KGO Travel With John Hamilton
John decided he wanted to be in radio when he was 7 years old. His radio career began in 1955 and has seen him on both sides of the microphone. He got his first job in his native British Columbia, and moved on to Vancouver, Phoenix, San Diego and finally the Bay Area, where he worked at KPAT/KRE from 1965 to 1971. John has been a travel and outdoor enthusiast all of his life and, in 1971, he left day-to-day radio to form a news bureau focusing on outdoor sports for 2,000 broadcast outlets. In 1974, he became a regular part of the KGO line-up with up-to-the-minute reports directly from the slopes. In 1987, he began hosting On The Go on KGO Radio. During his years with KGO, he covered major stories including Pope John Paul’s visit, the Loma Prieta earthquake and the East Bay fire. His network reporting includes the Winter Olympics in Innsbruck, Lake Placid and Sarajevo, plus many World Cup and professional ski races. In 1999, John sold his company, AMI News, and turned his full professional attention to KGO. He has won many broadcasting awards from professional associations including California Outdoor Writers, Pacific Inter-Club Yachting, U.S. Ski Journalists, North America Ski Journalists and the Society of American Travel Writers. A graduate of the Broadcast School at New York University, John lives in the East Bay and has two sons and two grandchildren.
Look for Earthbound Farm organic produce and convenient pre-washed salads at your favorite grocery store. Born in a backyard garden in 1984, Earthbound Farm offers recipes, coupons and more at EBFarm.com.
Green Travel Tips
Intercontinental Hotel San Francisco and KGO have teamed up to bring you Green Travel Tips with John Hamilton. Each week, John reports on topics that can help you better prepare for almost any kind environmentally safe travel.
Read more...Maui, Molokai and Lanai Special Events 2011 October- November
Experience one-of-a-kind cultural performances, stage shows, musical events and sports competitions throughout the year on Maui.
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Reach On-The-Go's Travel Experts
Every Saturday from 6-7 o'clock, these three travel experts save On-The-Go listeners money. A lot of money. Each is an expert. Steward Chiron covers cruising, Larry Fishkin hotels and resorts, Tom Parsons airfares.
Read more...On The Go Websites Of Interest
While there are many, many Web sites offering travel services, these have been checked and in some cases are unique in what they do.
Read more...Outdoors
Here are major sources of campgrounds and RV parks in government and privately managed facilities in California and throughout the country. Some are open all year, some are seasonal. The list includes access to reservation systems.
Read more...Italy -- bike adventure that combines the countries finest wines and scenary
Cyclists and wine aficionados can cycle through the Prosecco, Veneto and Trentino regions at their own pace on expertly guided, personalized bike tours.
Read more...Groupon gets tested by journalist for its new travel offers
Others have done it before. So how is Groupon doing with online travel agency Expedia’s offering group travel discounts with savings of up to 60 percent? They were not the first to come up with the idea.
Read more...The world's first truly tortuous cruise
Carnival next April will host what it is calling the first horror convention at sea. "The Tides of Torture" cruise will feature stars from more than a half dozen "slasher" movies that include "Friday the 13th" and "Zombie’s Halloween."
Read more...Travel tips for 2012
2012 is already shaping up to be a year when travelers will be seeking to maximize their money with gateway destinations, mini-upgrades and combine adventure with altruism. That's why online travel adviser Cheapflights (www.cheapflights.com) has come up with its top five travel trend predictions for 2012.
Read more...I promise, this will be the last travel predictions for 2012
There’s a sure thing about at least two high profile disasters that will make travel headlines this year: The Titanic and the end of the world.
Read more...Red Mangrove Lodges now largest producer of PADI dive certifications in the Galapagos
Red Mangrove Galapagos and Ecuador Lodges http://www.redmangrove.com/, the region’s leading hospitality company for active adventure, suggests that recreational divers, novice to expert, consider Darwin’s magical archipelago as the destination for a wide variety of official PADI dive certification programs.
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Vacations By Rail -- 20 new rail tours for 2012
Vacations By Rail kicks off the New Year with the addition of 20 new rail tours to its collection of worldwide train vacations. New tours range from 8 to 16 days and visit popular destinations and annual events throughout the United States, Canada and Europe.
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Maui, Hawaii -- List of winter deals on accommodations as low as $99 per night
There are deals to be had this winter in sunny Maui! The Maui Accommodations Guide (www.MauiAccommodations.com), a free directory to accommodations on Maui and Molokai, has just released its quarterly “Special Values E-Alert” listing 40 of the latest bargains offered by Maui hotels, condos, homes, villas, and b&bs.
Read more...The bad news on airline fees and other top travel trends for 2012
Deeper discounts and even higher airline fees are among top travel trends for 2012, observers say, with value continuing to be emphasized.
Read more...Train travel -- 10 Scenic Rail Trips to Take Before It's Too Late
Congressional budget-cutters are not being kind to Amtrak this year, and the outlook is pretty grim. Whatever your view on the relative benefits of spending cuts and tax increases, you can expect the Amtrak system to face budget paring that will almost certainly degrade performance. That means if you've ever wanted to enjoy an extended "land cruise" on one of Amtrak's long-distance trains, do it soon.
Read more...Young, affluent travelers disavow luxury defined by older generation
A new generation of travel buyers is embracing definitions of luxury that pose significant challenges to some of the world’s most revered high-end brands.
Read more...For the best credit cards for airline mileage check out...
For the best credit cards for airline mileage check out...
Read more...Treasure Island Flea to Move Indoors the Historic 1939 World's Fair Building
Treasure Island Flea -- www.treasureislandflea.com -- becomes the TI Flea Pop-Up as they move indoors for the winter months January through March. The inside venue will allow the show to go on rain or shine and is being held in the historic, One Avenue of the Palms building located on Treasure Island.
Read more...RX for whatever ails you: take more trips
Whether you are planning a trip or involved in any type of travel sales, you will want to know about a new survey: it says that better health may be as easy as taking more trips.
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Finally! Airlines to include all taxes and fees in advertised fares
Airline passengers won't have to wade several steps into the booking process to see the full price of an airline ticket as a new rule goes into effect this month.
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Sabre's TripCase app adding management tools
Sabre is integrating its www.TripCase.com smartphone and Web app with its Virtually There and GetThere products, becoming what Sabre calls the first consumer mobile and Web solution to integrate with travel agency systems and corporate policies.
Read more...Italy -- Join a guided or self-guided walking tour at places that need to be experience on foot
Italy -- Join a guided or self-guided walking tour at places that need to be experience on foot
Read more...Have apps, will travel
In an age of the travel app, the idea of getting lost in unfamiliar surroundings and accidentally stumbling upon a local treasure is becoming as quaint as a steamer trunk.
Read more...Slovenia's increasing allure
For a country that didn't exist 20 years ago, Slovenia is increasingly on the radar of U.S. travelers. More than 41,500 travelers from the U.S. visited the destination last year, and traffic through August 2011 suggests that numbers will top 47,000 this year.
Read more...Far and Away Adventures Offers Luxurious American River Safaris
Known for blending river rafting with wilderness adventure and backcountry luxury, Far and Away Adventures (http://www.far-away.com/) delivers American Safaris in a style that brings out the stars. As river outfitter to Hollywood’s A-Listers, Steve Lentz, founder and owner, says the patronage of celebrities and VIPs keeps his company on its toes.
Read more...Funjet announces three major sales for winter and spring break travel
It's a good time to plan winter vacations.
Read more...Princess brings back tour pairing ocean, river cruise in Europe
Avalon Waterways' Avalon Panorama. Princess Cruises says it once again is teaming up with river line Avalon Waterways to offer a multi-week trip that combines both types of Europe cruising.
Read more...More airlines ready to wine, dine and generally TLC those will to pay
The bankruptcy filing of American Airlines focused attention on an industry that has had its ups and downs -- mainly downs -- since the 9-11 terrorist attacks but some carriers are now looking at slowing down the long-running “cattle call” approach to focus more on premium seats.
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Secret Tip for Using Miles
Airlines and their partners—especially co-branded credit cards—lavish miles on you these days. The challenge isn't accumulating miles; it's in finding ways to use them. And getting full value can be really tough.
Read more...Mystery auctions are flourishing
In early November, travel experts at the World Travel Market conference in London noted “mystery trips” are on the rise again in North America, particularly for popular milestone holidays such as honeymoons and birthdays.
Read more...AdventureSmith Explorations Announces 11-Day Maya Heritage & Calendar Tour 20
The active travel company best known for matching up adventure-seeking clients with a treasure trove of small, expedition ships, AdventureSmith Explorations (http://www.adventuresmithexplorations.com/), also has land tours up its sleeve, including a 2012, 11-day Maya Heritage & Calendar Tour priced from $2,400 per person double (single supplement $525).
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Bay Area based Virgin America's CEO says flying can be fun again
Virgin America CEO David Cush believes flying doesn't have to be painful. He remembers when boarding a plane was exciting and wants to bring back that joy.
Read more...Cental Coast -- Visit a City Built on New Year’s Resolutions in San Luis Obispo, CA
Quit Smoking, Cut Out Fast Food, and Save Money in the Happiest City in the USA
Read more...MSNBC.com -- Avoiding these mistakes can help you save money
Last-minute flights and getaways are sometimes the way to go if your goal is to travel on the cheap. But when it comes to avoiding extra travel costs, it's planning ahead that's the guaranteed remedy. Online travel experts Cheapflights offers its top 10 budget busting travel mistakes for travelers to avoid.
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Travel technology: A Q & A on Mobile Apps used by the travel industry
Mobile Apps are dramatically changing the travel industry. Here is a question and answer session with David Goodis, President and CEO of Revelex.
Read more...North Lake Tahoe – 12 Annual Learn to Ski and Board Weekend
North Lake Tahoe ski resorts shorten the learning curve with those new to skiing and snowboarding by offering a special savings weekend to get you cruising down the slopes in no time.
Read more...SPECIAL: Best days for holiday travel similar to airline tickets: it depends
So you want to know the best days to travel during the holiday season? Just about everyone does but the answer’s not as easy as you might think.
Read more...Zambia – 18-Day Safaris With a Trio of Legendary Master Guides
Advanced Tracking Skills Come to the Fore to Reveal Unhabituated Wildlife in the Raw. Wildlife viewing specialist Wild Planet Adventures http://www.wildplanetadventures.com/ announces five 2012 departures of an 18-day/17-night itinerary the company promises will be “the most comprehensive wildlife itinerary possible for Zambia” thanks to the expertise of three legendary master guides. http://www.wildplanetadventures.com/content/view/372/1331/
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Lake Tahoe is a major center of cross country skiing too
With more than a dozen downhill ski resorts to choose from, many forget that Lake Tahoe boasts nearly as many cross country ski resorts, including the largest cross country resort in the country – Royal Gorge.
Read more...REVIEW: Disney's First Hawaii Resort a 'Game-Changer': Taking the Kids
"Aunty," who is actually well-known Hawaiian entertainer Sonya Mendez, leads the giggling gaggle of kids on a "Coconut Walk," marching, singing and clapping coconut shell instruments together around the outdoor patio at Aulani, Disney's newest resort and its first in Hawaii.
Read more...North Lake Tahoe – Ski resorts gearing up for winter
FOR OPENING DATES OF ALL SKI AREAS & RESORTS CLICK HERE: www.onthesnow.com Meteorologists are predicting another banner winter in North Lake Tahoe. Last year, the destination received more than 70 feet of snow, making for epic conditions December through May. Ski resorts continue to enhance winter offerings with more than $100 million in capital improvements planned throughout the region.
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Cruise next season in hurricane season and safely save money
If you were a passenger on more than a dozen cruise ships this week in the Caribbean, you would be facing a change in your itinerary. This might make you wonder: do you want to chance a cruise during hurricane season?
Read more...‘Magical Memories’ 7th Annual Holiday Celebration Returns to Tahoe Resort
Olympic Gold Medalist Jonny Moseley Appears as Guest of Honor at Tree Lighting
Read more...Tahoe Lake North -- Northstar Resort Expands Boundaries adding New Sidecountry Terrain
Northstar Resort will expand the resort boundaries in two areas of the mountain, adding 170 acres of new sidecountry terrain to the resort’s skiable acreage. Guided sidecountry tours and snow cat accessed skiing and riding will also be offered for the first time to advanced skiers and riders who want to explore the resort’s new terrain offering.
Read more...United Planet expands volunteer offerings in Ecuador
United Planet, specializing in the field of international volunteering, has recently added new programs to its offerings in Ecuador. Volunteers may now work with wildlife/animals in the Amazon; with indigenous people in the Amazon jungle; or in environmental conservation in the Galapagos. These programs supplement the long-standing and popular programs in Quito and the Cloud Forest, where volunteers can work with children (teaching, childcare, working with at-risk youth); in healthcare; or on environmental projects.
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First airlines now hotels are increasing their nickle & diming
Hotel fees are about to start the type of attacks consumers have so far reserved for the airlines. US hotels will earn a record US$1.8 billion this year, says a new study by Bjorn Hanson, a consultant and professor.
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Boeing's Dreamliner: changing entire travel industry
The long-awaited arrival of Boeing's "Dreamliner" changed not only air travel but all aspects of the travel industry, according to some observers.
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Free Flights? Award Upgrades? Don't Count on Them for Much Longer
United's MileagePlus and Continental's OnePass will officially merge "early in 2012," says the airline, and all accrued mileage in both programs will be combined under the MileagePlus umbrella.
Read more...Here are Autumn colors like you've never seen before
Noted photographer, Rod Hanna, has created an amazing chronicle of fall foliage in Colorado's alpine country.
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Borneo & Bangkok -- 11 days starting at $1,999*
You can visit two of Asia’s most fascinating and exotic destinations, Borneo and Bangkok for 11 days starting at only $1,999*. The offer includes roundtrip airfare, accommodation at deluxe hotels, local transfers, daily breakfast and several lunches, and even tours.
Read more...Sonoma County -- Madrona Manor offers Girl Time With the Girls Getaway Package
The Girls Getaway Package includes two-nights stay in the Deluxe Carriage House, a 4-course dinner for two with wine pairings and more
Read more...Monterey County – attractions to enhance your visit
Official website: www.seemonterey.com
Read more...Airline fees for checking bags and other services going sky high!
There were only nominal charges for checking airline bags four years ago when they started. But it can now cost $450 for an overweight checked bag up to 100 pounds.
Read more...YOTEL: spelling the future of hotels
The YOTEL, which opened this summer a few blocks west of Times Square in New York City, is a self-acknowledged “radical” change from old-time tradition but there’s a lot of speculation that it represents the future of the hotel business.
Read more...Five-star rave reviews: on sale at just $5 each
The travel industry in common with many others has never been without its innovators who sometimes stretch to find profitable niches. But the latest hot new travel trend may be something of a surprise: the hotel and review business itself.
Read more...Southwest holdout on baggage fees is popular and profitable
No one doubts that Southwest Airlines is known as something of a maverick. But who could have predicted that their well-publicized resistance to fees would further distance them from the rest of the competitive airline market?
Read more...Watch out for Price Couges by Rental Cars
If you're planning to rent a car as part of a fall trip, you need to make sure to avoid a few price gouges that the rental companies have in store for you if you aren't careful. As usual, the most vexing questions deal with insurance.
Read more...Travel to Cuba: Si, a new open door but knock first
It’s gotten a lot easier to visit Cuba in recent months as the Obama administration loosened regulations but as there are travel opportunities, there are also risks. This opens up a new exotic destination. But visitors should not be too eager to go without doing more research.
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The next hot tourist spot: space. Does that sound far-fetched? Maybe not.
A recent announcement from Russia said that country -- the only one that can deliver people in orbit -- planned to open a space hotel by 2016. The facility would accommodate up to seven guests.
Read more...9-11 anniversary a reminder that air travel's still not safe
Air travel has become safer but only at a great price, says the International Air Transport Association, which is among groups marking the 10th anniversary of 9-11 with a plan to take more risks in return for reducing the numbing costs of security.
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Over-worked Americans want National Relaxation Day
It’s well-documented that Americans are vacation-deprived but now comes news that three-quarters of them want to see a National Relaxation Day become a new national holiday, according to a survey.
Read more...Step Back in History -- Experience the early emigrants' Journey Across the Sierra Nevada
Hikers can experience the early emigrants’ journey across the Sierra Nevada mountains October 8 & 9 by participanting in the 19th Annual Donner Party Hike. The Truckee Donner Chamber of Commerce is hosting this popular event that unites two passions–love for the Sierra Nevada wilderness and fascinating emigrant history.
Read more...California Wine Month Offer -- A Five Day Getaway to Creating a Personal Wine Cellar
Beautiful Places wine country luxury villa rentals, and The Bounty Hunter, wine insiders and tasting scouts, have teamed up for the ultimate California Wine Month offer.
Read more..."FLASH" THE HOTTEST NEW WAY TO GET TRAVEL DEALS...BUT
By Ed Perkins, www.SmarterTravel.com. As I've been reporting recently, "flash" or "private sale" is the current big thing in travel deals. You have a very short time to buy the deal, but it's usually good over several weeks to months. And some of the deals are, in fact, really good. But the flash sale system also entails some caveats.
Read more...Value London Olympics Accommodation
While many hotels and other accommodation providers have increased their prices by up to 500% over the London Olympics, Coach House Rentals have restricted their increase to just 20%.
Read more...Ahhhh, time to consider the wonders that railroads can take you too this winter
With the hazy days of summer dwindling, it’s natural for thoughts to turn to winter travel plans. Specialty travel company Vacations By Rail’s winter product line features a variety of off-season train getaways to popular destinations throughout the United States and Canada.
Read more...Are airlines taking us for a ride with their international fuel surcharges? You Betcha!
(Hear Tom Parsons on “John Hamilton, On-The-Go with KGO”, every Saturday morning from 6:30 to 7:00 and check out www.bestfares.com)
Read more...You want adventure tours? Check these out.
You want adventure tours? Check these out: http://emailer.emailroi.com/users/trusted/TANews_July$2011.html
Read more...Fighting Back: An expert finds 15 ways to reduce the reviled airfare fees and other savings
By Andrea Woroch - 1. Shop Consolidators: OneTravel.com and Hotwire.com are just two websites that consolidate the lowest fares available. But check the terms carefully as there might be some semi-hidden restrictions.
Read more...Casting About This Fall On Middle Fork of Idaho’s Salmon River
Known for blending river rafting luxury with expert guided trout fishing, Far and Away Adventures http://www.far-away.com/ announces openings for late summer / fall 2011 three-to-six-day American Safari fly fishing trips on the most pristine, free-flowing river system in the Lower 48 – Idaho’s Middle Fork of the Salmon River.
Read more...Bewildered travel buyers looking to local travel agents for help
Surviving travel agents, though a diminishing breed, say they get by because they focus on business, group and niche travelers. And they say demand for their services is rising.
Read more...Maui – offering deals now into fall and beyond
MauiAccommodations.com has just released its summer e-newsletter listing special deals offered by 52 hotels, condos, homes, villas, and b&bs on the islands of Maui and Molokai that can be booked directly with each property.
Read more...Vancover Island -- Conde Nast travel magazine ranks it #1 island in North America
What follows is an example of a popular itinerary that can be done in six days. Others can be designed to focus on your interests: sightseeing, fishing, golfing, outdoors, bird watching, whale watching...
Read more...Tourism popularity contest among countries
Mexico No. 1 long haul destination but Caribbean is also a star. The Caribbean has become one of the star destinations to emerge for long haul travel so far this year, according to Hayes & Jarvis latest trend report. Malaysia is another winner that has fueled demand with price initiatives such as cheap flights.
Read more...Travel Like Royalty aboard India's the opulent Maharajas’ Express with Vacations By Rail
New itineraries aboard India’s newest luxury train, the Maharajas’ Express, added to Vacations By Rail’s global product line. Vacations By Rail is pleased to announce the addition of three rail journeys aboard India’s newest luxury train, the Maharajas’ Express, to its global product line. New itineraries take travelers along two popular routes—New Delhi to Mumbai (and reverse) and a circle journey of northeastern India beginning and ending in New Delhi.
Read more...Welcome New Year in St. Petersburg by Waltzing at Czar’s Ball Or Journey on the Golden Eagle Trans-Siberian Express With MIR Corporation’s Access to Best of Russia
St. Petersburg invites guests through MIR Corporation http://www.mircorp.com/ to meet the New Year Dr. Zhivago-style by waltzing at the Czar’s Ball in Catherine’s Palace or dining in a private Russian home after days full of sleigh rides and, of course, strolling through the Hermitage Museum.
Read more...USA Today – Top 10 pet peeves of flight attendents & frequent flyers about manners on planes
Increasingly, flight attendents are having to deal with rude travelers. Also, business travelers who fly many miles also have gripes about unmannered travelers.
Read more...Don’t be a victim of baggage theft
According to the U.S. Department of Transportation, mishandled baggage complaints, including theft, rank second only to flight problems as the most common consumer complaint. Although actual baggage theft from luggage carousels and other pilferage may account for a small percent of mishandled bags in the U.S., it is still prevalent in some parts of the world.
Read more...Mt. Tamalpais – Experience this Bay Area mountain at West Point Inn
The West Point Inn was a way station for a steam railroad, nurthured by hikers and run by volunteers since the middle ot World War II. Today the railroad is gone. The hikers are not.
Read more...From Erotica to Exotica -- Four Unusual International Vacation Experiences
Explore Mt. Everest base camp and the world’s highest monastery, view gorillas in the wild, learn about erotic pre-Columbian pottery, go on an eastern European scavenger hunt.
Read more...Mobile Travel Demand Doubles
Vacationing consumers accessing travel information via mobile devices has doubled in the last year, according to a global survey of 1700 people carried out by digital travel content specialists, Frommer’s Unlimited.
Read more...What's Behind Growth of Vacation Rentals?
Despite traveler’s economic woes, there’s been a huge growth in vacation rental homes, condos and villas. Backers of the trend say there are good reasons.
Read more...New Carnival Ship May be Most Fun Ever
Carnival Cruise Lines’ latest “Fun Ship,” the 130,000-ton Carnival Magic, offers the most “fun and diverse entertainment ever,” says the cruise line. The line says the ship is set to “raise the bar on shipboard entertainment with some of the most spectacular shows ever seen at Sea.”
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