Tag: Lydgate Farms

On the Sunday, March 28th, 2021 edition of The Travel Guys… In the Travel News, New York City launches an effort to vaccinate all the workers in the theater district, the former president’s hotels get dumped by a major booking group and a Southwest pilot has a rant on an open mic that probably won’t end well for him. In our Smarter Traveler segment, we talk about stadiums, theaters, spring and summer festivals, cruise ships, restaurants, even crowded hotel elevators. They are all part of the travel comeback picture, but how do the pieces fit together, and more importantly, how do you travel with the current conditions? Travel to Hawaii has been a confusing proposition the last few months, to say the least. But COVID infections are down and even Kauai is joining the party. Our friend Will Lydgate, the Kauai chocolate farmer, gives us an update. More people are traveling now than a month ago. Are there any changes about how we get through security? Any special COVID rules to know about? Sid Thrift from TSA is on hand to give us the scoop.

On the Sunday, August 30th, 2020 edition of The Travel Guys… In the Travel News, a new 15-minute COVID test appears to be on its way to the market, and if so it would be a game changer for sure.  Developed by Abbott Laboratories, it would allow on-the-spot testing for travelers.  Cruise lines are already hedging their bets into 2021 with cancellations, and American Airlines touts a brand new corona virus disinfectant, but chemical experts are questioning its quick approval.  We also have the latest Hawaii travel update. In our Smarter Traveler segment - The San Francisco Giants, known for their classy promotions, grounded into a double play with their offer from Alaska Airlines.  They gave those who signed up 24 hours to buy reduced price tickets (which were not available at all on many prime dates).  They made no mention of whether the tickets would be changeable or refundable without fees, as many airlines are doing.  Note the Giants/Alaska Airlines extended this offer 24 hours at a time, 3 times last week.  Perhaps the public wasn't ready to buy tickets under those conditions.  Mark talks about his 3-day trip to the greater Portland area this week.  He has a hotel and a restaurant recommendation if you are headed that direction, along with some advice about seeing the local volcano. Travelers continue to ask, "when can we go to Hawaii?".  It's a complicated question, further muddied by governmental leaders in the islands.  We talk with Will Lydgate, of Lydgate Farms, creators of amazing Kauai Chocolate, about the situation.  Will's family has been on Kauai for many generations, and since his chocolate growing operation depends on farm tours and the people who take them, as part of their income, Will has been impacted.  We'll get the scoop straight from the islands. Finally, we have a treat for you.  The Phoenix Choir in Vancouver, BC, Canada, has created a catchy "Covid" time, changing the lyrics of Billy Joel's For the Longest Time.  Hearing it is great, but the video below is well worth watching.

On the Sunday, April 5th 2020, Palm Sunday edition of The Travel Guys… In the Travel News, air travel is off 95% in the US, Nevada casinos will stay closed through April and we talk about the many state-to-state travel restrictions.  Would you believe cruise bookings for 2021 are actually UP from last year?  A group of senators is pressuring the airlines to follow the rules and offer passengers on canceled flights cash refunds. What is one of the "germiest" things you touch when you travel?  Perhaps your suitcase.  In our Smarter Traveler segment, we talk about how you can clean up that germ-carrying suitcase or carry on. The underwriter of the program is Sports Leisure Vacations.  We offer a short update especially for these travelers at 3:20. The governor of Hawaii is quarantining inbound leisure travelers entering Hawaii for 14 days.  Seems that would pretty much put an end to the tourism economy.  We talk to Will Lydgate of Lydgate Farms on the island of Kauai.  Will tells us what his island is like when the tourists suddenly disappear.  The money left with them, and that's a problem for some, but what is the upside (besides the lack of traffic).  Is there one?