Tag: cruises, Page 20

On the Sunday, May 2nd, 2021 edition of The Travel Guys… In the Travel News, TSA has announced the mask mandate, scheduled to expire in the next two weeks, has officially been extended until September 11th. This means you will have to remain masked on trains, planes, buses and other public transport through the summer. Real ID, the universal ID card, has a new deadline and the cruise industry is encouraged about the opportunity the CDC is allowing them to return to the oceans of our planet. Charlie Leocha from Travelers United is on hand to discuss why we should post basic rights for flyers in airports around the country. And why doesn't our system allow passengers to collect fines for delays within the airlines' control? An update from the people who fight for consumers in Washington, DC. Reporter Clayton Whitehead has a report on Dark Tourism. What makes places from Alcatraz to Auschwitz so popular with visitors? Finally, Mark shares the story of Alaska state legislator Lora Reinbold, who had such an issue with wearing a mask and the Alaska Airlines employees who enforced the rule, she has been banned from flying the airline. With her home near Anchorage and the legislature meeting in Juneau, that has created a bit of a problem. And from Broadway comes word that the pandemic may have changed the way Broadway shows are presented going forward. Mark has the story.

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.