) - all you have to pay is the taxes and 100% refundable deposit (generally $50 - $100 and yes, it is refunded) and another small gift (these change up often, just to keep it 'fresh').

Why do they do marketing this way? It is a very legit company, that furnishes quality vacations, but it's not an "item" that you will roll out of bed in the morning and go, "Hum, I feel like I need to purchase a vacation week member package today". It's something that people need to be marketed for.

If you don't want to be called - say 'take my name off the list, please'. If you don't want to purchase - say no. And gawd forbit you have a problem with the promotional company (like Spirit Incentives) - call and they're more than happy to help out. TAN has been around for a decade - I know the Ohio offices have been around since 01 and I think 02. Some of the other Mid-Atlantic offices longer. There's no way they could be around this long if they were a scam.

Hope that helps. :)

The Sunshine Vacations in your article is NOT the same company at all. Sunshine is actually a member of the Columbus BBB and has been for quite a few years. Go to the Columbus Ohio BBB page and search it out. Whoever that guy is in that article is in NO way apart of Sunshine or Travel Advantage Network. Apparently you didn't bother reading the article at all, they mention Sunshine Vacations about 10 times.

I went to the Columbus, Ohio BBB page as you mentioned, for Sunshine Vacations they report the following: "Of the total of 23 complaints closed in 36 months, 6 were closed in the last year." Not a great rate of satisfaction don't you think.

Here's more form the travel industry: Travel Trade: Headline News (http://www.traveltrade.com/headline_news.jsp?articleID=7325)

Apparently you didn't bother reading the article at all, they mention Sunshine Vacations about 10 times.

I went to the Columbus, Ohio BBB page as you mentioned, for Sunshine Vacations they report the following: "Of the total of 23 complaints closed in 36 months, 6 were closed in the last year." Not a great rate of satisfaction don't you think.

Here's more form the travel industry: Travel Trade: Headline News (http://www.traveltrade.com/headline_news.jsp?articleID=7325)

Being that you went to the BBB site, I'm sure you saw that the guy's name in the article you posted is not same as the owner for the Sunshine Vacations,LLC. located in Dublin/Columbus, OH. Also, the company in your article is based out of NY. The Sunshine Vacations in your article is NOT the same company. Period. I agree that the company in that article is a complete rip-off - they're the reason why legit companies like the Sunshine Vacations of Dublin, OH/TAN work so hard to maintain their reputation. The point I was making is that your article is NOT talking that the same company that the original poster with the question was asking about.

Also, as you went to the BBB's site, you should have read that the BBB plainly states you need to keep in mind the VOLUME of customers that a company deals in relation to the number of complaints they receive. That office see about 400-550-ish people a month - do the math over a year. So, yeah, I do think that's a really great, low complaint ratio.

And ANY business at some point is going to have someone that's unhappy - it's the nature of beast with business in gerneral. But it's a company's responsibility to correct these issues when they arrive, which they do. As you quoted, all issues are resolved and closed. If they were screwing people, the BBB wouldn't let the keep their standing.

Like I said before, if you get called and don't want to be - ask them to take your name out of the data base. If you go in and don't want to join - say no. If you have a problem - tell them, and they're more than happy to help. It's a good company that offers a service that people enjoy. If it's a fit in your life, great! Welcome! If not, thanks for stopping by and hearing what they do. That simple.

And, Fr_Chuck, I'm not a current employee - I've moved to another city or I still would be an employee. As I stated at the beginning of my first post, I worked for this company for 4 years - it's nothing that I'm hiding. I worked with really great people in a really great company and, yes, if someone's being a little unfair because they may not have some correct information or the insight that I do, as I WAS associated that company, I'm going to stand up for them - and fairly respond to the original question posed. I'm sure you can understand and appreciate that.

WOW! Cissy You are really defending this company. If you're such a fan why did you leave? I'm going to tell you all about my experience with Sunshine Vacations. Oh, by the way, what you are posting has NOTHING to do with my original question...


I have recently been stocked by a subsidiary of TAN called Sunshine Vacations because I signed up to win $50K. My husband and I finally responded to their repeated calls. We were offered a "free" 3 day/2 night vacation, including air and hotel, to Orlando, Las Vegas, or Reno. I was just wondering if anyone had been on one of these "vacations"? If so, what was it like? Crappy hotel in a shady neighborhood?

They DO NOT stop calling if you tell them to. I received calls AFTER my husband and I gave up and went to the stupid sales presentation. This was supposed to be a 60 minute presentation that turned out to be over 2 hours. We told 6 different people that we were not interested in spending $24,000 on vacations. They just kept making us sit there. After we finally got out of that office we thought it was over. No more messages 2 to 5 times a day, WRONG. I had to end up contacting the FCC because they would not STOP calling.

I don't know if I was delirious or not, but I actually found one part of the initial sales presentation humorous. Part of the sales pitch actually stated that the US divorce rate was up to 70% because we DON'T TAKE ENOUGH VACATIONS! Really, silly me I thought it was because of financial issues! Then he actually have the nerve to sarcastically say "but that won't happen to you two, right?" I'm not a violent person, but I've never wanted to slap the piss out of someone so badly!

We told that man we were not interested, and while waiting for person #2 he proceeded to tell us about his recent drug related arrest. Nothing makes me want to give my hard earned money to a company more! That gives me complete piece of mind to say "Yes, crack head, I do have a spare $24K lying around. Let me pay you by check, so you have my address. Actually, let me just write it down and give you directions to make you robbing me go much more smoothly." (No sarcasm there at all!)

After telling them that we weren't interested because it wasn't in our budget, they then decided to offer us financing. You got it, a high interest loan for VACATIONS! I could just charge it on my credit card, and pay 0% interest if I needed to go on vacation that bad.

We went through this 4 more times. So, just saying "no" is not good enough. They want to find your breaking point of when you are going to get mad or just break down and buy.

All I wanted to know by my original post was if the hotel in Vegas was crappy. Yes, it is. It is exactly what I thought a shady, off-the-strip, crappy hotel. You can upgrade to a hotel on the strip if you'd like for a ridiculous amount. Why would I pay $178/night for the Riviera when I can stay at the Palms for $80/night? Oh, and the deposit in only refundable if you take the trip. If for some reason you can't go you lose your money. Some things you forgot to mention in your "Sunshine is #1" speech.

Again, I left the company because I moved - to another city. When I do not live in the same city as the company that I'm working for, I cannot work for them any longer, therefore I have to resign. Also, someone posted, without knowing, incorrect information about the company you asked about - it's fair that it was addressed. And as for defending them, I'm sure you take pride what you do and who you work for, if something was being misrepped (unknowingly or knowingly), you'd set the record straight, right?

HOWEVER, I'm really sorry you didn't have a good experience. 2 hours is a long time - and being that people are scheduled to come in waves to meet with reps, taking 2 hours IS uncommon - if it was common, then there would be a serious backlog of people coming in for the evening. I hope you asked to speak with a manager - if what you're saying about your rep is true (re: the drug thing) then that's something that they REALLY should know. I know that HR would certainly want to address that (I've seen them address issue of a lot less). Wouldn't you want to know if you had any employee that spoke like that to a client?

TAN does all the financing in-house if someone choses to go that route - they're not a bank and don't offer low interest rates on large sums - but, there's also no plenty for paying for early or ahead of schedule. Many people do finance with their own credit or purchase smaller packages.

If you get called again (which being that you came in, you shouldn't - you'll be logged as someone who came in), ask to speak with a senior member on the staff at the call center to have your number removed. With the FCC regs, you really can't mess around that stuff and they know that.

And with the promotional trip you got (Vegas), as I said before in my first post, is purchased from and furnished by a completely separate company (they used a company called Spirit when I worked there) - what hotels that company uses is up agreement with the hotels - I can imagine that strip hotels aren't as easy to book at a lower rate. The Vegas trip is not a TAN property - TAN does not book this trip (why? Because they've got a membership base to take care of and are not going to fill their condos with non-members). The reason why Spirit (or whichever company they're using) wants deposit is because they're booking a room for an indiviual(s) and it's the good faith that you're going to go & use that space on that date that they've reserved for you - it's not going to waste when someone else could have been scheduled to go. And, honestly, that's pretty much the definition of a security deposit in general, right? Side note: If someone does not go on the incentive trip and loses their deposit, Sunshine nor Tan DOES NOT see a penny of that money.

And I'm honestly sorry if there's confusion, but I think I did address you're question. You asked if TAN/Sunshine Vacations is a scam. I responded to that - if someone joins they find that out they're not. In my first post and the above, I addressed what the promotional trip (for you, Vegas) was, also.

And regarding this forum and this online community in general, I'm not here to be nasty or waive banners or anything. On this topic, I've just got inside knowledge, if you will, on what you were asking and about the companies in involved. If I can clarify something, because something did need to be clarified (the article), I will. I agree that there are scams out there - this just isn't one of them. Sorry if people are offended by my responses, honestly. But that's what they are - honest reponses. Take it or leave it. :) Cheers.

I have to love the excuses, the trip is furnished by a "seperate" company, so although they are giving them away, they want to say it is not their fault, of course it is their fault, they know what is being furnished, it is exactly the agreement they have,

So please try not to say they are blameless, they are contracting with Spirit ( and it would be interesting to find that relationship for real) and if they wanted to get a better hotel, they could require it from the contract.

And I am sorry it may not be a scam but their maketing practices are worst than used car salesmen and they should be shut down for the practices and the hard sell they do.

OMG. I explained TWICE the relationship with the incentive company and SV/TAN. Re-read. It's not the big mystery & conspiracy you're looking for and these incentive trips not how they make money. Those little trips are such a small piece of the picture. I explained why they market the way they do in my first post - if you don't like it, so be it - it's a free country. I'm done explaining as it's not being read in the first place.

But what's more alarming, "Super Moderator", is your personal attack, which was completely not needed - 'excuses'? When did I give excuses? That's saying that my responses are lies. All I've done is explain the business as I know it first hand and as a member of this online community - in fact, I even said I hoped the person who went in & had issues brought them to light! How is accountability an excuse? Wow. :eek:

Okay. Moving on... (and probably away from this board, Sarah (who told me about this site/community)! Thanks for referring me to this welcoming community!) :D

I just got the same call, for the same reason. The thing that bothered me is the $50 "security" deposit that you have to give them in order to get your trip... Why do they care if you show up or not? If it is a free vacation, and they are giving it to you, then why would it matter? What do they lose if you don't show? This makes me think that there must be another presentation while on the trip, or some other obstacle to taking the trip which makes it highly likely that you will lose your $50.

I have recently been stocked by a subsidiary of TAN called Sunshine Vacations because I signed up to win $50K. My husband and I finally responded to their repeated calls. We were offered a "free" 3 day/2 night vacation, including air and hotel, to Orlando, Las Vegas, or Reno. I was just wondering if anyone had been on one of these "vacations"? If so, what was it like? Crappy hotel in a shady neighborhood?
Its actully a pretty good trip. I did that same presentation and went on the trip, and I stayed in a marriot, it was great.

And for all you haters out there, my parents are members with this company and we have used it about 6 times and its awesome. So please just don't f____king join, it leaves me a lot more places to choose from when we travel.

I just want to say thank you to Cissy for her replies, and Shelley for her original post, as I've had numerous messages left by this same company. I'm located in Columbus OH. I'll know better to never enter into raffles at the mall (which I rarely do, but the BMW was way to nice for me to pass up the opportunity this time). I'm glad I googled this before calling them back.

Cissy was a great help and very informative. I totally understand why you replied to clarify the misunderstandings about companies with similar names (people forget the end of the name sets companies apart, like a simple LLC, Inc. Ltd). I don't know why you got such a bad rap by others (boredom, maybe?) However, it was awesome to read on and see Shelley did go and learn about her first-hand experience. It doesn't sound like my cup of tea even if it were at a top rated hotel. I just don't have the time, or patience. However, I know plenty of people who would love the opportunity for a FREE anything and it doesn't matter how long the presentation. So --- it may not be for everyone, but if you go into it knowing what to expect, you can't be disappointed.

I wouldn't call TAN a scam but I would call it a rip-off. It sounded like such a great deal but sadly you get what you pay for. I bought a package from TAN way back when they first started and have used it only once. The reason I signed up was they had a halfway decent property in New Orleans. I travel there quite a bit so I thought it was worth it. This property disappeared within the first year or so I was a member and never was available again. My wife (fiance' at the time) and I used TAN for a vacation to the Caribbean in 2004. We ended up selecting a property in Jamaica. We read about how dangerous Negril can be so we were hoping for a secure facility. We passed all the major resorts and they were walled compounds some with razor wire. When we arrived at our "resort" it was run down and the one guard at the entrance didn't appear too motivated. You could walk on to the property from any where. We got to the room and were greeted by a few bugs who must not have known we had a reservation. The mattress was rock hard and the air conditioning didn't work. The faucet leaked all night long plus we were next to a night club with thumping music until dawn. I wouldn't have used the kitchenette on a bet. It looked like a scummy one room apartment. My fiance' was in tears so the next day I called around and found a good resort with a decent rate. We left without staying 24 hours. I got a survey form asking me how the trip was and I explained how awful the accommodations were. I never heard back from TAN. Since then I have looked at properties on TAN non stop to find a nice one. Most of them you can not find on the internet which I don't think is a good sign. None of them have looked that great. So if you are not picky at all on where you go and the quality of the accommodations, TAN might be for you. I could've spent the money on something quite a bit better if I had it to do all over again. Just remember, if you are paying dirt cheap for a vacation, expect a dirt cheap vacation.

I'm not laughing at your pain, but the bugs not knowing you had a reservation has to be one of the funniest things I have ever heard!

I have belonged to TAN for over 5 yrs. I was contacted to meet with them.. no car.. no promise of free vacation.. just an offere to join and have lower cost vacations.
Was the presentation aggressive yes. But they showeed me actual photos of their locations.. offered me several packages.. offered to finance it AT NO CHARGE and when I chose the package they threw in 2 free vacations! If you like having an APARTMENT with a kitchen and an eat in dining room instead of a small hotel room this is for you.

I have been to Cancun,Tortola<BVI>, the Jersey "Shore" Dominican Republic.. only once was I dissatisfied with the accommodations.. and they RETURNED ME THE WEEKS VACATION TO USE AGAIN!!
My condo in Cancun was a block from the beach, in an exclusive condo building<private pool> my condo in Tortola overlooked Cane bay with a view of the ocean and st thomas in the distance.
For my 5th yr anniversary... they GAVE ME A COUPON FOR A FREE WEEKS VACATION!
PEOPLE GET YOUR FACTS STRaIGHT BEFORE YOU MAKE TROUBLE FOR Someone's BUSINESS!!

Self indulging

I have recently been stocked by a subsidiary of TAN called Sunshine Vacations because I signed up to win $50K. My husband and I finally responded to their repeated calls. We were offered a "free" 3 day/2 night vacation, including air and hotel, to Orlando, Las Vegas, or Reno. I was just wondering if anyone had been on one of these "vacations"? If so, what was it like? Crappy hotel in a shady neighborhood?
Don't go stay away from this company its nothing but a hassle.They did not offer me a vacation just said I would receive a online shopping spree and the stuff on the site I could shop from was dollar store garbage a company that offers that as a incentive is definitely not a company I want to invest the next 7 years let alone 24k WHAT EVER YOU DO Don't SIGN ANYTHING JUST WALK OUT AND LEAVE THE FREE GIFTS STILL COST YOU MONEY

I have recently been stocked by a subsidiary of TAN called Sunshine Vacations because I signed up to win $50K. My husband and I finally responded to their repeated calls. We were offered a "free" 3 day/2 night vacation, including air and hotel, to Orlando, Las Vegas, or Reno. I was just wondering if anyone had been on one of these "vacations"? If so, what was it like? Crappy hotel in a shady neighborhood?

Shelley, my husband received an email yesterday identical to this, saying we'd be chosen to receive a 3 day vacation to Reno, Vegas, or Orlando. He called them and they told us we had to attend a session at their travel agency, SmarTravel in Cincinnati. It seemed suspicious to me that we had about 8 different sessions to choose from. If we were so special and had actually won something, why would there be so many sessions? Also, they never said we had actually won a vacation, they said we were chosen to receive a "free" vacation.

After doing a Google search and finding this post, among many others about this scam, we have decided not to go. Even if all we have to do is sit through a one hour high-pressure sale, it's not worth the fees, and having to schedule our vacation on their terms, not to mention the condition the hotels might be in once we get there. I'd rather plan our vacations on our terms. I'm glad we decided not to waste our time.

And I'm sorry, cissey, but that is a dishonest way to market for these vacation packages. False "contests" and tricking people to come to the office for a sale is just dishonest.

Thank you for you post shelley!

I have had great experiences with this company for the past 10 years. In fact I am looking to buy 2 weeks from someone. If anyone is interested please PM me

My finacee was contacted a few days ago regarding this... I was suspicious at first, but I decided what the heck. It was only 60 minutes. MISTAKE!!

We got there at 6:30... We waited until 7:00PM for our presentation... Our presentation lasted about 50 minutes or so... Not bad at first... Then we get to talk to a wonderful sales consultant... "NO I'M NOT PAYING $12K for your 30 vacation package". Turns out they can finnance it for you... Great little did they know I can do math faster than most people in my head... So they start writing down the numbers... $2400 down, $195/mo for 84 months... That alone was over $18,000 for the $12,000 package... Not to mention the $339 annual fee, and $99 booking fee... They kept telling me a vacation will never cost me more than $499... I kept having to correct them saying no a vacation will cost me $339 + $400 + $99... Their rebutal was always that's cheaper than most still... Ha I've never paid over $1000 for any vacation yet... Especially to any destinations that they provide... Anyhow, I told them the financing was a rip... So the offer me a better financing deal... $700 down, $51/mo for 60 months, that got me 8 vacations instead of their 30 deal from above... I still didn't bite... Then they cut the down payment to $200 and raise the monthly payment to $63/mo for 60 months and 8 vacations... In case you didn't catch that, the last deal I just said was more expensive than the previous... Mind you the whole time I still have to pay that $339 annual fee and $99 booking fee for each vacation... So finally I just said I'd like my travel voucher and I'll be on my way... So they walk me to their "gifting" dept. I didn't realize until about 10 mintues later what they had done... Our sales person walked us into a waiting room full of people waiting to get their vouchers... Then she said congratulations, like we bought a package... It didn't occur to me at the moment this was another sales tactic, to get make the people waiting feel like they missed out... So we finally get called into an office to get our voucher... That gifting dept. was actually last chance sales dept... Lets not forget that every deal they've offered me so far has becoming increasingly more expensive in the long run... So while the used car salesman, fills out the paperwork for my voucher he asks what made me not buy... I tell him, well your annual fee and your down payment and your booking fee... So he offers me another deal... $800 down, no annual fee, $99 booking fee and $400 for each week... Sounds like a great deal right? It gets better... I don't like that down payment, so they will make it $500 down, no annual fee, $99 booking and $400 for each week... Oh and lets not forget the $30 per night for a peak season vacation... B/C who wants to go to Colorado when there is no snow... so $710/7 nights... That's $101.42 per night... It's not a bad price... But with a little homework ANYONE can get that price... Without paying their down payment whatever it is... Regardless I pass on the last offer, and the gifting/sales guy wads up the paper and throws it away making you think the offer is gone forever... Finally I get the voucher, which is a voucher to get a voucher to book a trip... I really don't have another 2 and half hours to spend trying to get a 2 nights trip to Vegas, so I think I will pass on this...

Oh yeah the highlight of the whole evening is when they kept asking where my dream vacation was... I said Australia, and they kept saying we have nice places in Hawaii... HAWAII IS NOT EVEN CLOSE TO AUSTRALIA PEOPLE...

MORAL: If you want to go and be entertained with some high pressure sales tactics, be my guest... Just watch the numbers, it's all about the numbers... Honestly for the same or not much more you can get a vacation that is exactly what you want w/o the hassle of this BS...

I'm sorry your visit to Sunshine was horrible... not all of us who work there are high pressue sales people. I have been there for while now, and I know the program in and out, and really, all it is is wholesale vs. retail, bottom line. I know it seems like a scam, I thought it was when I was hired! In the long run, you will save money, as you would with any product you buy wholesale. But I KNOW it's not for everyone. I welcome the skepticism with my potential new members, it means they aren't idiots. If you ever go to ANY travel industry presentation, they will bribe you with a gift and it will always be a high-pressure sale with money down that day. We are members of the Dublin Chamber of Commerce, and belong to the BBB... we even sponsored the BBB Integrity luncheon. I'm not trying to toot our own horn or tell you you were wrong for not getting involved. My advice? If you didn't like Sunshine, then you will hate timeshare presentations. Research the company before you go in and next time, you'll be prepared... they are always longer then what they say - the presentation it typically on schedule, but you add conversation, questions, it will go longer. I understand that some people may not be thrilled with their gifts... but it's free, please don't expect it to be at the Ritz, be realistic... there are no hidden costs - we tell you the costs upfront. It is a voucher because we do not schedule any vacations at our office - we are a mere enrollment center. I am interested in who your sales person was though...

I have recently been stocked by a subsidiary of TAN called Sunshine Vacations because I signed up to win $50K. My husband and I finally responded to their repeated calls. We were offered a "free" 3 day/2 night vacation, including air and hotel, to Orlando, Las Vegas, or Reno. I was just wondering if anyone had been on one of these "vacations"? If so, what was it like? Crappy hotel in a shady neighborhood?
I worked at a company last year and we had a great relationship with TAN. The were very active with our organization. That is how I found tis site, trying to look them up. The donated trip to our Silent and live Auctions. Many of our board members and clients went ontrips through TAN. I will honestly say many of them borough vacation homes through TAN because they were so impressed. All travel companie offer incentives to get you in the door. I will tell you that I have not had direct dealings with Sunshine Vacations, JUST TAN. And they are great!!

I worked at a company last year and we had a great relationship with TAN. The were very active with our organization. That is how I found tis site, trying to look them up. They donated trips to our Silent and live Auctions. Many of our board members and clients went on trips through TAN. I will honestly say many of them borough vacation homes through TAN because they were so impressed. All travel companies offer incentives to get you in the door. I will tell you that I have not had direct dealings with Sunshine Vacations, JUST TAN. And they are great!!

I have had great experiences with this company for the past 10 years. In fact I am looking to buy 2 weeks from someone. If anyone is interested please PM me


If anyone is interested in purchasing vacations with TAN, please PM me! Thanks!

Let's just say you could find better hotels or so called resorts

I was actually an employee of this company for about 4 years.

The Sunshine Vacations in your article is NOT the same company at all. Sunshine is actually a member of the Columbus BBB and has been for quite a few years. Go to the Columbus Ohio BBB page and search it out. Whoever that guy is in that article is in NO way apart of Sunshine or Travel Advantage Network. I have no idea who that guy is and I know everyone from the tip-top of the company on down.

Sunshine (and it's sister company in Cincinnati, SmarTravel, as well as other offices in the Mid-Atlantic) sell vacation week packages for Travel Advantage Network, based out of Millersville, MD (who is also a BBB member and actually won a BBB award a few years back - search 'em out).

With the marketing, you probably registered for the $50K car or cash drawing (I'm not sure what promo they're running now). It's completely legit - a winner is selected once a year. You'll be contacted by the marketing office and offered some sort of small trip (used to be furnished by Spirit Incentives, probably still is) - all you have to pay is the taxes and 100% refundable deposit (generally $50 - $100 and yes, it is refunded) and another small gift (these change up often, just to keep it 'fresh').

Why do they do marketing this way? It is a very legit company, that furnishes quality vacations, but it's not an "item" that you will roll out of bed in the morning and go, "Hum, I feel like I need to purchase a vacation week member package today". It's something that people need to be marketed for.

If you don't want to be called - say 'take my name off the list, please'. If you don't want to purchase - say no. And gawd forbit you have a problem with the promotional company (like Spirit Incentives) - call and they're more than happy to help out. TAN has been around for a decade - I know the Ohio offices have been around since 01 and I think 02. Some of the other Mid-Atlantic offices longer. There's no way they could be around this long if they were a scam.

Hope that helps. :)
Nothing

I just purchased the vacation package and it seems to be very much want we were looking for... way better then a timeshare. I actually would like to work there it seems exciting and very rewarding.

Crissy any advise?


Being that you went to the BBB site, I'm sure you saw that the guy's name in the article you posted is not same as the owner for the Sunshine Vacations,LLC., located in Dublin/Columbus, OH. Also, the company in your article is based out of NY. The Sunshine Vacations in your article is NOT the same company. Period. I agree that the company in that article is a complete rip-off - they're the reason why legit companies like the Sunshine Vacations of Dublin, OH/TAN work so hard to maintain their reputation. The point I was making is that your article is NOT talking that the same company that the original poster with the question was asking about.

Also, as you went to the BBB's site, you should have read that the BBB plainly states you need to keep in mind the VOLUME of customers that a company deals in relation to the number of complaints they receive. That office see about 400-550-ish people a month - do the math over a year. So, yeah, I do think that's a really great, low complaint ratio.

And ANY business at some point is going to have someone that's unhappy - it's the nature of beast with business in gerneral. But it's a company's responsibility to correct these issues when they arrive, which they do. As you quoted, all issues are resolved and closed. If they were screwing people, the BBB wouldn't let the keep their standing.

Like I said before, if you get called and don't want to be - ask them to take your name out of the data base. If you go in and don't want to join - say no. If you have a problem - tell them, and they're more than happy to help. It's a good company that offers a service that people enjoy. If it's a fit in your life, great! Welcome! If not, thanks for stopping by and hearing what they do. That simple.

And, Fr_Chuck, I'm not a current employee - I've moved to another city or I still would be an employee. As I stated at the beginning of my first post, I worked for this company for 4 years - it's nothing that I'm hiding. I worked with really great people in a really great company and, yes, if someone's being a little unfair b/c they may not have some correct information or the insight that I do, as I WAS associated that company, I'm going to stand up for them - and fairly respond to the original question posed. I'm sure you can understand and appreciate that.

I know this is off the original question but... I am a TAN member and love the program. I did not enjoy the sales pitch but ended up purchasing it at a good price. My family and I have used it many times. 198 for a weeks vacation in a nice condo, you can't beat that. I have to say that there are a feww places I would not book because they are dated but they are adding new and better places all of the time you just have to do a little research before you book. I like cross-referencing with tripadvisor, there you can see actual traveler comments and photos that have been submitted instead of the postcard pictures the hotels what you to see. I also would say that I will ONLY use this program if it is within the states, using TAN to travel international is silly in my opinion. I use applevacations or funjet where everything is included (flight, resort, food, transports-from and to airport, and tips - even though I still tip for better service). I know TAN has inclusive programs but by the time you add up everything separately it is more expensive. Just my two cents if it helps anyone.

I just cancelled an appointment with Sunshine after reading a lot of negative things here. I was offered $300 in gas certificates and a 2 night stay at Marriot (over 600 locations). I wonder if I would have attended the sales pitch if I would have really been able to use my 2 nights when I go to Allentown, Pa in 2 weeks. If I only get a voucher for another voucher, then I may not have been able to use this trip. I do not like the idea of paying a 50-100 dollar deposit and simply hoping I get it back. Oh well. If I made a mistake in not going, please let me know.

I too work for Sunshine Vacations and it is not a scam. First of all when you fill out slips to win the car and any other prize if you read what you are filling out it clearly states on the back that you will be contacted by Sunshine Vacations. Second of all you have to know that they are going to try to sell you something otherwise what would be the purpose of giving you the free vacation, they would not be making any money. Absolutely NOTHING is free in this world, Spirit Incentives spends a lot of time booking these reservations and if someone doesn't show up for the stay then they wasted all of their time for nothing. You say that you can just use your own credit card instead of paying high interest rates, then why are you trying to get a free vacation if you have so much money. Honestly, you act like $50 dollars is a lot of money to spend, but how many of you have been on a vacation for $50 before? You do get the money back after you go on the trip. Travel Advantage Network is geared towards the middle class person that can't afford $3000 out of pocket all at once for one vacation, that is why they offer financing. Don't be so quick to judge a company and give it a bad rep if you haven't the first clue about it.

I entered to win a car in Columbus OH and went to their Dublin office today (10/11/08). All the negative posts are true - I was given the same 'if you come in 2 days, you get free airfare' spiel, so I did come in 2 days. The sales process went down EXACTLY as people state. High pressure, multiple 'tricks' and 'redirects', and lots of numbers thrown at you. Fortunately, I googled this very website beforehand and went in with knowledge of what was to come. I asked questions they'd probably never heard before, such as:

"You give me guaranteed financing for this $15,000 cost for this package? Your interest rate ($185 monthly payments) is 16.87%? Isn't that a loan? Why don't I just go to my bank and get a $15,000 loan with an interest rate of 5%?"

I was met with this expression: :confused:

So yes, listen to all the negative posts here and on Google. They're right. They don't tell the whole story, however. TAN/Sunshine Vacations is a legitimate business, yes, but it is NOT in the business of vacations. That's why their vacation service is terrible. They are in the business of offering HIGH INTEREST RATE LOANS.

Let me reiterate to emphasize:

Sunshine Vacations' primary source of profit is HIGH INTEREST RATE LOANS. They give large loans to allow people to buy in to the 'vacation wholesaling', and they charge you INTEREST RATES WORSE THAN A CREDIT CARD amortized over SEVEN YEARS resulting in CUSTOMERS OWING MASSIVE AMOUNTS OF MONEY.

A $15,000 loan at 16.87% a MONTH for 7 years will cost most people their retirement, which is, ironically, when they would have used those terrible vacations anyway!

T.A.N. /// Travel Advantage Network /// Southern Journeys of Texas, LLC

This company offers package deals for multiple vacations. We went to their meeting, but didn't sign anything. Sample of deals are:
~ 20 vac for $10,000 (This was bumped to 40
~ 20 vac for $8500
~ 10 vac for $5000 (This was bumped to 15)
The vacactions are at their condos, villas, and hotels.
There were bonuses if we signed immediately.
They are NOT members of the BBB bureau, but are listed in their directory.
They said that they have been in business since the early 90's, but we can only find 1999 and 2001 dates.
What do you know about this company??

I also entered into a drawing in Columbus, OH also and got a call yesterday (10/23/08) from Sunshine Vacations. I thought is was very suspicious and the girl kept asking me "why arn't you excited? You really did win a complimentary cruise." I kept thinking that I entered the drawing for a car/money, not a cruise so I know there is a catch. After looking at all of these posts I now know what it is.

Th lady on the phone said that when we get there, they will try and sell us on other vacations but tell them that you want to try out our services first and take the complimentary cruise and airfare. Is this really true? Do you still walk away with the complimentary cruise if you don't spend the thousands of dollars? Meridian59gar, you would know!

WOW! Cissy You are really defending this company. If you're such a fan why did you leave? I'm going to tell you all about my experience with Sunshine Vacations. Oh, by the way, what you are posting has NOTHING to do with my original question....



They DO NOT stop calling if you tell them to. I received calls AFTER my husband and I gave up and went to the stupid sales presentation. This was supposed to be a 60 minute presentation that turned out to be over 2 hours. We told 6 different people that we were not interested in spending $24,000 on vacations. They just kept making us sit there. After we finally got out of that office we thought it was over. No more messages 2 to 5 times a day, WRONG. I had to end up contacting the FCC because they would not STOP calling.

I don't know if I was delirious or not, but I actually found one part of the initial sales presentation humorous. Part of the sales pitch actually stated that the US divorce rate was up to 70% because we DON'T TAKE ENOUGH VACATIONS! Really, silly me I thought it was because of financial issues! Then he actually have the nerve to sarcastically say "but that won't happen to you two, right?" I'm not a violent person, but I've never wanted to slap the piss out of someone so badly!

We told that man we were not interested, and while waiting for person #2 he proceeded to tell us about his recent drug related arrest. Nothing makes me want to give my hard earned money to a company more! That gives me complete piece of mind to say "Yes, crack head, I do have a spare $24K lying around. Let me pay you by check, so you have my address. Actually, let me just write it down and give you directions to make you robbing me go much more smoothly." (No sarcasm there at all!)

After telling them that we weren't interested because it wasn't in our budget, they then decided to offer us financing. You got it, a high interest loan for VACATIONS! I could just charge it on my credit card, and pay 0% interest if I needed to go on vacation that bad.

We went through this 4 more times. So, just saying "no" is not good enough. They want to find your breaking point of when you are going to get mad or just break down and buy.

All I wanted to know by my original post was if the hotel in Vegas was crappy. Yes, it is. It is exactly what I thought a shady, off-the-strip, crappy hotel. You can upgrade to a hotel on the strip if you'd like for a ridiculous amount. Why would I pay $178/night for the Riviera when I can stay at the Palms for $80/night? Oh, and the deposit in only refundable if you take the trip. If for some reason you can't go you lose your money. Some things you forgot to mention in your "Sunshine is #1" speech.

I wish I would've read this forum a year ago, because that is when I was suckered into signing up with tan. It has been a waste of my money. It all started when my fiancé got an email out of the blue to win a trip to Vegas if only we come to the Milwaukee location and listen to their speech for a half hour. Well we went. I've turned down timeshare sellers before. I'm usually very cautious as to what I purchase and from whom. But my fiancé was so certain he wanted this thing so bad. We ended up sitting there for 2 1/2 hours because they had to get their supervisor and whatnot and I didn't want to pay $24,000. I don't have that much. Then they tried lowering it to $12,000. I told them flat out. We were both broke college students. Well, I guess we should've never said anything, because I guess they just tried harder. I just received a new credit card at that time with a limit of... let's just say a lot. Well, I was so sick of them nagging us and my fiancé didn't help at all, because he's like "oh come on hon...we'll go on vacations, you'll see..." so I just gave in. Compared to your 24,000 it was only $4,000 I ended up paying on my credit card with a "low" apr of 18% (low, my @$$) but it's been a year, and we still have not used it. Also we didn't even get to go to vegas, because even though I sent in the so called refundable $50, I never received any information on booking the trip. And every time I tried calling, I got put on hold and then disconnected. So I gave up. To this day, I'm still paying off my credit card.. which could've paid for some of my student loans, or my car payments, or possibly an airfare ticket to go see my family in Korea. And because it's not a timeshare, we can never sell it, but will have to keep paying their monthly fees of like $50 until we die. Nice. And if for any reason my fiancé and I don't get married, we're both screwed, him more than me, since I'm stuck with the bill, because our names are permanently attached to the contracts and all bookings. I don't know. It's a lesson well learned. That's for sure. Definite scam. And I looked at the planwithtan.com website and their "accomodations". Most of their condos/villas are outskirts of the main attractions for a hefty price and cost the same amount if you just book with hotels.com. A lot of them look like normal hotel suites. It's not like any of them have a whirlpool in them or any special amenities. What did that guy say? Every hotel room comes with a bed, a bathroom, and a bible. Yeah, basically.

Sorry about your situation. I worked in marketing for a company called Wyndham and invited tourists to attend our timeshare presentation. We gave away $75 packages and 3 night vacation getaways. The days of free gifts and free travel are becoming a thing of the past. Vacation Ownership is not for everybody.
The bottom line is USE. If you do not plan on going on any more vacations why buy a timeshare or a vacation plan. People need to plan on using their vacation condos. I know its hard but over time it is paid for and hopefully there are opportunities for travel within a tank of gas from your home. Many tours do not meet Financial or Use Suitability Requirements. We are working on this problem. Unless travel and vacations are important a timeshare tour is a waste of your time. I am looking at the long term future of this business which is getting better for the consumer on a daily basis. A timeshare is an excellent tool to consider if you looking for a furnished vacation condo of various size anywhere in the world. If you are the type of personality who feels comfortable owning property than you might want to do some research and find out what developer will provide you with the features and benefits you are going to USE. Learn about the pricing and financing and seek out the best deal you can get for your dollar. Marketing is seeking you out. We educate the public. The best way to handle a presentation is to be honest and upfront. Everyone goes for the gifts but for many the concept of USE and OWNERSHIP make sense. This opportunity is not right for everyone and the reasons are endless. So my advice is USE your program and pay off the mortgage. Make your vacations a priority and take lots of pictures.

TAN misrepresents it's properties, lots of hidden costs in the trips, plays dumb when you relay your bad experience at the place.

Shelley,

Here is my story... if you or anyone is interested in the entire scheme, please read this. My boyfriend and I purchased 12 vacations for $4000 from Sundance Vacations in Downer's Grove, IL nearly a year ago and have not used one (he entered to win a car at a Bulls game). We were pressured by "smiley-faced", pursed-lipped, strong-armed sales sharks until the price seemed too good to be true.
The "free" 3-day, 2-night vacation (take more vacations, you live longer, huh?) probably took more years off my life. I called Spirit Incentives to schedule (after paperwork and waiting for the notice to call - about 6 weeks total) and was told that I could give one date for Reno, Las Vegas, or Orlando, or 3 dates for one location. I said I wanted to go to Las Vegas at the end of October, mid-December, or end of February... any of those peak for Vegas? Not to my knowledge. I was told what they had to offer was the only offer on the table and if I chose not to take it I would lose my $50 deposit. They offered me Orlando (which I did not chose) at the end of October. I sensed the scam brewing, yet I accepted because I wanted so badly to believe this was a good thing. BIG MISTAKE ON MY PART!
As the scammer (NOTE: anyone who works for these companies are scammers, working for money to live on this earth is one thing, attmepting to extort hard-earned money from people rather than doing hard work yourself is quite another) read my flight itinerary, I realized the mistake I had made by believing in this company. The first day had us arriving in Orlando at 8PM. So, by the time we got off the plane, got the rental car and checked in at the hotel any form of amusement would be over at that point. The second day was a full day (little did I know what was waiting for us at the hotel). The third day, our flight was at 8 AM. We had to check out of the hotel at 6 AM to make our flight.
Wait, keep reading, it gets better. I received a call a few days before departure on my "free" vacation from Bluegreen Resorts (the third company responsible for making this "vacation" a living hell). They offered to upgrade my hotel stay to a 5-star resort for $50 and 1-hour of my time which they would compensate me for. I agreed, thinking, "Well what could I accomplish in Orlando in 1 day anyway? Might as well hang out by the pool..." I paid. So $100 down PLUS the taxes paid puts me out of around $150 for this "free" vacation. We arrive in Orlando and are told to drive to the Bluegreen Welcome Center for instructions. The instructions inform us that we need to be at the Sales Center at the resort bright and early for the 1-hour presentation. Okay... by this point we did not have dinner. We ate at Subway. At least I got to have my favorite fast food. We partied in the room on our first "day." The next morning, bright and early, we arrived at the Sales Center to party music. We got Lei'd. We got cheers and free hats thrown our way. It looked FAKE. The type of cheerfulness you want to punch in the face. And this was the "free" vacation that was supposed to help me enjoy life... I'm 26, still consider myself to be young and naïve at times. I honestly had no idea this was going to be a time-share presentation. We constantly told the shark trying to extort our money that we had already purchased a package from TAN who gave us this trip which is why we somehow ended up sitting in front of him.. Make sense? He told us we should find a way to sell our vacation package we purchased but in the meantime give him money for his vacation package because it is a much better deal (he did literally say just that, but he said he couldn't tell us how to sell it, that was our responsibility). This time we said NO and meant it... for the next 2 1/2 hours. It was supposed to be 1-hour. He called the manager over. Manager was unavailable. He left us sitting there alone for 30 minutes, then came back, scribbled a bunch of nonsense on the back of the sales booklet, then told us we had to follow him. He took us on a tour bus to see the units after we already said we weren't at all interested. (The information I received from the "welcome center" clearly stated that if I didn't show up to the 1-hour meeting with my significant other I would be charged the full price of staying at the resort, and I don't have that kind of money. I didn't want to take the chance of being charged for leaving the seminar). When we got back he rudely told us to go next door to get whatever it was we were promised and stalked away (no handshake, no "Nice to Meet You", not good business ethics). We did. We were told to sign a list stating we were there and then we were free to go. I told them we were supposed to get a gift. The cashier said... "The salesman wrote that since you didn't buy a package you don't get a gift." After 2 1/2 hours on our 1-day (now 1/2 day) vacation... how dare they! I made sure we got the $100 in the sternest voice and attitude I could muster without strangling the ignorant behind the counter (because after all, as most of you would claim, he was just doing his job). We received a "free" lunch with those cards. We received a nearly "free" dinner (not Subway) with those cards. We walked around Orlando for about 4 hours, and decided we'd be better off going to a movie theater on our "vacation." We spent the night in our room and woke up at 6 AM to make our flight on our last day of vacation. Then, we spent the entire day getting back to Chicago due to the horrible planning of the agent working for Spirit Incentives. We arrived in Chicago at dinnertime after leaving before breakfast.
Sundance Vacations, think closely about who you do business with, because it reflects horribly on you. Whether TAN has received awards, the hell that you offered to us makes us want to wash our hands of you. Sundance and Sunshine employees, whether you have a great time in your job, your company still associates with scammers. That makes you at least partially responsible for the hell we went through to enjoy life for the intro vacation to our vacation package. The "free" vacation you offer through a third-party should be the best because it's free. That's how I felt going into it. Ignorance is not bliss. If you are aware that those third parties are screwing their customers, you are an accomplice. I am also to blame for being ignorant to websites like this one that offers me the reviews to make an informed decision about doing business with people like you. Spirit Incentives is a scammer. Bluegreen resorts is a scammer. Sundance Vacations is a scammer. All the employees who receive paychecks from these companies are scammers. I plan to attempt to make a reservation later this year for one of my soda can vacations. I hope like the rest of you happy people that I will have nothing but happy memories. This experience has opened my eyes to all that I was ignoring - there are people in the world who just want and can't give. They are called the monopolies of the great US of A. The childhood game of the same name teaches you to take or you will pay. How sad.

I went to the presentation, but before I did, I checked Southern Journeys out with the Better Business Bureau. They have an "A" rating, so I went with an open mind to the presentation.

I did not feel pressured in any way.

I chose to purchase the plan they offered and have taken vacations with them.

The accommodations are first rate, and I never have a problem booking a vacation.

I find it amazing that all of you folks crying wolf do not own the plan. You went to a presentation and got a free $300 gift and went home to online because you can't afford to buy the plan. So sad.

And for those of you that think Southern Journeys is a scam, check out the Better Business Burea.

The only complaints they have are these online scam buzzes that are from people that are NOT owners of the plan.

You can't buy it online, and that should be a clue to you. Online travel companies are a scam.

Southern Journeys is a sales office for Travel Advantage Network, and that company has a stellar rating with the Better Business Bureau as well.

So, if you have an invitation to go and listen to the presentation, get the free $300 gift. If you buy the plan, that is up to you, but you will still come away with a vacation for which you only pay taxes. And it only costs you 90 minutes of your time.

Then, after all is said and done, don't go ing online and complaining about a company that you know zilch about.

My 2 cents worth.

I went to the presentation, but before I did, I checked Southern Journeys out with the Better Business Bureau. They have an "A" rating, so I went with an open mind to the presentation.

I did not feel pressured in any way.

I chose to purchase the plan they offered and have taken vacations with them.

The accommodations are first rate, and I never have a problem booking a vacation.

I find it amazing that all of you folks crying wolf do not own the plan. You went to a presentation and got a free $300 gift and went home to online because you can't afford to buy the plan. So sad.

And for those of you that think Southern Journeys is a scam, check out the Better Business Burea.

The only complaints they have are these online scam buzzes that are from people that are NOT owners of the plan.

You can't buy it online, and that should be a clue to you. Online travel companies are a scam.

Southern Journeys is a sales office for Travel Advantage Network, and that company has a stellar rating with the Better Business Bureau as well.

So, if you have an invitation to go and listen to the presentation, get the free $300 gift. If you buy the plan, that is up to you, but you will still come away with a vacation for which you only pay taxes. And it only costs you 90 minutes of your time.

Then, after all is said and done, don't go ing online and complaining about a company that you know zilch about.

My 2 cents worth.

I have had great experiences with this company for the past 10 years. In fact I am looking to buy 2 weeks from someone. If anyone is interested please PM me

I have been a member for 8 years and have loved all the properties we have been to. I do have weeks for sale due to not using them right now. This is not a scam. Let me know

I have been a member of Travel Advantage Network based in Millersville,MD for 13 years and taken 60 or more vacations . Their units are condos ,houses, resorts, and yes a few Hotel/Motel rooms that are efficiency. Occasionally outdated or rustic setting but always offset by the location or the view and always clean. Hey, Sebago Lake Maine does not have 5 star resorts ,but they do have a great relaxing area near a lake.In 13 years there has to be a few miscues, but the people at TAN reservations are first rate, polite and always make it right,

When we bought in 13 years ago there was a little pressure as Time Shares were in their hay day, but we got a good deal $2000 for 10 weeks , we still have 6 weeks left ( there have been bonus deals over the years )( right now if we buy a week we get a week credit back) The best kept secret is the Excess Inventory for less than $200 a week, used that to go to Orlando last fall , Just outside Disney who started at 800 for one room, we had full condo 2 bedrooms 2 baths kitchen etc.
Lovely cottage on Cape Cod in spring 2bedrooms 1 and 1/2 baths , little too cold to use the beach , but there were people on it and it was within walking distance.

So why the complains sounds like Marketing was outsourced, plus you have to use it to make it work. Time shares and Vacation clubs are not for everyone, but if you can be flexible what a bargain LAWRENCE WELK RESORT in San Diego CA, IN OCTOBER for 200 a week!! ( and the resort tossed in a free stage show)

Readers will notice that the people who post positive reviews never post here again. In my opinion they are simply plants here to pump up the scam.

I have had great experiences with this company for the past 10 years. In fact I am looking to buy 2 weeks from someone. If anyone is interested please PM me

I have a whole package and have never used it would sell mine

I worked there a for a couple of weeks two and a half years ago. At that time the company was not a member of the BBB of Columbus. I smelled a rat then and I smell a rat now. Check with the BBB and ask how they "suddenly" have been members since 2003.

I bought 14 vacation weeks back in 2005 and have 9 left. But now I need to sell what I have and will sell them for half of what I paid back then. That's $250. Per week X 9=$2250

If you have considered getting a package you should jump on this deal. They provide an excellent service but I can't use it. Email contact@ filipinasparty.com

I still have some vacation weeks left on sunshine package (TAN). I don't have time to take them so offering at discount.
In time to book summer travel.
Prefer someone who has already traveled with Sunshine but open to other with qualifications.
Contact email [email protected]

We are members of TAN. It's not a bad company. In fact we have rented some very nice codos for $189 for a week (excess inventory). I don't know anything about the free trip part but I have taken some of them with other companies. Usually they are very nice but there is a sales pitch and you have to know how to say "NO". You could join TAN anytime so don't do anything in a hurry - think about it. We went through the TAN sales pitch and kept saying no until they offered us a vacation club for $600. We said yes to that and have been satisfied. We get excess inventory and we can rent other places for $400-$800 a week. Be careful if the trip goes to Mexico. They are very high pitched and you would be dealing with a foreign company, although the free vacation was very nice.

Just so people know, this is a very old thread that is now archived and not generally visible unless someone happens to visit this forum topic area.

If you want something to be more visible, please start a new thread.

Thanks!