road trips Page 2

On the Saturday, December 30th, 2023 edition of The Travel Guys… In the Travel News, Spirit Airlines put an unaccompanied minor on the wrong flight to Florida, and then made the family drive 160 miles to pick him up. Talk about screwing up and then complicating the issue. Las Vegas Strip casinos have all raised their parking costs again. Remember when it was free to park on The Strip? Wasn't that long ago. In our Smarter Traveler segment, we talk about the danger of taking "selfies" on the road. Increasingly, people, especially young people, are putting themselves and others in jeapardy, just trying to get the perfect souvenir photo. Don't risk your life, or the lives of wildlife or other travelers. We talk about three basic rules for selfie takers. Road Reporter Clayton Whitehead joins Mark and Tom for a look back at the 2023 travel year. In addition to discussing some of the challenges of moving about the country and the planet (often with 25-30 people in tow), we discuss some of Sports Leisure Travelers' favorite spots this past year. Grab a note pad, because in our favorites are lots of great tips for places to see, stay and eat on your next adventure.

On the Sunday, July 2nd, 2023 edition of The Travel Guys… In the Travel News, Southwest pilots inch a little closer to a possible strike, the Federal Trade Commission is coming after fake online reviews with big fines, and after a horrible week in the skies, especially for United, the airlines are so far getting travelers where they are going this holiday weekend. If you are vacationing by car this week or anytime this summer, safety and courtesy should be high on your list. Mark talks about the importance of a good driving "attitude" in our Smarter Traveler segment. The redwoods of northern California and the spectacular Oregon Coast are within travel reach of us in Sacramento. Mark has just completed a tour with that itinerary and shares some tips on where to stop and a couple of things to avoid. Several weeks ago, one of Mark's staff had a bag lost by United Airlines. We've been following this saga and now we have another update. The bag has been found and returned. So happy ending to the story? Maybe...or maybe not. It ain't over 'til the fat lady sings. The opera star ain't singin' yet.

On the Sunday, April 30th, 2023 edition of The Travel Guys… In the Travel News, a woman got arrested in Sydney, after arriving on a flight from LA with a 24-carat gold-plated gun in her luggage. Yosemite National Park is closed after warm temperatures brought the much dreaded spring melt flooding. Mark relates two situations which occurred on a flight he was on Saturday night, as examples of games people play with flight attendants. Hiding over-the-limit carry-ons and not following rules regarding pets on board are two examples he witnessed. Conceding it's possible for a flight attendant to have a bad day, one has to keep in mind they can have you removed from the aircraft, or worse. Mark suggest picking your battles carefully, or maybe just not playing stupid little games. Do you really think you are the first person ever to use a coat to conceal an extra carry-on? Be a smarter traveler and give the flight attendants a break. Is inflation having a bearing on the travel decisions you make for this summer? Or just ridiculously high prices. The guys talk about why this might be the year to pick a less-popular destination. Finally, Mark shares some of his experience from the second half of his journey with 29 travelers down the Chicago-Oklahoma City portion of fabled Route 66. He highlights some of the classic attractions, hotels and restaurants along the old highway and talks about why you might consider a short journey if you can't make an extended trip.

On the Sunday, March 5th, 2023 edition of The Travel Guys… In the Travel News, another airline (American) joins the "of course families can sit together crowd," and Princess Cruises announces some sizeable (up to 40%) discounts for selected sailings. Our Smarter Traveler segment features a rundown on Basic Economy seating - cheaper but is it a good value for all? Mark is a veteran of many trips on America's most famous highway, Route 66. He'll share highlights for the eastern half of The Mother Road, as it's known, including lots of great places to eat and stop along the route. Mailbag question topics include airport connections, why gas prices are so high near airports and hotel housekeeping, all at the top of the list of questions listeners submitted.