Travel Guys Radio
341 episodes - English - Latest episode: 25 days ago - ★★★★★ - 12 ratingsA Travel Show for Everyday People...
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Episodes
The SF Giants/Alaska Airlines promotion and an update from the Hawaiian Islands
August 30, 2020 21:09 - 43 minutes - 19.9 MBOn the Sunday, August 30th edition of The Travel Guys... 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...
Rick Steves’ “No-Travel Tips” and an Airline Bailout Update
August 23, 2020 18:27 - 44 minutes - 20.2 MBOn the Sunday, August 23rd edition of The Travel Guys… 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...
Which masks are most effective and which ones will soon be banned by airports?
August 16, 2020 19:44 - 43 minutes - 19.8 MBOn the Sunday, August 16th edition of The Travel Guys: 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...
Taking a Roadtrip during COVID and What’s Going On in Sacramento
August 09, 2020 18:44 - 43 minutes - 20 MBOn the Sunday, August 9th edition of The Travel Guys… 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...
How does a tour company survive COVID? Mark shares his first-hand experience
August 02, 2020 18:45 - 44 minutes - 20.2 MBOn the Sunday, August 2nd edition of the Travel Guys… 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...
On the Road Laundry Tips and Listener Mailbag
July 25, 2020 21:45 - 43 minutes - 19.9 MBOn the Sunday, July 26th edition of The Travel Guys… 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...
Can you get out of a timeshare in the middle of a pandemic?
July 19, 2020 15:33 - 44 minutes - 20.3 MBOn the Sunday, July 19th edition of The Travel Guys... 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...
Being in the heart of a COVID pandemic in Europe vs the US
July 13, 2020 02:15 - 43 minutes - 20 MBOn the Sunday, July 11th edition of The Travel Guys… 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 w...
Will pre-board health screenings make flying safer?
July 05, 2020 15:12 - 44 minutes - 20.2 MBOn The Sunday, July 5th edition of The Travel Guys: 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...
Airlines are Selling Your Personal Information
June 28, 2020 02:38 - 44 minutes - 20.4 MBOn the Sunday, June 28th edition of The Travel Guys… In the travel news, 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 billons of dollars, via loans secured...
Camping Tips and Taking an RV Road Trip
June 21, 2020 16:04 - 43 minutes - 40 MBOn the Sunday, June 21st edition of The Travel Guys… In the Travel News, 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...
Sacramento River Train’s New Summer Activity and Fighting Racism in the Travel Industry
June 14, 2020 19:04 - 43 minutes - 39.8 MBOn the Sunday, June 14th edition of The Travel Guys: 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...
Travel Updates from Hawaii
June 07, 2020 20:17 - 44 minutes - 30.5 MBOn the Sunday, June 7th edition of The Travel Guys: 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...
The importance of using a travel advisor, especially during uncertain times
May 31, 2020 18:57 - 43 minutes - 29.8 MBOn the Sunday, May 31st edition of The Travel Guys… In the Travel News, Southwest says you can return to Hawaii starting July 1, except Hawaii hasn’t yet agreed and tickets are not on sale. With Hertz and several of its affiliated companies headed to bankruptcy, is it curtains for the car rental industry? Broadway San Francisco announces its new 2021 season here, but hedges its bet just a bit, with the season starting next year, instead of...
Changes in Airport Security and Virtual Theatre Performances
May 24, 2020 19:17 - 43 minutes - 30 MBOn the Sunday, May 24th, Memorial Day edition of The Travel Guys… 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...
Tips before booking your next trip and the story of Music Circus
May 17, 2020 16:28 - 43 minutes - 29.9 MBOn the Sunday, May 17th edition of The Travel Guys: 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...
Special Mother’s Day Stories and Answers to Virus Related Travel Questions
May 10, 2020 16:39 - 43 minutes - 30.2 MBA small plaque remembering Travel Guys co-host Mark Hoffmann’s mom can be seen in Capital Park’s Rose Garden. On the Sunday, May 10, Mothers Day edition of The Travel Guys: In the Travel News, 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...
What will get people traveling again once restrictions are lifted?
May 03, 2020 22:40 - 43 minutes - 30 MBvOn the Sunday, May 3rd edition of The Travel Guys… In the Travel News, 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...
Travel Updates from Christopher Elliott in France and Travel Advisor Gwen Duncan
April 26, 2020 23:25 - 43 minutes - 29.8 MBOn the Sunday, April 26th edition of The Travel Guys… In the Travel News, 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...
Potential Travel Bargains to Watch Out
April 19, 2020 22:10 - 43 minutes - 29.9 MBOn the Sunday, April 19th edition of The Travel Guys… In the Travel News, 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...
Frequent Traveler and Cancellation Updates During the COVID-19 Outbreak
April 12, 2020 19:28 - 43 minutes - 39.8 MBOn the Easter Sunday, March 12th edition of The Travel Guys… In the Travel News, Covid-19 updates of all kinds, as airlines continue to cut schedules down to a bare minimum and cruise lines are grounded for an extended period. When times are tough, Doubletree Hotels steps up its game. That means releasing the recipe to those signature chocolate chip cookies they give out at check in at their hotels. You can find the recipe here....
How to Disinfect Your Suitcase and an Update from Kauai
April 05, 2020 16:55 - 46 minutes - 31.6 MBOn the Sunday, April 5th, Palm Sunday edition of The Travel Guys… * In the Travel News, 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...
Tips for keeping your hands clean while traveling
March 08, 2020 20:27 - 43 minutes - 20.1 MBOn the Sunday, March 8th edition of The Travel Guys… * In the Travel News, 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. Cruise lines are making some special offers to keep you on board cruises you have already booked, and are offering some...
When Does an Airline Owe You a Hotel Stay and Rideshares vs Taxis
March 01, 2020 18:28 - 46 minutes - 32.1 MBOn the Sunday, March 1st edition of The Travel Guys… * In the Travel News, airlines and hotels are allowing cancellations to a growing number of international destinations because of the Corona Virus. Check with your airline or hotel for an update. Remember, only selected international destinations are impacted. Alaska and American Airlines are back in bed together again. You can earn miles for one while flying the other, redeem awards, etc. This comes only...
Travel the World as a Housesitter and Hawaii Travel Tips
February 23, 2020 20:56 - 42 minutes - 29.1 MBOn the Sunday, February 23rd edition of The Travel Guys…. * In the Travel News, 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...
11 Rules For Not Slowly Growing to Hate Your Traveling Companion
February 16, 2020 05:11 - 45 minutes - 30.9 MBOn the Sunday, February 16th edition of The Travel Guys… In the Travel News, there could be an extension to the Real ID deadline coming in October…but only for those who have the TSA Pre-Check designation. We make you a Smarter Traveler by sharing 11 Rules For Not Slowly Growing to Hate Your Traveling Companion, and reminding travelers that premium coach seats on most planes are nothing more than a seat in a preferred location. You...
Ditching single use plastics while traveling
February 09, 2020 17:04 - 44 minutes - 30.7 MBOn the Sunday, February 9th edition of The Travel Guys… * In the Travel News, Marriott, in two separate moves, cuts the value of your Bonvoy points pretty significantly. Between the new “peak/non-peak” award chart, and the “annual realignment” of awards for individual properties, considerable value has been lost for some. Cruise ships are scrambling to respond to the Coronavirus, dropping planned stops in China, refusing Chinese passengers and even getting stuck in quarantine. ...
Trip Cancellation Insurance and the Corona Virus
February 02, 2020 18:24 - 44 minutes - 30.4 MBOn the Sunday, February 2nd edition of The Travel guys… * In the Travel News, the Department of Transportation is asking for your input as they create new rules for Emotional Support Animals on airplanes, United Airlines says window shades up for take-off and landing, and we tell you about a Canadian hotel chain with free midday getaway rates on Valentine’s Day. * The Corona Virus is on the minds of many travelers. ...
Live from New York Times Travel Show: New Travel Gadgets, Experiences and More!
January 26, 2020 16:10 - 45 minutes - 31.3 MBOn the Sunday, January 26th edition of The Travel Guys… * In the Travel News, 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...
Accuracy of complaints given to consumer advocates and “The Last Ship” is coming to SF
January 19, 2020 18:56 - 44 minutes - 30.8 MBOn the Sunday, January 19th edition of The Travel Guys… *In The Travel News, 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. * In our...
REAL ID Update from the director of the California DMV
January 12, 2020 22:52 - 44 minutes - 30.8 MBThe wreaths on the graves of fallen heroes at the Sacramento Valley Cemetery in 2019 On the Sunday, January 12th edition of The Travel Guys: * In the Travel News, the Ahwahnee Hotel’s latest problem in Yosemite Park is food-related, Leonardo DeCaprio plays a hand in saving a man overboard from a cruise ship and Alaska Airlines announces the last of their Sacramento – Hawaii service will end in June. * Tom interviews Steve Gordon,...
The Value of Airline Club Memberships and Tour Director Secrets
December 29, 2019 22:53 - 44 minutes - 30.6 MBOn the Sunday, December 29th edition of The Travel Guys… * In the Travel News, one of Washington, DC’s coolest museums says goodbye, and Uber is back in the news. The subject is once again rider safety. In light of another helicopter crash in Hawaii, we once again renew the fixed wing vs. helicopter debate. * In our Smarter Traveler segment, with Clayton Whitehead sitting in for Tom, we talk about attire on cruise ships...
A Special Annual Holiday Project in Santa Claus, Indiana
December 22, 2019 16:36 - 44 minutes - 30.4 MBA thank you cake sent to the cast of Beach Blanket Babylon as their 45 year run in San Francisco On the Sunday, December 22nd edition of The Travel Guys: * In the Travel News, 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. Remember to allow plenty of time,...
Listeners call in to share their best travel tip!
December 15, 2019 18:27 - 44 minutes - 30.8 MBOn the Sunday, December 15th edition of The Travel Guys… * In the Travel News, Super Shuttle, the original airport ride share, is a casualty of the ride sharing movement. * In our Smarter Traveler segment, 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...
How to get more elbow room by paying for a middle seat
December 07, 2019 22:30 - 44 minutes - 30.7 MBOn the Sunday, December 8th edition of The Travel Guys… * In the Travel News, Uber finally releases its long promised security report and it’s not good; and we explain why the argument that skipping housekeeping is not the favor to the environment you think it is, not to mention the hotels are “cleaning up” on those of you who don’t (clean up that is). *In our Smarter Traveler segment, we tell you how to...
An Important Tip for Traveling Abroad and Holiday River Trains
December 01, 2019 19:38 - 44 minutes - 20.4 MBOn the Sunday, December 1st edition of The Travel Guys… * In the Travel News, Uber has run a fowl of the transportation authorities in London and has “lost” its license to operate in the city. The penalty is suspended however, giving Uber a small window in which to fix their regulatory issues, including passenger safety. The Travel Guys highlighted Uber’s safety record and policies in a recent program… Airlines don’t have a lot of...
TSA Holiday Airport Tips and a Visit from a Local Band
November 24, 2019 12:15 - 43 minutes - 30.2 MBOn the Sunday, November 24th edition of The Travel Guys… * In the Travel News, Hawaiian Airlines flight attendants have voted to strike for the first time in the company’s 90 year history. The vote was nearly unanimous. The earliest a strike could legally occur would be sometime in January/February. Experts think that is unlikely, considering the increased competition in the islands with the addition of Southwest Airlines. A strike would be particularly harmful to...
Updated Ride Sharing Safety Policies and More on Basic Economy
November 17, 2019 15:27 - 45 minutes - 31 MBOn the Sunday, November 17th edition of The Travel Guys: * In the Travel News, if you are traveling to Japan, you can now be fined for taking photos in the wrong places; and we tell you how you can get paid $2,000 to live green on Maui, along with an extra $4,000 for expenses here. * Our Smarter Traveler segment has an update on safety policies at ride sharing companies, a follow up on a story...
Tips for playing the points and/or mileage game
November 10, 2019 21:51 - 45 minutes - 31 MBOn the Sunday, November 10th edition of The Travel Guys, live from Sacramento and Kapa’a, Hawaii, on the island of Kauai… In the Travel News, Airbnb deals with a halloween party gone very bad in northern California and announces some new safety regulations. Are they enough? Homeland Security is starting to realize that Real ID may have some problems getting everyone ready to travel by October 1st of next year and is proposing putting more of...
The Future is NOT Plastic
November 03, 2019 19:43 - 45 minutes - 31.3 MBOn the Sunday, November 3rd edition of The Travel Guys… In the Travel News, we suggest you check out a sale Princess Cruises is offering on select departures for the first half of next year (https://www.princess.com/cruise-deals-promotions/) and the DOT (Department of Transportation) is looking at relaxing the tarmac rule and it’s not good news for travelers. Southwest says the camera in the bathroom incident didn’t actually happen (?) and we have an update on tourism in...
Words to Avoid When Resolving Travel Issues
October 27, 2019 21:05 - 43 minutes - 30.1 MBOn the Sunday, October 27th edition of The Travel Guys… * In the Travel News, 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. This will make it difficult for Cuban Americans to visit family and relatives on the island, and for travelers to create the best itineraries to visit. The president...
Are Vacation Rentals Now Charging Extra Fees?
October 20, 2019 15:35 - 44 minutes - 30.5 MBOn the Sunday, October 20th edition of The Travel Guys… * In the Travel News, we talk about cities with the most fake hotel reviews (according to fraud detection company Fakespot). 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? Even though he had his room key and was a registered guest? We update...
How Airlines have Devalued their Frequent Flyer Programs
October 13, 2019 21:31 - 44 minutes - 30.4 MBOn the Sunday, October 13th edition of The Travel Guys on KFBK 93.1 FM/1530AM… In the Travel News, 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. Quite a step up for a sleepy state capitol. The Empire State Building in NYC has reopened their observation level, after a remodel did away with many of the things blocking the spectacular view...
Will resort fees finally be a thing of the past?
October 06, 2019 20:02 - 46 minutes - 31.7 MBOn the October 6th edition of The Travel Guys: * In The Travel News, 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. The airline has been flying the route 3-4 days a week since the spring. With Southwest adding non-stop flights to Honolulu and soon to Maui, with direct service to Kona, Alaska decided to cut and run. A...
Do You have the Correct ID to Fly in 2020? An Important Reminder to Have a REAL ID
September 29, 2019 02:37 - 42 minutes - 29.3 MBOn the Sunday, September 29th edition of The Travel Guys… * In the Travel News, it’s time to start considering a Real ID. We have some tips and you can find a complete guide here. The deadline is October 1st of NEXT year. * A great American tradition, the dining car on the train, is officially going away. Amtrak is going to pre-prepared foods on its long-distance trains. Darn. * Steve LaRosa gives us his latest What’s...
Car Sharing, Flight Delays, Airline Water, and More!
September 22, 2019 18:36 - 44 minutes - 30.8 MBToday, on Sunday, September 22nd edition of The Travel Guys…. In the Travel News, 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...
The Military Convoy that Traveled Across the Historic Lincoln Highway
September 15, 2019 21:23 - 45 minutes - 31 MBOn the Sunday, September 15th edition of The Travel Guys: * In the Travel News, 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. Paying an additional fee to consume overpriced alcohol. You MUST be kidding? A historic military convoy traveled across the country on the Historic Lincoln Highway and...
Is Your Pre-Existing Condition Covered by Travel Insurance?
September 08, 2019 21:28 - 43 minutes - 30.1 MBOn the Sunday, September 8th edition of The Travel Guys… * In the Travel News, an American Airlines mechanic apparently sabotaged one of his company’s aircraft, to insure it would not fly. It’s apparently part of the ongoing mechanics’ labor issues with American, which is having a disastrous summer, between horrible weather and planes out of service due to mechanics playing strictly by the book. What happens to cruise ship passengers when a hurricane means...
How to Prevent being Scammed by a Travel Advisor
August 31, 2019 21:30 - 43 minutes - 30.2 MBOn the Sunday, September 1st edition of The Travel Guys… * In the Travel News, a runway 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...
Travel Insurance Tips
August 25, 2019 11:24 - 44 minutes - 30.3 MBOn the Sunday, August 25th edition of The Travel Guys… * In the Travel News – 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. * In our Smarter Traveler segment, we focus on Travel Insurance. Are you one of the many people with a “pre-existing condition?” How does that impact your ability to get...