On the Sunday, June 2nd, 2019 edition of The Travel Guys… In the Travel News, the signs are everywhere. TSA officers have been reassigned. Summer flying crowds are expected to break records. You must rethink your airport experience. Allow a little more time. And have a plan B. Employees at the world renowned Louvre Museum in France went on strike to protest overcrowding and a lack of staff. We offer a replay of our interview with Cynthia Nichol, Sacramento County Director of Airports. The informative conversation originally aired on Easter Sunday.
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.
*
*
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.