On the Sunday, July 4th Independence Day edition of The Travel Guys… In the Travel News, the government appears ready to back a plan to give passengers who's bags don't arrive on time a refund of their baggage fees. Why isn't that ALREADY the airlines' policy? Excellent question. Delta airlines is now selling COVID testing kits you can use when returning from international destinations. Travelers United is behind a drive to get the airline issued ticket voucher's shelf life extended. You can sign the petition they will send to Congress at www.travelersunited.com. Mark has been out on the road with groups of travelers the past couple of weeks. He has an update with useful ideas you can incorporate into your travels. Bottom line: Popular places are crowded, try and find a time when fewer people are there. Mark has some help. Lots of Travel Questions come to our mailbag. We answer a number of them from you, including topics like cruise line refund vouchers, what are the up-to-date protocols about distance and masks in the airport, when you might be able to go to Canada, and my favorite topic, why gas is so expensive at the Sacramento Airport.
On the Sunday, June 27th, 2021 edition of The Travel Guys… In the Travel News, Southwest and American are short staffed and it’s starting to show on the front line, Hawaii is dropping the quarantine for vaccinated travelers and if you were a fan of the TV show Friends, we have a cruise to tell you about, where you can relive those TV memories. Joe Brancatelli, author of the Joe Sent Me web site, is ranting about airlines again. Justifiably so, as fares go up, vouchers expire and the airlines continue to drink at the public trough. Mark explains Joe's concerns, including a new COVID surcharge that didn't stick. Chris Elliott joins us to explain why the much anticipated post-COVID travel bargains didn't materialize, and reminds people the cost of not behaving yourself in the sky could be a lot more than you bargained for. If you are considering a visit to Disneyland anytime soon, you won't want to miss our special segment on Disney's two California theme parks. Tips on what to visit, and how to maneuver post-COVID.
On the Sunday, June 20th Father's Day edition of The Travel Guys… In the Travel News, Southwest Airlines had a week of computer glitches and delays throughout their system, and since they aren't really saying why it happened, no one knows if the coming week will bring a repeat. National Parks are reporting long lines to get in, so make sure you know if you need a day pass, camping permit or whatever, because you don't want to be turned away. One of the "volunteer" cruises had a COVID infection, but they continued on without major problems. The governor of Florida wins a victory over the CDC. Cruise lines cannot require vaccinations. Is this a good thing? Our Smarter Traveler segment focuses on those who travel with life-saving medications and those needing wheelchair assistance at airports. The world's longest border has been closed for over a year and will remain that way until at least July 20th. Clayton Whitehead has an update on when we might be able to go to Canada. To round out the show, we take you to a preview of the Mother Lode Fair in Tuolumne County over the holiday weekend. Did you know there are lots of great hiking trails in that region? You will after you listen to the podcast!
On the Sunday, June 13th, 2021 edition of The Travel Guys… In the Travel News, Southwest will add flights to Palm Springs and Kona this fall and we have the latest episodes of "people behaving badly on planes." In our Smarter Traveler segment, Hawaii's governor has spelled out when the testing and quarantines might be relaxed; cruise ships are getting back in the ocean - with one already reporting positive COVID passengers on board; and the CDC has changed the regulation on vaccinated travelers on SOME forms of public transportation...but don't throw away the mask quite yet. Chris Elliott, America's foremost travel consumer advocate, joins us to talk about vacation rentals. Seems owners of vacation home are getting quite creative on the fees they are adding to rentals. Chris updates us on what to look out for. Hint: The bottom line may NOT be the bottom line. Mark went to Oregon with a group of 30 travelers last week, on the heels of a trip to Nevada. How are the two states different? How are rising numbers of travelers impacting the system at airports, restaurants and the like? Mark has some observations.