The Travel Guys

Dan Conry fills in for Pat tonight and is talking current events and taking your calls...

The current administration in Washington has dealt another blow to those wishing to travel to Cuba. Within the next 90 days, all air flights to any city except Havana will be banned. Marriott Hotels appears to be making a real commitment to less waste. The Marriott Marquis in San Francisco has done away with plastic water bottles, installed “filling stations” in the lobby and some Marriott Hotels...

We talk about cities with the most fake hotel reviews Houston and Chicago top the list. Remember the man who was arrested for “using a cell phone in the lobby while black” at the Doubletree Hotel in Portland last December? More and more travelers are choosing a vacation home when they hit the road. But the new industry is having some growing pains. Like those nasty fees from the hotel industry are...

Sacramento was ranked by Wallet Hub as the #1 city in the country when it comes to the affordability and availability of highly rated restaurants. The Empire State Building in NYC has reopened their observation level, Uber says it will roll out Uber Pet in select cities on October 16th. Airlines have devalued their frequent flyer programs this year by “floating” the number of points you need for a...

The entry of Southwest into the Sacramento-Hawaii market has seen it’s first casualty. Alaska Airlines will stop flying non-stop to Kona in March. Mark has the story of an elderly couple who say they were tricked into smuggling more than $1million worth of drugs inside of four suitcases in their cruise ship cabin. Chris Elliott, our consumer advocacy friend (www. Elliott.org) updates us on legisla...

AAA tells us the best time to book our holiday travel, fall color season is likely late this year and a politician is taking a stand against, wait for it….”mid-flight flatulence.” Car sharing, flight delays and airline water are all featured as we make you a smarter traveler. Last week, we told you about how some hotels on the Vegas strip were adding “venue fees” to patrons’ bills. Devin O’Connor...

Clubs on the Strip in Las Vegas have started charging a creative new fee to those who like to enjoy a cocktail. It’s called a “venue fee” and it’s creating a firestorm among visitors. A historic military convoy traveled across the country on the Historic Lincoln Highway and it passed through Placerville and south Sacramento on its way to the highway terminus in San Francisco. We feature two entert...

An American Airlines mechanic apparently sabotaged one of his company’s aircraft, to insure it would not fly. What happens to cruise ship passengers when a hurricane means you can’t return to your port of departure, or get to the port to board your ship. What happens next? * When we talk about poor behavior on a plane, you might think we are talking about children. Think again. From naked bodies,...

Arunway will be closed all month at SFO, and if you are flying to or from there, you need to be on the alert. United Airlines, which has 40% of the traffic at the airport, has already offered a travel waiver to get people to move their flights without penalty. The TSA quickly rethought their stance on the newest Star Wars souvenir from the Orlando theme parks. Because the drink containers resemble...

Are you one of the 49% of Americans who lie about wi-fi availability when you are on vacation?…..and we tell you the airports with the worst TSA security lines. We focus on Travel Insurance. Are you one of the many people with a “pre-existing condition?” Guests include Chris Delfino from the Apple Hill Growers, with an update on the upcoming season and some ideas on how to avoid the huge crowds on...

Southwest announces the first of their Sacramento – Hawaii service, Stockton’s new United service to LA debuts next week, and there are new regulations regarding animals on airplanes. Steve LaRosa is on hand with an updated What’s Going On in and around the Sacramento area. Clayton Whitehead joins for an update on an exciting new show headed to Broadway next spring. Hint: It’s about Princess Diana...

There are updated travel warnings for Hong Kong, Mark and Tom talk about what the rest of the world is saying about travel to these United States in light of recent mass public shootings and the Sacramento Airport has been named one of the best in the country. Mark talks about being a smarter traveler when it comes to the coffee maker in your hotel room. We also talk about Chris Elliott’s recent a...

Travel News, Entertainment, and More!

In the Travel News, the Attorney General for Nebraska has joined his counterpart in the District of Columbia by filing suit to stop resort fees. Nebraska filed against Hilton, DC had gone after Marriott.

A lawsuit with a former concessionaire has been settled, allowing the National Park Service to call the Ahwahnee Hotel by its actual name again, you’ve probably heard the story about the early closing of Daffodil Hill this spring, pointing out how social media is exasperating the “over-tourism” problem…. To make you a Smarter Traveler, we have Travel Advisor Gwen Duncan on hand to talk about hotel...

The battle against Marriott Hotels, and the way they have charged their resort fees for years, has stepped up this week. The District of Columbia A.G. is seeking a court order to require Marriott to change the way they price their product immediately. Be a Smarter Traveler by knowing Ten Great Pieces of Hotel/Resort Etiquette. Gwen Duncan, of Cordially Yours Travel, joins us to talk about Travel M...

Mexico has a report on tainted liquor in tourist destinations, and Tauck Tours has added a very unique experience to one of their packages. Two new lounges have opened at our airport in Sacramento. We have an update on the cost of admission and what those dollars get you. Plus, who is grandfathered in the door…hint, think American Express Platinum Card. Tom has a report on this year’s edition of t...

Boeing is being sued by pilots who say they are losing money and patience with the world’s largest builder of airplanes over the Max aircraft issue. Three California cities are on the list of best places to celebrate the 4th of July And what about the lady who found herself locked inside an Air Canada plane in Toronto? Mark talks about the danger of medicating yourself before flying… Mark is live...

Hawaii is cracking down on vacation rentals. TSA is disappointed in the number of people enrolled in Pre-Check, tips for checking out/doing business with Tour Operators, Hawaii is limiting vacation rentals to help locals and we tell you why you shouldn’t take things out of the hotel mini-bar to put your things inside. Steve LaRosa offers the first of a two-part travel guide to New Mexico. The firs...

A recent move by Booking.com may have an impact on the future of resort fees; and Rome has had it with tourists who can’t behave, Mark once again emphasizes the need to book early and allow plenty of time when you are traveling, particularly if you are utilizing the airport(s). Chris Elliott joins us to talk about the rise in fake reviews, particularly for hotels and attractions in the world of tr...

How to find out how clean your cruise ship is, and travel to Cuba is being impacted by political maneuvering, Tom talks to Cal Fire about safety tips for your camping trips this summer. Sports Leisure Vacations, the overwriter for our show, celebrates 40 years in the tour business this weekend. Clayton Whitehead joins Mark and Tom to tell how a small company became successful against long odds. Hu...

It appears the state of Hawaii is about to take some serious action against Airbnb. Mark tells you how to take advantage of fare sales by Southwest Airlines…the only major carrier who allows you to re-ticket without any fees. Gwen Duncan guests to talk with Tom and Mark about travel vocabulary. Certain words carry big meaning when you use them to make travel decisions. The Wakamatsu Festival in Pl...

Boeing says the new software for the 737 MAX is done, they are just waiting on FAA certification. FAIRBnB is the new competitor to Airbnb. It promises to be socially responsible to communities as well and renters and home owners. The Island of Capri is declaring itself a “plastics free” area and threatening to fine tourists who violate the tough new law. An interview with Gary Gerould. The only pl...

The Utah Attorney General’s office is investigating Expedia for collusion with some major hotel chains. Hilton has taken over the top spot from Marriott in “brand value,” as measured by Brand Finance Hotels ranking. Our Smarter Traveler segment looks at a recent rankings of hotels, airlines and other travel providers, based on their service levels. In our Travel Mailbag, Mark answers questions on...

How are immigration issues at the border affecting travel? Cruises that visit Game of Thrones sites, reality of basic economy tickets, Canada Coast to Coast and Old Man River adventures with Clayton Whitehead, Sacramento show news with Richard Lewis.