Frequent Flyer Program Audit Results and An Update on Traveling to Great Britain Post-Brexit

July 1, 2016, 5:23 pm

≫ Next: Mark Shares 10 Tips to Help You Travel Smarter

≪ Previous: A Special Guest Shares a Song With Us and We Have a Trans Siberian Railroad Report

This America’s Birthday Edition of The Travel Guys (July 3rd), features a story from Gwen Duncan on cruising the Great Lakes and America’s Rivers.

There’s an update from Jessica Monsell of Elliott.org, this time she tells us about the results of a government audit of airline frequent flyer programs. Where are they meeting their obligations to consumers and where are they coming up short? More importantly, how can you report situations where you feel you have been treated unfairly? Jessica has the answers in her report.

Mark has the travel news, including an update of travel costs to Great Britain post-Brexit; and the guys take a look at the lighter side of travel (What you shouldn’t do on the pool deck of a cruise ship…).

If you would like to be eligible to win the Travel Card given away each week on the program, just fill out the comment form with the word “contest” in the subject line. Your entry will remain in the eligible bin for three weeks (you can enter online once every month).

The Travel Guys are putting together a show about the sharing economy and travel. They would love to interview Uber/Lyft drivers and riders, along with Airbnb hosts/guests. Please send us a note and we will contact you.

Mark is available to speak to your community group with a great 20-45 minute presentation designed to make the listening audience smarter travelers. Included are tips on everything from time-shares to rental cars. Drop Mark a note with the date, time and location of your event.

The Travel Guys are happy to announce your community event and post a link on our web site. Just send us a note via this site with the details and your contact information. There is no charge for event announcements.

Highlights

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Mark Shares 10 Tips to Help You Travel Smarter

July 9, 2016, 9:23 pm

≫ Next: Due to extended coverage of the tragic shootings in Baton Rouge, The Travel Guys did not air on July 17th. We will return on July 24th.

≪ Previous: Frequent Flyer Program Audit Results and An Update on Traveling to Great Britain Post-Brexit

We take you to the Lake Tahoe Shakespeare Festival, where for the next two months you can enjoy a traditional Shakespeare production (Comedy of Errors), with the lake as a backdrop. There might not be a more beautiful theatrical venue in the country. We’ll tell you how you can attend a performance of Shakespeare or if The Bard isn’t your thing, how about Forever Plaid, a more modern comedy. Whichever you choose, it’s a great evening. Bring a jacket….

Reporter Chris Galloway is on hand to be part of a travel round table. Chris has spent most of the last two months on the road, in the US and Europe, and we think his observations will help make you smarter travelers! Everything from getting through customs faster to safety in a foreign country and how to enjoy the 4th of July in Boston is on his plate. Chris is always a great in studio guest.

Mark has the Travel News and a look at his 10 Rules of Smarter Travel. Which if you notice from the list, seems to be “11 rules of Smarter Travel.” Perhaps he will clarify.

Highlights

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Due to extended coverage of the tragic shootings in Baton Rouge, The Travel Guys did not air on July 17th. We will return on July 24th.

July 17, 2016, 1:47 pm

≫ Next: A Town You Won’t Want to Miss When Visiting Oregon

≪ Previous: Mark Shares 10 Tips to Help You Travel Smarter

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A Town You Won’t Want to Miss When Visiting Oregon

July 23, 2016, 11:22 am

≫ Next: How Traveling Route 66 Was More Difficult for Some

≪ Previous: Due to extended coverage of the tragic shootings in Baton Rouge, The Travel Guys did not air on July 17th. We will return on July 24th.

The Travel Guys are on the road this week, as the show broadcasts live from Ashland, Oregon, home of the famous Oregon Shakespeare Festival. Ashland is a most unique village in southern Oregon, home to a wide variety of folks, and it’s a popular summer destination.

Mark will be in Ashland, Tom in the studio in Sacramento. We’ll talk about Ashland and the theater activities in town. The second half of the show, Mark is joined by popular consumer advocate and travel writer Ed Perkins. Ed is a frequent guest on the show and will talk about What Happens When Your Flight is Canceled and Preventing Pick Pocketing. Plus, we’ll find out a little about Ed. He’s been writing about travel for decades and perhaps we will glean something to make us all smarter travelers.

Highlights

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How Traveling Route 66 Was More Difficult for Some

July 29, 2016, 11:18 pm

≫ Next: Travel A Lot? What Credit Card Should You Have in Your Wallet?

≪ Previous: A Town You Won’t Want to Miss When Visiting Oregon

This Sunday’s edition (July 31) of The Travel Guys features a pair of fascinating interviews. First, Amy Lewis, one of KFBK’s morning news anchors, is joined by her husband Stuart to tell you about their trip to Rome, Paris and Amsterdam. They have a wonderful way of storytelling that you will find entertaining, as well as picking up a number of travel tips along the way.

Next is Candacy Taylor, who is part of a fascinating story revolving around Route 66, The Mother Road. Candacy joins us to talk about The Green Book, a guide created for Black travelers, to help them navigate a sometimes not-so-friendly-highway. It is a remarkable interview and might make you think about travel from a slightly different point of view.

Mark joins the program live from Seattle and Puget Sound, where he is off with a videographer, creating videos of Sports Leisure Vacations adventures. Mark checks in with a report on riding the ferries around the sound and has a few things to make you a smarter travel if you are heading for the Pacific Northwest.

Highlights

Highlights from last week

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Travel A Lot? What Credit Card Should You Have in Your Wallet?

August 5, 2016, 9:15 pm

≫ Next: Staycation Tips and A Place You Must Add to Your Bucketlist

≪ Previous: How Traveling Route 66 Was More Difficult for Some

This Sunday (August 7) The Travel Guys are joined by Ben Schlappig, from the One Mile at a Time blog. Ben is a favorite guest and he’s back to talk about recent changes to the American Airlines frequent flyer program and to give you some wisdom on what credit card is currently the best deal for travelers. Follow Ben at www.onemileatatime.com.

Other guests include a Westin Hotel with a unique Adopt-a-Dog Program that is finding dozens of pooches a new home; and Gwen Duncan, our Travel Professional, tells us how to save money on airfare by considering alternate airports.

Highlights

Highlights from the past few weeks

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Staycation Tips and A Place You Must Add to Your Bucketlist

August 14, 2016, 8:17 am

≫ Next: How to Find the Help You Need and Expert Advice for Vacationing in Mexico

≪ Previous: Travel A Lot? What Credit Card Should You Have in Your Wallet?

Guest Josselyne Herman Saccio will tell us how to have a wonderful vacation at home while saving a lot of money. Sort of travel without the travel part. Or some great ideas for entertaining kids in the dog days of summer, you judge.

Jessica Monsell is part of the team at Elliott.org, the leading consumer advocacy web site. (You see Chris’ travel column in Sunday’s Sacramento Bee.) She has discovered a way restaurant guests are being ripped off when they travel. In fact, this little scam rips you off at home AND on the road. Hear all about it in our alert on Ziosk’s fun and games.

Mark returns from a week exploring the “UP” of Michigan, an area most Californians will probably never see. Mark explains why this mostly unknown region should go to the top of your travel wish list. Plus the travel news reminds us why we always buckle up that seat belt in the sky.

Highlights

Highlights from the past few weeks

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How to Find the Help You Need and Expert Advice for Vacationing in Mexico

August 21, 2016, 10:48 am

≫ Next: 6 Reasons to Travel with Your Significant Other and When to Buy Airline Tickets for the Holidays

≪ Previous: Staycation Tips and A Place You Must Add to Your Bucketlist

This Sunday (August 21st) on The Travel Guys….

Guests: Chris Elliott, Consumer Advocate Extraordinaire

Gwen Duncan, Cordially Yours Travel

Chris joins us to discuss a recent column at elliott.org about “How executives hide from you and why you shouldn’t let them.” The topic at hand is whether or not it’s proper for people with “Customer Service” (or similar monikers) in their titles to hide from the public by disguising or not publishing their email addresses. Chris talks about how his team of volunteers digs deep to get the information that will lead you to the people who can help you when you have a problem.

Gwen Duncan is in the house to help Travel Guy Tom Romano with his potential family vacation in Mexico. Tom asks questions, Gwen has some answers, it’s an opportunity to experience travel planning to Mexico in real time.

Mark has the travel news, and digs into the mail bag to answer a variety of listener questions. If you have a question for Mark, send it to Markslt@aol.com, with Travel Guys Question in the subject line.

Highlights

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6 Reasons to Travel with Your Significant Other and When to Buy Airline Tickets for the Holidays

August 28, 2016, 10:58 am

≫ Next: Castles in Ireland and Ways to Save Money on Plane Tickets

≪ Previous: How to Find the Help You Need and Expert Advice for Vacationing in Mexico

This week (Sunday, August 28) on The Travel Guys…

Mark and Tom talk about Why Travel is the Best Test for Any Relationship; plus Ed Perkins shares when the best time is to buy your Thanksgiving and Christmas air tickets.

John Nelson from iHeartMedia stops by with a tale of airline woe from a recent European vacation, and in the travel news, we tell you about some great airfare sales ending in the next couple of days.

Finally, Mark has updates on theater and cultural arts, including the Laguna Beach Pageant of the Masters; Beautiful, The Carole King Story, in San Francisco; and an amazing Music Circus performance of The Hunchback of Notre Dame.

Highlights

Why Travel Is the Best Test for Any Relationship
When Should I Buy Thanksgiving Flights?
Beautiful, The Carole King Story – Sports Leisure Vacations

Highlights from Last Week

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Castles in Ireland and Ways to Save Money on Plane Tickets

September 4, 2016, 11:34 am

≫ Next: Pros of Booking the Inside Cabin on a Cruise and Two Very Unique Accomodations

≪ Previous: 6 Reasons to Travel with Your Significant Other and When to Buy Airline Tickets for the Holidays

This week (Sun., Sept. 4) on The Travel Guys…

– Steve LaRosa has an updated version of “What’s Goin’ On” around Sacramento

– Clayton Whitehead tells us about a new tour featuring Castles and Manor Houses in Ireland

– Gwen Duncan tells us sometimes it’s better to book air tickets together and sometimes its not

Mark has the Travel News and we update you on two local events for those who are fans of old automobiles or own them.

Highlights

Highlights from previous weeks

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Pros of Booking the Inside Cabin on a Cruise and Two Very Unique Accomodations

September 10, 2016, 11:34 am

≫ Next: International Train Travel Bargains, TSA Pre-check Tips and New Sports Leisure Tours

≪ Previous: Castles in Ireland and Ways to Save Money on Plane Tickets

This Sunday (September 11) on The Travel Guys…

-Mark and Tom share wisdom on why sometimes the INSIDE cabin on the ship is the better option; and talk about which California airport has the best eats…ok some call it “cuisine”

– We have an interview with the owners of two very unique accommodations for travelers in Nevada City, one a campground, one a motor lodge, each with its own unique twists – The Outside Inn and The Intown Campground

– In the Travel News, four airlines are in trouble with the Feds for providing “inaccurate information” to the traveling public (what a shock), and a new TSA office where you can get your Pre-Check certification will open in Sacramento very soon

Highlights

Highlights from previous weeks

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International Train Travel Bargains, TSA Pre-check Tips and New Sports Leisure Tours

September 18, 2016, 1:04 pm

≫ Next: How to Handle Certain Flight Travel Mishaps and Ireland Vacation Tips

≪ Previous: Pros of Booking the Inside Cabin on a Cruise and Two Very Unique Accomodations

This Sunday (September 18) on The Travel Guys, we focus on the new TSA office in Sacramento and the roll out of the 2017 tour and vacation schedule for show sponsor Sports Leisure Vacations.

The new TSA office is opening at Sacramento International Airport. Tom and Mark will walk you through the easy application process, and explain how you can get your Known Traveler Number and be whizzing through the airport in no time. Clayton Whitehead from Sports Leisure Vacations joins the show to talk about Tour Preview Day, held yesterday, and the new line up of vacations and tours from one of Sacramento’s oldest travel companies.

2017 Dreambook – Sports Leisure Vacations Catalogue

Gwen Duncan is on hand to talk about international train travel and where the bargains might be and in the Travel News, Mark has word on a new benefit for frequent Southwest flyers.

Highlights

Highlights from last week

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How to Handle Certain Flight Travel Mishaps and Ireland Vacation Tips

September 25, 2016, 2:08 pm

≫ Next: Challenges and Solutions of Flying as a Handicap Passenger

≪ Previous: International Train Travel Bargains, TSA Pre-check Tips and New Sports Leisure Tours

This Sunday (Sept. 25), on The Travel Guys, you’ll get a great dose of entertainment AND come away a smarter traveler.

In the Travel News, Mark explains a small new benefit for Southwest frequent flyers; then Ed Perkins stops by to explain how you should respond when your bag isn’t on the carousel after your flight, and what to do if you are involuntarily “bumped” from a flight.

At the bottom of the hour the guys are joined by Dan Mitchinson, Morning News Co -Anchor at KFBK. Dan reflects on his recent trip to Ireland, and offers some advice for those considering a trip to the Land of Leprechauns.

Finally, Tom has his annual interview with the gang from TSO, the Trans-Siberian Orchestra, to talk about their holiday season appearance at the new arena downtown.

Highlights

Highlights from previous weeks

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Challenges and Solutions of Flying as a Handicap Passenger

October 2, 2016, 9:19 am

≫ Next: Today We Go Back in Time to Revisit Some of Our Best Interviews

≪ Previous: How to Handle Certain Flight Travel Mishaps and Ireland Vacation Tips

This Sunday (October 2) on The Travel Guys, Mark and Tom tackle a topic important to many travelers, getting assistance in the airport. But specifically, getting assistance for handicapped or disabled travelers and how the airlines are doing such a poor job of providing service, they are in increasing trouble with the DEPARTMENT OF transportation and with their customers. While only a small percentage of travelers need a wheelchair or a cart in a airport, a much greater number of travelers travel with or know someone needing that assistance. It’s an important subject. If they wheel grandma away and she doesn’t make her plane and you can’t find her, what happens next? Reporter Jessica Monsell, our Travel Gal, explains the challenges and what we can do to be smarter travelers.

In the Travel News, a new website says it offers the best of both Airbnb and hotels; Gwen Duncan is here to finish her two-parter on international train travel and Rancho Cordova is honoring the historic Lincoln Highway through their community next Sunday, and the mayor of the city joins us to tell you all about it!

Highlights

Highlights from previous weeks

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Today We Go Back in Time to Revisit Some of Our Best Interviews

October 9, 2016, 11:26 am

≫ Next: Travel Waivers in Bad Weather and Tom’s Recent Trip to Portland

≪ Previous: Challenges and Solutions of Flying as a Handicap Passenger

This Sunday (October 9) on The Travel Guys, with both Mark and Tom away from home all week and unable to record a new live program, we offer an outstanding “best of” program. Mark has also added a current edition of the travel news, including some words of wisdom for anyone traveling into the hurricane Matthew impacted area in the next couple of weeks.

Our favorite consumer advocates Chris Elliott and Ed Perkins are on hand to make you smarter travelers, and we reprise an interview with the great Wayne Newton from earlier this year. A spectacular combination of travel information and entertainment, just what The Travel Guys have become known for.

The guys will be back with a brand new live program next Sunday.

Highlights

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Travel Waivers in Bad Weather and Tom’s Recent Trip to Portland

October 15, 2016, 6:20 pm

≫ Next: A Route 66 Event You Won’t Want to Miss

≪ Previous: Today We Go Back in Time to Revisit Some of Our Best Interviews

This Sunday (Oct. 16) on The Travel Guys….

In the Travel News, Mark tells us about new air service in Northern California and of a bearded man in the United Airlines Club in Chicago. Who could the mystery man be?

Gwen Duncan is in house to talk about Travel Waivers issued by the airlines in bad weather; Jessica Monsell stops by to talk about age discrimination at the car rental counter; and Tom shares his recent family adventure in Oregon, along with ideas for your next trip up north.

Highlights

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A Route 66 Event You Won’t Want to Miss

October 22, 2016, 11:33 am

≫ Next: Best Time to Fly During the Holiday Season and Let’s Chat with an Uber Driver

≪ Previous: Travel Waivers in Bad Weather and Tom’s Recent Trip to Portland

This Sunday (October 23rd) on The Travel Guys…

In the Travel News, The president has issued an executive order which helps most flyers, we have the details; and a friend of the show wins a major national honor…

There’s a rather unique Route 66 show coming up in Los Angeles soon. We’ll tell you all about what will attract students of the Mother Road to attend.

Tom recently traveled to Las Vegas and met an interesting individual. He’s an Uber driver with a fascinating second occupation and we’ll talk to him in an exclusive first person feature. If time allows, Clayton Whitehead has a report on his recent European River Cruise, with some tips to make you a smarter traveler.

Highlights

Highlights from previous weeks

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Best Time to Fly During the Holiday Season and Let’s Chat with an Uber Driver

October 30, 2016, 11:23 am

≫ Next: A Ghost Hunter We’ll Never Forget and Call In for a Chance to Win a Prize

≪ Previous: A Route 66 Event You Won’t Want to Miss

Today on The Travel Guys:

* In the travel news, China has open a nuclear power plant to the public for tours; and we tell you how you can win one MILLION frequent flyer miles from Travelzoo

* Gwen Duncan tells us WHEN to fly around holidays for the best airfares

* Tom connects us with Percy, an Uber driver and boxing coach he met while in Las Vegas, and we talk about the perils of being a ride share driver

* River cruises are all the rage in Europe, and we introduce you to a new way to travel European waterways…by luxury barge

Highlights

Highlights from previous weeks

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A Ghost Hunter We’ll Never Forget and Call In for a Chance to Win a Prize

November 5, 2016, 12:43 pm

≫ Next: We Want to Hear Our Listener’s Travel Opinions

≪ Previous: Best Time to Fly During the Holiday Season and Let’s Chat with an Uber Driver

This Sunday (November 6) on The Travel Guys…

In the Travel News, Mark has an alarming story about the safety of Allegiant Air planes and explains why the airline’s safety and maintenance issues might be something you want to consider BEFORE you buy a ticket. (Allegiant Air is currently the only carrier serving the Stockton Airport.) There’s an update on the plan to overhaul the Hyatt Gold Passport frequent guest program and we are afraid the news isn’t good for Hyatt fans.

The guys have a tribute to Robert George Allen, a renowned Ghost Hunter who passed away suddenly last week. Robert was a previous guest on the program and was the guide for Sports Leisure Vacations on their Ghosts & Ghost Towns of Old Nevada.

Our new Mystery Spot Contest will debut in January, but this Sunday, the guys have a contest lined up in which your knowledge of attractions in every state will be tested. The winner receives a $100 Ruth’s Chris Gift Card.

Highlights

Highlights from previous weeks

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We Want to Hear Our Listener’s Travel Opinions

November 11, 2016, 7:22 pm

≫ Next: Allegiant Airlines Safety Update, Upcoming Events Near Sacramento and Advice from TSA Expert

≪ Previous: A Ghost Hunter We’ll Never Forget and Call In for a Chance to Win a Prize

This Sunday (November 13th) on The Travel Guys….

Mark and Tom invite you to call in and express your opinions! Who controls the window shade on the plane? The person in the window seat? Do the other two passengers have a say? What about the arm rests? Does the person in the middle seat automatically get two? Should pets be allowed on planes? Under what restrictions? We want to hear from YOU!

Should you recline your seat? What about bringing odiferous (stinky) food on the plane? Is that ok? Should there be child free sections on an aircraft? Or not? There are prizes for lucky callers. Things to help your gift shopping so a bit easier. Like American Express and Williams-Sonoma gift cards.

Reporter Jessica Monsell is on hand to warn you about a new rental car rip-off and to fill us in on a new consumer web site. Gwen Duncan has some holiday travel tips to make you a smarter traveler. Join us Sunday at 3 on KFBK.