On the Saturday, May 17th, 2025 edition of The Travel Guys… In the Travel News, American Airlines says they have new technology which allows them to hold some planes for connecting passengers; and a new rule involving junk fees went into effect last week. But will it be enforced? In our Smarter Traveler segment, we address two topics: The sudden dramatic reduction in value for Hilton Honors points, and we explain what it means if your boarding pass has "SSSS" on it. Caroline Beteta, the President and CEO of Visit California, joins us to talk about California's National Parks and some of the challenges of being the state's lead tourism official. Our Odds and Ends segment features a update on REAL ID. Turns out most people either have a REAL ID, a passport or another acceptable ID. But for those who don't, you will still need one. The day when you won't be allowed on the plane will come.
On the Sunday, August 1st, 2010 edition of The Travel Guys… Join us this Sunday as we discuss the ins and outs of airports. Together with Road Reporter Clayton Whitehead, we have about a bajillion hours logged in airports across the country, so rest assured you’re in for a lively discussion and probably a few “insider secrets.” Also joining us this week is Lisa Simon, President of the National Tour Association to report on the current state of the tourism industry including an update on traveling to Cuba and the Gulf Coast. Finally, we’ll be getting another update on “The Big Build” from Karen Doron. All this and more on this weeks edition of The Travel Guys!
Karen Doron
Karen will be giving us another update on the status of "The Big Build," Sacramento's latest airport expansion project. We've been following the project closely for several months now, and we're anxious to hear how things are progressing!
Lisa Simon
For more than two decades Lisa Simon has been involved in the travel industry. Simon currently serves as the president of the National Tour Association.
Simon began her tenure with NTA in 1985 and served as its senior vice president from 1998 to 2004. Simon has managed NTA’s education, certification and marketing activities, as well as served as the director of the National Tourism Foundation and vice president of Marketing.
Simon’s expertise is in organizational change and strategic planning. With more than 20 years’ experience in association marketing and management, her facilitation skills and analytical abilities have proven effective in leadership development, strategic planning, organizational structure and managing change.
She is a member of the American Society of Association Executives, and she serves on the boards of the US Travel Association and Tourism Cares. She also has received the Certified Tour Professional designation from NTA.
NTA has a global membership of tourism professionals involved in the growth and development of the packaged travel industry. It has a membership of nearly 3,000 members including 700 operator companies and the destinations and suppliers that partner with them. NTA tour operators package group and independent travel to, from and within North America. The association is committed to providing business results and information to its members, while offering a collaborative, caring environment in which to build relationships.
What Are the Worst Hotels in the US?
California, Florida and Virginia Beach, VA dominate the list of the Worst Hotels in the USA, according to TripAdvisor. NAJ News looked up the rates for each property online for the evening of July 29, 2010.
In no particular order, the dubious distinction goes to the following properties. Heritage Marina Hotel, San Francisco, California: Rate: $58.70/night Days Inn Eureka, Eureka, Missouri: $59.99/night Tropicana Resort Hotel, Virginia Beach, Virginia: $128.88/night Super 8 Virginia Beach/At the Ocean, Virginia Beach, Virginia: $56.09/night Quality Inn, Stroudsburg, Pennsylvania: $79.55/night New York Inn, New York City, New York: $119/night Parisian Hotel & Suites, Miami Beach, Florida: $69/night Capistrano Seaside Inn, Capistrano Beach, California: $89/night Desert Lodge, Palm Springs, California: $40/night Continental Oceanfront Hotel South Beach, Miami Beach, Florida: $79/night
Lincoln Highway AND Route 66
John and Joyce Jackson of Delaware, Ohio set out to cross the country using the Lincoln Highway not too long ago. Now that they've completed that, they're on their way back home using Route 66! These are our kind of people! Take a look at their blog, we'll be trying to get them on-air for our special Route 66 episode on August 29th.
http://blog.jacksonlhtour.com/
Today's Links Congresswoman Doris Matsui
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?