Travel Guys Radio
341 episodes - English - Latest episode: 25 days ago - ★★★★★ - 12 ratingsA Travel Show for Everyday People...
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College student discovers it’s cheaper to commute to UC Berkeley by air
July 25, 2023 06:47 - 42 minutes - 19.2 MBListen Now On the Sunday, July 16th edition of The Travel Guys… In the Travel News, we have an update on the around the world cruise offer we talked about a few weeks ago, and then there’s the story of the college student who found it cheaper to commute from southern California to UC Berkeley by air. Mark shares an experience he had that left him grounded last week and pointed out the importance of...
Come with us to Fort Bragg and the Noyo Harbor Inn
July 09, 2023 19:43 - 42 minutes - 19.6 MBListen Now On the Sunday, July 9th edition of The Travel Guys… In the Travel News, the hotel strike situation in Los Angeles isn’t settled yet, and maybe one of the reasons is a request by the hotel workers union to add a 7% surcharge to guests room charges to help cover the cost of housing in Los Angeles and Orange County. The workers at several dozen hotels are back on the job, but future...
Tips on travel to the Oregon Coast
July 02, 2023 19:36 - 43 minutes - 20 MBListen Now On the Sunday, July 2nd edition of The Travel Guys… In the Travel News, Southwest pilots inch a little closer to a possible strike, the Federal Trade Commission is coming after fake online reviews with big fines, and after a horrible week in the skies, especially for United, the airlines are so far getting travelers where they are going this holiday weekend. If you are vacationing by car this week or anytime this...
The Shakespeare Festival in Oregon lives to see another day
June 26, 2023 22:18 - 43 minutes - 20 MBListen Now On the Sunday, June 25th edition of The Travel Guys… In the Travel News, the state department re-issues travel advisories to four countries, Bolivia, Denmark, The Dominican Republic and Ecuador; and the Shakespeare Festival in Ashland, Oregon lives to see another day/season. The web is full of fake phone numbers and web sites you might think are for legit travel companies. When you call or email one of them, you’ll find they do...
Discover the best and worst airports for the summer
June 18, 2023 01:49 - 43 minutes - 19.8 MBListen Now On the Sunday, June 18th edition of The Travel Guys… 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....
Local congressman offers help in getting your passport
June 12, 2023 20:19 - 42 minutes - 19.6 MBListen Now On the Sunday, June 11th edition of The Travel Guys… In the Travel News, Southwest Airlines extends its schedule into January, a local congressman offers his office’s help in getting your passport and soon it will cost you a toll to drive in mid and downtown Manhattan. One of Mark’s staff recently had a suitcase lost by United Airlines. We talk about the “lost bag” experience, and give you some tips on what...
Planet Hollywood calls it quits in Las Vegas
June 04, 2023 19:03 - 42 minutes - 19.2 MBListen Now On the Sunday, June 4th edition of The Travel Guys… In the Travel News, Planet Hollywood calls it quits after 30 years in Las Vegas, and Spirit Airlines becomes the latest to join those in “melt down land” last Thursday, when a computer glitch caused nearly 90% of their flights to be delayed or canceled. Carry on bags are often a battle zone on planes. In order to avoid baggage fees, people haul...
We talk about America’s angriest airports
May 28, 2023 19:29 - 42 minutes - 19.6 MBListen Now On the Sunday, May 28th, Memorial Day edition of The Travel Guys… In the Travel News, we talk about America’s angriest airports (for travelers), and in Las Vegas, a room theft blamed on a housekeeper hits the big time. In our Smarter Traveler segment, we talk about the importance of honoring wildlife in outdoor spaces and relate a tragic story as an example. Our guest Mia Taylor gives you some ideas on how...
Uber says child seats will be available in some cars soon
May 21, 2023 19:32 - 42 minutes - 19.5 MBListen Now On the Sunday, May 21st edition of The Travel Guys… In the Travel News, Uber says child seats will be available in some cars soon, and if you want to rent a boat, check with Uber. This past week, United Airlines instituted one of the biggest points/awards devaluations in the history of points programs. What your points bought yesterday are not what they will buy today. We discuss in our Smarter Traveler segment....
Airline pilots have voted to authorize a strike
May 14, 2023 07:31 - 43 minutes - 19.8 MBListen Now On the Sunday, May 14th, Mother’s Day edition of The Travel Guys… In the Travel News, pilots from several airlines have voted to authorize a strike? What does this mean for summer travel? We share an important take on the situation. Airfares dropped a bit in April. Does this mean the long upward climb in fares is over? Clearing customs is always a bit stressful, whether you are coming to or going from...
Gain wisdom on exchanging currency in foreign countries
May 07, 2023 21:58 - 44 minutes - 30.5 MBListen to the May 7th Podcast: On the Sunday, May 7th edition of The Travel Guys… In the Travel News, turns out car crash test dummies are only designed to test MALE reactions to crashes. FEMALE crash dummies don’t exist, and the figures say they should. Ladies are different. Plus, we share some wisdom on exchanging currency in foreign countries. Our Smarter Traveler segment warns you about a new fee some smaller hotels are slipping...
Yosemite National Park closed after warm temps bring spring melt flooding
April 30, 2023 20:38 - 42 minutes - 19.4 MBListen Now On the Sunday, April 30th edition of The Travel Guys… In the Travel News, a woman got arrested in Sydney, after arriving on a flight from LA with a 24-carat gold-plated gun in her luggage. Yosemite National Park is closed after warm temperatures brought the much dreaded spring melt flooding. Mark relates two situations which occurred on a flight he was on Saturday night, as examples of games people play with flight attendants....
An uninhabited island in Scotland is for sale
April 23, 2023 22:40 - 42 minutes - 19.6 MBListen Now On the Sunday, April 23rd edition of The Travel Guys… In the Travel News, we tell you about an uninhabited island in Scotland that’s for sale, and if you are headed to Maui, you will need advance reservations to visit one of the island’s most popular natural attractions. As travel demand starts to level off a bit, and Covid is mostly behind us, many hotels in popular destinations are changing their refund policies...
Animal rides being phased out as tourist attractions in many countries
April 16, 2023 20:28 - 43 minutes - 20.1 MBListen Now On the Sunday, April 16th edition of The Travel Guys… 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...
Hear the history of the Music Circus from CEO Richard Lewis
April 09, 2023 20:14 - 42 minutes - 19.4 MBListen Now On the Sunday, April 9th edition of The Travel Guys… In the Travel News, many National Parks are now requiring reservations to enter (see the link to the list on this page); and airfares are falling…and rising…at the same time. Why is that? Tipping. It’s a hot topic not only with travelers, but with non-travelers. Every time we turn around, a screen is asking you if you would like to tip someone. Where...
Amsterdam taking steps to improve quality of the visitor experience
April 02, 2023 20:43 - 43 minutes - 19.9 MBListen Now On the Sunday, April 2nd edition of The Travel Guys… In the Travel News, Amsterdam (The Netherlands) says enough is enough, and talks about taking steps to improve the quality of the visitor experience. That could mean some changes to the city’s red light district. A new study shows the complaints about airline refunds are up ten-fold compared to pre-COVID numbers. Mark has some thoughts on why that that could be happening. With...
Netherlands airport cutting number of flights to help global warming
March 26, 2023 20:47 - 42 minutes - 19.3 MBListen Now On the Sunday, March 26th edition of The Travel Guys… In the Travel News, The Netherlands airport is cutting the number of flights it handles daily, in an effort to help global warming. An off duty pilot helps in an emergency on board a Southwest plane, and American Airlines wants its flight attendants to be in uniform when on duty. Once again we have a story about a passenger leaving something on a...
Carnival Cruise Lines becomes first to sail 100 million passengers
March 19, 2023 20:47 - 42 minutes - 19.6 MBListen Now On the Sunday, March 19th edition of The Travel Guys… In the Travel News, after a number of near misses on runways at the nation’s airports, the government is calling for more air traffic controllers to be in the tower, and Carnival Cruise Lines becomes the first to sail 100 million passengers. Our Smarter Traveler segment offers a variety of tips – A warning about vacation rentals in Hawaii, a reminder on how...
Amtrak is looking to expand service
March 12, 2023 05:40 - 42 minutes - 19.6 MBListen Now On the Sunday, March 12th edition of The Travel Guys… In the Travel News, Amtrak is expanding and looking to expand service, plus Frontier Airlines is in the news regarding gate-checked bags. Frontier charges a hefty fee to check bags at the gate and a recent customer dispute went viral. The airline says the customer was in the wrong, but there are a variety of interesting sidebars to this story, such as Frontier...
Princess Cruises announces some sizeable discounts for selected sailings
March 05, 2023 21:23 - 42 minutes - 19.6 MBListen Now On the Sunday, March 5th edition of The Travel Guys… In the Travel News, another airline (American) joins the “of course families can sit together crowd,” and Princess Cruises announces some sizeable (up to 40%) discounts for selected sailings. Our Smarter Traveler segment features a rundown on Basic Economy seating – cheaper but is it a good value for all? Mark is a veteran of many trips on America’s most famous highway, Route...
Airlines respond to requests that families be able to sit together on planes
February 26, 2023 22:08 - 45 minutes - 21 MBListen Now On the Sunday, February 26th edition of The Travel Guys… In the Travel News, foreign visitors are waiting up to two years to visit our country and 80 mayors are trying to shorten the lines. Plus, some airlines are responding to the president’s request to let families sit together on planes. We share the real story. Some destinations are growing weary of travelers. Juneau, New York City and Italy are trying to turn...
California lawmakers are taking steps to rid us of resort fees
February 19, 2023 20:34 - 44 minutes - 20.2 MBListen Now On the Sunday, February 19th edition of The Travel Guys… In the Travel News, lawmakers from our state, tiring of federal inaction against junk fees, are taking legislative steps to rid us of resort and other garbage fees. Holland America has decided to extend special Wave Season offers to Families on selected sailings. There are consumer protections available to us when we travel you may not be aware of. Friend of The Travel...
Number one place in the country to take your valentine
February 12, 2023 21:45 - 43 minutes - 20 MBListen Now On the Sunday, February 12th edition of The Travel Guys… In the Travel News, we preview the travel commercials from the Super Bowl broadcast (including one where United takes a not-so-subtle jab at Southwest) and tell you the number one place in the country to take your sweetheart on Valentine’s Day. In the State of the Union address, the President mentioned the Junk Fees Prevention Act. Does it have a chance of passing?...
Hawaii adds another fee to the cost of a hotel room
February 05, 2023 21:19 - 42 minutes - 19.6 MBListen Now On the Sunday, February 5th edition of The Travel Guys… In the Travel News, Hawaii is about to add another fee to the cost of a hotel room; while airfares, which have taken a typical winter dip in recent months, look like they are climbing for the summer. The Sacramento Airport has announced a major expansion project, with additional gates, a walkway to terminal B and more. Chris Elliott, America’s premier consumer advocate,...
Amtrak restarts service on the Surfliner
January 29, 2023 21:12 - 42 minutes - 19.4 MBListen Now On the Sunday, January 29th edition of The Travel Guys… In the Travel News, Amtrak restarts service on the Surfliner, between San Diego and Los Angeles, after it had been suspended since September due to track issues. The residents of Machu Pichu have called a strike against tourism. The historic site is a huge cash cow for the government of Peru and the people are against the people in power. If you are...
FAA says a contractor mistake caused the US aviation shut down
January 22, 2023 06:58 - 43 minutes - 19.7 MBListen Now On the Sunday, January 22nd edition of The Travel Guys… In the Travel News, the FAA now says a contractor made a mistake which caused the entire US aviation system to shut down. Frontier Airlines recently eliminated your ability to speak to them on the phone. Let’s check up and see how that working out for them. Travel is more expensive post-COVID, so the search for bargains becomes even more important. Our Smarter...
Airline computers melted down again last week
January 15, 2023 21:24 - 43 minutes - 19.9 MBListen Now On the Sunday, January 15th edition of The Travel Guys… In the Travel News, airline computers melted down again last week, briefly impacting the entire system. How can things like this be avoided? The answer, just like the Southwest situation a couple of weeks ago, isn’t simple. Fixing it will take time, as in years. In other news, Amtrak is having a sale on mid-week travel and airfares dropped in December, reversing a...
Starbucks has devalued its rewards program
January 08, 2023 22:39 - 50 minutes - 23.2 MBListen Now* *If you listened live on Sunday, January 8, the second half of the show did not air. To catch the whole show, listen above. On the Sunday, January 8th edition of The Travel Guys… In the Travel News, those who love their Starbucks on the road will be getting free coffee and treats a little less often. The coffee giant has devalued its rewards program. Plus, we report on some interviews Kuwait Airlines...
Carnival Cruise Lines names Emeril Lagasse as Chief Culinary Officer
January 01, 2023 21:15 - 44 minutes - 20.3 MBListen Now On the Sunday, January 1st edition of The Travel Guys… In the Travel News, Carnival Cruise Lines names Emeril Lagasse as Chief Culinary Officer; and Southwest Airlines, while back in the sky, now has to try and make nearly a million customers whole. Our New Year’s Day show features two of our favorite interviews from the year gone by. The first features a traveling nurse. During COVID these folks who go “where the...
It’s a Christmas weekend travel disaster
December 25, 2022 21:25 - 42 minutes - 19.6 MBListen Now On the Sunday, December 25th, Christmas Day edition of The Travel Guys… In the Travel News, Christmas weekend travel is a disaster as terrible weather rips across the country, and we tell you about Uber Sleigh rides in Lapland, Finland. Many are traveling by automobile during the holidays. Our Smarter Traveler segment features tips on winter travel by car. Two years ago, we created a “Christmas Update,” speaking with characters at the North...
National parks are tweaking their admission rules next summer
December 18, 2022 07:49 - 43 minutes - 19.7 MBListen Now On the Sunday, December 18th edition of The Travel Guys… In the Travel News, an update on the exploding aquarium from Berlin; and national parks are tweaking their admission rules for next summer. Airlines charge you to handle your luggage, but if it’s not delivered in a timely fashion, the airline keeps your money. Our Smarter Traveler segment lets you know how Travelers United is taking the battle for fairness to the Department...
Delta Airlines is returning to Havana, Cuba
December 11, 2022 21:51 - 43 minutes - 20 MBListen Now On the Sunday, December 11th edition of The Travel Guys… 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...
Air France takes a small step to protect the climate
December 04, 2022 21:33 - 44 minutes - 20.3 MBListen Now On the Sunday, December 4th edition of The Travel Guys… 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...
How did a cat get into a suitcase and x-rayed by TSA?
November 27, 2022 06:17 - 44 minutes - 20.3 MBListen Now On the Sunday, November 27th edition of The Travel Guys… In the Travel News, how did a cat get into a suitcase and x-rayed by TSA? Frontier Airlines, never famous for customer service, has eliminated the ability to call them on the phone. Parking at the Sacramento Airport was at a premium on Thanksgiving weekend. Mark and Tom give first-person observations and suggestions on how you can avoid a parking issue over the...
Frontier Airlines launches an “all you can fly pass”
November 20, 2022 20:50 - 41 minutes - 19 MBListen Now On the Sunday, November 20th edition of The Travel Guys… In The Travel News, Frontier Airlines launches an “all you can fly pass,” and Delta Airlines says free wi-fi for ALL (Sky Miles Members)…but are the airlines really being all that generous? If you are flying this Thanksgiving or Christmas, and are checking bags, we have some important tips/reminders. Like putting your name, phone number and email address both inside and outside your...
Planning a trip to Hawaii? We have some tips for you.
November 13, 2022 07:30 - 42 minutes - 19.3 MBListen Now On the Sunday, November 13th edition of The Travel Guys… Airlines are adjusting their miles-spend requirements to achieve various status levels BACK to the pre-COVID era days. Bar Harbor, Maine, has voted to limit cruise ship arrivals, the latest small town to do so. Delta Airlines is expecting 5 MILLLION flyers Thanksgiving week. If you are one of them, we wish you the best. Planning a trip to Hawaii? Mark just returned from...
Learn which airline is the BEST at LOSING your bag
November 06, 2022 07:36 - 42 minutes - 19.3 MBListen Now On the Sunday, November 6th edition of The Travel Guys… In the Travel News, Subway is the latest to reward those flying in middle seats and we tell you which major airline is the BEST at LOSING your bag. Our Smarter Traveler segment features a discussion on airline travel credits and a “makes way too much sense” idea from Travelers United about how to make those credits easier to use. Cruise lines are...
Holland America rewards service dog for 700 days of cruising
October 30, 2022 06:24 - 42 minutes - 19.2 MBListen Now On the Sunday, October 30th edition of The Travel Guys… In the Travel News, Holland America rewards a service dog for 700 days of cruising and Virgin America has decided to reward those siting in the middle seat with some great rewards. In our Smarter Traveler segment, Mark talks about the president addressing junk travel fees this past week. Mark says it’s great that the president recognizes that travel suppliers are goosing travelers...
American Airlines owes flyers over $7 million dollars in baggage fees
October 23, 2022 20:42 - 42 minutes - 19.2 MBListen Now On the Sunday, October 23rd edition of The Travel Guys… In the Travel News, the courts have decided American Airlines owes its flyers over $7 million dollars in baggage fees they collected in error, and Carnival Cruise Lines has decided to toughen the rules against people who reserve deck chairs first thing in the morning and don’t occupy them until later. For shame. Our Smarter Traveler segment will tell you the best and...
State Department temporarily reopening online passport renewal program
October 16, 2022 08:11 - 43 minutes - 20 MBListen Now On the Sunday, October 16th edition of The Travel Guys… 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;...
Marriott faces a lawsuit over lying to its guests
October 09, 2022 04:19 - 43 minutes - 19.8 MBListen Now On the Sunday, October 9th edition of The Travel Guys… 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...
Delta is nearly ready to roll out FREE wi-fi on flights
October 02, 2022 19:26 - 42 minutes - 19.3 MBListen Now On the Sunday, October 2nd edition of The Travel Guys… In the Travel News, Delta says they are nearly ready to start rolling out FREE wi-fi on all of their mainline flights, and for those who would like to try out an electric car, Hertz and GM are teaming up to add them to the fleet. Hurricane Ian ravaged Florida and other parts of the south last week. We share tips for traveling...
Canada has dropped the vaccination requirement to cross the border
September 25, 2022 21:18 - 41 minutes - 19 MBListen Now On the Sunday, September 25th edition of The Travel Guys… In the Travel News, Canada has dropped the vaccination requirement to cross the border, and the Phantom of the Opera will take it’s final curtain on Broadway in January, 35 years after it premiered. Our Smarter Traveler segment reminds you of the “24 hour rule,” and there’s a new ride share scam. It’s all about…..vomit. We’ll tell you how to protect yourself. We...
A tourism destination rises to the occasion
September 18, 2022 19:24 - 42 minutes - 33.2 MBListen Now On the Sunday, September 18th edition of The Travel Guys… In the Travel News, a tourism destination rises to the occasion to help immigrants, water restrictions are getting tighter at the Grand Canyon, and the three major cruise lines have a staggering $73 billion dollars in debt – with increasingly high interest payments. In our Smarter Traveler segment, one final warning about buying your holiday air tickets now, along with some tips on...
Are airlines cracking down on free, carry-on bags?
September 11, 2022 04:24 - 42 minutes - 19.6 MBListen Now On the Sunday, September 11th edition of The Travel Guys… In The Travel News, a nut allergy causes a major diversion over the Pacific and we ask if the airlines are cracking down on free, carry-on bags. On the Smarter Traveler segment, we talk about Southwest boarding passes. How do you get those coveted “A” boarding group assignments? Are they even available? The City of Visalia is becoming a haven for families with...
Canada is looking at a high speed rail train
September 04, 2022 06:54 - 43 minutes - 19.7 MBListen Now On the Sunday, September 4th edition of The Travel Guys… 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?...
Air travel complaints to the Department of Transportation soar
August 28, 2022 20:51 - 44 minutes - 20.3 MBListen Now On the Sunday, August 28th edition of The Travel Guys… 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...
AirTag in luggage leads to discovery of major theft
August 21, 2022 07:31 - 44 minutes - 30.6 MBListen Now On the Sunday, August 21st edition of The Travel Guys… In the Travel News, the Bar Harbor, Maine Town Council has decided to limit cruise ship calls in the tiny community, and an AirTag in a piece of luggage leads to the discovery of some major theft from passenger luggage. Have you noticed traditional customer service is disappearing? The travel industry is no exception. In our Smarter Traveler segment, we talk about some...
Cruise lines are having to cancel due to staff shortages
August 14, 2022 06:40 - 42 minutes - 19.4 MBListen Now On the Sunday, August 14th edition of The Travel Guys… In the Travel News, some cruise lines are having to cancel cruises because of a shortage of staff, the DOT’s plan to make airlines give you refunds turns out to be full of holes and Burning Man is back in the Nevada desert later this month. In our Smarter Traveler segment, Real ID is coming to an airport near you next May. Now...
Southwest has welcomed its first mother-daughter pilot team
August 07, 2022 07:43 - 42 minutes - 19.5 MBListen Now On the Sunday, August 7th edition of The Travel Guys… In the Travel News, Southwest Airlines has welcomed its first mother-daughter pilot team. The Department of Transportation is FINALLY ready to help you get refunds and performance from airlines, but they are putting part of the refund responsibility on the wrong people…travel agents/advisors. Our Smarter Traveler segment features a discussion about “who owns this hotel?” You thought you were staying at a Hilton...