Travel Guys Radio
341 episodes - English - Latest episode: 25 days ago - ★★★★★ - 12 ratingsA Travel Show for Everyday People...
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Southwest makes a policy change regarding flight credits
July 31, 2022 08:39 - 42 minutes - 19.5 MBListen Now On the Sunday, July 31st edition of The Travel Guys… In the Travel News, Southwest Airlines makes a policy change regarding flight credits. Effective immediately, they will never expire. Bad news from Graceland, Elvis’ home in Memphis. Despite a boost in admissions from the new movie, the attraction is in bankruptcy. Is there a way to leverage social media to help you gain a concession from a travel company? Indeed, some companies pay...
Delta Airlines is testing FREE Wi-Fi on some aircraft
July 24, 2022 07:04 - 42 minutes - 19.6 MBListen Now On the Sunday, July 24th edition of The Travel Guys… In the Travel News, two Alaska pilots have to return their plane to the gate…because they couldn’t get along in the cockpit. Delta Airlines is testing FREE Wi-Fi on some aircraft and Hertz climbs another stupidity ladder with a long time customer. When you are on a plane, you might relax a little and not be concerned about your belongings. That would be...
New “Tesla Tunnel” on the Las Vegas Strip
July 17, 2022 03:53 - 42 minutes - 19.3 MBListen Now On the Sunday, July 17th edition of The Travel Guys… In the Travel News, there is a new “Tesla Tunnel” on the Las Vegas Strip, creating an exciting new way to get around in Sin City. Delta Airlines, faced with a canceled overseas flight, decides to fly a plane home from Europe full of lost luggage. Ride share companies have a number of unknown rules regarding charges to riders. Some are pretty secret....
Both the FAA and the DOT are after the airlines
July 10, 2022 20:08 - 43 minutes - 19.8 MBListen Now On the Sunday, July 10th edition of The Travel Guys… In The Travel News, both the FAA (Federal Aviation Authority) and the DOT (Department of Transportation) are after the airlines. The FAA says the airlines blaming them for the recent spike in delays and cancellations is a bunch of BS. “There are more flights scheduled than the system can handle…” said a United Airlines spokesperson. The FAA says on July 4th, the FAA...
Delta Airlines offered passengers almost $10,000 to give up their seats
July 03, 2022 21:03 - 42 minutes - 19.6 MBListen Now On the Sunday, July 3rd edition of The Travel Guys… Highlights from The Travel News – It appears Delta Airlines DID offer passengers almost $10,000 to give up their seats on a flight from Grand Rapids to Minneapolis Friday evening; and Holland America is eliminating the proof of vaccination requirement for a limited number of upcoming cruises. In our Smarter Traveler segment, Mark again reminds those traveling this summer to choose non-stop flights...
Europe is adding a small visitors fee in 2023
June 26, 2022 21:49 - 42 minutes - 19.5 MBListen Now On the Sunday, June 26th edition of The Travel Guys… In the Travel News, Europe is adding a small visitors fee in 2023, there’s an update on Yellowstone and we share info on an upcoming new Broadway musical about the life of Neil Diamond. In our Smarter Traveler segment, we take you on an imaginary shopping trip for airline tickets. Are the ultra-low fare carriers like Spirit and Frontier really cheaper, or does...
Delta Pilots are writing letters to the public
June 19, 2022 20:29 - 42 minutes - 19.4 MBListen Now On the Sunday, Juneteenth 2022 edition of The Travel Guys… In the Travel News, Delta Pilots are writing letters to the public, Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg is calling the airlines on the carpet, and hundreds of flights are getting canceled. What’s the average traveler to do? Loyalty programs fostered by credit card companies, airlines, hotels and rental car companies are supposed to benefit consumers. At least that’s the way they are presented/touted. Mark...
Words to beware of when shopping for a vacation rental
June 12, 2022 21:45 - 43 minutes - 20 MBListen Now On the Sunday, June 12th edition of The Travel Guys… In the Travel News, the requirement to test within 24 hours of returning to the US is making the travel industry ecstatic, with the expectation of increasing international travel in short order. Disney is launching a new cruise ship. Chris Elliott wrote a piece on words to beware of when shopping for a vacation rental, which was the subject of our Smarter Traveler...
Broadway and Canada extend their mask requirements
June 05, 2022 05:04 - 43 minutes - 19.7 MBListen Now On the Sunday, June 5th edition of The Travel Guys… In the Travel News, Broadway and Canada extend their mask requirements, and the cruise industry is leaving some ships at less than capacity. The reason: A shortage of crew. In our Smarter Traveler segment, we discuss the strategy of “taking the longest flight first,” and why that might be to your advantage. The summer travel season unofficially kicked off with Memorial Day weekend....
What’s Goin’ On? is back with a collection of North Bay attractions
May 29, 2022 07:37 - 43 minutes - 19.9 MBListen Now On the Sunday, May 28th, Memorial Day edition of The Travel Guys… In the Travel News, a 29-year old Sacramento woman is sentenced to 15 months in jail after punching a Southwest flight attendant; and travel to Cuba is back on the table in a big way. Insurance for Vacation Rentals – whether you are a renter or a landlord, should you be protecting yourself? It’s the subject of our Smarter Traveler segment....
Canada is about to hold airlines accountable for delays
May 22, 2022 07:35 - 43 minutes - 19.9 MBListen Now On the Sunday, May 22nd edition of The Travel Guys… In the Travel News, Canada is about to follow Europe in holding airlines accountable for delays. So why isn’t it happening here in our country? Because the airlines have WAYYYY too much power in Washington, DC. Plus, Southwest expands again, this time from Sacramento to Santa Barbara. Service starts June 5th. COVID is becoming an issue again, and that is impacting travel. So...
Is Southwest Airlines the best or the worst in the sky?
May 15, 2022 20:05 - 44 minutes - 20.5 MBListen Now On the Sunday, May 15th edition of The Travel Guys… In the Travel News, the small national hotel chain Kimpton, has added dog walking services for guests nationwide. Southwest Airlines is either the best or the worst in the sky, depending on which survey you listen to. In our Smarter Traveler segment, we talk about the importance of “timing” during the busy summer travel season. Airports, hotels, attractions, and especially restaurants are going...
Airbnb is responding to out-of-control party complaints
May 08, 2022 19:22 - 43 minutes - 20.1 MBListen Now On the Sunday, May 8th Mother’s Day edition of The Travel Guys… In the Travel News, Airbnb is responding to complaints about out-of-control parties at some of its rental properties by expanding a policy that limits renters with bad reviews from certain types of rentals on holiday weekends. Is it ok to ask a fellow traveler if they are vaccinated, or to wear a mask? What happens if you don’t get the answer...
Mask and vaccination requirements update
May 01, 2022 20:04 - 44 minutes - 20.2 MBListen Now On the Sunday, May 1st edition of The Travel Guys… In the Travel News, we update the mask and vaccination requirements. Believe it or not, they are coming back in some destinations, including a couple of places close to home. Airbnb is changing their COVID-friendly refund policy. We update you in our Smarter Traveler segment; and Mark offers a reminder about the importance of flexibility if you are traveling this summer. We introduce...
Summer travel to Venice, Italy is going cost a little extra
April 24, 2022 19:32 - 40 minutes - 18.7 MBListen Now On the Sunday, April 24th edition of The Travel Guys… 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. We make you a Smarter Traveler by sharing information from our friends at Wallet Hub. Which US airline was the best overall last year? Which is the...
Spirit Airlines has two potential merger partners
April 17, 2022 07:58 - 44 minutes - 30.3 MBListen Now On the Easter Sunday, April 17th edition of The Travel Guys… In the Travel News, Spirit Airlines now has both Frontier and Jet Blue as potential merger partners, and if you think inflation is bad at the grocery store, you should see the startling numbers from the travel industry. How can you get into one of those extra leg room seats on the plane for free? We have an idea. Plus, what are...
Hertz is buying electric cars
April 10, 2022 05:24 - 43 minutes - 20 MBListen Now On the Sunday, April 10th edition of The Travel Guys… In the Travel News, Hertz is buying a bunch of electric cars, Delta is making it easier for families and groups to sit together on the plane, and Alaska Airlines offers an apology for flights canceled because of pilot picketing. Tipping on cruise ships is included on your bill as a “convenience.” But how do you get that convenience adjusted or removed? Our...
Legendary Golden Gate Theatre turns 100
April 03, 2022 06:25 - 24 minutes - 17.1 MBListen Now Update: Due to a press conference regarding the Saturday night shooting in downtown Sacramento, the Travel Guys had only a 30-minute program. The Travel News and the interview with the Elliott family ran. The Hearst Castle story will run next week. Mark talked about the rental car situation in an abbreviated Smarter Traveler segment On the Sunday, April 3rd edition of The Travel Guys… In the Travel News, we are celebrating birthdays. The...
The ten U.S. airports with the worst on time record
March 27, 2022 19:45 - 43 minutes - 29.7 MBListen Now On the Sunday, March 27th edition of The Travel Guys… In the Travel News, Southwest has a new fare category with an interesting set of benefits and we have a list of the ten airports in the country with the worst on time record. The COVID crisis saw an explosion in the number of angry passenger incidents on airplanes. We can only hope they will subside. But what if you are on a...
Spring breakers head to Florida in record numbers
March 20, 2022 06:14 - 43 minutes - 19.9 MBListen Now On the Sunday, March 20th edition of The Travel Guys… In the Travel News, spring breakers are headed to Florida in record numbers as leisure travel rebounds to pre-COVID levels. Business travel, however, continues to lag. This is a problem for hotels in particular, because business travelers pay higher rates, and spend more in the hotel on food and beverage than leisure travelers. In our Smarter Traveler segment, we talked about the importance...
Stats show 1/3 of European travelers have canceled their plans
March 13, 2022 05:49 - 43 minutes - 19.9 MBListen Now On the Sunday, March 13th edition of The Travel Guys… In the Travel News, Rick Steves, who escorts trips around the planet, has canceled his tours which include stops in Russia for 2022. In fact new statistics show 1/3 of people who were planning to travel to Europe have canceled those plans for now and another 1/3 are reconsidering travel to the continent, all because of the war in Ukraine. Also, the Queen...
Airplane mechanic shortage could become a factor in the busy summer season
March 06, 2022 06:47 - 43 minutes - 20.1 MBListen Now On the Sunday, March 6th edition of The Travel Guys… In the Travel News, TSA says if you can’t behave on the plane, there’s no reason for your Pre-Check status to remain valid…hint, hint. There is a shortage of airplane mechanics within the industry right now, and it could become a factor in the busy summer season. We remind you to check any travel vouchers you have been issued in the last two...
Police show up at the doors of an alarming number of Hertz renters
February 27, 2022 07:01 - 40 minutes - 18.6 MBListen Now On the Sunday, February 27th edition of The Travel Guys… In the Travel News, TSA adds its first international destination – The Bahamas – to the Pre-Check Program, a Sesame Street Theme Park is opening in San Diego, and an alarming number of Hertz renters are having the police show up at their door. In our Smarter Traveler block, we discuss tipping at home vs. tipping abroad. How is it different? Travel Writer...
Will the expiring federal mask mandate be dropped or extended?
February 20, 2022 21:37 - 43 minutes - 20.1 MBListen Now On the Sunday, February 20th edition of The Travel Guys… In the Travel News, if you are interested in buying an unfinished cruise ship, Getting Hong Kong, the parent company of “out of business” Crystal Cruises, has one for sale. The Global Dream, is still under construction in a German shipyard. If it is finished, it will hold 9,500 of your closest friends. The federal mask mandate will expire on March 18th. Will...
Frontier and Spirit Airlines are planning a merger
February 13, 2022 22:19 - 43 minutes - 19.9 MBListen Now On the Sunday, February 13th edition of The Travel Guys… In the Travel News, two big stories dominate the headlines. Frontier and Spirit, two budget airlines who charge you for EVERYTHING a la carte, are planning a merger. Mark says, “great, now two crummy airlines are combined into one.” Crystal Cruises is done pretending they will be back in business on April 30th. Industry insiders say they have fired staff and are folding...
Delta Airlines asks for government help with Do Not Fly list
February 06, 2022 21:52 - 43 minutes - 19.7 MBListen Now On the Sunday, February 6th edition of The Travel Guys… In the Travel News, Delta Airlines asks the government for help, saying it would be easier and better for all flyers if the government took control of the Do Not Fly list. Speaking of airlines, one has changed its baggage policy in a sneaky way (no surprise there) that could cost you some cash. We’ll help you avoid the trap. We’ll make you...
COVID cultural differences to be aware of while traveling within the USA
January 30, 2022 08:38 - 43 minutes - 20 MBListen Now On the Sunday, January 30th edition of The Travel Guys… In the Travel News, we update you on Crystal Cruise Lines’ bankruptcy and what’s happening as their ships try to finish their final voyages. Are Crystal’s cruise passengers getting home or getting stranded? Our Smarter Traveler segment features comments on buying airline miles, and the importance of being aware of COVID cultural differences if you are traveling right here in the USA. Listeners...
Crystal Cruises cancels sailings as bankruptcy appears near
January 23, 2022 21:31 - 44 minutes - 20.2 MBListen Now On the Sunday, January 23rd edition of The Travel Guys… In the Travel News, Crystal Cruises cancels sailings as bankruptcy appears near. Cruising right now is a gamble. A gamble that you won’t end up in a “COVID Jail.” In our Smarter Traveler segment, we share a horror story or two. Getting COVID on board a ship might be a travel experience you’d want to skip. Surprise fees are appearing on restaurant checks....
Disney, Broadway and Hawaii are stepping up vaccination requirements
January 16, 2022 08:55 - 45 minutes - 20.8 MBListen Now On the Sunday, January 16th edition of The Travel Guys… 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...
CDC reports COVID cases on every ship sailing in US waters
January 09, 2022 08:32 - 44 minutes - 20.6 MBListen Now On the Sunday, January 9th edition of The Travel Guys… In the Travel News, the CDC announced EVERY ship sailing in US waters as of last Wednesday had COVID cases on board. With Sex and The City’s reboot on TV, the tour of its hotspots in the Big Apple has also returned. A group of partying Canadians, who whooped it up on the plane on the way to Mexico, find themselves without a...
National parks release 2022 list of free admission days
January 02, 2022 20:14 - 44 minutes - 20.5 MBListen Now On the Sunday, January 2nd edition of The Travel Guys… In the Travel News, despite COVID the roads and the skies are crowded over the holidays; and the national parks have released their list of free admission days for 2022. In our Smarter Traveler segment, we talk about common security steps you can take to keep you and your identity safe while on the road. Nevada is not only close, it’s full of...
Bookings for winter travel stay strong, despite COVID headwinds
December 26, 2021 20:29 - 44 minutes - 20.2 MBListen Now On the Sunday, December 26th edition of The Travel Guys… In the Travel News, bookings for winter travel continue to be strong, despite COVID headwinds. Cities and destinations are creating their own rules to protect their work force. Travelers should do their homework before departing for any destination. When COVID flared in the past, travelers flocked to cancel reservations. We have some tips to help you head off a financial loss if you...
COVID causes shutdown of famous New York Rockettes Show
December 19, 2021 20:29 - 42 minutes - 19.6 MBListen Now On the Sunday, December 19th edition of The Travel Guys… 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...
Delta Airlines cuts miles earning from Basic Economy tickets
December 12, 2021 21:15 - 50 minutes - 22.9 MBListen Now On the Sunday, December 12th edition of The Travel Guys… 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,”...
United Airlines sets record by using 100% sustainable fuel on flight
December 05, 2021 07:54 - 42 minutes - 19.7 MBListen Now On the Sunday, December 5th edition of The Travel Guys… 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...
Hawaii and New Zealand are easing COVID restrictions…for now
November 28, 2021 08:23 - 44 minutes - 20.1 MBListen Now On the Sunday, November 28th edition of The Travel Guys… 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...
Learn two Thanksgiving dishes with Penny Sylvia from Good Eats, Happy Life
November 21, 2021 21:24 - 43 minutes - 20 MBListen Now On the Sunday, November 21st edition of The Travel Guys… 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...
Amtrak gets good news from new Infrastructure Bill
November 14, 2021 07:29 - 43 minutes - 19.9 MBListen Now On the Sunday, November 14th edition of The Travel Guys… In the Travel News, Canadian and Mexican travelers pour across the borders, Amtrak gets good news from the new Infrastructure Bill and our own Sacramento Airport has a top ten on time record! In our Smarter Traveler segment, we give you five holiday travel tips. You can thank us later! Chris Elliott, noted author and consumer advocate, joins us to discuss the 80...
Staff shortages are likely to impact holiday travel
November 07, 2021 07:43 - 43 minutes - 20 MBListen Now On the Sunday, November 7th edition of The Travel Guys… In the Travel News, travel is on the rebound, but there is still a serious shortage of staff in many places. Those shortages are likely to impact holiday travel. China has started a national parks system. Their beloved pandas are high on the initial protected list. Our show is live from the island of Kauai this week. In our Smarter Traveler segment, Mark...
Lawsuit reveals how much Marriott is making on resort fees
October 31, 2021 19:18 - 46 minutes - 21.1 MBListen Now On the Sunday, October 31st edition of The Travel Guys… 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....
Hotel occupancy in the US hits a post-COVID high
October 24, 2021 19:59 - 41 minutes - 18.9 MBListen Now On the Sunday, October 24th edition of The Travel Guys… 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...
Vaccinated international travelers soon to be welcome in the US
October 17, 2021 05:23 - 43 minutes - 19.9 MBListen Now On the Sunday, October 17th edition of The Travel Guys… 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,...
Southwest Airlines has over 1,000 weekend flight cancellations
October 10, 2021 20:00 - 42 minutes - 19.6 MBListen Now On the Sunday, October 10th edition of The Travel Guys… 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...
United lays off fewer non-vaccinated employees than projected
October 03, 2021 21:20 - 44 minutes - 20.2 MBListen Now On the Sunday, October 3rd edition of The Travel Guys… 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...
The Annual Fulton Avenue CruiseFest is coming soon
September 26, 2021 18:30 - 43 minutes - 19.8 MBListen Now On the Sunday, September 26th edition of The Travel Guys… 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....
Broadway is back in New York and Sacramento
September 19, 2021 05:39 - 43 minutes - 20 MBListen Now On the Sunday, September 19th edition of The Travel Guys… In the Travel and Entertainment News, Broadway is back in New York and Sacramento (as a brand new theater opens), numerous resorts and destinations report bookings for the holidays are back at normal levels and the number of places requiring travelers to be vaccinated domestically is growing. Our Smarter Traveler segment asks the question, should you tip when ordering take-out? Plus, an update...
Southwest announces no in-flight booze until at least next year
September 12, 2021 07:21 - 43 minutes - 19.7 MBListen Now On the Sunday, September 12th edition of The Travel Guys… 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....
United Airlines makes a major concession on ticket credits
September 05, 2021 05:29 - 43 minutes - 19.8 MBListen Now On the Sunday, September 5th edition of The Travel Guys… 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...
Hawaii is considering a return to lock down
August 29, 2021 19:54 - 43 minutes - 19.8 MBListen Now On the Sunday, August 29th edition of The Travel Guys… In the Travel News, Hawaii is considering a return to lock down after COVID spikes in the state, a Delta flight crew goes the extra mile to give a small boost to some Afghan children, and Venice is going to charge admission in an effort to control the number of tourist who descend on their city. Our Smarter Traveler segment updates you on...
Canada and Mexico accessible by air despite border remaining closed
August 22, 2021 20:10 - 42 minutes - 19.3 MBListen Now On the Sunday, August 22nd edition of The Travel Guys… 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...