On the Sunday, December 29th, 2019 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 - is the "formal night" officially gone; whether or not airline clubs are worth their not-so-cheap membership fees, and the importance of having the right expectations when you travel, about everything from security to seating on the plane and local customs. The ride service, GoGoGrandparent was first featured on the show over a year ago. It's Uber/Lyft for mature folks and can be summoned with a phone call. We get an update on their services. Between them, Clayton and Mark have over 60 years of Tour Directing experience. They share a list of Tour Director secrets and add a few of their own.
On the Sunday, December 22nd, 2019 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, as parking in some lots will be at a premium. Mark also tells listeners the stories on "juice jacking" at airports are mostly false alarms. At least so far. Non-refundable rates on hotel rooms on websites have become the new "basic economy" of accommodations. Yes, the prices are lower. But when you book one of these non-refundable rates, know something. They are non-refundable. Doesn't matter if you have a medical issue, your wedding or canceled or your cousin passed away. How do you get out of them? Mark has the answer. (Generally, you don't, but there is one longshot.) Reducing our carbon footprint to slow global warming is a topic of importance to many travelers. Consumer Advocate Chris Elliott joins us (www.elliott.org) to talk about first baby steps some major companies are taking to respond. The town of Santa Claus, Indiana, is a small, midwestern city. But as you might suspect by its name, it does become a special place every holiday season. We go to Santa Claus to learn about a project the townspeople volunteer for every year, answering children's letters to Santa Claus.
On the Sunday, December 15th, 2019 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 rewarded with a travel gift for the holidays. Last week’s wreath laying at the Sacramento Valley National Cemetery
On the Sunday, December 8th, 2019 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 buy the middle seat in your row, effectively giving you more room at a price. Hotel Frequent Guest Programs are under fire. They are being constantly devalued, and redemption prices are going up. So which is the best of the worst? Which programs are the MOST valuable and which are the LEAST. You may be surprised by the Wallet Hub survey. Going to Reno by train, through the Sierra Mountains, is a popular winter activity. There are lots of different packages. Which one is best for you and your traveling partners?