On the Sunday, March 20th, 2022 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 of reading ALL the information in those special offers which are out there right now. "Cancel without penalty until 48 hours of departure," etc. Many of these "deals" have exceptions in them you could drive a cruise ship through. Road Reporter Scott Angeletti checks in to tell us about two fabulous recent adventures to Alaska and Yellowstone Park. Who goes there in the middle of winter? Scott does, and he has quite the story to tell. Finally, Mark takes a look at travel companies and the Russian war with Ukraine. Some are shutting down operations, but some are only "stopping development." Mark explains the difference and has some harsh words for those playing the word game.
On the Sunday, March 13th, 2022 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 Mary, which has been in the news and closed recently, has a new lease on life. In our Smarter Traveler segment, we revisit the decision of whether or not to pay an additional charge for seats on the plane. Mark points out there are a few situations where you need to consider it. Sonoma's International Film Festival celebrates its 25th anniversary. It starts Wednesday and we have a look at some of the highlights. Finally, Mark talks about International Women's Day, which was on the calendar. He points out the hypocrisy of companies who say one thing in situations like this, but their actions don't always support those comments.
On the Sunday, March 6th, 2022 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 years...because they might be about to expire. Mark has some ideas if you are in that spot, but only if you act BEFORE the voucher expires. The State of Nevada has released their "Seven Weirdest Wonders" list. We have a guest who talks about all seven, from the Clown Motel to the Alien Research Center.
On the Sunday, February 27th, 2022 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 Ed Perkins is our guest. We get his take on the upcoming masks on planes deadline, the merger between Spirit and Frontier Airlines and the idea of the government overseeing a "National Do Not Fly List." Mark gives listeners a heads up on a great Easter Brunch, plus Michael Bolton and Swan Lake Concerts - and you don't have to drive! There is a national airline pilot shortage. Ever wonder what some of the perks are for flying an airplane. We have the inside look.