Tag: hotel reservations

On the Sunday, December 22nd, 2019 edition of The Travel Guys… In the Travel News, Carnival says you cannot wear offensive apparel on board its ships any longer; and our Sacramento airport offers some tips for holiday travel, including checking Facebook (@SacIntlAirport), Instragram (@Flysmf) and Twitter (@SacIntlAirport) for updates.  Remember to allow plenty of time, as parking in some lots will be at a premium.  Mark also tells listeners the stories on "juice jacking" at airports are mostly false alarms.  At least so far. Non-refundable rates on hotel rooms on websites have become the new "basic economy" of accommodations.  Yes, the prices are lower.  But when you book one of these non-refundable rates, know something.  They are non-refundable.  Doesn't matter if you have a medical issue, your wedding or canceled or your cousin passed away.  How do you get out of them?  Mark has the answer.  (Generally, you don't, but there is one longshot.) Reducing our carbon footprint to slow global warming is a topic of importance to many travelers.  Consumer Advocate Chris Elliott joins us (www.elliott.org) to talk about first baby steps some major companies are taking to respond. The town of Santa Claus, Indiana, is a small, midwestern city.  But as you might suspect by its name, it does become a special place every holiday season.  We go to Santa Claus to learn about a project the townspeople volunteer for every year, answering children's letters to Santa Claus.

On the Sunday, July 21st edition of The Travel Guys: In the Travel News, a lawsuit with a former concessionaire has been settled, allowing the National Park Service to call the Ahwahnee Hotel by its actual name again. Confused? We have all the details. And by now, you've probably heard the story about the early closing of Daffodil Hill this spring, pointing out how social media is exasperating the "over-tourism" problem.... To make you a Smarter Traveler, we have Travel Advisor Gwen Duncan on hand to talk about hotels. What to do if your reservation is lost, or more importantly, how to make sure it isn't lost before arrival. And what if you don't like your room? Gwen has some advice on that too, which also involves being pro-active before arrival. Most of us who travel use wi-fi in hotels, but we have a guest who says that's really a bad idea. Robert McGarvey talks about why you want to avoid hotel wi-fi, and what some of the alternatives are. We dig into our mailbag and answer some of your travel questions. Topics include REAL ID, saving seats on Southwest, the parking problems at Sacramento International and a reminder about what to do if your flight is delayed late into the evening, or early morning.

On the Sunday, February 17th, 2019 edition of The Travel Guys… Steve LaRosa is in for Tom Romano and joins Mark in the studio. In the Travel News, United Airlines is offering TV for free. That's on the 211 aircraft which have the in seat back screens. Previously there was a charge, but now you can watch the screens or on your own device for free. Southwest Airlines has declared a "operational emergency." It appears a combination of having to pull aircraft out of service for FAA mandated repairs and a "sick out" by technicians who have been negotiating a new contract for SIX years has left the airline short of planes. The U.S. has issued travel warnings for Turkey and Haiti. In the Smarter Traveler segment, Mark reminds travelers the Marriott Rewards program officially becomes Bonvoy the first week of March. There is a new VERY high point redemption level for top properties. If you are planning to use your Marriott points for something this year, booking it now might mean you burn fewer points. A reminder that the cancellation time for a hotel is local time could make a difference, particularly on overseas lodging. Steve LaRosa has a version of his popular segment, What's Goin' On, in and around Sacramento. Gordon Lightfoot, the French Film Festival and Jack Gallagher headline the list (see links below). Finally, we go to San Francisco to talk with the authors of a new book, 100 Things to Do in San Francisco Before You Die. The guys have picked out a number of items from the list to share with you. A link to the book is below.

On the Sunday, November 25th, 2018 edition of The Travel Guys… In the Travel News, United flight attendants are setting up picket lines on December 13th at major United hub airports, to protest the cutting of a flight attendant on some long haul flights and other work-condition related issues. Carnival Cruise Lines has announced a change to their on board smoking policy that is a bit draconian. In addition to the possible $500 fine, you could be put off at the next port of call with no refunds. That would include anyone in the offending passenger's cabin. Mark and Tom spend the Smarter Traveler segment talking about how to value online reviews for travel companies and their services. Are they legit? How would you know? Finally, it's Travel Guys Thanksgiving, as we ask your listeners to call into answer a variety of travel-related questions and give their opinions. Prizes for anyone who calls in with a travel tips to share with the audience.