Tag: cruises, Page 9

On the Saturday, February 24th, 2024 edition of The Travel Guys… In the Travel News, United and American Airlines raise baggage fees, and American Queen Voyages (the river cruise line) is out of business. A new piece of technology in restaurants is a hand-held software system that allows the server to total your bill, then hand you the machine, in their presence, to decide on a gratuity amount. Is it just us, or is that "in your face" system designed to pressure the diner into a higher gratuity? Carry-on bags have been a pain for airlines ever since they started charging for baggage. If only they would enforce their own carry-on rules, the problem might be solved. We discuss carry-ons and how airlines on one hand are telling you to check your bags, when in many instances there is plenty of room for them in the overheads. What's up? The mailbag addresses a variety of issues you wrote us about, everything from airline customer service, to state park entry/parking fees and parking charges at hotels.

On the Saturday, February 10th, 2024 edition of The Travel Guys… In the Travel News, Boeing's planes are back in the sky, but would you fly on one (hint there have been very few cancellations)? Protesters have blocked the train tracks leading into Machu Pichu in Peru, keeping tourists from visiting. You are considering taking a cruise. Friends and/or family have decided to join you. Sounds wonderful, right? Sounds like a situation that will thrive with some advance planning and open discussion. Mark and Tom talk about how to take a cruise with first-time traveling friends and survive with your relationships intact. All part of our Smarter Traveler segment. The president's war on junk fees has had little impact. He's tackling family seating on planes now, and could potentially have more success. Our odds and ends segment features a story about a group that thinks they have found the remains of Amelia Earhart's plane on the floor of the Pacific Ocean. And Senator Ted Cruz wants more secure airport experiences for lawmakers. Private screenings included. But he may have some alternative reasons for his wish list. We'll discuss Cancun Cruz.

On the Saturday, January 27th, 2024 edition of The Travel Guys… In the Travel News, Alaska and United have gotten the OK to put 737 Max 9 aircraft back in the sky after inspections starting tomorrow. Meanwhile, Kayak.com reports that more and more travelers are trying to avoid the Max 9. And California joins the list of states with digital licenses (think TSA). Travelers United has put out a list of driving tips for cold weather destinations. If you are headed into the Sierras, or other snowy destinations, or just know someone who lives in one, check out the list. United is selling miles by subscription. Are they a good deal? Find out in our Smarter Traveler segment. We'll also address airlines on time ratings and explain how they are created, and whether or not they are to be trusted. If you are thinking about one of those extended cruises, consider the fate of passengers who thought they were going around the world for three years, and instead are just out a lot of money. Plus, there's a ship now with cabins that open to the ocean. We share the details of the pluses and minuses of this new innovation in cruise ship accommodations.

On the Saturday, December 16th, 2023 edition of The Travel Guys… In the Travel News, we'll explain how Taylor Swift took over the travel industry in 2023, and Carnival Cruise Lines bans two passengers for fishing from the balcony of their room. In our Smarter Traveler segment, we talk with Scott Johnston and Colm Marmion about how Sacramento International Airport is trying to improve the airport experience over the holidays, and they share some last minute tips in case you find yourself flying from, taking someone to or picking up at the airport this holiday season. Chris Elliott checks in from Chile with some thoughts on his visit to the Galapagos Islands and shares some wisdom on how hotels might be starting to compete on services again. We take you out to Cal Expo, and introduce you to Imaginarium, A lights show and much, much more for family holiday fun.