cruises Page 20

On the Sunday, April 18th, 2021 edition of The Travel Guys… In the Travel News, reopening continues at museums, hotels and attractions, especially theme parks. Southwest has announced new service to two Pacific Northwest cities, Eugene, Oregon, and Bellingham, Washington. While you would have to connect to those destinations (no non-stops from Sacramento), it’s important to note that Bellingham is very close to the Canadian border (when it reopens) and is also the jumping off spot for the Alaska Ferry. California could be headed for a big fire season this year. Recently, a tour operator friend of Mark’s, Shebby Lee, had to flee her home in the Black Hills on a moment’s notice. Her experience might help you prepare for a similar occurrence in your neighborhood. Shebby also offers one heck of a Lewis and Clark tour you might want to participate in this year or in the future. Gwen Duncan of Cordially Yours Travel joins Mark to debate the return of cruise ships to the high seas. Gwen says the ships have done a lot to improve traveler safety on board against Covid. Mark says he’s not sure you can trust cruise lines, who haven’t always proven to be the best environmental partners, among other sins, and how can a cruise possibly be safe during Covid? 50 years ago, a vocal duo named Brewer and Shipley wrote and sang a controversial song, ‘One Toke Over the Line.' It was about smoking too much funny tobacco. The song was WAYYY before it’s time. Next week, April 20 (4-20) comes to calendars. 4-20 is a longtime part of marijuana culture. Tom sits down with one of the duo and gets the story behind the song. It really is a great interview. Especially the part about the song being played on the Lawrence Welk Show.

On the Sunday, April 11th, 2021 edition of The Travel Guys… In the Travel News, Carnival Cruise Lines threatens to move operations off shore if they aren't allowed to sail from US ports, many national parks will be tied or appointment entry only this summer and we tell you about a new airline taking to the sky, headquartered in Burbank. Baby's Away is the place to get travel supplies to help you go the distance with mini-travelers. Now you know all about them! Chris Elliott is not only the Travel Writer for USA Today and Forbes Magazine, he runs Elliott.org, a great consumer action web site, and is a regular guest on our show. Chris talks about his change in travel advisories for some groups, gives a great lesson on solving consumer issues and tells the story about how Elliott Advocacy got an "F" from the Better Business Bureau.

On the Sunday, February 28th, 2021 edition of The Travel Guys… In the Travel News, formal complaints to airlines jumped by over 500% last year. Not surprising, considering all the fuss over refunds and vouchers. California tourism destinations are hoping for spring openings, at least on a limited basis. In our Smarter Traveler segment, we talk about how both Americans and Canadians are trying to make sure the closing of Canadian ports to cruise ships and a little known US law don't kill the Alaska cruise season. Work is going on to fix the situation north and south of the border. Which poses the question, will cruise ships be safe this summer? We'll tell you about how the cruise industry is preparing to resume sailing the world's oceans. Chris Elliott, who used to have a weekly column in The Bee when the paper had a travel section, makes one of his regular guest appearances on our program to talk about those airlines vouchers you've got. Guess what, they could be expiring soon. What do you do? Chris has some wisdom. In the final segment, Mark answers some mailbag questions on overseas travel this summer, making reservations for a cruise and bringing food on the plane.

On the Sunday, February 21st, 2021 edition of The Travel Guys… In the Travel News, a new option for Hawaii bound travelers who are vaccinated is expected as early as next week. There shouldn't be a reason to quarantine if you are vaccinated, but with Hawaii, who knows. United Airlines is investigating how Ted Cruz' flight information to/from Cancun last week became public. American Steamboat Lines expect to be back on America's Rivers March 15th. All passengers will be tested the night before boarding the ship to ensure a safe beginning to all cruises. Capacity on the ships is set at about 65%. Because the riverboats are less than 250 passenger capacity, they are not subject to the current big ship sailing restrictions. Our show features a number of stops throughout the state of Oregon. We stopped in Pendleton, Coos Bay, Newport and Portland. Check the link list below for links to the destinations and some of the attractions and activities mentioned on the show.