international travel Page 5

On the Saturday, November 23rd, 2024 edition of The Travel Guys… In the Travel News, United Airlines is now offering a Spanish language version of their app and airports are testing autonomous wheelchairs. Hooking up to international cell phone service can be very costly if you don't know what you are doing. In our Smarter Traveler segment, we have tips on international phone plans. The Sacramento Airport promises to be a busy place for the next ten days, and then again over Christmas and New Years. Scott Johnston from the airport's public information team joins us to talk about parking challenges, progress on the new build out and holiday entertainment. Our Odds and Ends rundown includes information on how you can see Rick Steves at the KVIE Studios; plus, the Waldorf Astoria Hotel is nearing reopening in Manhattan and we take a look inside.

On the Saturday, July 13th, 2024 edition of The Travel Guys… In the Travel News, Alaska Airlines announces four new winter destinations from Sacramento, including Cabo San Lucas, Puerto Vallarta, Tucson and Orlando; plus have you heard about locals shooting tourists with water pistols in Barcelona, telling the visitors to get out of town? Last week, we talked about how to recognize fake reviews online. This week, we give you some tips on how to best use positive reviews to help you get the hotel you want on the road. Chris Elliott is currently in Switzerland. Our favorite travel advocate is working on some stories on how climate change is impacting travel. He talks about how the Swiss are dealing with the situation and how travelers like us can do things to fight back against an ever-warming climate. Mark visited Fort Bragg with a group of Sports Leisure Travelers this week, and he has some observations on the lumber town that has turned to tourism.

On the Saturday, July 6th, 2024 edition of The Travel Guys… In the Travel News, suddenly there are more pilots to fly commercial aircraft than we need; and our governor signed a last minute exception to the new junk fees law....benefiting restaurants in a big way. Reviews are an important part of the decision for many when buying hotel rooms, cruises, attractions and almost every aspect of travel. But reviews aren't always for real, and we tell you how to spot fishy ones in our Smarter Traveler segment. Getting through our airport in Sacramento is much more of a challenge than it used to be. The number of flyers is literally growing faster than they can pave parking lots. Our update with the airport folks includes info on parking, new service from airlines, a bit about airport jobs and the upcoming construction projects. Consumer Advocate Chris Elliott joins us from Berlin and talks about the dangers of being profiled when traveling overseas....and gives some tips on how to keep from being immediately labeled an "American."

On the Saturday, April 27th, 2024 edition of The Travel Guys… In the Travel News, we have a double heads up for Swifties heading for Europe for her tour this summer, United Airlines is in hot water over letting passengers into an open door cockpit and we have news on possible changes to seating on Southwest Airlines flights. TSA Pre-Check is a valuable tool for many a road warrior, and even though it's good for five years, ultimately you have to renew your membership. We tell you how and explain Pre-Check to the rookies. None of us like "junk fees," and travelers certainly see more than their fair share. This week brings double good news on that front. A new California law which goes into effect July 1 will eliminate "drip pricing" (where it takes multiples screens to find out the REAL price) and already companies are falling in line to follow the new rules. Plus, the President's office issued two new rules on air travel this week which favor consumers, and force airlines to provide cash refunds instead of vouchers for a variety of offenses. True steps forward. Now we just have to see how the enforcement works. Voices of California is hosting a concert at El Camino High School's Performing Arts Center next weekend. One of their members gave us an update on their Salute to Tony Bennett and a link to tickets can be found on this page. Two Orange County state lawmakers are whining about how the "Clear" lane at the airport allows people to "pay to cut the line." They want to pass a law to do away with the practice. But they forget many companies, Disney and Southwest among them, monetize moving up in line. Mark says the two legislators are way off base.