smarter traveler Page 63

On the Sunday, October 10th, 2021 edition of The Travel Guys… In the Travel News, Southwest Airlines had another meltdown this weekend, with flight cancellations numbering well over 1,000. Depending on who you speak to, it was either due to bad weather in Florida, a shortage of staff and crew, or the alignment of the moon. Canada is telling travelers you must be fully vaccinated. This is for international AND domestic travelers, arriving by flight, train or cruise ship. Many more countries are announcing reopening post-COVID, including Australia, Viet Nam, India and a number of others. Entry requirements vary. Our Smarter Traveler segment addresses airline vouchers. Many travelers have them because of COVID cancellations, and they have been around a long time. What's the one thing you don't want to do with airline vouchers? Try to resell them. We invite listener call-ins, to discuss travel questions of the day. Have you resumed traveling? Do you dine comfortably in crowded restaurants, are you a "to go" tipper? Are you tired of hotels blaming the lack of services on COVID, or are you willing to be understanding a bit longer?

On the Sunday, October 3rd, 2021 edition of The Travel Guys… In the Travel News, United lays off far fewer non-vaccinated employees than first projected, and reentering the US from an overseas country is going to be a bit more difficult. Our Smarter Traveler segment sends a red flag for car rentals over the holidays (reserve NOW), and new software is limiting fuel burning time on the runway. The Trans-Siberian Orchestra annually provides one of the most dazzling Christmas shows seen anywhere. Al Pitrelli joins Tom to tell us about this year’s show. We’ve talked about how the airlines have taken so much taxpayer money while not following refund rules on tickets. The day of reckoning is coming. Chris Elliott joins us to talk about the Department of Transportation crackdown.

On the Sunday, September 26th, 2021 edition of The Travel Guys… Delta Airlines says it makes no sense to ban flyers from one airline unless they are banned from all airlines. Makes perfect sense to us. Plus, knowing getting thrown off a plane for not obeying a flight attendant or refusing to wear a mask could make it so you couldn't fly anywhere ever might be a bit of a deterrent to some. Maybe. Speaking of airlines, American Airlines made some serious changes to its Contract of Carriage, which is basically the agreement between you and American when you buy a ticket. The airline has chosen to remove language which previously protected the consumer. If you fly American, we strongly recommend you read the article above. Mark visited Missouri and Iowa on a recent scouting trip for a future Sports Leisure Vacations Baseball Tour. He has some observations on COVID protocols (in case you are traveling there soon), and Tom inquires of Mark what a scouting trip is and why it would be important for a tour operator to personally visit destinations BEFORE his travelers arrive. The Pumpkin Patch Express is one of the many specialty trains offered by the Fox River Train folks. It's a great way to entertain the family without going far from home. The Fulton Avenue CruiseFest is annually one of the biggest local events in the area. This year, the Batmobile will be on hand. Steve LaRosa, our local CruiseFest expert, joins us to tell you all about it.

On the Sunday, September 19th, 2021 edition of The Travel Guys… In the Travel and Entertainment News, Broadway is back in New York and Sacramento (as a brand new theater opens), numerous resorts and destinations report bookings for the holidays are back at normal levels and the number of places requiring travelers to be vaccinated domestically is growing. Our Smarter Traveler segment asks the question, should you tip when ordering take-out? Plus, an update on Asian countries travel entry requirements and a short discussion on ways to make travel better for our PLANET. Penny Sylvia is Sacramento's newest online culinary instructor. She replaces a Travel Guys favorite, Paulette Bruce. Meet Penny and learn about her classes. Chris Elliott, national columnist and consumer advocate, joins us to talk vaccine passports.