On the Sunday, December 29th edition of The Travel Guys, Tom hosts a very special show.

We call ourselves the Travel and Entertainment Guys on occasion, because we sometimes are able to set up an interview with a celebrity in the entertainment world.  Since folks often include entertainment, festivals and shows in their itineraries when they travel, we love incorporating that element into our program.

On this special holiday edition, Tom reprises some of our best entertainment interviews.  This isn’t a goofy “best of,” it’s a special program featuring the likes of:

* Graham Nash (Crosby, Stills & Nash)
* Richie Furay (The Eagles, Buffalo Springfield, Poco)  
* Barry Manilow
* Wayne Newton
* Special short appearance by the Rutabaga Boogie Band (who were live in our studio that day)

As we finish another year of Travel Guys broadcasts, we want to thank our guests, Luis Aquino (our board operator at the station who engineers the show), everyone who contributes big and small, and especially our loyal listeners.  Without you, there wouldn’t be a Travel Guys program.  Thank you.

Highlights

* Travel Guys episode featuring Graham Nash

* An Interview with Richie Furay and All About Oktoberfest-Zinzinnati

* Barry Manilow Comes Back One More Time; Online Travel Agencies Hit with Huge Tax Bills

*  Today We Visit with Wayne Newton and the Owner of Highway 101 Cafe

* Wayne Newton’s Casa de Shenandoah

* Rutabaga Boogie Band

On the Sunday, December 16th edition of The Travel Guys…In the Travel News, a cruise ship has installed a roller coaster and a U.S. hotel is using robots to deliver room service. Finally, would female travelers like to see “women’s only” sections on flights?Airline passengers do some mighty strange things while flying, many of them to EACH OTHER. In our Smarter Traveler segment, Mark shares the list, which features his personal pet-peeve.Mark has spent much of the week on a steamboat on the Mississippi River. Reporter Clayton Whitehead joins him to talk about the cruise and some of its destinations in Mississippi.We also talk with the ship’s “Riverlorian,” the steamboat version of a floating historian, and Mark gives his review of the American Queen.

Highlights

* Legendary Carnegie Deli finds new life online

* Delta Bans Puppies on All Flights, All Emotional Support Animals on Some

* 15 Ways You’re Annoying Your Seatmates

* The Mother of All Mile-High Club Stories

* “It’s Time for A Women-Only Section on Planes.”

* I was a senior VP of technology at Starwood – here’s my take on the guest data breach

* Carnival Cruise Line’s Mardi Gras to Feature First-Ever Roller Coaster at Sea

* Southwest Airlines Hopeful to Begin Service to Hawaii in Early 2019

* New Igloo Lodge Is the Ideal Way to Experience Winter in Greenland

* What Not to Do at a Nude Beach

On the Sunday, December 16th edition of The Travel Guys…

In the Travel News, a cruise ship has installed a roller coaster and a U.S. hotel is using robots to deliver room service. Finally, would female travelers like to see “women’s only” sections on flights?

Airline passengers do some mighty strange things while flying, many of them to EACH OTHER. In our Smarter Traveler segment, Mark shares the list, which features his personal pet-peeve.

Mark has spent much of the week on a steamboat on the Mississippi River. Reporter Clayton Whitehead joins him to talk about the cruise and some of its destinations in Mississippi.

We also talk with the ship’s “Riverlorian,” the steamboat version of a floating historian, and Mark gives his review of the American Queen.

Highlights

* Legendary Carnegie Deli finds new life online

* Delta Bans Puppies on All Flights, All Emotional Support Animals on Some

* 15 Ways You’re Annoying Your Seatmates

* The Mother of All Mile-High Club Stories

* “It’s Time for A Women-Only Section on Planes.”

* I was a senior VP of technology at Starwood – here’s my take on the guest data breach

* Carnival Cruise Line’s Mardi Gras to Feature First-Ever Roller Coaster at Sea

* Southwest Airlines Hopeful to Begin Service to Hawaii in Early 2019

* New Igloo Lodge Is the Ideal Way to Experience Winter in Greenland

* What Not to Do at a Nude Beach

On the Sunday, December 9th edition of The Travel Guys:

In the Travel News, a woman is suing Hilton Hotels for $100 million dollars after she says an employee video-taped her in the shower and tried to extort money from her.  The fear is there may be more videos and more victims.  Southwest Airlines is inching closer to service to Hawaii.  Mainland employees who have volunteered for Hawaii jobs have been told to report to Honolulu by the second week of January.  From southern California comes word of two sisters/nuns who used the school treasury to support a half million in travel and gambling habits.

A level two travel advisory has been issued for Spain.  Exercise increased caution due to terrorism.  Remember if you are traveling to a foreign country to enroll in the S.T.E.P. program.

Gwen Duncan shares some of her biggest frustrations as a travel counselor.  They include people who don’t get the same name, exactly the same name, on their license and passport; those who don’t realize a passport has to be valid for six months after your return date; and finally, the importance of having a signed letter of permission when you are traveling with a minor child who isn’t your own, or might be a step-child or a child who was adopted.  Check the links below for more information.

Michelle Couch Friedman from Elliott Advocacy (www.elliott.org) told us about a smoking fee scheme found right here at the Extended Stay property in Rancho Cordova.  A guest was charged $150 for smoking.  Except he doesn’t smoke.  On closer examination when contesting the fee, it was discovered that the hotel charged the smoking fee the day BEFORE the guest checked in.  Wow.  Scam.  Double scam.  Extended Stay Rancho Cordova, 10721 White Rock Road is the hotel is question.

Highlights

* Apply For or Renew My Passport – Frequently Asked Questions

* REAL ID Act

Travel Documents Needed for Grandchildren

Do I Need a Letter of Permission to Travel With Grandchildren?

* POLAR BEAR LOVE: Cute polar bear cubs lovin’ up their mamma

* I Just Had The Most Surreal — And Profound — Flight Attendant Experience In My Life

* The Route 66 All-Stars Video

* How I Earned 10,000+ United Miles on A Single Online Purchase

*  People for Urban Progress Announces High-end Amtrak Bag Collection

On the Sunday, December 9th edition of The Travel Guys:

In the Travel News, a woman is suing Hilton Hotels for $100 million dollars after she says an employee video-taped her in the shower and tried to extort money from her.  The fear is there may be more videos and more victims.  Southwest Airlines is inching closer to service to Hawaii.  Mainland employees who have volunteered for Hawaii jobs have been told to report to Honolulu by the second week of January.  From southern California comes word of two sisters/nuns who used the school treasury to support a half million in travel and gambling habits.

A level two travel advisory has been issued for Spain.  Exercise increased caution due to terrorism.  Remember if you are traveling to a foreign country to enroll in the S.T.E.P. program.

Gwen Duncan shares some of her biggest frustrations as a travel counselor.  They include people who don’t get the same name, exactly the same name, on their license and passport; those who don’t realize a passport has to be valid for six months after your return date; and finally, the importance of having a signed letter of permission when you are traveling with a minor child who isn’t your own, or might be a step-child or a child who was adopted.  Check the links below for more information.

Michelle Couch Friedman from Elliott Advocacy (www.elliott.org) told us about a smoking fee scheme found right here at the Extended Stay property in Rancho Cordova.  A guest was charged $150 for smoking.  Except he doesn’t smoke.  On closer examination when contesting the fee, it was discovered that the hotel charged the smoking fee the day BEFORE the guest checked in.  Wow.  Scam.  Double scam.  Extended Stay Rancho Cordova, 10721 White Rock Road is the hotel is question.

Highlights

* Apply For or Renew My Passport – Frequently Asked Questions

* REAL ID Act

Travel Documents Needed for Grandchildren

Do I Need a Letter of Permission to Travel With Grandchildren?

* POLAR BEAR LOVE: Cute polar bear cubs lovin’ up their mamma

* I Just Had The Most Surreal — And Profound — Flight Attendant Experience In My Life

* The Route 66 All-Stars Video

* How I Earned 10,000+ United Miles on A Single Online Purchase

*  People for Urban Progress Announces High-end Amtrak Bag Collection

On the Sunday, December 2nd edition of The Travel Guys…

* In the Travel News, Delta Air Lines has announced new service from Sacramento to Detroit. It begins in June. The westbound flight leaves Detroit at 7:55pm. The return flight is a red eye, arriving back in Detroit at 6am.

* Marriott Hotels confirmed a major data breach impacting millions of Starwood customers. The incident began four years ago. Marriott has just begun notifying impacted consumers. We’ll have an update next Sunday.

* It’s the time of the year for Mileage and Hotel Runs. What’s that you ask? It’s when frequent travelers create trips to make sure their “status” with an airline or hotel chain is preserved for the next year. Mark explains the hows and whys of the scramble to preserve status.

* Our Sacramento TSA representatives are in studio to talk about holiday security at the airport and take calls from our listeners.

Highlights

* I Just Had The Most Surreal — And Profound — Flight Attendant Experience In My Life 

* GoGo Grandparent

* National Park 2019 Free Days for 2019

* Stress Less and Do More with Uber Rewards

* Get More From Rides With Lyft Rewards

On the Sunday, December 2nd edition of The Travel Guys…

* In the Travel News, Delta Air Lines has announced new service from Sacramento to Detroit. It begins in June. The westbound flight leaves Detroit at 7:55pm. The return flight is a red eye, arriving back in Detroit at 6am.

* Marriott Hotels confirmed a major data breach impacting millions of Starwood customers. The incident began four years ago. Marriott has just begun notifying impacted consumers. We’ll have an update next Sunday.

* It’s the time of the year for Mileage and Hotel Runs. What’s that you ask? It’s when frequent travelers create trips to make sure their “status” with an airline or hotel chain is preserved for the next year. Mark explains the hows and whys of the scramble to preserve status.

* Our Sacramento TSA representatives are in studio to talk about holiday security at the airport and take calls from our listeners.

Highlights

* I Just Had The Most Surreal — And Profound — Flight Attendant Experience In My Life 

* GoGo Grandparent

* National Park 2019 Free Days for 2019

* Stress Less and Do More with Uber Rewards

* Get More From Rides With Lyft Rewards

On the Sunday, November 25th edition of The Travel Guys…

In the Travel News, United flight attendants are setting up picket lines on December 13th at major United hub airports, to protest the cutting of a flight attendant on some long haul flights and other work-condition related issues.  Carnival Cruise Lines has announced a change to their on board smoking policy that is a bit draconian.  In addition to the possible $500 fine, you could be put off at the next port of call with no refunds.  That would include anyone in the offending passenger’s cabin.

Mark and Tom spend the Smarter Traveler segment talking about how to value online reviews for travel companies and their services.  Are they legit?  How would you know?

Finally, it’s Travel Guys Thanksgiving, as we ask your listeners to call into answer a variety of travel-related questions and give their opinions.  Prizes for anyone who calls in with a travel tips to share with the audience.

Highlights

* GoGo Grandparent

* National Park 2019 Free Days for 2019

* Stress Less and Do More with Uber Rewards

* Get More From Rides With Lyft Rewards

Highlights from previous weeks

* Thailand Travel Tips

* Passengers of size present a challenge for seatmates and airlines

* TSA: What Can I Bring?

* D.C. Council gives final approval to tight limits on Airbnb and other home-sharing companies

* Could you fit in this airplane bathroom?

* These are the best — and worst — times to buy plane tickets if you’re trying to save money

* Know Your Hotel’s Cancellation Policy

* Voices of California: Merry and Bright Performance at Harris Center

* VoCal Voices of California

* Most Dangerous Market in the world in Thailand located at Maeklong

* Floating Markets in Thailand

* Reclining Budha at Wat Pho in Bangkok

* Bridge Kwai War Museum

On the Sunday, November 25th edition of The Travel Guys…

In the Travel News, United flight attendants are setting up picket lines on December 13th at major United hub airports, to protest the cutting of a flight attendant on some long haul flights and other work-condition related issues.  Carnival Cruise Lines has announced a change to their on board smoking policy that is a bit draconian.  In addition to the possible $500 fine, you could be put off at the next port of call with no refunds.  That would include anyone in the offending passenger’s cabin.

Mark and Tom spend the Smarter Traveler segment talking about how to value online reviews for travel companies and their services.  Are they legit?  How would you know?

Finally, it’s Travel Guys Thanksgiving, as we ask your listeners to call into answer a variety of travel-related questions and give their opinions.  Prizes for anyone who calls in with a travel tips to share with the audience.

Highlights

* GoGo Grandparent

* National Park 2019 Free Days for 2019

* Stress Less and Do More with Uber Rewards

* Get More From Rides With Lyft Rewards

Highlights from previous weeks

* Thailand Travel Tips

* Passengers of size present a challenge for seatmates and airlines

* TSA: What Can I Bring?

* D.C. Council gives final approval to tight limits on Airbnb and other home-sharing companies

* Could you fit in this airplane bathroom?

* These are the best — and worst — times to buy plane tickets if you’re trying to save money

* Know Your Hotel’s Cancellation Policy

* Voices of California: Merry and Bright Performance at Harris Center

* VoCal Voices of California

* Most Dangerous Market in the world in Thailand located at Maeklong

* Floating Markets in Thailand

* Reclining Budha at Wat Pho in Bangkok

* Bridge Kwai War Museum

On the Sunday, November 18th edition of The Travel Guys…

* In the Travel News, the guys break a story about what industries might take advantage of driverless cars.  Could they become “hotels on wheels?” And Rome is issuing a handful of new urban regulations designed to take tourists from throwing things into or otherwise abusing the city’s most popular tourist spots.

* Amy Travieso from the American Hotel and Hotel Association stops by to reinforce what we tell Travel Guys listeners all the time.  Shop the third-party web sites, but buy directly from the travel provider whenever you can.  Amy’s statistics support that approach.

* We take a minute to promote a couple of local holiday events.  The Voices of California present “Merry and Bright” on December 1; and the Polar Express train starts its runs next week.

* Gwen Duncan has returned from a visit to Thailand and has a host of tips and ideas for traveling to that exotic land.

Highlights

* Thailand Travel Tips

* Passengers of size present a challenge for seatmates and airlines

* TSA: What Can I Bring?

* D.C. Council gives final approval to tight limits on Airbnb and other home-sharing companies

* Could you fit in this airplane bathroom?

* These are the best — and worst — times to buy plane tickets if you’re trying to save money

* Know Your Hotel’s Cancellation Policy

* Voices of California: Merry and Bright Performance at Harris Center

* VoCal Voices of California

* Most Dangerous Market in the world in Thailand located at Maeklong

* Floating Markets in Thailand

* Reclining Budha at Wat Pho in Bangkok

* Bridge Kwai War Museum

Highlights from previous weeks

* Steven Page Trio (featuring co-founder and former frontman of Barenaked Ladies)

* Nevada County Fairgrounds

* Harvest Festival

* World’s funniest flight attendant leaves passengers in hysterics

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