cruises Page 17

On the Sunday, September 12th, 2021 edition of The Travel Guys… In the Travel News, the DOT is investigating a number of airlines who didn't provide refunds in a timely manner, or misled travelers into thinking they couldn't get a refund for their ticket. Southwest announces no booze on their planes until at least next year, and we talk about the last term changes brought to travel by the events of September 11, 2001. In our Smarter Traveler segment, we remind you of some of the resources available to help you prepare for your next COVID-era trip. Canada opened its borders to US travelers a month ago. Road Reporter Chris Galloway has been in Canada with a group of travelers for the last week, and will repeat with another group next week. He checks in to tell us about getting into Canada, and just as importantly, getting back into the states. Gwen Duncan has an update on cruising. What are cruisers buying and when are they going out of the oceans and rivers of the world again? What are the restrictions cruisers need to know about?

On the Sunday, September 5th, 2021 edition of The Travel Guys… In the Travel News, Maui has joined Oahu in creating a program which insures travelers who enter restaurants, and other indoor venues, have proof of vaccination, either through a unique program on your phone or by presenting a vaccination card. The Queen Mary, which has been enjoying retirement in Long Beach for the past 50 or so years, may be done as a tourist attraction. Plus, United Airlines has made a major concession on ticket credits. The price of a cruise is often way more than what you paid before you boarded. The cruise lines have set up a gauntlet of ways to extract money from you. We'll talk about some of them and perhaps you can make your own plan to cut the cruise lines profits next time you sail. Mark says the travel industry has experienced an upswing in "I thought things would be better so I booked, but now I want to cancel at the last minute and not be charged anything" calls. He has some strong words for travelers who aren't big on taking responsibility for their decisions. In our final segment, we put on our entertainment hats as Tom interviews MARC D'ANTONIO who is featured in the DISCOVERY+ show, "SHOCK DOCS – ALIEN INVASION: HUDSON VALLEY" (which began streaming on Monday, August 16th).

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.