Travel Guys Radio
105 episodes — Page 2 of 3
A California town is named the best small town in the west…who might it be?
Listen Now On the Saturday, May 3rd edition of the Travel Guys… In the Travel News, United and Jet Blue are partnering…or maybe merging…we have the update; and a California town is named the best small town in the west…who might it be? Our Smarter Traveler segment features etiquette rules for train travel. You’ll be the best behaved on board for your next trip on the rails. Mark is just back from a visit to...
The president says the decline in tourism in the US is “No big deal”
Listen Now Special Notice: Due to a large percentage of last week’s show not airing on KFBK, the April 26th show will be a repeat of last week’s show, with the exception of the Travel News segment (which is new for this week). If you listened live last week you might have noticed the show cut off on the air. If you caught last week’s podcast instead, which included the entire show uninterrupted, you may...
California has a message for Canadians considering a visit
Listen Now On the Saturday, April 19th edition of the Travel Guys… In the Travel News, California has a message for Canadians considering a visit, and we tell you what media group has decided Spirit is the best airline (?) in the sky. Our Smarter Traveler segment features an update on the REAL ID (deadline May 7) and we talk about “aisle lice” on the airplane. What the heck are those people doing, charging up...
Southwest will start retrofitting cabins to create extra leg room seating
Listen Now On the Saturday, April 12th edition of the Travel Guys… In the Travel News, Southwest will start retrofitting cabins in two weeks, creating extra leg room seating; and an ill-advised new bill would change the drinking deadline from 2 to 4am in some cities around our state. (What a great idea, even drunker people on the road in the wee hours of the morning.) Our Smarter Traveler segment takes a break this week...
Marriott partners with Beyoncé on her upcoming tour
Listen Now On the Saturday, April 5th edition of the Travel Guys… Beyoncé and Marriott “get into bed together,” as the hotel chain partners with the vocalist on her upcoming tour; and we have a list of the most popular “pilgrimage” sites in the country. Places people go to remember a famous person or occurrence. What do you suppose is the number one spot in California? In the country? Our Smarter Traveler segment addresses the...
United Airlines ups fees for its lounges and credit cards
Listen Now On the Saturday, March 29th edition of the Travel Guys… In the Travel News, in our weekly “benefits going down” update, United Airlines ups fees for its lounges and credit cards, touting bogus “benefits”; and there’s an effort afoot to get rid of the TSA. In our Smarter Traveler segment, we have tips on how and why you might want to cool your jets a bit when traveling internationally. Expressing your political views...
Residents of Sitka, Alaska are about to vote on limiting cruise ship calls
Listen Now On the Saturday, March 22nd edition of the Travel Guys… In the Travel News, residents of Sitka, Alaska are about to vote on limiting cruise ship calls to their small city; and Canadian tourists are not coming over the border, as the numbers already show. Southwest is charging for bags starting in January, but there are a number of hacks around the charge. Our Smarter Traveler segment addresses some of those work-arounds that...
Southwest Airlines is changing its long time two bags free policy
Listen Now On the Saturday, March 15th edition of the Travel Guys… In the Travel News, driverless taxis got almost 600 tickets in San Francisco last year; and in the big story this week, Southwest Airlines is changing its long time two bags free policy and charging for baggage starting in late May. When an airline offers a “Lifetime Benefit,” you would think that would be easy to define. Well, United Airlines is changing one...
Southwest makes massive cuts to earnings in its frequent flyer program
Listen Now On the Saturday, March 8th edition of the Travel Guys… In the Travel News, Southwest makes massive cuts to earnings in its frequent flyer program (more on that subject later in the program); and a United airlines employee is busted in a huge bribery and payola scheme at the Newark Airport. The Smarter Traveler segment of the program addresses the value of taking the “first flight out in the morning.” There are ups...
All Delta passengers survive crash in Toronto
Listen Now On the Saturday, March 1st edition of the Travel Guys… In the Travel News, everyone on board survived the Delta crash in Toronto this past week, and we discuss a couple of important aspects of the accident (the great job the flight attendants did getting everyone off an upside down airplane, and our amazement that people were dragging carry-on luggage through the snow – just before jet fuel re-ignited). Plus our Sacramento airport,...
Are Canadians REALLY canceling their US travel plans?
Listen Now On the Saturday, February 22nd edition of the Travel Guys… In the Travel News, the airlines make their first effort to overturn one of Joe Biden’s consumer friendly rules; and are Canadians REALLY canceling their US travel plans? Seems to be some disagreement on that subject. One of the hottest topics in travel these days is the Apple AirTag. The device, which helps you locate lost luggage, is in the news again this...
Las Vegas is building a new airport
Listen Now On the Saturday, February 15th edition of the Travel Guys… In the Travel News, the number of road side rest stops is decreasing, Las Vegas is building a new airport, and there is a major shake up at the Kennedy Center. Jet lag is something that plagues many travelers. Our Smarter Traveler portion of the show has some tips for minimizing its effect. Travelers from California tend to make multiple visits to Hawaii....
Delta Airlines to offer in flight gaming
Listen Now On the Saturday, February 8th edition of the Travel Guys… In the Travel News, Delta Airlines is partnering with Draft Kings and You Tube to offer in flight gaming, coming soon to a flight near you. Here’s a thought: Canadians spend more money in our country as tourists than travelers from ANY OTHER DESTINATION; and now they are talking seriously about cutting back on travel to their previously friendly neighbor as the result...
Sacramento International sets new passenger record in 2024
Listen Now On the Saturday, February 1st edition of the Travel Guys… In the Travel News, Sacramento International had over 13.6 million passengers pass through the airport in 2024, a new record; and Spirit Airlines says no, at least initially to another merger offer from Spirit. In our Smarter Traveler segment, we report that the “hard deadline” for the REAL ID for travelers of May 7, isn’t really. It’s a soft deadline, and you will...
Marriott is letting people save on their rooms by passing on housekeeping
Listen Now On the Saturday, January 25th edition of the Travel Guys… In the Travel News, Marriott is experimenting with letting people pass on housekeeping and save on their hotel rooms – but Mark says it’s a trap, to let the hotel chain ultimately charge extra for housekeeping services. Plus, there’s the story of the young man who tuned a grand piano on the concourse in Chicago’s O’Hare Airport. Truly, it’s one of the best...
TSA issues a final rule for REAL ID enforcement
Listen Now On the Saturday, January 18th edition of the Travel Guys… In the Travel News, TSA issues a final rule for REAL ID enforcement – no more extensions they say. Also, is it true American cruise ships continue to stop in foreign ports after the US Government issues warnings about traveling to those destinations? Those stories and more in the Travel News. Our Smarter Traveler segment talks about REAL ID. How do you get...
Sacramento gets its first non-stop flight to Alaska this summer
Listen Now On the Saturday, January 11th edition of the Travel Guys… In the Travel News, Sacramento gets its first non-stop flight to Alaska this summer, FREE wifi is coming to United and we have an update on the status of landmarks in the face of the southern California fires. Our Smarter Traveler segment features Five Ways to Travel More Responsibly – things like buying local, leaving your destination better than you found it and...
The CDC says illness on board cruise ships is at a 12-year high
Listen Now On the Saturday, January 4th edition of the Travel Guys… In the Travel News, featured stories include sharing with you the top destinations for dating among travelers, at least according to the app Tinder; and the CDC says illness on board ships is at a 12-year high. In our Smarter Traveler segment – with tongue firmly in cheek, Mark shares the travel information his mid western relatives all wanted to know – if...
The FAA has the results of the Southwest Airlines safety audit
Listen Now On the Saturday, December 28th edition of The Travel Guys… In the Travel News, the FAA has the results of the Southwest Airlines safety audit, and wildlife is dying out on Catalina island…without any concern from local residents. The Canadian Transportation Agency, which regulates airlines, has a proposal to make airlines more responsible for delays north of the border. They are actually more expansive than EU Rule 261, which protect passengers in the event...
Small towns around the planet organize against the cruise lines
Listen Now On the Saturday, December 21st edition of The Travel Guys… In the Travel News, hear about the newest fad, flying “naked”….yes, it’s called flying naked. We’ll explain. And small towns around the planet are starting to organize against the cruise lines big ships calling in their communities. “Stop overwhelming us” is their message. In our Smarter Traveler segment, we explain what the new Federal Trade Commission rules on junk fees imposed by hotels...
Mexico and the U.K. are creating new junk fees to trap travelers
Listen Now On the Saturday, December 14th edition of The Travel Guys… In the Travel News, Mexico and the U.K. are creating new junk fees to trap travelers; and Delta confirms what top level frequent flyers already know, airlines are selling a much higher percentage of first class seats these days (meaning fewer complimentary upgrades for those top tier travelers). TSA officials at Sacramento International have shared a few tips for holiday travel. The most...
Sacramento lands on a list of “Most Fun Cities”
Listen Now On the Saturday, December 7th edition of The Travel Guys… In the Travel News, Venice, the city that began charging visitors a surcharge to enter the city in 2024, is expanding the program next year; and we’ll tell you where Sacramento landed on a list of “Most Fun Cities.” You will be surprised at the answer. For many years, European flyers have benefited from a plan which gives them refunds (EU Regulation 261) when...
The Travel Guys introduce you to Travel Tuesday!
Listen Now On the Saturday, November 30th edition of The Travel Guys… In the Travel News, we’ll introduce you to Travel Tuesday, the traveler’s version of Black Friday for travel deals. Plus, the US Senate reports US airlines have collected over $12 BILLION dollars in the last six years from baggage fees and seat assignments. Our Smarter Traveler segment features comments from regular guests Joe Brancatelli and Chris Elliott on the subjects of “Smash and...
United Airlines is now offering a Spanish language version of their app
Listen Now On the Saturday, November 23rd 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 Las Vegas Monorail lives for another year
Listen Now On the Saturday, November 16th edition of The Travel Guys… In the Travel News, a judge says Oakland has to stop using “San Francisco” in their new airport name; and the Las Vegas Monorail lives for another year, perhaps longer. In our Smarter Traveler segment, we share some room and elevator safety and security tips – might be something here even for veteran travelers. A special Women’s Travel update features a breakdown of...
Lost bags may have a new way of being found
Listen Now On the Saturday, November 9th edition of The Travel Guys… In the Travel News, lost bags may have a new way of being found; and we discuss how last week’s election may impact travelers in the months ahead. Have you ever heard of the airline hack called “check in chicken?” Can it really help you get a better seat on the plane without paying for it? Chris Elliott joins us to opine on...
New rules to protect airline passengers have taken effect
Listen Now On the Saturday, November 2nd edition of The Travel Guys… In the Travel News, passenger air service may be returning to the Chico airport in 2025, and the pioneering airline executive who first said no smoking on my planes (Northwest) has died. New rules to protect airline passengers in the event of long flight delays or baggage you paid the airlines to transport, but didn’t show up, have taken effect. Mark goes over...
Disney cruise ship fleet growing to 13 ships in the next 7 years
Listen Now On the Saturday, October 26th edition of The Travel Guys… In the Travel News, Disney is growing its cruise ship fleet from 5 to 13 ships in the next 7 years, and Alaska Airlines has a 4-state fly pass, but we say buyer beware. Our Smarter Traveler segment highlights a taxi ride Mark took in downtown Detroit last week, and really he was taken. $25 for a 2-mile ride. We explain how to...
Travel demand is slowing down for next summer
Listen Now On the Saturday, October 19th edition of The Travel Guys… In the Travel News, travel demand is slowing down for next summer, for a reason you may not have considered; and we fill you in on a little known Mexican law about the number of electronic gadgets you can bring into the country. When buying an airline ticket, you have a decision to make, do you pay more for extra space, an aisle...
United Airlines expands its route system to Greenland
Listen Now On the Saturday, October 12th edition of The Travel Guys… In the Travel News, United Airlines expands its route system to Greenland, and is bankruptcy for Spirit Airlines just around the corner? Our Smarter Traveler segment talks about how a phone scam we talked about last week has now spread to the cruise industry. Plus, a buyer beware warning for Spirit Airlines flyers. When is the best time to buy a cruise, two...
Spirit Airlines appears to be fast disappearing from the skies
Listen Now On the Saturday, October 5th edition of The Travel Guys… In the Travel News, Spirit Airlines appears to be fast disappearing from the skies, and a European airline is getting rid of paper boarding passes entirely and only allowing you to check in online. Our Smarter Traveler segment highlights a new text phone scam directly targeting travelers. We tell you how to avoid it and protect your money and your private information. Southwest,...
Travel expert shares experience on visiting the Galapagos Islands
Listen Now On the Saturday, September 28th edition of The Travel Guys… In the Travel News, the FAA has hired more new air traffic controllers this year than its original goal, cutting into the shortage of people who oversee the nation’s skies. Our Smarter Traveler segment addresses two important subjects, passport renewal by mail and a reminder about taking pictures of your rental car. The Galapagos Islands are on the bucket list of many a...
The Alaska and Hawaiian airlines merger has been approved
Listen Now On the Saturday, September 21st edition of The Travel Guys… In the Travel News, the merger of Alaska and Hawaiian airlines has been approved, with the stipulation that frequent flyer miles not be devalued and some other never-seen-before concessions by the airlines involved. The Grand Prix is coming back to Las Vegas in November. Want to go? Bring your wallet, for sure, ’cause it ain’t gonna be cheap. In our Smarter Traveler segment,...
A bag of dropped Cheetos has a dramatic impact on Carlsbad Cavern National Park
Listen Now On the Saturday, September 14th edition of The Travel Guys… In the Travel News, numbers show that the Taylor Swift tour of Europe moved the economic needle MORE than the Paris Olympics, and we explain how ONE bag of dropped Cheetos dramatically impacted Carlsbad Cavern National Park. Avis Car Rental says they were recently hacked, with everything from addresses and phone numbers, to social security credit card numbers exposed. Is it really safe...
New survey tells us what benefit flyers consider to be the most value
Listen Now On the Saturday, September 7th edition of The Travel Guys… In the Travel News, wildcat hotel strikes in California and Hawaii have mostly ended without an agreement; and a new survey tells us what one benefit flyers consider to be the most value. Can you guess what it is? Tipping is a touchy subject and travelers face situations where tips are requested (or expected) often. But there is one set of people Mark...
Learn which airports in the country have the most TSA complaints
Listen Now On the Saturday, August 31st edition of The Travel Guys… In the Travel News, we tell you which airports in the country have the most TSA complaints (and all ten of them are on the east coast); plus the late Tammy Faye Bakker has made it to Broadway. The show named for her premieres at the Palace Theater in The Big Apple in October. COVID is back in the news for two reasons...
Southwest adds to the growing number of red-eyes to the east coast
Listen Now On the Saturday, August 24th edition of The Travel Guys… In the Travel News, Southwest adds to the growing number of red-eyes to the east coast, and if you know someone who wants to come to the US for the world cup in 2026, warn them they need to apply for a visa now. On our Smarter Traveler segment we share the results of a survey among airline travelers. What are the six...
Albania is one of Europe’s best kept secrets
Listen Now On the Saturday, August 17th edition of The Travel Guys… In the Travel News, West Jet of Canada had nearly two dozen planes suffer damage in a hail storm in Calgary, and some of the planes will be out of service for a while (if you are flying in Canada on a Delta flight number, double check, it could be a West Jet flight). There’s a drive underway to re-name the Sutter Buttes,...
Airbnb says business is slowing
Listen Now On the Saturday, August 10th edition of The Travel Guys… In the Travel News, Airbnb says business is slowing and TSA Pre-Check now has over 20 million people enrolled. Taking selfie pictures is a favorite pastime, especially while traveling. But many travelers take unnecessary risks while trying to get that perfect shot. We have some guidelines for selfie-takers in our Smarter Traveler segment. Many of us have a travel “bucket list.” Our friend...
Delta says the computer meltdown may cost it half a BILLION dollars
Listen Now On the Saturday, August 3rd edition of The Travel Guys… In the Travel News, Delta says the computer meltdown may cost it half a BILLION dollars; and Disneyland averts a strike by park workers with a new contract. Restaurants have a new way for you to pay. Imagine not having to wait for your check, just paying when you want, and walking out the door. But is this new system a plus or...
Southwest is making some major changes to their business model
Listen Now On the Saturday, July 27th edition of The Travel Guys… In the Travel News, Sacramento’s dominant airline, Southwest, is making some major changes to their business model; and a major wildfire damages the popular Canadian Rockies town of Jasper. In our Smarter Traveler segment, we have tips for picking the right hotel with the right amenities at the right price on your next trip to Las Vegas. Speaking of Las Vegas, years ago...
A historic landmark is being rebuilt on the Hawaiian island of Kauai
Listen Now On the Saturday, July 20th edition of The Travel Guys… In the Travel News, we have updates on threatened strikes by flight attendants at American and United; and a historic landmark is being rebuilt on the Hawaiian island of Kauai. Our Smarter Traveler segment talks about the current surge in COVID infections, and offers a few reminders for travelers on how to minimize your exposure to the dangerous virus. Reporter Clayton Whitehead spent...
Alaska Airlines announces four new winter destinations from Sacramento
Listen Now On the Saturday, July 13th 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...
Suddenly there are more pilots to fly commercial aircraft than we need
Listen Now On the Saturday, July 6th 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,...
Barcelona is joining the growing list of destinations placing limitations on tourists
Listen Now On the Saturday, June 29th edition of The Travel Guys… In the Travel News, Southwest shakes up its on board service by changing…….the brand of pretzels it serves; and Barcelona is joining the growing list of destinations placing limitations on tourists. Our Smarter Traveler segment addresses the dangers of heat waves to travelers, and a new report says Hwy 99 is the most dangerous road to drive on in the entire state. We...
Airfares over the 4th of July are lower than last year
Listen Now On the Saturday, June 22nd edition of The Travel Guys… In the Travel News, World Cup Soccer is coming to Northern California, and airfares over the 4th of July are actually lower than last year, international and domestic. In our Smarter Traveler segment, we talk about how to share/gift/give your hotel points to get a room for someone else. Each major chain has different policies, and we’ll discuss the majors and post a...
New California law leads the way as a major cruise line changes the way it displays prices
Listen Now On the Saturday, June 15th edition of The Travel Guys… In the Travel News, a new California law leads the way as a major cruise line changes the way it displays prices; and if you think trains are more crowded, Amtrak is on the way to setting all-time ridership records. In our Smarter Traveler segment, we remind you it’s going to be crowded everywhere this summer, our own airport is one example. The...
Juneau joins the community of “over tourism” destinations
Listen Now On the Saturday, June 8th edition of The Travel Guys… In the Travel News, Juneau joins the community of “over tourism” destinations, by limiting the number of cruise ships and the number of passengers who can visit each day; plus Dolly Parton’s story is coming to Broadway in 2026. You filed a complaint with a travel company. After some back and forth, they agree to a settlement, but only if you will sign...
American Airlines faces a lawsuit after removing 8 passengers from a plane
Listen Now On the Saturday, June 1st edition of The Travel Guys… In the Travel News, American Airlines faces a lawsuit after removing 8 passengers from a plane because of a complaint regarding smell. Then it put the 8 men back on the plane. They are all black men who did not know each other and were seated all over the aircraft. American is now facing a lawsuit from three of the men. Also in...
Work has begun on new high-speed rail between Las Vegas and Los Angeles
Listen Now On the Saturday, May 25th edition of The Travel Guys… In the Travel News, work has begun on the new high-speed rail between Las Vegas and the Los Angeles area and food delivery services are putting the pressure on hotel room service – many hotels are discontinuing it altogether. Nine different airlines allow you to make a free stay over in their country when your flight connects there. Iceland and Portugal are among...