The Travel Guys: Recent Episodes
News 93.1 KFBK
Hosted by Mark Hoffmann and Tom Romano. The show airs EVERY Sunday, from 3-4pm on News 93.1 KFBK in Sacramento, CA.
Today on the Travel Guys, Mark Hoffman and Tom Romano discuss how free wi-fi is coming to Southwest Airlines, how Spirit is in bankruptcy for the second time this year, the dangers of Lithium batteries on the plane and not cleaning your luggage, and how a set of consumer friendly rules regarding the airlines has been rejected by the Trump administration. Plus, Chris Elliott, one of the premier consumer advocates for travelers, joins Mark and Tom from France to talk about the best and worst of Paris!
s Fleet Week in San Francisco. Thank you for the pleasure of your company. Welcome to the radio show that makes YOU a smarter traveler. Welcome to The Travel Guys.
Today on the Travel Guys... The Travel News, the best strategies for avoiding bag fees, and we pull a bunch of your Mailbag questions together. Thank you for the pleasure of your company. Welcome to the latest edition of The Travel Guys.
Today on the Travel Guys, Mark and Tom discuss how the Air Canada strike will potentially affect Sacramento flyers, how Las Vegas visitor numbers reflect the economy, a new scam involving bag tags, if watching X rated movies is acceptable on flights, and if rental cars use AI to detect damage. Laugh a little, learn a little, discover a new destination. Here to make YOU a smarter traveler!
On todays episode of the travel guys, Mark and Tom discuss the integration of AI in airline upgrades, how to handle awkward or uncomfortable seating arrangements on flights, and why the advertised price you are quoted by a rental car company may be nothing close to what you will pay. Plus, Mark and Tom bring on a special guest, Charlie Leocha, to discuss flyers rights.
s competitive pay. Plus, Sports Leisure Traveler Donnie Anderson gives some tips on traveling in Japan!
Today on The Travel Guys, Tom and Mark discuss new Uber features, what to check for when you take a cruise, and possible changes to airport security. Plus, Mark recaps his trip to Puget Sound. They also have a special interview with Clayton Whitehead who just returned from Switzerland.
Today, on The Travel Guys, Mark and Tom discuss the iconic Waldorf Astoria Hotel in New York City reopening, and the Carnival leading customers deeper into its credit card world. Plus, syndicated Travel Columnist and Consumer Advocate Chris Elliott joins the Trave Guys for an extended interview to talk about shoes and liquids - improvements in airport security, plus, updates on the importance of travel insurance and rental car companies that hound their customers. Another hour designed to make YOU just a little smarter the next time you hit the road.
s another show packed with stories you won’t hear anywhere else, and tons of information to make you a smarter traveler. We are The Travel Guys with Mark Hoffman and Tom Romano.
Today, on The Travel Guys… the latest Travel News, the 24-hour free cancellation rule on airline tickets. Then, the State Fair is just around the corner. We have a whats-happening-at-the-fair, and a visit with our Travel Gal Sydney Schellinger to give you a few tips on the Galapagos. We're right in the middle of a BIG holiday weekend. These two guys on the radio are grateful you made time for us between the hot dogs and the fireworks. Welcome to The Travel Guys.
We start with the Travel News, and then red flags you should pay attention to when booking your hotel. Plus, a list of the top 50 airports in the country - we’ll tell you where Sacramento ranks. Even more, there’s a Netflix documentary about the Carnival “poop cruise”. Remember that? There’s no poop in our program, just great information to make you smarter the next time you hit the road. Thanks for tuning in to The Travel Guys…
Today on the Travel Guys, Tom and Mark give you updates on the increase of tourists in Spain and the closing of the Louvre in Paris. Additionally, they discuss ways to ensure your luggage arrives at the same destination and you do, why AirBnb and VRBO are "going downhill like a hippo on a water slide”, and Route 66's 100th anniversary.
Today on the Travel Guys, Mike and Tom discuss the rising prices of taking your pet on a plane, how immigration crackdowm may impact the tourism industry, airport lounge entry, and answer your questions aobut national parks, baggage fee refunds, credit card subcharges, REAL ID, and hotel bonus program benefits.
Today, on The Travel Guys… the Travel News, Carnival Cruise Lines is cracking down on troublemakers on board, their explanation is full of BS. Plus the issue of fake texts telling you that you owe a toll fee. We’ll help you know how to avoid getting taken by fake tolls… Then changes to pricing travel for two. Is it cheaper than buying individual tickets? Host Mark and Tom thank you for joining us on the Travel Guys.
Today, the Travel Guys talk about United and Jet Blue entering a partnership, where NOT to put your valuables on a plane, they interview road reporter, Clayton Whitehead, about a recent trip to Canada, and how national park budget cuts might impact your experience this summer.
Today on the Travel Guys, a brand new theme park opens in Orlando, an important note for southwest travelers, entertainment venues are still trying to recover from COVID, Kermit the Frog delivers a commencement speech, and we discuss a new cruise scam on the internet. Thank you for making time for us live on KFBK, or on our weekly podcast. Welcome to the latest edition of The Travel Guys.
Today, on The Travel Guys; we have the latest travel news; etiquette rules for train travel- you’ll be the best behaved on board for your next trip on the rails; an update on Broadway, Carnegie Hall, Central Park, The Bronx and some great tips for your next trip to the Big Apple; and Sydney Schellinger joins us for a discussion about how to spot a great travel advisor. This is the travel show that makes YOU a smarter traveler. Welcome to the latest edition of The Travel Guys.
This week on the Travel Guys, we have the latest travel news for our. Host Mark Hoffman walks us through applying for a Real ID in California; you'll need it. Then a Sports Leisure Vacations update, and much more. Thanks for joining us on The Travel Guys.
Today, on The Travel Guys. The Travel News, FBI tips to keep you out of harm’s way while travelling, and an SMF parking hack for you. Then, the tariff's impacts on international travel and which frequent flyer program offers you the best benefits. Thank you for the pleasure of your company.
Today, on The Travel Guys… The Travel News, tips on expressing your political views on the road when traveling internationally - no matter what side of the aisle you are on. Then, The Wreath Project. And, your flight is overbooked; What is a fair amount of compensation if you elect to forego your seat? Thank you for being a fan of The Travel Guys.
Today, the Tom and Mark talk about Alaska and Canada regarding tourism and Southwest's decision to charge for luggage. The travel Gal, Sydney, joins the program to share tips on travel insurance followed by a interview about a new book for coffee loving travelers.
The Travel News, United Airlines is changing one of their “lifetime” policies, Southwest dropping their two bags fly free policy going to change the way you book your airline tickets, and we talked with Chris Elliott this week about international travelers. Today on The Travel Guys.
The travel news. Tips for Super early flights. A Sports Leisure Travel update. And then, Mark tells us everything we need to know about airline points. The Travel Guys
The travel news. A Sports Lesuire Travel update. Traveling the world on 75 dollars a day. And then Mark answers our travel questions. The Travel Guys
Tom and Mark discuss airlines making their first effort to overturn one of Joe Biden’s consumer friendly rules, American becoming the last of the “big three” airlines to use the tags to help locate lost bags, the Wall Street Journal ranking airlines based on 2024 preformance, and interview with Fort Bragg's general manger of the legendary Skunk Train.
The number of road side rest stops is decreasing and Las Vegas is building a new airport, tips on how to minimize the effects of jet lag in our Smarter Traveler segment, Mark has spent the past ten days on three islands, Kauai, Maui and the Big Island. He shares some tips on places to go and things to see. How is the recovery going in Maui and what the heck is a white pineapple and why are visitors to Kauai so crazy about it?
This week on the Travel Guys, in-flight gaming, the carry-on bag krafuffle, the best cruise line cabins to pick, and the traveler's crystal ball. The Travel Guys
This week, the Travel News, Sports Leisure Vacations update, the debate over Airport Lounges, and a conversation with Rick Steves. The Travel Guys.
Today, the Travel Guys discuss Mariott's new housekeeping system, the benefits of using and Air Tag during your travels, and how to avoid being scammed online with tempting travel offers. Then, author Annie Fitzsimmons joins Mark and Tom to talk about her book regarding the top 100 hotels in the world!
New Episode of the Travel Guys with an update on Sports Leisure Vacations packages, and the Real ID.
In the Travel News, we tell you the top destinations for dating among travelers, at least according to Tinder; and the CDC says illness on board ships is at a 12-year high…those stories and more on the Travel Guys...
UK and Mexico are adding junk fees onto different types of travel. The TSA in Sacramento have a few tips for your Christmas holiday travels. Plus the mailbag as lots of folks will be traveling for Christmas and New Years. Our job is to make you just a little bit smarter when you hit the road or the airport. Welcome to The Travel Guys.
Venicem in Italy is set to expand their summer tourism tax next year. US airlines may have to pay an inconvenience fee to travelers. Traveling with the kiddos. Plus, “pineapple dating” and “check-in chicken”. We are the Travel Guys.
The US Senate releases a new report on the airline industry. How people are creatively avoiding junk fees on the road. We talk to Scott Kleir from Broadway Sacramento and Music Circus. Then we tell you what an upside pineapple on your door on a princess cruise means. Hosts Mark and Tom are working to make you just a little smarter the next time you hit the road, on The Travel Guys.
The United airlines app is now available in Spanish. Autonomous wheelchairs in airports. Then, how to use an international phone plan properly. Plus, we get an update from Sacramento International Airport and an update on an iconic NYC hotel. The Travel Guys
Today on the Travel Guys, Mark and Tom share hotel room and elevator safety tips. Following that, the two talk about the growth of women-only tours, a new California law on "drip pricing", and more!
This week – How the election could affect your travels, a new airlines hack, a conversation with Chris Elliott, and great information about the short-term rental industry. Fall is turning to winter. Travelers are busy planning their next adventure. We are here to help. The Travel Guys.
Today on the Travel Guys, we take to the skies; new rules on baggage refunds, a new senate bill that was created to regulate loyalty programs on airlines, and a slew of new travelers take on the scene…
Today on the Travel Guys, Tom and Mark share a cautionary taxi story, speak with Suzie Stocking of the Wreath Project, and skip through Odds and Ends, with updates on Disneyland lines and American Airlines.
Today on the Travel Guys, Mark and Tom talk about slower summer travel, how the CDC ranks cruise ships by cleanliness, and how Californians feel about tourism here in our own state.
Today on the Travel Guys, Mark and Tom talk about phone scams spreading from airlines to cruise ships, and how to protect yourself. Later, some updates coming to Disneyland Anaheim, and the two open up the Travel Guys mailbag!
Today on The Travel Guys, Spirit Airlines is evaroprating from the Airline business, A new phone scam that targets travelers, and the importance of arriving early to a Cruise departure.
Today on the Travel Guys: A mouse causes a flight diversion, details on changes coming to Southwest Airlines, the Galapagos Island is on many individuals bucket list as we are joined by Michael Downer to share his insightful experience traveling in the Galapagos Islands, and popularity on Halloween tourism is on the rise.
Today on the Travel Guys, Mark and Tom talk about two airlines uniting, share smarter traveler tips, & interview Chris Elliot.
Today Mark and Tom talk about a discarded Cheetos bag wreaking havoc at a national park. The two interview Travel Girl Sydney about river cruising, and Al Pitrelli of the band TSO.
Today on the Travel Guys, Tom and Mark talk about wildcat strikes recently called off by workers in San Francisco and Hawaii. The two interview Jana the falconer about wine month in California, and provide their take on the top complaints by hotel guests.
Today on the Travel Guys, Mark and Tom talk about Tammy Faye at the Palace Theater in October, Covid-19 and travel, and finally chat with Joe Brancatelli about the “sucky” state of travel.
Today on the Travel Guys, Mark and Tom talk about the worst things to do on an airplane, take a look at the Travel Guys mail bag, and discuss the growing popularity of "Mystery Tours."
Today on the Travel Guys, Mark and Tom speak with travel gal Sydney about an up-and-coming destination Albania, and share important travel tips for sharing rides and sharing seat aisles.
Today on the Travel Guys, Mark is live from Chicago and him and Tom are talking about selfie safety, Barcelona, and Anarctica.
Today on the Travel Guys Mark and Tom talk about airline lobbying groups and other travel news, and a new Travel Gal joins the team.
Today on the Travel Guys, Mark and Tom interview Ed of 'Dig This', a one-of-a-kind attraction in Las Vegas, and speak with Ned Levi of Travelers United on airplane evacuations and his experiences.
Today on the Travel Guys, Mark and Tom talk about travel tips as covid cases are ‘bouncing back’ and interview Clayton Whitehead on his trip to the Baltic States: Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania.
Today on the Travel Guys, Mark and Tom talk about best practices while reading online reviews, and catch up with Chris Elliot about climate change in Switzerland. Finally, Mark shares some highlights from his trip to Fort Bragg.
Today on the Travel Guys, Mark and Tom talk about best practices while reading online reviews, and catch up with Chris Elliot about climate change in Switzerland. Finally, Mark shares some highlights from his trip to Fort Bragg.
Today on the Travel Guys, Mark and Tom share some clues on how to spot fake online reviews, and some travel tips with folks at the Sacramento International Airport and Chris Elliott reporting from Berlin.
Today on the Travel Guys, Tom and Mark tell listeners what to do before traveling to a destination known for summer heat; we hear about all the fun things there are to do on the state fairgrounds, and finally where California lands on state rankings for road trips.
Today on the Travel Guys; World Cup Soccer is coming to Northern California; More on American Airlines removing eight men of color from a flight at the Phoenix Airport, and a simple idea on how to talk to Customer Services travel reps.
Today on the Travel Guys, Mark and Tom report on Amtrak ridership breaking records, navigating airports in the summer (especially with a car), and Steve LaRosa reports on San Jose.
Today on the Travel Guys Mark and Tom talk about Dolly Parton's story coming to Broadway, if you should ever sign an NDA with travel companies, and the two learn about the latest in Monterey from Steve LaRosa.
Today on The Travel Guys, Tom and Mark talk aboutthe benefits of booking your room directly with the hotel, cruise or airline, why so many people are choosing cruise vacations post-COVID, and what happens when a hotel responds to a guest that has "come up a a little short.."
Today on the Travel Guys, Mark and Tom remark on a high speed rail project that will link Las Vegas and Los Angeles, a great deal with international airlines, and some fun Newfoundland facts.
Today on the Travel Guys, Mark and Tom talk about the cruise ship that FAILED a CDC inspection, updates on Carnaval San Francisco coming next weekend, and ending with info on foreign exchange rates that can save travlers some cash.
Today, on The Travel Guys, Mark reports on the Travel News–Amtrak is having a sale, and business travel is on a major rebound. Next on the smarter traveler segment the two evaluate the real value of points and miles for 1,100 dollars. And finally, Mark spent this past week checking out great restaurants, attractions and hotels in Chicago and Seattle.
Today's Travel Guys includes smarter cruiser tips, new airfare regulations and how to navigate them, and finally a trip to an experiential aquarium in British Colombia.
Today on the Travel Guys, Mark and Tom provide tips for travelers planning to visit Europe, what it means to invest in TSA membership, and new state and federal laws around travel.
Today the Travel Guys talk about seat swapping on planes, catch up with Chris Elliot, and talk about the eclipse with Clayton.
Today Tom and Mark tell us about the new airline called BARK in the Travel News, talk about consumer advocacy with Ed Perkins, and finally interview the Yachtly Crew band about what exactly "Yacht Rock" is.
Today on the Travel Guys Mark and Tom talk about the Eclipse coming on Monday and the millions of people are traveling to watch it. After that, an interview with Scott Klier of the Music Circus, coming soon to Sacramento for the summer. Finally, some traveling tips from friends in the TSA.
Today, Tom and Mark update listeners on the Travel News - what 'pooling' miles means and why the Hertz CEO was fired. After the Smarter Traveler Segment on airline tickets, the two talk about important precautions for spring break trips. Finally, an interview with Joe Yogerst on his book 50 States and 1,000 eats.
Today, Mark and Tom talk about why Uber and Lyft will suspend service in Minneapolis starting in May, provide tips on passports for summer travel, and catch up with performer Jack Gallagher.
Today on the Travel Guys, Mark shares a few baseball spring training tips in the Smarter Traveler Segment. In an interview, Tom and Mark talk a wide variety of travel issues with Chris Elliot, including Exit Envy on Planes. Finally, the Odds and Ends segment includes some tips on 'tips' and summer travel.
Mark and Tom talk about the Travel News, including a Southwest membership through Costco. In the Smarter Traveler Segment, they discuss authentic travel experiences, and their ups and downs. Finally, some Air Bnb tips in the Odds and Ends Segment.
Today on the Travel Guys, Mark and Tom discuss why Hertz is bailing on electric vehicles, the meaning of an SSSS mark on boarding passes, and Mark's recent trip to Kauai, including all of the highlights.
On this episode of The Travel Guys Tom and Mark start with the Travel News: baggage fees are going up at American Airlines, and American Queen Voyages goes out of business. After that, carry on bags on flights: Are the airlines lying to you about available space on board just to get you to check your bag? Why don't airlines enforce carry-on rules across the system? The two close with their mailbag segment, where they answer your questions on Frontier Airlines Customer Service, fees at state parks and parking charges at hotels.
Mark and Tom give you the latest travel news, including why uber drivers and flight attendants are protesting in selected cities across the country. The two explain how dynamic pricing impacts your vacation and other travel, and finally give an update on the biggest cruise line in America.
This week, Mark and Tom talk about Machu Piccu, where activists blocked tourists from leaving, and the importance of proper planning for trips, especially with family and friends. In Odds and Ends, the two discuss the new possible site of Amelia Earheart's plane.
Mark Hoffmann and Tom Romano talk about Las Vegas hotels that are raising resort fees and restaurants are raising their prices for the Super Bowl, American Airlines is cutting hundreds of call center positions. Charlies says flying cars, drones and other traffic is about to compete with airplanes.
Mark and Tom talk about California joining the list of states with digital Driver’s Licenses, the value of on-time rankings for the major airlines, and the year-long cruise that never departed.
This week on the Travel Guys, Arnold is in hot water over trying to get an expensive watch into Germany, Traveler’s United announces a guide for those who use assistive devices while traveling, and we talk about a new night train in Europe.
This week on the Travel Guys... We have the latest news, tips to make you a smarter traveler, questions from the mailbag, and look ahead to 2024. Mark Hoffman and Tom Romano.
Travel News. Taking selfies for Travel. A look at the year in travel. Tons of tips and more.
Travel News. Frequent Flyer programs. TSA Security Items. Which gift carts are best? Hosted by Mark Hoffmann and Tom Romano.
This week on the Travel Guys... The Travel News, Sacramento Airport do's and dont's, a Live report from Chile, and the family fun at the Imaginarium light show at Cal Expo.
This week on the Travel Guys, Tom and Mark discuss how Taylor Swift's cancelled concert affected travel, renting cars at the airport, and the Fox River Train in Sacramento. All that, and more on the travel guys.
The Travel Guys have their holiday post-game. They get an update from TSA, talk switching seats on flights, and discuss travel junk fees. This week on the Travel Guys!
It's the Thanksgiving episode of the Travel Guys! This week, Mark and Tom discuss holiday travel tips, planes at full capacity, and everything you need to know about for your holiday trips.
This week on The Travel Guys, Tom and Mark discuss travel complaints post-Covid. They talk with special guest Jack Gallagher. Plus, they discuss the Sonic Faultlines Music Festival in Placerville.
The Travel Guys talk the best ways to navigate air travel, more on Mark's experience in Selma, and travel insurance. All that and more on this week's Travel Guys podcast.
The Travel Guys discuss a ruling by an Australian Court Judge against a Carnival Cruise, excessive tipping, and an eye-opening journey in Selma, Alabama.
Today on the Travel Guys... Pier 39 celebrates its 45th birthday, Delta Airlines admit perhaps they went too far, 5 things he should never do on a flight, the junk fee situation is getting further out of hand, and other Odds and Ends. The Travel Guys
Today on the Travel Guys, an unexpected visitor prompts the temporary closure of the Magic Kingdom; Joe Brancatelli joins the program to talk about how airlines are changing their programs; odds and ends, and so much more
Today, on the Travel Guys… TSA workers in Miami get caught stealing from bags on the security belt; Steve LaRosa tells us What’s Going On around town; The Trans-Siberian Orchestra is returning to Sacramento December 1st, and tickets are on sale. Al Pitrelli joins us to talk Christmas spectaculars…
Today on the Travel Guys; Tom Brady gets a travel gig, free parking on the strip might be gone, how to stay out of harms way when it comes to turbulence, and the Travel Guys are joined by Jim Jakobi and Scott Clearer.
Today on the Travel Guys; Clayton Whitehead shares the highlights of his recent trip to Scotland, bogus fees are now INCLUDED in room rates for Hyatt, on-the-street tourist scams, and more.
Today on the Travel Guys... Lawsuits are in the news……Hyatt Hotels is facing a suit over….you guessed it, resort and other creative fees; New York City is cracking down on Short-Term Rentals, and more
Today on the Travel Guys! Mark has an “air tag” apology; Charlie Leocha from Travelers United joins us to update the situation with resort and other obnoxious fees travelers pay; and we are joined by Heather Fortes of Sac Bites
The Travel guys update us on the travel news; cell phones accesible coming to a plane near you?
Today on the Travel Guys; New air service in CA; tips for Hawaii, specifically Kawaii, the guys answer your mailbag, and what do ya know? We got some tips on "what not to say to your pilot"!
Update on an around the world cruise, A Berkley student commutes by air, flying in bad weather and pooping in the woods.
Today on the Travel Guys; Mark updates us on the travel news and if you're planning a trip on the coast; you'll want to hear all the tips and tricks here!
Today on the Travel Guys; Importance of your driving attitude, great tips for traveling up to Oregon, United lost baggage update
Today on the Travel Guys! Shakespeare festival in Oregon lives on; fake phone numbers and websites, what they can cost you, California may be the first state to have Hotels stop with unexplained fees, and more.
In the Travel News, a bill in the California legislature would make hotels put those hotel fees (resort, destination, amenity, etc.) in as part of the price of the room. That small step would take away one of the major reasons hotels charge those fees in the first place. Plus, we have a list of the best and worst airports for the summer. Hint: Beware of connecting in Dallas after mid-afternoon. Our Smarter Traveler segment deals with babies on planes. Not as bad as “snakes on planes” for most, but definitely a subject where it couldn’t hurt to get a few tips. Clayton Whitehead, our international travel expert stops by to talk about going overseas. Why is it so popular right now, and how long will that popularity continue. The final segment discusses credit cards, travel awards and tipping.
Today on the Travel Guys, Mark gives you the up to date travel news, the guys answer your mail, Planet Hollywood is no longer going to be in Vegas, carry on worries, and more.
Today, in the travel news; Angriest airports in the country; national parks and their wildlife, Mia Taylor gives you some ideas on how to avoid and deal with airport delays, and President Kay Shelton joins us to talk about America’s first highway and a little about its routes through Sacramento.
Bad news for your United Airlines frequent flyer points, Uber says child seats and boat rentals are on the way, Syd Thrift from TSA in Sacramento has some terrific tips for you to make that experience less taxing for everyone, and so much more
Today on the Travel Guys; Chris Elliot, Consumer Advocate talks about the automation of the travel industry, what are the ups and downs? Okay.. It’s a lot of downs. What can you do to prepare for a smooth trip through TSA when going over seas? Carnival is coming to San Francisco, and more.
The Travel Guys update us on the travle news! Hotel fees, ghost towns in Nevada, public phone charging stations and information to make YOU a smarter traveler!
The Travel Guys update us on the travel news, and we get to hear about Mark Hoffmann's Route 66 journey.
The Travel Guys update us on the travle news, there is an island in Scottland you can buy? Mark warns you about paying in advance for hotel reservations with no refund policies, and more.
In the Travel News, animal rides are being phased out as tourist attractions in many countries and we explore why, and the FAA says 250 people have been referred to the FBI over their behavior on airplanes. For many of these folks, a bad day is about to turn into a life-altering event.Is it a customer service crisis, or just a generational shift in the way business is done? Mark and Tom discussed declining customer service in the travel industry and suggest a couple of work-arounds.Google has announced they are enhancing features which let you explore national parks; and airlines are asking, can one pilot be as good as two? – We tackle those two stories at the bottom of the hour.We dip into the Mailbag to answer your questions about summer airfares and the cost of parking at hotels.
The Travel guys update us on the Travel news! And, we get an in depth interview with Richard Lewis, traveling Broadway shows, and music circuses.
Amsterdam wants to chill on the partying, hospitality work shortages, Mark reports from Honolulu, and more.
The Travel Guys update us on the travel news, the weird travel news, and have an interview with Clayton Whitehead about international travel.
The Travel Guys update us on the travel news, along with some new passport info, and more
The Travel Guys update us on the travel news, along with the weird travel news; Jack reports from Ireland, and more.
In the Travel News, suddenly, every airline seems to be worried about families sitting together; and Princess cruises announces some big discounts on selected cruise destinations, Route 66 travel tips, and more.
The Travel Guys update us on the weird, yes weird, travel news. There are new nonstop flights to Nashville. The truth about your unclaimed baggage is revealed, and more.
The Travel Guys update us on the travel news, we hear from Joe Yogurst on hiking, California trying to diminish junk fees, and more.
The Travel guys update us on the Travel News, we hear from Charlie about your rights when it comes to an airlines mistake, like missing luggage.
The Travel Guys update us on the travel news, they talk with Chris Elliot who’s currently in Perth, Australia, we get information on why you should visit there! Along with expiring air and cruise vouchers, and Hawaii is considering a tourist fee?
The Travel guys update us on the travel news and smarter traveler tips, we get an update from Mark about his Miami to Florida keys trip with Sports Leisure Vacation, and the guys answer some mail bag.
The Travel guys update us on the travel news, including an interview with Gwen Duncan, and we get part 2 of “What’s going on” with Steve Larosa
The Travel guys update us on the Travel News and Mark talks about his upcoming trip with Sports Leisure Vacation with 4 only tickets left, to the upcoming Spring Training games. Interview with Steve Larosa on his North Coast trip and more.
The Travel guys update us on the Travel News, Free upgrades, long car trip travel tips, mail bag answered, and more
In the Travel News, Delta Airlines is returning to Havana, Cuba, starting in April, with flights from Miami; and the REAL ID mandate has been delayed once again.In our Smarter Traveler segment, we have five ways for you to spot an Airbnb scam.Travel Insurance. Should you buy it or pass? There are many companies offering protection, how do you pick the best? We have an expert from World Nomads to offer some advice.Hertz has become infamously known for arresting people who they think haven’t returned their rental cars. Except sometimes they go after the wrong person, perhaps someone who rented a car in the first place. The latest on the ongoing circus at Hertz.When you are traveling, it’s important to know and recognize local cultural traditions and customs as a visitor. We have some examples to help get you in tune with the concept.
In the Travel News, Air France takes a small step to protect the climate by banning some short local flights where train travel is available; and remember the cat who got into a suitcase and was found by a TSA scan? There’s a happy ending to the story.Speaking of scans, TSA is now scanning faces at a dozen airports nationally. The program will be in every airport soon. Are there any options, and what are your rights when TSA wants to put your face on the screen? Our Smarter Traveler segment has some details.If you have ever wanted to take a European vacation in a luxury sports car, staying in boutique hotels and dining in the best restaurants? Let us introduce you to Ultimate Driving Tours. They can make your dream come true.Leaving home for the holidays? There are some things you need to do to keep your home safe. Some you may have heard before, but even if you get just one new idea, your home might be a little more secure.
Today on the Travel Guys; update on the Travel news; wifi for.. almost everyone? How long in advance should you book a cruise? The Travel Guys talk with Al Patrelli about TSO Kick off
The Travel Guys update us on the travel news; Cruise ship arrival issues; Hawaii trip tips; airline disputes; arctic vacation? We have a guest for that.
The Travel Guys update us on the travel news, cruise updates, and what airlines are worst and best for... well, everything!
The Travel Guys update us on the travel news; Service dogs at sea, junk travel fees, and special guests Gwen Duncon and a Disney expert.
American Airlines owes over 7 million dollars to customers? Best and worst airports in the country, and the The Travel Guys are joined by Alison Johnson; Senior Editor of National Geographic; listen on how to win a new National Geographic book.
In the Travel News, the State Department temporarily has reopened its online passport renewal program (link below) under certain conditions, and in Hawaii, visitor counts have hit a bump and some are concerned. Our Smarter Traveler segment features a discussion on the impact on your airfare, based on the day you fly. Monday, Friday and Sunday are generally higher. Tuesday, Wednesday, Saturday lower; Thursday neutral. We’ll explain why. Consumer Advocate Chris Elliott is on hand all the way from Cypress to discuss hotel service. Where is it headed post-COVID? We also go over words to be wary of when you are looking for a vacation rental. What does “cozy” really mean. Delta and Starbucks have announced a joint loyalty program. We’ll share details and talk about the value of such programs.
In the Travel News, a Southwest pilot decided to go naked in the cockpit—with a female co-pilot; and Marriott faces a lawsuit over lying to its guests. A local Amtrak traveler got a “roomette” accommodation for an overnight trip, and shared what you should bring along for your comfort. It’s part of our Smarter Traveler segment. Comedian Steve Treviño will be appearing at The Punch Line Comedy Club soon. Known as “America’s Husband” because of his comedy style, he joins us for a few laughs and to promote his upcoming appearances in Sacramento. Sacramento has been ranked as one of the top Foodie Cities in the country. Find out who joins us on that list. Plus, we tell you about travel trends among Centennials.
The Travel Guys give us tips on traveling during the hurricane season, we get an Ireland report live from Clayton, and did you know that airline seats being too small, now might be safety concern?
The Travel Guys update us on the travel news and, T mobile service might have flight benefits? Horses on moaning planes.. Or is it snakes? And more.
September 18 - The Travel Guys update us on, water restrictions, holiday travel purchases, Chris Elliot joins to talk vacation rentals, and Al PeTrelli talks on the upcoming Orchestra.
We get an update on the travel news, some countires don't allow certain over the counter medications? And we hear an interview with Susanne Bianco; Tourism Marketing Director of Visalla's Certifed Autism Centers.
In the Travel News, Canada is looking at a high speed rail train which can go 600 mph in a vaccum tube; and by now you’ve heard about the Southwest Airlines passenger who decided to send nude pictures of himself to everyone on his plane. AirTags and other tracking devices are gaining in popularity. Is it time to put one in your bag? Checked or carry on, or both? We run down the pros and cons of tagging your bags. Gwen Duncan of Cordially Yours Travel is our resident cruise consultant. We check in with her to get a feel for how bookings are going for future trips, and what current cruisers are saying about the quality of their journey. Gas prices are off 20%+ from their highs. Does that mean road trips are back in fashion for the fall? If so, we have a few ideas.
In the Travel News, air travel complaints to the Department of Transportation soar 270% this summer as the airlines struggle to provide a decent level of service; and Southwest Airlines changes its policy regarding upgrading your boarding position.
Our Smarter Traveler segment focuses on currently popular traveler scams. Bottom line: If someone is asking for your identification or credit card info, open your eyes and pay close attention. Thieves are creative and you have to be alert. Most airlines charge for seat assignments. So when should you pay the “seat ransom,” and when can you take your chances? We have a list of six times when you’ll want to consider opening your wallet.
Sports Leisure Vacations released their annual catalog for 2023 this weekend. The 43-year old Sacramento-based company caters to mature travelers.
Today on the Travel Guys; Mark updates us with the Travel News and Clayton gives us an update on, traveling to Canada, and more.
Today on the Travel Guys; we get tons of travel news, interesting in audio in the smarter travelers segment, a dispute between a passenger and airflight attendant; naked bike ride?
Mark and Tom give us the Travel News, update with Travelers United, and Mark dives in on giving us smarter traveler tips on international travel.
Mark and Tom update us on the travel news, recent trips, and how to make you a smarter traveler avoiding theft.
Mark and Tom update us on travel news, bring back Darla Gibbon, and welcomes special guest Steve Ryan to talk to us about his Bucket List Trip.
Mark and Tom update us on the travel news, and they have an in depth interview with Gwen Duncan; update on cruises.. 59 dollar cruises?!
Mark and Tom update us on travel news; and we get the latest info on best airports, and worst airports in the US
LOTS of Travel News today; and an indepth interview with Jessica Nabongo; author of Catch Me If You Can: One Woman's Journey to Every Country in the World; and most likely the most traveled woman in the world.
Mark and Tom update us on Covid Proticols in Hawaii.. or lack of; Lots in the Travel News, and an insight into the TSA today with officials.
Tons of Travel News and special guests Suzie with the Wreath Project and Charlie with Traveler's Guide join the show!
Mark and Tom dive into the mailbag, do you think it's okay to ask for someone to wear a mask on the plane?
In the Travel News, United says the FAA is causing huge delays in Newark by ignoring flight limits, and if you are going to Venice, Italy this summer, it’s going to cost you a little extra…
– Last week, we talked to our friend and consumer advocate Chris Elliott about a variety of travel topics. This week, we introduce you to Chris’s sons, Aren and Iden. They have started a podcast as they travel with their dad all over the planet.
Hosted by Mark Hoffmann and Tom Romano. The show airs EVERY Sunday, from 3-4pm on KFBK AM 1530 and Newstalk 93.1 FM in Sacramento, CA.
TSA has new punishment for people who cannot behave in the skies; we remind you to check the expiration date on travel vouchers, we talk about the 7 weirdest wonders list in Nevada.
This week on the Travel News, TSA has added it's first international destination, running from HERTZ is getting people arrested, smarter traveler segment touches on tipping out of the country, and we hear from Ed Perkins!
Battle of the Hawaii Experts Mega cruise ship, federal mask mandate expiring, theaters opening full force in San Fransisco, what actually happens when you leave your cell phone on during take off?
This week on the Travel News! Mark and Tom speak with Mark's travel nurse from his knee surgery; about how conditions and travel has been since the Pandemic started, and throughout all the restrictions.
In the Travel News, Delta asks for government help in creating the “do not fly” list, and we tell you about a new baggage policy that could cost the overpacked traveler serious extra cash…those stories and more next in the news
We hear about Mark’s Ladeda Florida trip; talk about restaurant surcharges; Gwen Duncan from Cordially Yours Travel joins today’s show!
In the Travel News, Disney, Broadway and Hawaii are among those stepping up their vaccination requirements; and we offer a warning to travelers about “pop-up” COVID testing centers. Clayton Whitehead joins us for our Smarter Traveler segment. Clayton took a group to the theater in San Francisco last week to see the critically acclaimed The Band’s Visit. We’ll get his observations on what it was like to be back in the theater, and we’ll discuss the sudden surge in prices for hotels and airfares and what it means for travelers. Consumer Advocate Chris Elliott is traveling the planet with his sons. He joins us from the Middle East, to talk international COVID conditions and gives us a few projections on travel in the coming months. Tourism Cares is the philanthropic arm of the tourism industry. The organization creates clean up and improvement projects all over the planet. Learn more about what they do and the project planned for Lake Tahoe in late spring.
In the Travel News, the CDC announced on Wednesday that every single ship sailing in US waters, 92 in total, had passengers with COVID on board; the Sex and the City tour is back in The Big Apple, and partying Canadians are stuck in Mexico after their charter airline refuses to fly them home…details next in the news…
In the Travel News, COVID has caused the shutdown of the famous Rockettes Show at Radio City Music Hall in New York. The show normally runs until just after New Year’s. The CDC is reporting they are handing out free COVID tests at three major airports (Chicago O’Hare, Miami and Minneapolis). Our Smarter Traveler segment features tips to make your holiday travel a little easier. Things like asking TSA personnel which security line is shorter at major airports, and packing a fold up extra bag in your suitcase to bring home gifts. There are 20 in all and you can find the list here. We’ll take you on a journey to the original Santa’s Village(s). That name is used all over the country now, but at one time, there were only three such places. Finally, Tom and Mark share some personal holiday memories to wrap up the show. Merry Christmas to all Travel Guys listeners and their families and friends. Thank you for making our little show a small part of your lives on occasion. And remember, all of us who love to wander are not lost…
In the Travel News, Disneyland is ramping up the return of special shows and attractions; and Delta Airlines takes away miles earning from Basic Economy tickets. If you are traveling internationally, do your homework on COVID tests, otherwise they could end up costing you more than your airfare. Our Smarter Traveler update features tips on connecting flights, including beware of “minimum connecting times,” weather in your connecting city, any issues in that “in between” airport and the danger of “hacker” fares involving more than one airline in the same direction. This is our annual Christmas Gifts for Our Listeners Show, and we ask for your best travel tip to share with our audience. Winners receive their choice of a variety of prizes.
Mark checks in from Gettysburg and Hershey, Pennsylvania, where he has 30 travelers in tow on a Christmas Mystery Tour. In the Travel News, United Airlines set an aviation record this week, using 100% sustainable aviation fuel to fly a scheduled flight. The fuel emits 75% less carbon dioxide. Adele is setting up residence in Las Vegas, weekends through April, and Sacramento may be getting a new airline, Airbahn. For the second week in a row, our Smarter Traveler segment focuses on contracts between travelers and travel companies. If you don’t take the time to read them, don’t cry later. Joe Brancatelli from JoeSentMe.com, one of Mark’s favorite paid travel sites, has a take on the settlement between Pennsylvania and Marriott Hotel on the resort fee issue. As usual, Joe’s opinion is a bit different from everyone else’s. Tom talks to the folks from Imaginarium 360, the Christmas Lights Show at Cal Expo. Sounds like a cool place to visit during the holidays.
In the Travel News, Hawaii and New Zealand are among destinations peeling back layers of COVID restrictions this week. The only questions is, will the discovery of the new variant stop everything in its “travel tracks?” Our Smarter Traveler segment reminds you to take a look at the contract. Did you know that if you are going on a cruise, the captain doesn’t really have to follow the printed itinerary and the cruise doesn’t owe you a thing if he or she doesn’t stop in the designated ports of call? We’ll make you a smarter cruiser in only ten minutes! Gwen Duncan of Cordially Yours Travel joins us to talk about her specialty, cruises, and to give us a peek inside what customers of her travel agency are asking about these days. What does Gwen see as the hot products for next year?
In the Travel News, cruise ships are not yet back in Hawaii, and they won’t be until at least March of next year. Austria has shut down for three weeks, and Germany may follow any day. Plus, three more countries are now on the “don’t go” list. Marriott Hotels has made a small concession in one of the resort fee cases filed against them, in order to get the case dropped. Is Marriott acting in good faith, or is this a bait and switch? Last year, we offered a cooking show in November. It was so well received, we are bringing it back this year. Penny Sylvia from Good Eats, Happy Life joins us to cook two Thanksgiving side dishes on the radio. Plus, you can get a discount on her online classes, just because you are a Travel Guys listener.
In the Travel News, a lawsuit reveals just how much Marriott is making on “resort/destination” fees. Hint: It’s in the tens of millions annually. American Airlines is the latest melt down, canceling over a thousand flights this weekend alone; and passport wait times are starting to get shorter. Theater in Sacramento has been on hiatus due to COVID issues, but now it’s back. Hamilton had a successful run, and An Officer and A Gentleman premiers next week. Richard Lewis of Broadway Sacramento joins us to talk about his new digs, how Hamilton went and what’s on tap. As our city becomes more noticed in the culinary world, lots of great new things are happening around Sacramento, including our city making Wallet Hub’s list of Foodie Cities at number SIX. How did that happen? It’s all very scientific.
In the Travel News, hotel occupancy in the US hits a post-COVID high over Columbus Day weekend, and the White House says the vaccine mandate won’t get in the way of holiday travel. Hotel taxes are climbing in Hawaii, Lyft finally shares a report on sexual assaults. Maybe we should have seen these numbers earlier. Our Smarter Traveler segment takes a look at on board airline etiquette. Perhaps we could agree to treat EACH OTHER in a more upbeat fashion when we fly. Mark and Tom have some suggestions. Tipping is sort of a personal thing. There are lots of different opinions. We have a “Tipping Test” to let you know if you are up-to-date on tipping customs in the United States. In the second half of the show, we invite you to call and take the test on line. Along the way, let’s share “pet airline peeves….like the swinging backpack.”
In the Travel News, vaccinated international travelers will soon be welcome in the US, an international airline (SAS) is ditching the mask requirement for some flights, and Captain Kirk soars into space. Our Smarter Traveler segment talks about United Airlines extension of many travel credits/vouchers, and an update on the Southwest meltdown from last week. Ed Perkins, travel journalist and advocate for travelers, talks to us about the fight against resort fees. Turns out Ed was the first to write about the evils of the fees when they first reared their heads three decades go. Reporter Clayton Whitehead attended the new show Dear San Francisco: A Love Story, at the Club Fugazi in San Francisco last week. This new show replaces the long-running Beach Blanket Babylon.
In the Travel News, Southwest Airlines had another meltdown this weekend, with flight cancellations numbering well over 1,000. Depending on who you speak to, it was either due to bad weather in Florida, a shortage of staff and crew, or the alignment of the moon. Canada is telling travelers you must be fully vaccinated. This is for international AND domestic travelers, arriving by flight, train or cruise ship. Many more countries are announcing reopening post-COVID, including Australia, Viet Nam, India and a number of others. Entry requirements vary. Our Smarter Traveler segment addresses airline vouchers. Many travelers have them because of COVID cancellations, and they have been around a long time. What’s the one thing you don’t want to do with airline vouchers? Try to resell them. We invite listener call-ins, to discuss travel questions of the day. Have you resumed traveling? Do you dine comfortably in crowded restaurants, are you a “to go” tipper? Are you tired of hotels blaming the lack of services on COVID, or are you willing to be understanding a bit longer?
In the Travel News, United lays off far fewer non-vaccinated employees than first projected, and reentering the US from an overseas country is going to be a bit more difficult. Our Smarter Traveler segment sends a red flag for car rentals over the holidays (reserve NOW), and new software is limiting fuel burning time on the runway. The Trans-Siberian Orchestra annually provides one of the most dazzling Christmas shows seen anywhere. Al Pitrelli joins Tom to tell us about this year’s show. We’ve talked about how the airlines have taken so much taxpayer money while not following refund rules on tickets. The day of reckoning is coming. Chris Elliott joins us to talk about the Department of Transportation crackdown.
Delta Airlines says it makes no sense to ban flyers from one airline unless they are banned from all airlines. Makes perfect sense to us. Plus, knowing getting thrown off a plane for not obeying a flight attendant or refusing to wear a mask could make it so you couldn’t fly anywhere ever might be a bit of a deterrent to some. Maybe. Speaking of airlines, American Airlines made some serious changes to its Contract of Carriage, which is basically the agreement between you and American when you buy a ticket. The airline has chosen to remove language which previous protected the consumer. If you fly American, we strongly recommend you read the article above. Mark visited Missouri and Iowa on a recent scouting trip for a future Sports Leisure Vacations Baseball Tour. He has some observations on COVID protocols (in case you are traveling there soon), and Tom inquires of Mark what a scouting trip is and why it would be important for a tour operator to personally visit destinations BEFORE his travelers arrive. The Pumpkin Patch Express is one of the many specialty trains offered by the Fox River Train folks. It’s a great way to entertain the family without going far from home. The Fulton Avenue CruiseFest is annually one of the biggest local events in the area. This year, the Batmobile will be on hand. Steve LaRosa, our local CruiseFest expert, joins us to tell you all about it.
In the Travel News, the DOT is investigating a number of airlines who didn’t provide refunds in a timely manner, or misled travelers into thinking they couldn’t get a refund for their ticket. Southwest announces no booze on their planes until at least next year, and we talk about the last term changes brought to travel by the events of September 11, 2001. In our Smarter Traveler segment, we remind you of some of the resources available to help you prepare for your next COVID-era trip. Canada opened its borders to US travelers a month ago. Road Reporter Chris Galloway has been in Canada with a group of travelers for the last week, and will repeat with another group next week. He checks in to tell us about getting into Canada, and just as importantly, getting back into the states. Gwen Duncan has an update on cruising. What are cruisers buying and when are they going out of the oceans and rivers of the world again? What are the restrictions cruisers need to know about?
In the Travel News, Maui has joined Oahu in creating a program which insures travelers who enter restaurants, and other indoor venues, have proof of vaccination, either through a unique program on your phone or by presenting a vaccination card. The Queen Mary, which has been enjoying retirement in Long Beach for the past 50 or so years, may be done as a tourist attraction. Plus, United Airlines has made a major concession on ticket credits. The price of a cruise is often way more than what you paid before you boarded. The cruise lines have set up a gauntlet of ways to extract money from you. We’ll talk about some of them and perhaps you can make your own plan to cut the cruise lines profits next time you sail. Mark says the travel industry has experienced an upswing in “I thought things would be better so I booked, but now I want to cancel at the last minute and not be charged anything” calls. He has some strong words for travelers who aren’t big on taking responsibility for their decisions. In our final segment, we put on our entertainment hats as Tom interviews MARC D’ANTONIO who is featured in the DISCOVERY+ show, “SHOCK DOCS – ALIEN INVASION: HUDSON VALLEY” (which began streaming on Monday, August 16th).
In the Travel News, the Canadian and Mexican borders remain closed. But wait, it’s only the BORDER that’s closed, you can still get into Mexico and Canada by air. What the heck? And you’ll be masking up on planes and trains until January of next year. If you have to pre-test for COVID before traveling, there are a few really important things you should know. Also, here is an age-old simple credit card rip-off at some tourist hotels, known as the “pizza scam.” We explain what it is, how it works and how you can avoid it. Road Reporter Clayton Whitehead was recently traveling in Upper Michigan and also visited Mackinac Island. He has a report on how people in rural areas are reacting to the new COVID up tick, and talks about Mackinac, one of his favorite destinations. Clayton closes with a tribute to a traveling friend. Finally, we have an update on the rental car situation. Is it getting better, worse? Is it time to plan your trip around price/availability of a rental car?
In the Travel News, San Francisco has become the first major city to require vaccinations at many indoor venues, including restaurants. Seems as though New Orleans might be next. Mark reports on a new railroad in the Rockies, a ride which takes you to the edge of the Utah National Parks. Mark was in the Chicagoland area last week, around O’Hare Airport, attending a conference. He has reviews on a variety of restaurants, a hotel chain’s fall from grace and a thank you to the local police department. Bottom line: some information you can use the next time you are overnighting near O’Hare Airport in Chicago. Killresortfees.com is a web site dedicated to educating you about how you can help in the fight against those troublesome fees. We have a guest to help us understand if there’s any chance we might see the end of resort and other similar fees in our lifetimes. Finally, Mark and Tom close with some observations about traveling currently. What are some of the do’s and don’t for vaccinated travelers today.
In the Travel News, if you want to attend theater in San Francisco or on Broadway this fall, you are going to have to wear a mask and be vaccinated or tested to get into the theater, at least until November. Two people headed into Canada found that having false documents will set you back a healthy chuck of cash and American and United follow Delta by saying to their frequent flyers: your benefits are preserved for another year. Our Smarter Traveler segment gets away from nuts and bolts and looks at the problem several airlines are having with keeping their schedules. Southwest and American have had some problems, Spirit has had BIG ISSUES. Mark explains what’s going on and why this shouldn’t be happening. Hint: The taxpayers have been suckered. Hilton is cutting back on housekeeping, unless you are at a Ritz Carlton or higher. We ask you how you feel about that. Will it impact which hotel you choose to stay in? We take your phone calls in our third segment and one listener will be a big winner. Family travel is full of challenges. COVID brings some extra issues. We talk to a family traveler and get his tips on how to get your gang from here to there.
In the Travel News, Canada will open to US visitors on August 9th, but the US won’t open to Canadians (and perhaps people returning from Canada) until August 21st at the earliest. Is it just us, or is something wrong with the way the dates (don’t) line up? Delta has promised its frequent flyers their status will be preserved into 2022 and a report says the price of an Uber ride has gone up 9% in just the last 18 months. Our Smarter Traveler segment focuses on bogus smoking and other “after you’ve left” charges at hotels and how to avoid them. Hint: One piece of advice involves debit cards. Steve LaRosa is back after a long absence with a new version of What’s Goin’ On (Around Sacramento). Steve has a couple of outdoor ideas and a reminder that the Cruise Fest is coming back to Fulton Avenue soon. Mark has a Just One Man’s Opinion commentary about those who have chosen not to be vaccinated, and what it’s doing to the travel and hospitality industry. The guys wrap up with a discussion about how to avoid weather related summer travel delays
In the Travel News: COVID and travel are making a comeback at the same time. Can tourism prevail? Or are we destined to go back into hiding? We have a breakdown. Southwest Airlines offers an apology for a string of incidents which have left many people short of their destination in the past few weeks, and an airport piano player in Atlanta is the subject of a feel-good story. Our Smarter Traveler segment features a Letter to the Editor from Christopher Elliott’s web site, gently suggesting why it’s important to get the vaccination for COVID. Hilton Hotels is ending daily housekeeping at most brands. Do you care? Is it a plus or a minus not getting your room cleaned daily? The move is sure to save hotels a chunk of money. Wonder if that will trickle down to consumers. Lots of fun things to do in Mendocino County this summer and fall. We have a guest with a rundown of events, just in case you might want to check one or two out
In the Travel News, The mayor of Maui, Hawaii asks the airlines to cut the number of seats on flights to his home island. Too many tourists, the mayor says. Canada updates its travel policy, but it doesn’t help Americans; and Hilton becomes the first major chain to eliminate daily housekeeping at most of its hotels. In our Smarter Traveler segment, with summer flight delays and cancellations on the increase, we give you some tips on things you can do BEFORE you travel to help lower the possibility of getting stuck somewhere on the road, and if you are stuck, our tips might make it a little less painful. We solicited Travel Tips from our listeners. The best ones will be posted next week. Mark did a special goodbye to John Ascuaga, the owner and operator of the Nugget Hotel/Casino in Sparks, Nevada, for over 50 years. Mark shared a tribute from Nevada’s governor and a personal story about John. A fine farewell to one of the nicest people you could ever meet. The Travel Guys would like to wish a Happy 75th Anniversary to President Jimmy Carter and Rosalynn Carter!
In the Travel News, Southwest and American are short staffed and it’s starting to show on the front line, Hawaii is dropping the quarantine for vaccinated travelers and if you were a fan of the TV show Friends, we have a cruise to tell you about, where you can relive those TV memories. Joe Brancatelli, author of the Joe Sent Me web site, is ranting about airlines again. Justifiably so, as fares go up, vouchers expire and the airlines continue to drink at the public trough. Mark explains Joe’s concerns, including a new COVID surcharge that didn’t stick. Chris Elliott joins us to explain why the much anticipated post-COVID travel bargains didn’t materialize, and reminds people the cost of not behaving yourself in the sky could be a lot more than you bargained for. If you are considering a visit to Disneyland anytime soon, you won’t want to miss our special segment on Disney’s two California theme parks. Tips on what to visit, and how to maneuver post-COVID
In the Travel News, Southwest Airlines had a week of computer glitches and delays throughout their system, and since they aren’t really saying why it happened, no one knows if the coming week will bring a repeat. National Parks are reporting long lines to get in, so make sure you know if you need a day pass, camping permit or whatever, because you don’t want to be turned away. One of the “volunteer” cruises had a COVID infection, but they continued on without major problems. The governor of Florida wins a victory over the CDC. Cruise lines cannot require vaccinations. Is this a good thing? Our Smarter Traveler segment focuses on those who travel with life-saving medications and those needing wheelchair assistance at airports. The world’s longest border has been closed for over a year and will remain that way until at least July 20th. Clayton Whitehead has an update on when we might be able to go to Canada. To round out the show, we take you to a preview of the Mother Lode Fair in Tuolumne County over the holiday weekend. Did you know there are lots of great hiking trails in that region? You will after you listen to the podcast!
In the Travel News, Southwest will add flights to Palm Springs and Kona this fall and we have the latest episodes of “people behaving badly on planes.” In our Smarter Traveler segment, Hawaii’s governor has spelled out when the testing and quarantines might be relaxed; cruise ships are getting back in the ocean – with one already reporting positive COVID passengers on board; and the CDC has changed the regulation on vaccinated travelers on SOME forms of public transportation…but don’t throw away the mask quite yet. Chris Elliott, America’s foremost travel consumer advocate, joins us to talk about vacation rentals. Seems owners of vacation home are getting quite creative on the fees they are adding to rentals. Chris updates us on what to look out for. Hint: The bottom line may NOT be the bottom line. Mark went to Oregon with a group of 30 travelers last week, on the heels of a trip to Nevada. How are the two states different? How are rising numbers of travelers impacting the system at airports, restaurants and the like? Mark has some observations.
In the Travel News, Florida governor Ron DeSantis has an interesting Catch-22 on his hands. The cruise lines can’t sail from Florida, even on test cruises, until they reach 95% vaccination for passengers and 98% for crew. But DeSantis has declared no one will have to give out their vaccination status in Florida. So how do the cruise lines meet those thresholds? Mediation has broken down, cruise lines are furious. United Airlines is giving flight attendants three days off if they get vaccinated. Interestingly enough, flight attendants are not required to be vaccinated. In our Smarter Traveler segment, we are joined by Gwen Duncan of Cordially Yours Travel to talk about the cruise situation. Gwen loves to cruise and sells many of them. She presents Gov. DeSantis’ reasons for his position. Mark still thinks there will be a compromise which allows both sides to claim victory. Gwen says she would love to go on a cruise, but she wants to know the people she is sailing with are safe/vaccinated. Both concede there is a small number of people who cannot be vaccinated for various reasons. Beach Blanket Babylon ran for over 3 decades at the Club Fugazi in San Francisco. Now, a new show is set to open in the theater this fall. It will have a circus theme. We have an advance look at this new entertainment extravaganza. The Pageant of the Masters in Laguna Beach is back in business this summer. The unique cultural arts event featuring “living pictures” runs for two months in the summer. Our special guest tells you more about the festival and its accompanying art show.
In the Travel News, cruise ships are getting approval to begin the process of sailing again, and a Sacramento flyer will never board a Southwest plane again after attacking a flight attendant. Vaccine passports are becoming a reality in many international countries. Want to travel? You may need one, like it or not. We’ll give you an update in our Smarter Traveler segment. Plus, Airbnb is getting a LOT of pushback on the number of fees owners are adding to rentals. What do they plan to do about it? Ed Perkins is a travel writer and journalist who has been reporting on travel for nearly half a century. He regularly fills us in with his wisdom on travel issues. We’ll ask him about those pesky vaccine passports, about when reduced hotel service might come back and get his input on the restart of the cruise industry. Cruise ships are really in the news. Our own expert, Gwen Duncan, stops in to tell us where the deals are and what you need to know to get them. Hints: sign up for updates from cruise lines and get a good travel advisor.
Mark is live from Oracle Park in San Francisco, Tom is in studio in Sacramento. In the Travel News, Spain says if you’ve been vaccinated, welcome; as we predicted last week, at least half of the Alaska cruise season has been salvaged, and the Canadian and Mexican borders remain closed for another month – but there’s a glimmer of hope. In our Smarter Traveler segment, we tell you which hotel chains have dropped mask requirements and/or enforcement, and which ones still want you protecting yourself and other guests. Mark relates being a part of a freak snow storm in Virginia City this week and how you need to be prepared for unusual weather when you are traveling. In a recent interview, Chris Elliott’s advocacy firm got an “F” from the Better Business Bureau. Chris has the story and it’s a good one. (replay) Tom had the chance to talk with Jesse Colin Young, a rocker from not so long ago, in an Entertainment Guys feature. (replay)
In the Travel News, Hawaii is expecting a big summer with lots of visitors – but vaccine/testing requirements remain in place for most. USTOA, one of the country’s largest tour operator groups, says despite limited cruising, Alaska is the most inquired about/booked destination for the summer, with Arizona, Florida, Wyoming and Utah close behind, as travelers continue to prefer beaches and wide open spaces in the US. In our Smarter Traveler segment, Mark talks about how he got caught in the exact car rental trap he warned listeners about last week; we explain The Jones Act, which is keeping cruise ships from going to Alaska this year; and more countries, and perhaps soon Hawaii, add themselves to the “you must be vaccinated to come here” list. We invite you to call and share your favorite travel memory with mom. Tauck Tours, America’s oldest and thought by many to be the finest tour company in the country, gives us an update on their summer and fall seasons. Their products include river cruises, land tours and family-themed vacations.
In the Travel News, reopening continues at museums, hotels and attractions, especially theme parks. Southwest has announced new service to two Pacific Northwest cities, Eugene, Oregon, and Bellingham, Washington. While you would have to connect to those destinations (no non-stops from Sacramento), it’s important to note that Bellingham is very close to the Canadian border (when it reopens) and is also the jumping off spot for the Alaska Ferry. California could be headed for a big fire season this year. Recently, a tour operator friend of Mark’s, Shebby Lee, had to flee her home in the Black Hills on a moment’s notice. Her experience might help you prepare for a similar occurrence in your neighborhood. Shebby also offers one heck of a Lewis and Clark tour you might want to participate in this year or in the future. Gwen Duncan of Cordially Yours Travel joins Mark to debate the return of cruise ships to the high seas. Gwen says the ships have done a lot to improve traveler safety on board against Covid. Mark says he’s not sure you can trust cruise lines, who haven’t always proven to be the best environmental partners, among other sins, and how can a cruise possibly be safe during Covid? 50 years ago, a vocal duo named Brewer and Shipley wrote and sang a controversial song, ‘One Toke Over the Line.’ It was about smoking too much funny tobacco. The song was WAYYY before it’s time. Next week, April 20 (4-20) comes to calendars. 4-20 is a longtime part of marijuana culture. Tom sits down with one of the duo and gets the story behind the song. It really is a great interview. Especially the part about the song being played on the Lawrence Welk Show.
In the Travel News, Carnival Cruise Lines threatens to move operations off shore if they aren’t allowed to sail from US ports, many national parks will be tied or appointment entry only this summer and we tell you about a new airline taking to the sky, headquartered in Burbank. Baby’s Away is the place to get travel supplies to help you go the distance with mini-travelers. Now you know all about them! Chris Elliott is not only the Travel Writer for USA Today and Forbes Magazine, he runs Elliott.org, a great consumer action web site, and is a regular guest on our show. Chris talks about his change in travel advisories for some groups, gives a great lesson on solving consumer issues and tells the story about how Elliott Advocacy got an “F” from the Better Business Bureau.
In the Travel News, the CDC has a host of new guidelines for travel, starting with domestic trips and including guidance for the cruise lines. American Airlines says you can travel to Italy without a quarantine and several airlines have weighed in on the laws which appear to restrict the ability to vote in Georgia and other states. Mark headed to Seattle for business and a little baseball this week. He shares some updates and observations on airports and the behavior of travelers in our Smarter Traveler segment. Ever since the days of the Comstock, women have played a major role in the running of Virginia City. That’s still happening today. Meet the ladies of Virginia City and learn about what makes it an incredibly unique place to visit, very close to home. For 25 years, David Watts Barton was the music reviewer for the Sacramento Bee. His second career is as an author and he has a fascinating book on Japan, Japan: From Anime to Zen. We’ll talk with him about it.
In the Travel News, New York City launches an effort to vaccinate all the workers in the theater district, the former president’s hotels get dumped by a major booking group and a Southwest pilot has a rant on an open mic that probably won’t end well for him. In our Smarter Traveler segment, we talk about stadiums, theaters, spring and summer festivals, cruise ships, restaurants, even crowded hotel elevators. They are all part of the travel comeback picture, but how do the pieces fit together, and more importantly, how do you travel with the current conditions? Travel to Hawaii has been a confusing proposition the last few months, to say the least. But COVID infections are down and even Kauai is joining the party. Our friend Will Lydgate, the Kauai chocolate farmer, gives us an update. More people are traveling now than a month ago. Are there any changes about how we get through security? Any special COVID rules to know about? Sid Thrift from TSA is on hand to give us the scoop.
In the Travel News, Amtrak is putting Covid relief funds to good use, restoring daily services on many long distance trains, including the California Zephyr. American Airlines tells 15,000 employees to forget the furlough notices, and air travel has had a significant bump in the past 7-10 days. But, hotels are still in big trouble. Now it’s the Fairmont San Jose, the centerpiece hotel downtown, which has shuttered its doors after losing $38 million in the past year. Travelers United has put forth a pretty solid idea regarding airline passenger rights. Post them at the airport. Very few travelers know the simple rules which protect them. So why not make those rights extremely public? Because it isn’t in the best interest of one group….the airlines. More discussion in our Smarter Traveler segment. For nearly more than 7 decades, 3 generations of the Perillo family have taken people on vacation. Italy is their specialty, but they now offer other destinations. Steve Perillo, owner of the 3rd generation family company, joins us to talk overseas travel. Finally, we have the story of the man who spent years in jail because Hertz Car Rental wouldn’t turn over the documents which proved his innocence. We have the full story.
Today, on The Travel Guys… In the Travel News, not too surprising that formal complaints against the airlines jumped by over 500% last year, considering the refund vs voucher fiasco; and tourism destinations around our state hope for limited spring openings…details next in the news… A few weeks ago, it looked like the cruise season in Alaska might be doomed, but now lots of people are trying to avoid a shutdown. An update on work north and south of the border in our Smarter Traveler segment. Chris Elliott used to have a weekly column in the Travel Section of the Sacramento Bee. The travel section is no more, so Chris joins us on a regular basis. Today he talks about those air credits you got last year. The ones that could be expiring soon. Tom and Mark close the show today with a very quick dip into our TravelGuysRadio.com mailbag. Mark answers questions on summer overseas travel, making reservations for an ocean-going cruise and bringing food on airplanes…
In the Travel News, many of President Biden’s executive orders might impact upcoming travels, and you may have heard about the guy who lived inside O’Hare Airport for THREE months without detection. We have details.How could you live inside security for three months? Well, O’Hare is a 24-hour airport, and fellow passengers fed him. In our Smarter Traveler segment, we talk about how vaccines and travel are likely to be inked, and how long it might be before it happens. Will you be able to travel WITHOUT a vaccine? Every year about this time, out in Elko, Nevada, they host the Cowboy Poetry gathering. I remember hearing about this when it started back in the 90’s on the Tonight Show when it was still Johnny Carson. This year, the show is virtual. You can buy a ticket and watch the event on line! We update Southwest’s Rapid Rewards program for you, and talk a bit about the Monarch Butterflies who are no longer making it to Pacific Grove for viewing every winter. More shots in arms each week means safe travel gets a little closer. In the meantime, we’re “cooling our jets. Literally.” Welcome to The Travel Guys…
In the Travel News, if you are coming or returning to the US, you will need a covid test. Norwegian Airlines, famous for super low fares across the Atlantic, has become the latest victim of covid. The airline will no longer fly across the pond, rewriting itself as a much smaller regional carrier. The rules for traveling to Hawaii continue to evolve, and in our Smarter Traveler segment, we will update you on the new way to visit Kauai without a quarantine, and review the rest of the current Hawaii covid travel rules. Normally, in the days leading up to the inauguration of a president, Washington, DC would be abuzz. But, because of covid and recent violence at the Capitol, there won’t be spectator events. But you can still “attend” the inauguration. Destination DC has prepared a virtual tour of the city, taking you to dozens of sites related to the event. You can link to the virtual itinerary here. The Mail Bag segment is always popular. Mark answers your questions on animals in the air, hacker fares on airlines, travel credit cards and vaccinated travel.
In the Travel News, a number of flights in and out of Washington, D.C. had to deal with passengers violating mask and other rules; and a new Travel Advisory in California says you shouldn’t travel more than 120 miles and if you leave the state and return, a 10-day self-quarantine is recommended. Making you a Smarter Traveler – tips on getting the junior travelers to wear a mask; and why you should make your first flight the longest of your journey if possible. Tonopah, Nevada, has a NEW hotel. Well actually an old hotel made new. The owners of the famous haunted Mizpah have opened the Belvada, just across the street. We’ll take you for a visit to this new Queen of the Desert. Step Back from the Baggage Claim is a book written by Jason Barger. It can also be a life philosophy. Jason joins us.
In the Travel News, Uber is telling riders wear a mask, properly, or you aren’t riding again. Alaska Airlines is tightening which animals are allowed on its planes, and its bad news for those with “emotional support animals.” Norwegian Cruise Lines is waiting until at least April to sail again and the island of Kauai is trying to find its way with tourism. Many people have flight credits on a variety of airlines for trips they couldn’t take in 2020. You need to watch the expirations dates and a few other things so your “asset” doesn’t lose its value. We help in our Smarter Traveler segment. Click here for a list of things you should know about your flight credits. Our friend and Consumer Advocate Chris Elliott opined about travel, covid and vaccines last week. We asked him on to talk about how the vaccines might help travel and how that could impact you. The late song writer and vocalist Dan Fogelberg has a tune which is played a lot this time of year. Same Old Lang Syne is about meeting an old flame by chance on New Year’s Eve. It’s a longtime holiday standard. Bet you didn’t know it’s a true story! Our entertainment segment gives you the rest of the story.
In the Travel News, we discuss how the border to Mexico is closed. But if you fly ABOVE the border, it’s a different story….an interesting story for sure. How thousands of Americans are vacationing in Mexico. Favorite guest Ed Perkins is on board to discuss how and when he sees travel coming together. Ed’s been writing about travel a long time, so his opinions might be of high value, just because of his experience. When are Smart Travelers thinking about returning to the road? It just depends on your personal feelings. The back half of the program includes a special farewell to a fellow traveler, and a few behind-the-scenes stories with the show’s only hosts in its ten-year run, Tom Romano and Mark Hoffmann.
It’s our special Christmas show, and if you are a kid of any age, you’ll enjoy our trip to the North Pole!
In the Travel News, Bar Harbor, Maine says if Key West can limit the number of cruise ships and how many passengers can descend on their special destination, so can we. Hawaii cuts quarantine time to 10 days and Disney says the 4th day is free. Our Smarter Traveler segment tells you how you can get free Covid testing by appointment at the airport, even if you are not an outbound passenger. And, Sacramento is a top Christmas destination according to Wallet Hub. We’ll find out why. In the second half of the program, we make a visit to The North Pole. We talk to Jed, the man in charge at Reindeer Headquarters. We speak to an original elf, and Mrs. Claus tells us some things about Santa you might not know. Finally, we talk to the big guy himself. The Travel Guys go to the North Pole!
In the Travel News, the new defense bill passed by the Senate and the House of Representatives this week contains a signature item from Sacramento Congresswoman Doris Matsui, the Cruise Passenger Protection Act, which was placed inside the bill. The defense spending bill could still be vetoed by President Trump. The Cruise Passenger Protection Act was originally introduced by Congresswoman Matsui in April of 2017. It would mandate a doctor on every cruise ship, and video cameras in public areas. Our Smarter Traveler segment featured two items – there is a new web site matching people who want one-way car rentals. Those can be expensive, but this is a way of reducing the cost. So far, it’s only in Canada, but it’s coming to the US soon. What do you do when you sit down on the airplane on your holiday trip and your seat mate isn’t wearing a mask or isn’t wearing it properly. What’s the etiquette/protocol in that situation? The Trans-Siberian Orchestra has taken their annual holiday show on line this year. Tom has an update on how you can get virtual tickets to this year’s show. Is it ethical to sell travel during the pandemic? We asked Chris Elliott and he answered us. Then we asked Gwen Duncan, The Travel Guys Travel Advisor, about that issue and others weighing on her and her staff.
In The Travel News, we shared an update on emotional support animals on airplanes. Perhaps the tiniest bit of sanity is returning to the issue. Airbnb is about to go public, perhaps at a higher price than recently anticipated. Mark shared his thoughts on the stock. Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau doesn’t see the northern boarder open anytime in the next 2-3 months due to the high number of Covid cases across the United States. In our Smarter Traveler segment, we talked about “travel bubbles” being created by countries and resorts. How are they working? We also update “dining bubbles,” the latest thing in outdoor dining. Clayton Whitehead joins us to talk about family travel during the upcoming holidays. He relates a personal story I’m certain many of us can relate to. Consumer advocate Chris Elliott is on hand in the final segment to talk about the major airlines. We gave them $19 billion in bailout funds and they are back for more. Chris suggests we look at what we got for the first $19 billion, and updates us on wordsmithing by the airlines in Washington, DC, and what it might mean to consumers.
In The Travel News, there’s trouble in paradise once again as the island of Kauai pulls out of the pre-arrival testing program, effective December 2nd. U.S. airlines are going to play a big role in vaccine distribution. United and American both announced this past week they are positioning planes in preparation. We have also posted A Tribute to Travel Hero Alex Trebek on our site. If you were a fan of the late Jeopardy! host, you may already know he loved to travel and was quite a philanthropist away from home. Mark went to The Travel Guys mailbag and answered a host of your questions. You can find the submission form on this page and send in your question to be answered on a future show. (Mark personally answers as many questions as he can by return email.) Covid has caused problems for many restaurants. Some of those establishments serve travelers. Many are destinations themselves. But many of them are in trouble because of the virus. Our guest is Eric Wolf, Founder and Executive Director of the World Food Travel Association. We ask Eric for his take and how the landscape might look when the virus is no longer a factor.
In the Travel News, Delta Airlines had decided to block the middle seats through March of next year. No other carrier has committed to the practice past December, and most have either already abandoned the middle seat block or will do so in the coming weeks. This gives Delta a significant advantage in what could be a pretty bleak first quarter for travel. The folks who run the Rocky Mountaineer trains in Canada, have announced a new overnight excursion between Denver and Moab, with an overnight in Glenwood Springs. A “preview season” of 40 departures is scheduled to commence in August, with fares starting at $1250.00 p.p./dbl.occ. Mark isn’t used to being “home for the holidays” and in a special Just One Man’s Opinion, he shares his thoughts and tips for those of you who might have a short automobile journey this Thanksgiving week. There’s also a Smarter Traveler Hawaii update and a cute story about how some Irish blokes got around the closing of the local pubs. Santa Claus will be coming to town soon. You can find him on the Magical Christmas Train. We have all the details. We’ll update you on the annual wreath laying project at the Sacramento Valley Cemetery, and tell you how you can help. Tom interviews rock-and-roll legend Jessie Colin Young and talks about his new album
In The Travel News, Delta says the “banned for no mask” list has reached 550. Air tickets and hotels for the Biden-Harris inauguration in January are in short supply and prices are climbing. In our Smarter Traveler segment, we share the story of travelers buying fake Covid test results and how you can avoid being a victim. Joe Brancatelli is a travel blogger/columnist and Mark is a big fan of his pay-to-read website, JoeSentMe.com. Joe has noticed that hotels are cutting Covid corners. They tell us it’s because of safety concerns. But is it more about cost-savings than the virus? Joe, Mark and Tom ended up in a lively conversation.
In the Travel News, Southwest Airlines tells a passenger she isn’t covering enough of her body, removed her from the plane and then relents, but only with a qualification. Is it fair? Key West, a small destination over run by cruise ships in the past three years, saw its residents vote to put serious limitations on who and how many can disembark in their city. Are they the first of many to tell cruise ships to sail on by? Our friend and Consumer Advocate Chris Elliott returns to discuss the challenges of travel during Covid, and when he thinks things might get back to normal. The hospitality industry has been crushed by Covid. Restaurant Cares helps those impacted, including restaurant employees. Find out how you can get involved and even win a $500 dine out card. In our final segment of the day, entertainment shines through. Tom has an exclusive interview with Al Pitrelli of the Trans Siberian Orchestra. Covid means the annual Christmas concert at the arena won’t happen, but the orchestra is offering a way for you to hear them live. Tom has all the details on how to get tickets. Al says you can watch from home, in your pajamas in you want!
In the Travel News, by the numbers, airline travel is actually slowly increasing; Sasha Barron Cohen’s Borat character has delivered a new tourism slogan for Kazakhstan and the way you pay for parking at Sac International is changing just a bit. Our Smarter Traveler segment focuses on cruise ships. They are trying to get back into the water soon, and making some big promises about testing passengers and crew. Can they keep those promises. Ned Levi from Travelers United reports for us. The underwriter of our program, local tour operator Sports Leisure Vacations, held a Tour Preview Day and rolled out a 2021 catalog yesterday. Can you interest people in travel right now? Reporter Clayton Whitehead joins us for the discussion. Halloween was yesterday, so interest in ghosts and interest in ghost hunts and the paranormal is at its annual high. Tom caught up with Dave Schrader last week. Dave is promoting SEASON TWO of “THE HOLZER FILES,” which airs on The Travel Channel, Thursday nights at 11pm/ET/PT. The second season, comprised of 13 brand new one-hour episodes, follows the team on the haunted trail of legendary cases – from an elegant mansion in New York City, home to one of the world’s most infamous hauntings, to the historic Maryland tavern that hid John Wilkes Booth after he shot Abraham Lincoln.
In the Travel News, There aren’t nearly as many flights, but airfares for Christmas/New Year’s are down 20-30% because of Covid. But you need to consider buying your ticket soon. And it appears Carnival Cruise Lines faces more than just the virus as an obstacle to getting cruise lovers back at sea. Seems Carnival has a stack of environmental violations in recent years, including a rumor some of their ships have a secret pipe system, allowing ships to dump sewage and other waste in the ocean, without being detected. US officials want to inspect the ships and make sure the cruise line is using environmentally sound practices. Sounds like a story worth following. Our Smarter Traveler segment features Tom and Mark discussing Southwest’s announcement last week that they will no longer block the middle seat on flights, starting December 1st. Tom has been very conservative with his travels, and Mark travels for a living. Two very different angles. The second half of the program offers a special Cooking Class with Paulette Bruce. Mark joins Paulette in her home for the broadcast, with two dozen listeners also watching the simulcast on Zoom! at the same time. Paulette with be preparing an appetizer and a side dish you can use for your Thanksgiving table.
In the Travel News, you can visit Hawaii again. But, there are a few hoops you have to jump through. You need a negative Covid test, within 72 hours of departure. Two islands have additional optional testing provisions. You can find all the info here. Jet Blue brings back the Big Apple non-stops and we tell you one of the safest places you can be while traveling during Covid. Clue: On an airplane, if, and it’s a big if, if everyone is wearing a mask.
In the Travel News, Hawaii “thinks” it has a plan to welcome visitors without a two-week quarantine. They’ve been working on it for a long time. For details, click here. Hilton pilots are new plan for remote workers, “day use” rooms. Consumer confidence in travel is coming back, but our governor says it’s not time to open Disneyland and other major theme parks. In our Smarter Traveler segment, we have a little fun by sharing with you some of the most haunted sites in our United States. On our October 25th show, we will host a unique simo-cast event, a live Cooking Show. Broadcast on KFBK and Zoom! at the same time, local chef Paulette Bruce joins us and you can join her on Zoom! for the show. Go here to register and request The Cooking Show. We’ll send you a link and menus in advance. Gwen Duncan, our ace travel advisor, joins us to discuss gratuities on cruise ships. Have they gotten out of hand? How to you reduce or eliminate the size of your gratuity? Who gets the gratuities the ship adds to your bill automatically for your convenience.
In the Travel News, you plan head to Hawaii again, starting October 15, but Covid testing will be mandatory. United and Hawaiian have announced on site testing at SFO only to start. United’s instant test will be $250, Hawaiian’s is priced at $150. In Honolulu, drive through testing will be offered, and both airlines offer a less expensive non-instant testing option. Yosemite and Sequoia National Parks have reopened as the smoke situation has gotten better. Disneyland has not reopened yet and park management is getting antsy. In our Smarter Traveler segment, we discuss the testing for travel situation. What if everyone’s temperature is taken as they enter the airport? What is the traveling public willing to accept to get the ok to fly. Travelers are staying closer to home. A great close-to-home destination is Berkeley. Home to the University of California, it’s a funky town, with lots of great places to shop and eat. Staycations, daytripping, nearcations, whatever you call them, we aren’t wandering far from home these days. When will that change?
In the Travel News, travelers desperate to go ANYWHERE are scooping up flights to NOWHERE, we tell you why it’s pretty hard to get COVID while flying and the airlines are all holding their collective breaths, hoping for more taxpayer money to avoid major layoffs. Our Smarter Traveler segment features information on what to buy and what NOT to buy: Why you should buy your holiday air tickets now, and why you should never buy jewelry on a cruise ship… We take you to Singapore, to meet a local author, Shivaji Ds. His latest book is “The ‘Other’ Shangri-La“. We talk about COVID travel trends. People really are staying closer to home, because many refuse to fly, at least for now.
In theTravel News, MGM Resorts in Las Vegas has a package to entice you to move your home office work into an MGM hotel room, at a pretty reasonable price. There’s an updated travel warning involving Mexico and Holland America is putting five ships on European itineraries in 2021. We make you a Smarter Traveler by discussing COVID courtesy. What’s appropriate has changed a bit, especially true if you are one of the few on the road right now. How do you greet someone, since hand shaking is not appropriate? What about tipping for take out and delivery food orders? Last week, Tom and Mark shared some of the history of Burning Man, the annual event in the Nevada desert, which was canceled this year due to COVID. We asked if anyone in our audience was there for one of the first “burns,” back in the 80’s, on Baker Beach in San Francisco. Guess what? We have one of the original Burning Man attendees, to give us a first hand memory of the gathering. Our guest is Gary Hogan, of Hawaiian Hotels. If that name sounds familiar to Hawaii travelers, it’s because the Hogan family owed and operated Pleasant Hawaiian Holidays for many years, taking hundreds of thousands of visitors to the islands each year The family sold the main business years ago, and kept a few hotels, including the legendary Royal Lahaina on Maui’s Kaanapali Coast. Gary and his family have a long Hawaii history, so he seems like the perfect man to discuss how the islands move forward on allowing visitors back to the islands.
In the Travel News, a new 15-minute COVID test appears to be on its way to the market, and if so it would be a game changer for sure. Developed by Abbott Laboratories, it would allow on-the-spot testing for travelers. Cruise lines are already hedging their bets into 2021 with cancellations, and American Airlines touts a brand new corona virus disinfectant, but chemical experts are questioning its quick approval. We also have the latest Hawaii travel update. In our Smarter Traveler segment – The San Francisco Giants, known for their classy promotions, grounded into a double play with their offer from Alaska Airlines. They gave those who signed up 24 hours to buy reduced price tickets (which were not available at all on many prime dates). They made no mention of whether the tickets would be changeable or refundable without fees, as many airlines are doing. Note the Giants/Alaska Airlines extended this offer 24 hours at a time, 3 times last week. Perhaps the public wasn’t ready to buy tickets under those conditions. Mark talks about his 3-day trip to the greater Portland area this week. He has a hotel and a restaurant recommendation if you are headed that direction, along with some advice about seeing the local volcano. Travelers continue to ask, “when can we go to Hawaii?”. It’s a complicated question, further muddied by governmental leaders in the islands. We talk with Will Lydgate, of Lydgate Farms, creators of amazing Kauai Chocolate, about the situation. Will’s family has been on Kauai for many generations, and since his chocolate growing operation depends on farm tours and the people who take them, as part of their income, Will has been impacted. We’ll get the scoop straight from the islands. Finally, we have a treat for you. The Phoenix Choir in Vancouver, BC, Canada, has created a catchy “Covid” time, changing the lyrics of Billy Joel’s For the Longest Time. Hearing it is great, but the video below is well worth watching.
In the Travel News, Delta says they will block the middle seats on their aircraft until the 1st of the year. In addition, they will keep smaller, regional aircraft (which do not have middle seats) to 2/3 capacity. Expect some others to follow. Some resort destinations are considering “bubbles,” where you do not leave the resort during your entire stay. Hawaii is on the list. Our Smarter Traveler segment covers both the humorous and the serious as we share Rick Steves’ Top No Travel Tips to Europe; and discuss the next decision on airline bailouts. Friend of the show, Joe Brancatelli, opines that the airlines should get no more, even though it means service cuts at his small home airport. Mark agrees, it’s time to stop bailing out companies who treat their customers like crap and are always there with their hands out. Sacramento International Airport has announced new service, two nights a week to Mexico City on Volaris Airlines. We have details and an update from the airport. We are a town with rail history. No wonder there are some fun rail options. This week, we tell you about the Fox River Train, which includes wine and beer sampling excursions, along with sightseeing trips.
In the travel news, the national parks are going to get a much needed makeover as the president signs a bill to provide nearly $10 billion in needed repairs and updates. And cruise lines push back their reopening plans once again. Updates next in the news… Our Smarter Traveler segment talks about the new twist to the covered face situation. Some coverings are not really effective and many airlines and soon airports are banning them. Plus we talk about some cool things to do in Mendocino County… COVID-19 has kept us all pretty much at home for the last 4-5 months. When all of this is over, or at least the “come out and play” signal is given, where will you go first. Could be a comfort spot close to home or a place far away. We ask our listeners to call and share.
In the Travel News, Disney is cutting the hours on its reopened parks in Florida, a Hyatt Hotel asks its guest for donations for keep the hotel afloat, and a survey shows how much flyers would pay to keep the middle seat open….just a warning to be careful what you wish for… In our Smarter Traveler segment, Mark recaps a week-long road trip and comments on the behavior of travelers, good and bad. Carol Pucci is our Seattle check-in on the show, and she’s been writing about how to best approach that vacation by car or truck you are going to take during COVID. Steve LaRosa has the latest and perhaps the most challenging edition of What’s Goin’ On in and around Sacramento.
In the travel news, Hawaii is on the verge of creating a travel bubble….with Japan? It appears a significant number of people seeking refunds from the cruise lines for COVID-cancelled trips are having a hard time getting their money. The spectacle in the Nevada desert known as Burning Man won’t be held this summer, but a report on last summer’s gathering gives the clean up crews and participants high marks. How are vacation rentals different during COVID? Are they more or less popular than hotels? Ed Perkins, author and consumer advocate, joins us to discuss travel after COVID. Ed has been a part of the industry for a long time, and has seen a lot. We ask him where he sees travel going next. Should people start to make plans for next year, or continue to hunker down, or both. In the final segment, Tom turns the tables on Mark a bit. Mark owns a tour company and Tom asks “how do you survive COVID?
In the Travel News, Southwest says they will block middle seats through October; there will be no camel or ostrich races in Virginia City this year; and beware of the bears in Lassen National Park. In our Smarter Traveler segment, tips on doing laundry on the road. Not an exciting subject, but if you run out of an essential garment or two away from home, we might have an idea or two to help you out. One of our most popular features is The Mailbag. It’s when Mark answers questions sent to travelguysradio.com live on the air. He tries to answer your inquiries individually, and shares the best ones with our audience. As you might guess, a lot of questions about when and where to travel are on a lot of minds. Listeners also reacted to the Timeshare feature last week and wonder when airlines might offer something resembling the schedules they had pre-COVID.
In the Travel News, cruise ships are reducing the size of their fleets as the “no cruise” date is extended; and it’s a bad week for parades, as the Rose and the Mummer’s annual festivities are both cancelled, and visitors planning on heading to Hawaii anytime soon are advised to check the ever-changing travel rules. In the Smarter Traveler segment, Mark decries the rise in add-on charges in home vacation rentals, including some you won’t believe. It’s time for the buyer to beware. Chris Elliott joins us to talk timeshares. How can you get out of one during the pandemic? If time permits, Mark digs into the mailbag and answers your questions about travel.
In theTravel/Entertainment News, Broadway Sacramento received a wonderful honor from the American Council for the Blind. The Achievement in Audio Description Award was given for outstanding work in providing patrons with vision loss audio descriptions and hands-on tactile pre show presentations at all Music Circus and Broadway Sacramento performances. Congratulations to Richard Lewis and his gang. Catch KFBK’s Kitty O’Neal’s interviews with the ACB and Richard here.
The major US airlines are restricted by the terms of the loans they received from taxpayers from cutting staff until October 1st. Many are expecting a blood bath that day, with perhaps as many as 100,000 airline employees, including thousands of pilots, being given their walking papers. Joe Brancatelli joins us to share his views on what’s coming next from the airlines.
Chris Elliott, the man behind the consumer web site, Elliott.org, was stuck in France this spring at the heart of the pandemic with his family. At the time, he shared some of the situations they encountered. Now, Chris and his three children are back in the states (Reno) and once again find themselves in the middle of a virus outbreak. So what are the differences between how the two countries handled the situation. Chris shares the good and the bad with us.
We take you to , on the latest of our regional road trips. From trains to ocean waves and great wine, Mendocino has a lot to offer, just a half day’s drive away.
In the Travel News, the list of places you can’t travel to without a test or a quarantine on arrival is growing. Europeans returned our “don’t come here” policy, by instituting a travel ban for arrivals from the states. Broadway is dark until the first of the year, Cirque du Soleil has applied for bankruptcy protection. The list is getting longer.
You check into your hotel and go to your room. The key won’t open the door, so you go back to the front desk. “You must have put the key in the pocket with your phone…” So we answer the age old question…and make you a smarter traveler…Can your cell phone demagnetize your room key? Just One Man’s Opinion sheds some insight.
The major airlines are going to try pre-boarding health screenings to try and make us safer when flying. Will it help, or is it just an exercise in futility?
Many travelers are staying closer to home this summer. Luckily, in central California we have a lot of cool choices. Join us on a visit to Tuolumne County, gateway to Yosemite and discover a few of them.
Washington State is the latest to require travelers to wear a mask, Hawaii announces a date for arrivals to resume and Princess will headquarter two ships in The Golden State next year… In the Smarter Traveler segment, Mark asks if it’s ok with you that American and United Airlines are selling your travel and web records for billions of dollars, via loans secured by their frequent flyer programs. And we look info all the concerts and events that have been canceled. Where are the refunds? The second half of the show features a travel round table with Gwen Duncan of Cordially Yours Travel. Gwen is an avid cruiser and we discuss when she might next get on the open seas
Ocean going cruises have been canceled through September 30. Except one cruise line says they are sailing to Alaska in September. Starting September 1st. Except Alaska has a 14-day quarantine. So who is right? Airlines have found a way to get everyone to mask up on board. No mask, you don’t fly. Not just today, you don’t fly on that airline again EVER. And it’s working… It’s our outdoors show, as we give you tips on what camping is like in the age of COVID, how you can rent an RV and take the Great American Road trip. Did you know you can get your RV DELIVERED to the campground? That’s what we are talkin’ about…. We are the Travel AND entertainment guys…and we have a special treat. A former member of the band Chicago has co-written a great song perfect for Covid times. It makes its Sacramento debut on our show! “Everything is Gonna Work Out Fine.“
In the Travel News, Hawaii extends their 14 day arrival quarantine until the end of July, Disneyland will reopen July 17th and we discuss how hotel breakfasts are changing in these “the buffet is gone” virus days. Mark made a trip to Seattle this past week, to scout tour destinations and restaurants. He shares some tips if you are thinking of traveling soon, as in take more than one mask and some other things you might not have thought of. The airline/airport number tell us more of you are getting on planes. Chris Hart, our Northern California train man, checks in to tell us about the new rail cars in Sacramento. FINALLY, something new and fun to do this summer! We change gears in an extended final segment of the show as we welcome Alex Temblador. Alex penned an article for the times, about where racism lurks in the travel industry and what the industry can do to fight back. She joins us for a candid discussion.
In the Travel News, Delta Airlines says they will guarantee a blocked middle seat through September, and Alaska keeps changing its mind about how to handle COVID and tourism arrivals in a state having a summer without cruise ships. Speaking of states making traveler arrival decisions, Hawaii is trying to decide when to open for business. Our guests, the hosts of www.beatofhawaii.com, share their insights and tell us about their favorite place on their home island of Kauai. (By the way, their site is a terrific place to get updates on Hawaii travel and culture.) Not many people are traveling these days. So what are airport and planes like? Reporter Chris Galloway has the scoop, based on his own experiences this past week. Sid Thrift and Dale Hanna, our local TSA men, join us to talk about how security is (and isn’t) different, during the pandemic.
In the Travel News, restaurants and tourism attractions are opening all over the country, and some of us hold our collective breaths. Las Vegas casinos are rolling the dice, and we get an update on when the lights might be back on Broadway. The TSA has made some changes to how you’ll pass through security at the airport. No more handing your boarding pass to the TSA staff, among other changes. But missing from the new security list is temperature monitoring, which many people expected to be part of the new procedures. (We will have Sid Thrift and Dale Hanna, our local TSA guys, on with us next Sunday to discuss the changes.) Theater companies all over the country are out of business for the summer. Some are getting very creative on giving you virtual performances. We highlight two today: The Transcendence Theater Company in Sonoma is offering concerts from ten years of Broadway shows under the stars (donations); and Broadway itself is offering you the chance to see the premiere of a new show, “Allegiance,“starring George Takei, premieres Friday night and you can watch it ($15 charge). Just One Man’s Opinion highlights Memorial Day and why it’s important right now to acknowledge its meaning.
In the Travel News, the Department of Transportation reports complaints against airlines have skyrocketed (maybe something to do with offering people vouchers instead of refunds); restaurants are getting very creative in a post-stay-at-home world and the Grand Canyon reopens on a limited basis… Mark renews a segment from his first radio life (sports talk in the 90’s) called Just One Man’s Opinion, and weighs in on cruise ships who flag themselves in other countries to avoid taxes and regulation, then come crying home of our government when something like COVID happens. Plus, we make you a Smarter Traveler by talking about the importance of checking on what’s open and what’s not before setting out on your next trip. Richard Lewis, President and CEO of Broadway Sacramento, is our guest. Richard’s father was one of two partners in the original Music Circus, way back in 1951. As performances are canceled and we see a summer without Music Circus, we talk to Richard about what comes next. It is a true Sacramento story, and we give Richard plenty of time to share it with you.
Delta drops 10 cities from its route map, Norwegian Cruise Line raises $2 billion to help avoid bankruptcy and Frontier Airlines gives the Sleazy Airline Award of the Year for offering to “sell” you the middle seat for $39. That’s the same middle seat that likely would have been empty. Oh, and did they mention they were going to sell that same empty seat to both the window and aisle passengers? Makes you want to run right out and buy a ticket on Frontier. What nice people they are… Travelers United is an organization which advocates for travelers, mostly in the Washington, DC, arena. We invited Charlie Leocha, President and Co-founder, to talk with us about airline refund policies and other virus-related traveler questions. Since it’s Mother’s Day, we invite you to call in and share your favorite story of travel with mom. Your mom, someone else’s mom, the lady who cared for you like a mother, your in-law. Whomever you see as mom, share that once in a lifetime trip you took.
We have the winners of the annual Freddie Awards, voted on by travelers, the show honors the best in customers service, award/reward programs and promotions, all voted on by travelers themselves. For a complete list of winners, go here. As economies begin to open up state by state, people may consider traveling again. In our Smarter Traveler segment we ask the question, besides cabin fever, what will get people back on the road, on airplanes, in hotel rooms, into theme parks, movie theaters and ballparks? Last week, we talked with our favorite Travel Advisor, Gwen Duncan, about how COVID-19 is impacting her business and how she is adjusting. After the interview was over, Tom left the tape running and he thought our audience would enjoy some of our “off the record” thoughts. Co-host Mark Hoffmann, is the owner of Sports Leisure Vacations, the underwriter of The Travel Guys. Tom talks with Mark about being a tour operator in the middle of the greatest global health crisis in a century.
The last cruise ship left on the oceans has finally finished its travels; and perhaps you heard the ranting by the mayor of Las Vegas last week. She may have “crapped out” with her comments… Bob Simms, the outdoor expert at KFBK, joins us to talk about where you can fish or take out your boat right now. Options are limited as trout season gets underway in some California counties. Chris Elliott continues to be quarantined in Nice, France. He joins us live to talk about the strict lock down in France and how it’s working. Gwen Duncan of Cordially Yours Travel stops in to tell us how the virus is impacting retail travel and we get Gwen’s thoughts on what normal might look like when travel resumes.
Most airlines are now guaranteeing an open middle seat, if you are flying to Canada you MUST wear a face mask and the Spy Museum is offering Spy Classes for kids online, perhaps the coolest idea in History! Plus, we tell you about a host of virtual travel videos (find many of the links on the show list). Travel bargains will abound soon. Will they be legit? Will the property even be open by the time you get there (some hotels/resorts are not going to survive)? We give you some hints on how to sort out the great values from the rip-offs. Restaurants have been hit hard by Covid-19. Most workers are without a job, some have been hit by the virus itself. Restaurants Care is trying to help their community. We tell you how you can help as we are joined by the Executive Director of the California Restaurant Association, Alycia Harshfield. We close the show taking listener calls. What is the number one destination on your Bucket List? If you could go anywhere on the planet, where would it be?
Air travel is off 95% in the US, Nevada casinos will stay closed through April and we talk about the many state-to-state travel restrictions. Would you believe cruise bookings for 2021 are actually UP from last year? A group of senators is pressuring the airlines to follow the rules and offer passengers on canceled flights cash refunds. What is one of the “germiest” things you touch when you travel? Perhaps your suitcase. In our Smarter Traveler segment, we talk about how you can clean up that germ-carrying suitcase or carry on. The underwriter of the program is Sports Leisure Vacations. We offer a short update especially for these travelers at 3:20. The governor of Hawaii is quarantining inbound leisure travelers entering Hawaii for 14 days. Seems that would pretty much put an end to the tourism economy. We talk to Will Lydgate of Lydgate Farms on the island of Kauai. Will tells us what his island is like when the tourists suddenly disappear. The money left with them, and that’s a problem for some, but what is the upside (besides the lack of traffic). Is there one?
The Port of Seattle says the Alaska cruise season is postponed indefinitely; Disney says the same for their theme parks, and a survey tells us when you might be ready to travel once the “all clear” signal is given. If you are a resident of California and you buy a travel package from a vendor, you are protected by the California Seller of Travel Law. What is it, why is it important and how does it protect you? Learn more in our Smarter Traveler segment. With the Corona virus knocking travel down for a ten count, we have live reports from both sides of the country. Colman O’Reilly joins us from New York City. Colman is a first responder and a tour guide in The Big Apple, and shares his take from those two perspectives. Carol Pucci is former writer and Travel Wise columnist at the Seattle Times. She tells us about life right now in Seattle. Finally, Gwen Duncan, our local Travel Advisor, updates us on the life and times of her profession, in light of a global pandemic.
The Corona Virus is on the minds of everyone in the travel industry. Whether you work in travel or tourism, or you have travel scheduled soon or are just dreaming of a getaway, everyone is concerned about the virus. United Airlines tells its flight attendants to please not have fun by climbing into the luggage bins and taking pictures; and France tells Uber exactly what California did: your drivers are employees… we’ll talk about the shared air on planes….is it safe? How about a few tips on how NOT to touch things with your hands while traveling? Plus, a run down on the cruise lines new cancellation policies. What are the cruise lines, airlines and other travel industry businesses doing about cancellation fees and charges? Are they giving consumers a break, or not? We run down the latest polices and give you the best wisdom on “Cancel for Any Reason” Travel Insurance. Thomas Cook, nearly 200 years ago, separated travelers into four groups. Friend of The Travel Guys Shebby Lee from the Black Hills joins us to talk about Types of Travelers and gives a few tips on when to visit the Land of Rushmore and Crazy Horse.
There is relief coming on the Real ID situation. You can now complete some of the process online. United Airlines has joined Jet Blue is raising checked bag fees by $5. Expect the other carriers to follow quickly. We also offer an update on the Corona Virus. We found a couple from New Zealand making a living as house sitters. Haunting in the Heartland is a new Travel Channel series which premieres this last week. Tom has the show’s star to talk about the show and his own colorful lifestyle.
- Mark is in Hawaii traveling with a group, and shares some of his recommendations for accommodations, things to do and places to eat in the islands.
A new bill in Congress might mean another step towards the end of resort/destination fees at hotels; and Chinese travelers have stopped coming. What does that mean for the businesses who catered to them? Once a year we dedicate a program to interviews gathered at the New York Times Travel Show. With an attendance of over 30,000 in three days, it is the largest show for travelers in the country.
Harrah’s Reno, the original downtown club (started as a bingo parlor in 1937) was sold by Caesar’s for $50 million dollars. Jet Blue has raised the price of baggage fees by $5 to $35 bucks for your first bag. Now it’s probably just a matter of a few days until the other carriers join them at that level. A “Love Letter to Spirit Airlines” from one of their flyers.The Last Ship, starring Sting, will arrive in San Francisco in just a few weeks. We have Sting”s co-star, Oliver Savile, with us to talk about the show. When people need help from a consumer advocate with a travel problem or issue, do they always tell a truthful story. Or do they fudge just a little bit sometimes. We ask Chris Elliott the question and his answer probably won’t surprise you.
In the Travel News, Delta employees say their new Lands End uniforms are making them sick, a study of facial recognition sends up some alarms (Asian and African American travelers are misidentified far more often) and the organizers of Burning Man are suing the government for jacking up their permit prices for the annual event in the desert. In our Smarter Traveler segment, we address the issue, “Can you get a refund for your ticket if your airline goes out of business? What if your flight is canceled? Does the airline HAVE to give you your money back, or can they give you a voucher for a future flight?” The answers are yes, if your airline is out of business; and yes again, you can insist on cash if your flight is canceled. Gwen Duncan of Cordially Yours Travel, Clayton Whitehead of Sports Leisure Vacations, and Ed Perkins, longtime travel journalist; all join us for Travel Roundtable. Our topics are how travel changed in the last decade, and what changes might be awaiting us in the next ten years. Uber and Lyft and selfies and Instagram and Facebook all came of age with travelers in the last decade. Plus, discounted long distance airlines came and went, we now pay for our chosen seats on planes and a whole lot more.
Carnival says you cannot wear offensive apparel on board its ships any longer; and our Sacramento airport offers some tips for holiday travel, including checking Facebook (@SacIntlAirport), Instragram (@Flysmf) and Twitter (@SacIntlAirport) for updates. Mark also tells listeners the stories on “juice jacking” at airports are mostly false alarms. At least so far. Non-refundable rates on hotel rooms on websites have become the new “basic economy” of accommodations. Reducing our carbon footprint to slow global warming is a topic of importance to many travelers. Consumer Advocate Chris Elliott joins us (www.elliott.org) to talk about first baby steps some major companies are taking to respond. The town of Santa Claus, Indiana, is a small, midwestern city. But as you might suspect by its name, it does become a special place every holiday season. We go to Santa Claus to learn about a project the townspeople volunteer for every year, answering children’s letters to Santa Claus.
Super Shuttle, the original airport ride share, is a casualty of the ride sharing movement, we tell you which destinations have been searched the most often on the web this year… In the back half of the show, it’s a Travel Guys Christmas. Call in and share your best travel tip and get rewarded with a travel gift for the holidays.
Dan Conry fills in for Pat tonight and is talking current events and taking your calls...
The current administration in Washington has dealt another blow to those wishing to travel to Cuba. Within the next 90 days, all air flights to any city except Havana will be banned. Marriott Hotels appears to be making a real commitment to less waste. The Marriott Marquis in San Francisco has done away with plastic water bottles, installed “filling stations” in the lobby and some Marriott Hotels are using non-plastic straws. The back half of the program features a Travel Round Table with Clayton Whitehead and Gwen Duncan. Both help sell travel to people like you, and they travel often themselves. From the new problem of over-tourism, to the real cost of room service and more.
We talk about cities with the most fake hotel reviews Houston and Chicago top the list. Remember the man who was arrested for “using a cell phone in the lobby while black” at the Doubletree Hotel in Portland last December? More and more travelers are choosing a vacation home when they hit the road. But the new industry is having some growing pains. Like those nasty fees from the hotel industry are starting to become popular with landlords. Chris Elliott, our resident expert on vacation rentals shares his expertise in an extended interview. This week, we have Meredith J. Eberhart. But we know him by his nickname, NimbleWill Nomad. We reconnected with Will, who likes to hike around the country, to see where he’s been and where he might be headed.
Sacramento was ranked by Wallet Hub as the #1 city in the country when it comes to the affordability and availability of highly rated restaurants.The Empire State Building in NYC has reopened their observation level, Uber says it will roll out Uber Pet in select cities on October 16th. Airlines have devalued their frequent flyer programs this year by “floating” the number of points you need for award tickets. REAL ID will soon be the law of the land. We walk you through the process, with someone who just got their new ID last week. Is it actually possible to attend 365 sporting events in 365 days? We talk to a man who made that journey…
The entry of Southwest into the Sacramento-Hawaii market has seen it’s first casualty. Alaska Airlines will stop flying non-stop to Kona in March. Mark has the story of an elderly couple who say they were tricked into smuggling more than $1million worth of drugs inside of four suitcases in their cruise ship cabin. Chris Elliott, our consumer advocacy friend (www.Elliott.org) updates us on legislation which might be moving resort fees (and their cousins, urban and other “destination” fees) towards the exit door. We open the phones and ask you to play “What overpriced things should I not purchase at the airport?” Should be easy, since everything is overpriced at the airport. Finally, we tell you why you should put one of your shoes in the hotel safe. Yes, really. Why?
AAA tells us the best time to book our holiday travel, fall color season is likely late this year and a politician is taking a stand against, wait for it….”mid-flight flatulence.” Car sharing, flight delays and airline water are all featured as we make you a smarter traveler. Last week, we told you about how some hotels on the Vegas strip were adding “venue fees” to patrons’ bills. Devin O’Connor from casino.org is our guest and has all the details. Most people wouldn’t think a cemetery would be a tourist attraction. And generally you would be right. But we found an exception, a cemetery which offers a program to bring you to you final resting place if you pass away while traveling.
Clubs on the Strip in Las Vegas have started charging a creative new fee to those who like to enjoy a cocktail. It’s called a “venue fee” and it’s creating a firestorm among visitors. A historic military convoy traveled across the country on the Historic Lincoln Highway and it passed through Placerville and south Sacramento on its way to the highway terminus in San Francisco. We feature two entertainers on the program this week. Coincidentally, both are appearing at the Sofia (B St.) Theatre. Herb Albert and Lani Hall are in town Sept. 19-20. Jack Gallagher, the popular local comedian, is starring in a one-man show, A Stand Up Guy, running through October 20.
An American Airlines mechanic apparently sabotaged one of his company’s aircraft, to insure it would not fly. What happens to cruise ship passengers when a hurricane means you can’t return to your port of departure, or get to the port to board your ship. What happens next?
- When we talk about poor behavior on a plane, you might think we are talking about children. Think again. From naked bodies, to smelly food and just plain rudeness, your fellow passengers are a mixed bag. Of course, you are also in that bag. So is your behavior on a plane a positive or a negative to our little aluminum tube community? Pre-existing conditions are a big part of travel insurance and the claims made by the people who buy it. Ed Perkins, a longtime Consumer Advocate and Travel Journalist, joins us to discuss the issue. Air service has expanded rapidly at Sacramento International Airport, with service to lots of new cities, much of it non-stop service. Now, passenger service is coming to Mather Field. New, shuttle service to San Jose. We’ll tell you all about it.
Arunway will be closed all month at SFO, and if you are flying to or from there, you need to be on the alert. United Airlines, which has 40% of the traffic at the airport, has already offered a travel waiver to get people to move their flights without penalty. The TSA quickly rethought their stance on the newest Star Wars souvenir from the Orlando theme parks. Because the drink containers resemble hand grenades, the TSA originally banned them. Now they have reconsidered, allowing them in checked baggage. Contour Airlines is new to Sacramento. A regional carrier in other parts of the country, they only recently started service to Santa Barbara from our airport. Later this month, they add Palm Springs, and because of the strong response, service to Santa Barbara will be doubled to twice a day in each direction. Plus, and here’s the real kicker, they offer leg room like we used to have on airlines. The CEO is a guests with the guys. What happens when you pay a travel professional to make your arrangements, but they don’t pass on your payments to vendors? Gwen Duncan, our travel advisor from Cordially Yours Travel joins us for a conversation about how to make sure your travel advisor is legit and what to do if you find out they aren’t after you’ve paid them for your trip? Steve LaRosa, who regularly contributes his What’s Goin’ On segment to the show, is at the Sausalito Art Fest, and generally hangin’ around in The City over the weekend. He talks about how he got there (train), what he’s done (Beach Blanket Babylon among other things) and Art Fest itself. Steve also shares a remembrance or two of Sacramento-area legend who passed last week, Biba.
Are you one of the 49% of Americans who lie about wi-fi availability when you are on vacation?…..and we tell you the airports with the worst TSA security lines. We focus on Travel Insurance. Are you one of the many people with a “pre-existing condition?” Guests include Chris Delfino from the Apple Hill Growers, with an update on the upcoming season and some ideas on how to avoid the huge crowds on Apple Hill; and Michele Sanders from Make-a-Wish, who tells us how your unused airline miles could help a child’s dream come true.
Southwest announces the first of their Sacramento – Hawaii service, Stockton’s new United service to LA debuts next week, and there are new regulations regarding animals on airplanes. Steve LaRosa is on hand with an updated What’s Going On in and around the Sacramento area. Clayton Whitehead joins for an update on an exciting new show headed to Broadway next spring. Hint: It’s about Princess Diana’s life.
There are updated travel warnings for Hong Kong, Mark and Tom talk about what the rest of the world is saying about travel to these United States in light of recent mass public shootings and the Sacramento Airport has been named one of the best in the country. Mark talks about being a smarter traveler when it comes to the coffee maker in your hotel room. We also talk about Chris Elliott’s recent article about passengers of size on airplanes. Ed Perkins of Consumer Report fame and other travel publications, joins us to talk about “Skip-lagging.”
In the Travel News, the Attorney General for Nebraska has joined his counterpart in the District of Columbia by filing suit to stop resort fees. Nebraska filed against Hilton, DC had gone after Marriott.
A lawsuit with a former concessionaire has been settled, allowing the National Park Service to call the Ahwahnee Hotel by its actual name again, you’ve probably heard the story about the early closing of Daffodil Hill this spring, pointing out how social media is exasperating the “over-tourism” problem…. To make you a Smarter Traveler, we have Travel Advisor Gwen Duncan on hand to talk about hotels. What to do if your reservation is lost, or more importantly, how to make sure it isn’t lost before arrival. And what if you don’t like your room? Most of us who travel use wi-fi in hotels, but we have a guest who says that’s really a bad idea. Robert McGarvey talks about why you want to avoid hotel wi-fi, and what some of the alternatives are. We dig into our mailbag and answer some of your travel questions. Topics include REAL ID, saving seats on Southwest, the parking problems at Sacramento International and a reminder about what to do if your flight is delayed late into the evening, or early morning.
The battle against Marriott Hotels, and the way they have charged their resort fees for years, has stepped up this week. The District of Columbia A.G. is seeking a court order to require Marriott to change the way they price their product immediately. Be a Smarter Traveler by knowing Ten Great Pieces of Hotel/Resort Etiquette. Gwen Duncan, of Cordially Yours Travel, joins us to talk about Travel Mishaps you can avoid before and during your travel, including what to do if you lose your passport when traveling. Hamilton is the most popular musical in history. It is currently playing is San Francisco on an open-ended run, extending into 2020. We talk with Ruben Carbajal, one of the principal cast members about what it’s like to take the stage 8 times a week in this incredible show. Ruben also traveled with the San Francisco company recently to Puerto Rico, for some very special Hamilton performances.
Mexico has a report on tainted liquor in tourist destinations, and Tauck Tours has added a very unique experience to one of their packages. Two new lounges have opened at our airport in Sacramento. We have an update on the cost of admission and what those dollars get you. Plus, who is grandfathered in the door…hint, think American Express Platinum Card. Tom has a report on this year’s edition of the State Fair, opening next week. There’s a Food Festival and lots of special days and discounts. Steve LaRosa presents his delayed special on Santa Fe, the second of his two-parter on the state of New Mexico. You can find tourism links below.
Boeing is being sued by pilots who say they are losing money and patience with the world’s largest builder of airplanes over the Max aircraft issue. Three California cities are on the list of best places to celebrate the 4th of July And what about the lady who found herself locked inside an Air Canada plane in Toronto? Mark talks about the danger of medicating yourself before flying… Mark is live from NYC, where today a month of LGBT Pride wraps up with a big parade. He also shares his love for live theater, particularly Broadway theater, and talks about why “live” is so much of a difference-maker to him.
Hawaii is cracking down on vacation rentals. TSA is disappointed in the number of people enrolled in Pre-Check, tips for checking out/doing business with Tour Operators, Hawaii is limiting vacation rentals to help locals and we tell you why you shouldn’t take things out of the hotel mini-bar to put your things inside. Steve LaRosa offers the first of a two-part travel guide to New Mexico. The first part highlights Albuquerque and Taos. We talk to hurricane survivor Paul Fling about his experience with a hurricane in Hawaii and get his tips for what to do before, during and after if you find yourself in the eye of the storm. And we have an update on a special LGBT Pride Month play being presented on Sunday, June 30th at the Cordova Arts Center. One show only, at 6:30pm.
A recent move by Booking.com may have an impact on the future of resort fees; and Rome has had it with tourists who can’t behave, Mark once again emphasizes the need to book early and allow plenty of time when you are traveling, particularly if you are utilizing the airport(s). Chris Elliott joins us to talk about the rise in fake reviews, particularly for hotels and attractions in the world of travel. Chris offers his wisdom on the situation. Connect with consumer advocacy at www.elliott.org. Code shares. What do they mean to the traveler. What the heck are they? How would you know if your airline is “code sharing”? Gwen Duncan sorts it out for us.
How to find out how clean your cruise ship is, and travel to Cuba is being impacted by political maneuvering, Tom talks to Cal Fire about safety tips for your camping trips this summer. Sports Leisure Vacations, the overwriter for our show, celebrates 40 years in the tour business this weekend. Clayton Whitehead joins Mark and Tom to tell how a small company became successful against long odds. Hurricane season officially began June 1st. If you are traveling to the southwest United States between now and October 1st, we have some important important information to share.
It appears the state of Hawaii is about to take some serious action against Airbnb. Mark tells you how to take advantage of fare sales by Southwest Airlines…the only major carrier who allows you to re-ticket without any fees. Gwen Duncan guests to talk with Tom and Mark about travel vocabulary. Certain words carry big meaning when you use them to make travel decisions. The Wakamatsu Festival in Placerville is just around the corner. We give you one last update on the activities celebrating the first permanent Japanese settlement in the United States, 150 years ago.
Boeing says the new software for the 737 MAX is done, they are just waiting on FAA certification. FAIRBnB is the new competitor to Airbnb. It promises to be socially responsible to communities as well and renters and home owners. The Island of Capri is declaring itself a “plastics free” area and threatening to fine tourists who violate the tough new law. An interview with Gary Gerould. The only play-by-play voice the Sacramento Kings have ever had (34 years) talks to us about life on the road in the NBA, his favorite cities, hotels, and restaurants; and even shares the story of how he came to be the Kings’ announcer. It is one of our favorite interviews ever.
The Utah Attorney General’s office is investigating Expedia for collusion with some major hotel chains. Hilton has taken over the top spot from Marriott in “brand value,” as measured by Brand Finance Hotels ranking. Our Smarter Traveler segment looks at a recent rankings of hotels, airlines and other travel providers, based on their service levels. In our Travel Mailbag, Mark answers questions on passports for tiny travelers (babies), Southwest Advance Boarding Passes and how to find out if your cruise ship is clean. Finally, we take you to Oregon’s North Coast, where their latest tourism promotion is rewarding local service station attendants for being the best tourism ambassadors in the region.
How are immigration issues at the border affecting travel? Cruises that visit Game of Thrones sites, reality of basic economy tickets, Canada Coast to Coast and Old Man River adventures with Clayton Whitehead, Sacramento show news with Richard Lewis.
United and Expedia are in a p-ssing contest, which could end up with United flights not being available on Expedia’s various platforms. Sacramento has new air service. Once a day non-stops to Santa Barbara on Contour Airlines. When should you reserve your summer travel? Our featured guest is Cynthia Nichol. In our extended interview, we talk about a variety of airport issues.
Mark talks Washington, DC this week, to lobby on behalf of the travel industry. Delta Airlines decides to reduce conflict over reclining seats with a simple solution…reduce the amount of recline for their seats. And American quietly introduces a new plane. You know, the one with 15 more seats stuffed into the same sized cabin. Last week, United Airlines announced they are dropping their award chart. Tuscan Women Cooking is the name of a small company, offering first class full-immersion culinary experiences. Each summer in the Sonoma Valley, wonderful outdoor theater is presented at Jack London State Park by the Transcendence Theatre Company. This year’s schedule is unveiled on the show, beginning with A Chorus Line.
United has become the latest airline to blow up its award ticket chart. Airbnb is under fire after a vacationing family found a live streaming camera in a Cork, Ireland home. A young South Carolina woman was found murdered after waiting for a ride share. In our Smarter Traveler segment, we talk about how to be safe when ride sharing. Matthew Felix wrote a book called Porcelain Travels, focusing on adventures involving porcelain…use your imagination. Rob Palmer claims to be the world’s first travel blogger. He made a living at it long before many of the current bloggers were born.
Nearly 500 people off the Viking Sky cruise ship off the coast of Norway Saturday and Sunday. 20 passengers were injured in the daring rescue after the ship lost power in extremely rough seas. The ship has now regained its engines and is heading to Nolde Harbor to disembark. Some Las Vegas resorts are selectively reducing or eliminating resort fees to attract more business, and a nationwide fast food chain which specializes in chicken sandwiches has been banned from the San Antonio airport. Mark talks about his own experience in having his email hacked this week, He offers some preventative wisdom. Listeners were asked to call in and give us the Five Things You Should Take With You On a Flight. Prizes were awarded. Mark answered questions from the Mailbag.
The Max 8 airplane has dominated the news this week. After its second fatal crash, the planes were pulled from the air all over the planet. American Airlines is bragging about the new benefits on its branded credit card…while failing to put the benefits you are losing anywhere in the copy. You can now ship banned items home from some airports at a reasonable cost and we share big news from Broadway, involving Hugh Jackson and something involving the “River City!” If you think someone is watching you, you’re right. Especially if you rent from Thrifty Car Rental. And be careful you don’t get “Bonvoyed.” The new name of Marriott’s frequent guest program is being used against them in most creative ways. Chris Elliott joins us to talk about some of the hidden challenges of Airbnb/Home Away type rentals, and Gwen Duncan talks about some cities where you can get free tours if you have a long layover.
A grandmother posed for a picture on a small iceberg….which was grand, until…grandma floated away! A man threw coins in the engine of a Lucky Airlines plane for good luck. What happens if you don’t get back to your cruise ship on time. It leaves without you! Clayton Whitehead was a guest in January before we departed with a group on a cruise in Australia and New Zealand. We asked Clayton for his tips on that kind of grueling travel, A brand new commercial airport is opening north of Seattle Monday. Las Vegas is constantly adding new things to do as it pivots away from just being a gambling Mecca. The Cannibition Cannabis Museum is the latest.
Princess is upgrading the wi-fi on their ships and New Jersey is creating the Anthony Bourdain Food Trail, Mark has a rant about the weird designs in new hotel rooms, Plus, his ideas on how to solve airline overbooking, the writer of a book on the Coca-Cola Trail, a compilation of Coke landmarks around he country; and a San Francisco-based travel writer you had to rely on Uber and Lyft to get around for two months.
Britain has declared war on resort fees and other “add-ons,” we tell you whether it’s best to use soap and water or hand sanitizer in the airplane restroom, And there’s a flight attendant who went out and walked on the wing. While the plane was in the sky. No kidding, Gwen Duncan of Cordially Yours Travel is in house to talk about cruise, airfares and why you might want to have a travel advisor, Paul Robbins (remember Paul & Phil on Y92 FM for years…) is back on the radio and back from New Zealand. He talks about his trip and his new afternoon show on his old station, 92.5 FM.
We’ll tell you how you can win a cruise while you are watching the Super Bowl, why the super cold weather they experienced in the east last week is really bad for your phone, and a British newspaper issues a warning about a possible eruption at Mt. St. Helens. But the warning is 15 years old, Mark explains why the first flight of your outbound trip should be the longest flight, a new list of the most ethical places to visit. The Travel Morality Index, found here, is the subject of the conversation.
The shutdown is over and it was a crack in the air travel system which finally brought it down, Mark made his annual visit to the New York Times Travel Show, and he has interviews from Provincetown, MA; the San Juan Islands of Puget Sound; and Tahiti, Mark introduces a company which has a broad array of light weight backpacks.
Bed bugs continue to plague popular destinations. We tell you where they are, we take a look at the number one current compliant from vacation share/Air B&B fans…..the rising cost of cleaning deposits, as the partial government shutdown continues, it is having more and more impact on travel, Dale Keller and Sid Hanna, our local TSA leaders, are in studio to talk about how the shutdown is impacting Sacramento, Clayton Whitehead, one of our road reporters, is about to embark on a flight to and cruise around Australia (and New Zealand). It’s a long flight and a long cruise, and we want to know from Clayton, what are you taking with you? Carol Channing, forever knowns as "Dolly" passed away.
A man is caught trying to smuggle kittens in his pants at the Singapore airport, Chris Elliott joins Tom and Mark to share an update on the “ding and dent” scam which appeared to be happening at certain car rental franchises, Mark is joining the broadcast live from the Big Island of Hawaii, the Broadway hit Come From Away has begun its limited run in San Francisco.
The city of Venice is fighting overcrowding by charging visitors a fee, the partial government shutdown may be about to hit airports in a big way, Herb Kelleher, the man who helped build Southwest Airlines into a low fare carrier with integrity, has died at the age of 87, Mark talks about the importance of checking your frequent traveler miles and points accounts on a regular basis, and reminds us that the sharing economy may not work out well in every instance, like car sharing, Hawaii is on many travelers’ radar, in part because of the anticipation of new service from Southwest Airlines to the islands, Gwen Duncan is a guest Sunday and talks about the spread of voluntourism around the planet.
A police office in Newman, CA is killed by an illegal immigrant. Government continues to be shut down as President Trump fights for funding for the border wall.
Google Assistant can now predict flight delays with 85% per cent accuracy, Alaska Airlines has begun the first-ever flights from Sacramento to the Big Island of Hawaii, Southwest Airlines has finally gotten the ETOPS certificate needed to fly to Hawaii and will schedule test flights very soon, last minute gift ideas for the travelers on your list, Jeff from Best of Hawaii joined the guys to talk about Southwest’s arrival in the islands and more, Gwen Duncan from Cordially Yours Travel talks about the need for a Passenger Bill of Rights for River Cruises in Europe.
A cruise ship has installed a roller coaster and a U.S. hotel is using robots to deliver room service, would female travelers like to see “women’s only” sections on flights? In our Smarter Traveler segment, Mark shares the list, which features his personal pet-peeve, Mark has spent much of the week on a steamboat on the Mississippi River. Reporter Clayton Whitehead joins him to talk about the cruise and some of its destinations in Mississippi, We also talk with the ship’s “Riverlorian,” the steamboat version of a floating historian, and Mark gives his review of the American Queen.
A woman is suing Hilton Hotels for $100 million dollars after she says an employee video-taped her in the shower and tried to extort money from her, Southwest Airlines is inching closer to service to Hawaii, From southern California comes word of two sisters/nuns who used the school treasury to support a half million in travel and gambling habits, A level two travel advisory has been issued for Spain, Gwen Duncan shares some of her biggest frustrations as a travel counselor, Michelle Couch Friedman from Elliott Advocacy (www.elliott.org) told us about a smoking fee scheme found right here at the Extended Stay property in Rancho Cordova
Delta Air Lines has announced new service from Sacramento to Detroit, Marriott Hotels confirmed a major data breach impacting millions of Starwood customers,It’s the time of the year for Mileage and Hotel Runs when frequent travelers create trips to make sure their “status” with an airline or hotel chain is preserved for the next year, Our Sacramento TSA representatives are in studio to talk about holiday security at the airport and take calls from our listeners.
United flight attendants are setting up picket lines on December 13th, Carnival Cruise Lines has announced a change to their on board smoking policy, how to value online reviews for travel companies and their services, we ask your listeners to call into answer a variety of travel-related questions and give their opinions
Which industries might take advantage of driverless cars and could they become “hotels on wheels?”, Rome is issuing a handful of new urban regulations designed to stop tourists from abusing the city’s most popular tourist spots, Amy Travieso from the American Hotel and Hotel Association stops by tell Travel Guys to buy directly from the travel provider whenever you can, The Voices of California present “Merry and Bright” on December 1; and the Polar Express train starts its runs next week, and Gwen Duncan has returned from a visit to Thailand.
The Seattle Airport is beginning an experiment which allows 50 people each day to secure gate passes, The final episode of Parts Unknown with Anthony Bourdain airs Sunday the 11th on CNN, Mark shares the 3 most common mistakes people make when traveling to New York City, Steve LaRosa is in with his latest edition of What’s Goin’ On in and around Sacramento. Steve has a special guest, Carly Starr, with us to promote the Road Trippin’ Exhibit at the California Automobile Museum, and we invite listeners to call in and share their road trip memories.
The Mexican government has created a new higher level of security in Cancun, cruise lines are raising the cost of beverage packages, pre-paid gratuities for your cruise, the best and worst days to travel around the holidays this year, tips about traveling with a toddler, Ed Perkins joins us to talk about hidden hotel fees to watch out for, The Mizpah Hotel in Tonopah, Nevada, won the title of Best Haunted Hotel in America and General Manager John McCormick is on hand to talk about the hotel and some of the strange happenings there.
The first Krispy Kreme donut store opened in Ireland. American Airlines CEO Doug Parker says seats on his planes with LESS room are actually more comfortable, Marriott Hotels are dealing with random strikes around the country, Mendocino County is holding its very first mushroom festival, November 2-11, Mark has a fun list of travel tips for making a trip on the Lincoln Highway, in 1914…
A federal judge so no hunting Grizzlies in Yellowstone, American Airlines raises the cost of your bar tab, America's most haunted hotel, travel "lingo" explained, What's Going On with Steve La Rosa, Rock and Roll legend Graham Nash, and a service to preserve your travel memories
American Airlines says if Congress limits what they can charge they will just make the tickets completely non-refundable/changeable, Hidden fees have come to Airbnb, Did the recent fire damage Redding tourism destinations, The Trans-Siberian Orchestra visits Sacramento with its holiday show every year.
Sacramento International Airport has a new Director of Airports, The FBI has announced they have found a pair of Dorothy’s Ruby Slippers, Hawaiian Airlines has announced the longest domestic flight route in the U.S., Gwen Duncan joins our Smarter Traveler segment to talk about travel waivers, Preview Day a new catalog rolling out over 30 new adventures in the U.S. and around the world, Glamping have some of the basic conveniences of home, and annually Sacramento bestows the Elly Awards.
Travelers buying their Delta tickets through Google Travel may think they are buying a premium economy seat when they really are not, American Airlines is thinking of changing their boarding process to allow those with nut allergies to pre-board, Mark talks about importance of doing your homework, Road Reporter Chris Galloway checks in from the San Juan Islands, Jim Jacoby returns from his 20th Burning Man
Disney Cruise Line has lengthened the time before your final payment is due, United’s president says it’s ok to charge families to sit together, Mark has an update on Alaska Airlines animals on board policy, your favorite vacation is going to cost a little more and in Mark’s opinion, that’s ok, GoGo Grandparent a ride-sharing service for your grandma and Tom played in a blackjack tournament in Las Vegas with some success.
ASTA has changed its name from the American Society of Travel Agents; to the American Society of Travel Advisors, Ryan Air has endured several strikes by its cabin crews, We talk with 20-year Burning Man veteran Jim Jacoby, Steve LaRosa has a “What’s Goin’ On” segment.
Southwest limits the types of animals allowed in the cabin, United announces new way to push average traveler further to the back of the plane, how to use screenshots to protect yourself, and Jon Bier owner of a ghost town in California.
Volaris airline announces more ways to get to Mexico, American Airlines falls short with BBQ sandwich, why buying airline miles is a terrible idea, Gwen Duncan shares of list of stuff she bring on long airplane flights for comfort and a call in contest.
Boeing wants to bring back the Concorde, Supersonic flight, Marriott clarifies frequent guest program, travelling with electronics, Chris Elliott joins the show to talk about hotel fees, Mark's do's and don'ts for visiting New York City, and fires fill the air with heavy smoke in California.
The TSA has a new rule about what you can put in your carry on, Clayton Whitehead asks if you know how to get out of your historic hotel if there’s a fire, what to do if you show up at the car rental counter and are told there are no cars available, SpaceX is a company set to offer out of this world flights to the average traveler soon
Southwest Airlines makes their bathrooms even smaller, Gwen Duncan with tips on getting the best airfare, Tom takes us to the State Fair and questions from the mailbag.
the FAA says the decreasing size of seats isn’t a safety issue, Christmas season airfares are already high, Southwest “travel funds,” a heads up on booking hotels on “blind” sites,tips about where to find Trip Interruption coverage in your credit cards, the Cahokia Mounds near St. Louis, Sacramento welcomes the Wakamatsu Fest150.
Marriott reveals more details of the new rewards program, how does the travel ban affect international tourism, how to avoid being “walked” by your hotel, A new travel show premiers on KVIE Channel 6 Monday night at 7:30pm. It’s called Wild Travels, The Rush Creek Lodge outside Yosemite National Park, Mark offers several suggestions for dining in Oregon.
Delta employees have new uniforms, Mark reports on new Do Not Disturb policies, Is the Early Bird Boarding Fee worth it at Southwest Airlines? Chris Galloway talks about tours of the Northwest, and Eagle Rider, the largest motorcycle rental outfit in the country.
Southwest is selling fewer tickets, the dangers of plastic in our oceans, soccer fans traveling to Russia for the World Cup are being warned of hackers, Deputy Chief Scott McLean of Cal Fire gives helpful tips to prevent fires while travelling, Gwen Duncan reminds listeners of the importance of making sure your passport is valid and a special tribute to Anthony Bourdain.
Southwest announces high-end service for Sacramento, warning about buying travel gift certificates, updates on travelling to Hawaii, Steve La Rosa and "What's Going On?" plus Steve's trip to Las Vegas and Zion National Park, plus a call-in contests.
How reverse reviews can affect customers, avoid overcrowded summer destinations, Ed Perkins tells us how to travel with medical breathing devices.
TSA finds more guns than ever before, Southwest chooses Sacramento as a departure city, Gwen Duncan and travel tips from Bali, Glamping, and New England trip to see Fall colors.
Fake service animals, McDonald's opens mega store in Chicago, Frontier Airlines returning to Sacramento, what to expect when buying super low fares, Blue Walk tours and tips on travelling to America's National Parks
Spring Break, Are hotel cards secure form hackers? What to do if there are no rooms at the inn, Go-Go Grandparent a ride share service, and coolest train rides in the US.
A hotel in space, TSA tips on munchies in your baggage, Chris Elliot talks about consumer advocacy, would you swap houses with a stranger? Well you can with Home Exchange and a report from Route 66.
Southwest airlines promotion, news about dogs on planes, information about travel insurance, The Capitolaires and an internship opportunity at The Music Circus.
Amtrak's user friendly refunds a little less friendly, Why using your Marriott Card at Marriott is not the best deal, Wine Country and questions from the mail bag.
United Airline has another problem with a pet dog, Alaska airlines gets handsy with co-pilot, dangers of hacker fares, Steve La rosa new culinary landmark, and Legoland
Ride Shares are becoming as traditional as taxis, Ed Perkins explains the mystery of changing airfares, An American in Paris at the California Music Theater, and Jen Ruiz a millennial travel blogger.
Virginia and New York tell Delta they are welcome in their states, what's ok to steal from your hotel room? Clayton Whitehead's eye opening trip to Jordan, Earthships and an update on ID cards.
Southwest Airlines raise the price to jump to the front of the line, Disneyland raises prices, Waldorf Astoria now owned by Chinese government,changes to the Seller of Travel Law, Gwen Duncan talks about Cruises on the Rivers of Europe.
Uber looses cash, Mommy points, The Coca Cola Trail and insurance in case you die overseas.
Did Spirit tell a student to flush her emotional support hamster down the toilet? Review of the Turtle Pillow, Hearst Castle, and the Lady Bird tourism craze.
Why an online travel agency might not be the best way to plan travel, news from SMF, Cher on Broadway and a chance to see Hamilton.
Disney has removed Do Not Disturb signs from hotel rooms in their resorts, tips on keeping your clothes dry during winter travel, 5 do's and don'ts about reclining your seat on a plane, TSA agents give tips on getting through security
The National Park Service is cutting back the number of days you can visit the park for free, when should you turn down those offers of extra airline miles for shopping online, Wallet Hub, and questions from the mailbag.
Tips on how to be a smarter traveler including how to avoid Travel scams. Plus, TSA agents join the show to share tips on dealing with airport security.
Alaska vs Southwest for "who owns California", Gwen Duncan talks about air port etiquette, Chris Elliot's DNA test causes interest in his homeland, and a change to Basic Economy hotel rates
Honolulu street-crossing rule goes into effect, airport officials in Stockton have lost their maps, Gwen Duncan returns from a river cruise with do's and don'ts, Patty joins us from the Mustang Ranch and tickets to "Beautiful" the Carole King story.
buying airline tickets from 3rd party websites, Napa Valley ready to receive tourists after wild fires, Tom Romano in Florida talk about amusement parks, Kite flying in Long Beach Washington and a contest: how do you choose your flight seat partner?
State Department issues travel warning against Cuba, elephant rides disappearing in India, and how to properly plan for a lay-over.
Travel news, Michael Downer talks about air travel with cruise lines, Rick Steves is coming to Sacramento and we give away tickets, and Chris Galloway reviews a laptop bag that turns into a backpack.
One state wants to start their own airline, 6 warning signs your hotel may not be where you want to lay your head, The Clown Motel in Tonopah Nevada, The Venetian Room in San Francisco and a touching story from Key West.
Cannabis Tourism, United expands service from Sacramento to SF, amazing deals for travelers over 62, Clayton reports from the road, Steve LaRosa "What's Goin' On", Gwen Duncan gives a lesson in travel etiquette
What should you do if you encounter Big Foot? The online booking maze, Nick Valenzuela's Hashtag Travel Report, and Gwen Duncan gives a heads up about using public wifi at the airport.
Southwest Airlines reveals which flights are best for eclipse viewing, things flight attendants don't want to see from you on the plane, and Chris Elliot digs deeper on whether or not airlines are changing fares on you.
Intercontinental Hotels leaves it's cancellation policy at 24 hours, travel etiquette, tips to make you a smarter traveler in Europe and how much do you tip service workers?
Mileage Plus Program, World-class airport built in China, Gwen Duncan talks about travel insurance and terrorism, Clayton Whitehead talks about how US politics impact American travelers and Mark's thumbs ups and thumbs downs on hotels, attractions and transportation all over North America.