On the Sunday, May 26th, 2019 edition of The Travel Guys… In the Travel News, it appears the state of Hawaii is about to take some serious action against Airbnb. A critical housing shortage is being made worse by homeowners ignoring current laws, so stiffer ones are in the making. In our Smarter Traveler segment, Mark tells you how to take advantage of fare sales by Southwest Airlines...the only major carrier who allows you to re-ticket without any fees. Gwen Duncan guests to talk with Tom and Mark about travel vocabulary. Certain words carry big meaning when you use them to make travel decisions.
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The Wakamatsu Festival in Placerville is just around the corner. We give you one last update on the activities celebrating the first permanent Japanese settlement in the United States, 150 years ago.
On the Sunday, May 19th, 2019 edition of The Travel Guys… In the Travel News, Boeing says the new software for the 737 MAX is done, they are just waiting on FAA certification. Would you fly in a Max? Listen to what Tom says when Mark asks him that question.
FAIRBnB is the new competitor to Airbnb. It promises to be socially responsible to communities as well and renters and home owners. Mark thinks they may have found a hole in Airbnb's aura. Since many in the home/apartment sharing business are also in environmentally conscious demographics, there could be room for another player. More news links below.
The Island of Capri is declaring itself a "plastics free" area and threatening to fine tourists who violate the tough new law. Will this trend spread to other environmentally sensitive tourism areas? Mark says the answer is a definite yes. The second half of the show features an interview with Gary Gerould. The only play-by-play voice the Sacramento Kings have ever had (34 years) talks to us about life on the road in the NBA, his favorite cities, hotels, and restaurants; and even shares the story of how he came to be the Kings' announcer. It is one of our favorite interviews ever.
On the Sunday, May 12th, Mother's Day edition of The Travel Guys.... In the Travel News, the Utah Attorney General's office is investigating
Expedia for collusion with some major hotel chains. Speaking of major hotel chains, Hilton has taken over the top spot from Marriott in "brand value," as measured by Brand Finance Hotels ranking. Marriott's brand value suffered a 30 percent reduction, while Hilton's was climbing 17 percent. The brand value is based in part on marketing investment, stakeholder equity and business performance. Of course, Marriott has been plagued with a series of problems after its merger with Starwood.
Our Smarter Traveler segment looks at recent rankings of hotels, airlines and other travel providers, based on their service levels. In our Travel Mailbag, Mark answers questions on passports for tiny travelers (babies), Southwest Advance Boarding Passes and how to find out if your cruise ship is clean. Finally, we take you to Oregon's North Coast, where their latest tourism promotion is rewarding local service station attendants for being the best tourism ambassadors in the region.
On the Sunday, May 5th edition of The Travel Guys.... In The Travel News, Marriott is going into the hotel rental business, aka Airbnb. Believe it or not, the same week Marriott makes that announcement, Airbnb announces they are going into the hotel business. Coincidence? We think not. The SAP Arena in San Jose has announced they are joining the growing ranks of public venues adopting a Clear Bag Policy. Basically, it means any bag you bring into the arena has to meet very specific size requirement and it must be clear. To begin with, the arena is offering a $5 bag check if yours doesn't meet the requirements. San Jose isn't the first and we suspect this will quickly become the standard. Time to buy a see through bag.
We make you a Smarter Traveler with a break down of Hotel Safety ideas. Most people remember to lock the deadbolt (you DO remember that, right...), check window locks on ground floor rooms and even connecting room locks. But what about that door hanger you put out to order breakfast? You didn't write your name on it, did you? And how easy is to to access your room through the elevator? Let's talk. Even a Do Not Disturb sign will not keep hotel staff out of your room, and we explain why. Gwen Duncan, our favorite Travel Advisor, comes by to talk about their recent rip to Japan. The ups, the downs, the ideas to make you smarter than Gwen when you go..... Call Sports Leisure Vacations at (916) 361-2051 to RSVP!