travel news Page 71

On the Sunday, February 28th, 2021 edition of The Travel Guys… In the Travel News, formal complaints to airlines jumped by over 500% last year. Not surprising, considering all the fuss over refunds and vouchers. California tourism destinations are hoping for spring openings, at least on a limited basis. In our Smarter Traveler segment, we talk about how both Americans and Canadians are trying to make sure the closing of Canadian ports to cruise ships and a little known US law don't kill the Alaska cruise season. Work is going on to fix the situation north and south of the border. Which poses the question, will cruise ships be safe this summer? We'll tell you about how the cruise industry is preparing to resume sailing the world's oceans. Chris Elliott, who used to have a weekly column in The Bee when the paper had a travel section, makes one of his regular guest appearances on our program to talk about those airlines vouchers you've got. Guess what, they could be expiring soon. What do you do? Chris has some wisdom. In the final segment, Mark answers some mailbag questions on overseas travel this summer, making reservations for a cruise and bringing food on the plane.

On the Sunday, February 21st, 2021 edition of The Travel Guys… In the Travel News, a new option for Hawaii bound travelers who are vaccinated is expected as early as next week. There shouldn't be a reason to quarantine if you are vaccinated, but with Hawaii, who knows. United Airlines is investigating how Ted Cruz' flight information to/from Cancun last week became public. American Steamboat Lines expect to be back on America's Rivers March 15th. All passengers will be tested the night before boarding the ship to ensure a safe beginning to all cruises. Capacity on the ships is set at about 65%. Because the riverboats are less than 250 passenger capacity, they are not subject to the current big ship sailing restrictions. Our show features a number of stops throughout the state of Oregon. We stopped in Pendleton, Coos Bay, Newport and Portland. Check the link list below for links to the destinations and some of the attractions and activities mentioned on the show.

On the Sunday, February 14th Valentine's Day edition of The Travel Guys… In the Travel News, after meetings at the White House, officials on both sides say there is little interest in restricting domestic air travel. Disneyland is reopening its California Adventure Park in southern California. But wait, no rides? Entertainment, shops and restaurants only? "A limited-time ticketed experience," Disney is calling it. Starts March 12th. We share the history of Valentine's Day, and why it has a special significance in Oregon in our Smarter Traveler segment. The Charles Shulz Museum in Santa Rosa is a monument to the creator of Peanuts. They are offering an online exhibition called Hidden Treasures, and the museum curator joins us to talk about it. San Francisco is hosting a cool cultural arts exhibition, a unique floor to ceiling video display of some of Van Gogh's most unique works. It's cultural arts for people who aren't into such a thing. Tickets are selling fast, so get your tickets soon if you wish to attend.

On the Sunday, February 7th Super Bowl Sunday edition of The Travel Guys… In the Travel News, Canada says no cruise ship calls at its ports in 2021. Does this mean an old US law threatens the Alaska summer cruise season? Reminder: If you are picking up someone at an airport, train or bus station, you will need a mask in the lobby. The fine is $1,500 and apparently it’s going to be enforced. A survey by leading travel risk and crisis responder Global Rescue says traveler concerns will drop dramatically this summer as more COVID vaccinations are completed. 77% of responders say they are less concerned about traveling during the second half of the year. Our Smarter Traveler segment discusses vaccines vs. travel. This week, three cruise lines announced they will require vaccines to board their ships. We have an update. Tour professional and Road Reporter Clayton Whitehead joins a travel roundtable in the back half of the program. Clayton is a lifetime travel industry veteran and has some thoughts on how and when travel returns and what it looks like. Mark offers one of his Just One Man's Opinion commentaries on a subject that is only marginally related to travel, but is something he has noticed during COVID, and it (humorously) alarms him.