On the Sunday, September 6th, 2020 edition of The Travel Guys… In the Travel News, Southwest adds Palm Springs and Hawaii to its route map, as airlines try to pivot away from business travel to the leisure side. In our Smarter Traveler segment, we talk about the airlines getting rid of changes fees...or did they. Fact is there are many fares where the change fees are not waived. Plus, the airlines are playing a few other tricks. We have the first example of what Baseball Spring Training might look like next year, and Chris Elliott says to "beware of what "free" amenities might cost you in a hotel. Mark offers one of his Just One Man's Opinion pieces, focusing on the need for instant Covid testing to get travel started again. We tell you why it's a a good time to get your passport and we talk a little about the history of Burning Man, which has traditionally been held this time of year in the Nevada desert. In an unusual and fascinating interview we talk with the operator (and his wife) of a tiny ferry off the England coast. The operator, a former cruise ship employee, is taking advantage of cruise ships being temporarily parked off the coast in his area to offer special "Ghost Ship" or the idle cruisers. It's a story of how Covid circumstances and innovation is actually working in someone's favor. Welcome aboard the Mudeford Ferry...
On the Sunday, August 30th, 2020 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 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.
On the Sunday, August 23rd, 2020 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 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.
On the Sunday, August 16th, 2020 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 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.