KGO Travel With John Hamilton
SUNDAY MORNINGS FROM 8 A.M. to 10 A.M., LISTEN TO JOHN’S TRAVEL & LEISURE, NEWS & INFORMATION SHOW 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.
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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.
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REACH ON-THE-GO'S TRAVEL EXPERTS
Every Sunday morning from 8-10 a.m., 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...Hotel stays that range from the inspirational to the eccentric
Small luxury Hotels of the World is touting its "once-in-a-lifetime experiences" that include crocodile pearl farming in Thailand and guest’s making their own beauty products in the Czech Republic.
Read more...Travel this summer may give you heartburn – or not
Thinking of traveling this summer? Better take some Tums, because you can expect higher prices for just about anything from air fares to hotels.
Read more...Is it time to think about visiting Egypt?
Egypt's tourism minister www.egypt.travel expects the number of tourists to rebound this year to pre-revolution levels of 14.5 million after slumping in 2011 following an uprising that forced out President Hosni Mubarak and brought much of Egypt's economy to a halt.
Read more...Palm Springs -- The Renaissance Esmeralda Resort package includes activities for everyone
The resort’s team of navigators will suggest and organize new summer discoveries in the area such as Knotts Soak City, the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway and IMAX Theater or a morning excursion to the Living Desert or nighttime desert jeep tour.
Read more...California coastal destinations from the Oregon border to the Mexican
California coastal destinations from the Oregon border to the Mexican
Read more...An amazing sculpture celebrating the 75th Anniversary of Golden Gate Bridge
On Memorial Day, the Bay Area will celebrate what is cosidered one of major icons when people from other countries think of not only San Francisco or California, but America.
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Call it an all-drag-queens, all-the-time extravaganza
A Florida travel agent has announced plans for a group sailing on a Royal Caribbean ship that will feature nearly half a dozen drag queens performing for and mingling with participants.
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Airline reward programs get weird
What do you want from your airline mile award program? How about a two-hour flight simulator experience for two people in Toronto (Air Canada) or how about 25 million points towards becoming an astronaut on Virgin Galatic?
Read more...Homeric adds Israel-Greece combination
Prices begin at $1,875 per person for 10 day independent tour Israel and Greece – two countries rich in history – combine on a new 10-day Jerusalem, Athens and the Greek Isles itinerary from Homeric Tours. The company, which specializes in distinctive travel to Greece and the Mediterranean, offers regular departures through October 22, priced from $1,855 per person for August and mid-October departures.
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Yuupon.com says it's got the best online travel deals offering up to 60% off
Yuupon.com says it is ushering in a "new era of online travel deals, replacing its former flash model with new flexibility and hundreds of additional bargain travel options" at up to 60% off.
Read more...Lonely Planet Launches Country Guide Apps for iPhone and iPod touch
Lonely Planet is excited to announce a series of new country guide apps for the iPhone and iPod touch, available now on the App Store. Initially launching with Italy, Ireland, France, Spain, Australia and Costa Rica, Lonely Planet’s country guide apps are the first of their kind from an expert travel guide publisher.
Read more...Sip, Savor and Sing at The Concerts at Wente Vineyards
The Concerts at Wente Vineyards is proud to continue their tradition of summer concerts with a stellar line-up of acts for the 2012 season. As Northern California’s most unique concert experience, Wente Vineyards will host a summer of top name headliners in its spectacular vineyard setting.
Read more...Central Coast -- Forbes Magazine calls it one of the prettiers towns in America
The small, vibrant city of San Luis Obispo, located halfway between Los Angeles and San Francisco on California’s Central Coast, isn’t blushing about its newest accolade from Forbes Magazine calling it one of the “Prettiest Towns” in America. With rolling green hills and sprawling ocean views, San Luis Obispo’s beauty is a no-brainer.
Read more...How happy are we in the United States?
It's a question that economists and pollsters are asking all over the world, hoping to gain new insight into what brings us joy -- and why people answer differently in different countries.
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Before You Take That Cell Phone Abroad
We think travelers (business and leisure types) are clueless when it comes to what it costs to use their mobile and smart phones, especially data, when they’re traveling out of country. But it’s not always their fault. It doesn’t help that telcoms use tricks like presenting fractions of a cent costs on a per KB basis, rather than per MB. So data in France from as LITTLE as 0.005c per KB is actually $5.12 per MB!! (right now begins peak international travel season, not to mention the Summer London Olympics ).
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Aboard the Disney Fantasy, whimsy and wonder to fill a week
Ask Disney Cruise Line President Karl Holz what he likes best about the new Disney Fantasy and he’ll tell you, “The smiling faces of happy passengers.”
Read more...U.S. space tourism set for takeoff by 2014, FAA says
Rocket planes and spaceships to carry passengers beyond the atmosphere, similar to the suborbital hops taken by Mercury astronauts Alan Shepard and Virgil "Gus" Grissom in 1961, are being built and tested, with commercial flight services targeted to begin in 2013 or 2014.
Read more...Vacation at a device-free beach at these resorts
Elite Island Resorts is encouraging guests to free themselves while on vacation from cell phones and laptops by creating a device-free beach at their various resorts.
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Eight Ways to Scam-Proof Your Next Vacation Home Rental Transaction
It’s vacation planning season, so go ahead: book that fabulous beach house or cabin in the mountains. If you follow Christine Karpinski’s advice, you’re almost guaranteed not to fall victim to a vacation property rental scam.
Read more...Gas prices rising, how about taking a vacation by rail?
The steady rise in fuel prices sweeping the country is making travelers rethink their summer travel plans as they begin to consider the increased expenditure to trips by air and car. But don’t nix the summer vacation just yet. Turn the family road trip into the family rail trip!
Read more...Partners main source of happiness around the globe: poll
Nearly two-thirds of married couples and people with a significant other say their partner is the most important source of happiness in their lives, according to a new global poll released on Valentine's Day.
Read more...Airline no-phones policy could become a thing of the past
Turning off electronic devices when boarding an airplane may soon be a thing of the past as the FAA is re-examining those ancient, sometimes abused and generally disliked rules.
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South Lake Tahoe Golf – top pros, top athletes plus assorted and sundry other celebs
Where else have you seen the likes of Michael Jordan, Charles Barkley, Aaron Rodgers, Tony Romo and Ray Romano in the same place? No where but the American Century Championship (www.TahoeCelebrityGolf.com).
Read more...Survey Uncovers Dog Traveler Frustrations
Eight out of ten people who bring their dogs along when they travel (dog travelers) find hotel policies and amenities important when selecting accommodations, according to a national study released by Destination Analysts and DogTrekker.com.
Read more...Could collapsible luggage revolutionize industry?
Road Warrior Luggage, a division of Trunk & Trolley Inc., unveiled what it called its "revolutionary space-saving technology" with six foldable pieces at the Travel Goods Show in Las Vegas.
Read more...Exclusive vacation package to view wild Beluga whales north of Artic Circle
“Mystic Week” Trip Scheduled July 20-27, 2012, to support beluga research and education. A unique, one-week travel offering to view wild beluga whales in their native habitat north of the Arctic Circle has been announced by Sea Research Foundation, parent of Mystic Aquarium in Mystic, Conn., in partnership with Arctic Watch Wilderness Lodge on Cunningham Inlet in Nunavut, Canada.
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XL Airways France Announces New Summer Season Nonstop SFO-CDG Service
San Francisco International Airport (SFO) is pleased to welcome XL Airways France -- http://www.xlairways.com/
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New App Aids Exploration of America’s National Parks
Planning a trip to a national park? Want to keep a “life list” of the parks you visit? Meet your new favorite app.
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Disabled travelers can now visit Italy's historic attractions in a unique wheelchair
Disabled travelers are now on “equal footing” with other travelers as they view all of Italy’s historic sites from a specially designed trekking-wheelchair, thanks to Rome and Italy Tourist Services. In this one-of-a-kind chair, offered only by “Rome and Italy Tourist Services,” visitors can experience every Italian archeological site no matter what the ground surface might be.
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Monterey -- Places to go and things to do
A list of places to go and things to do in Monterey.
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Tauck's new river cruise has a French flavor
Tauck is introducing a new river cruise on the Rhone that celebrates and explores the culinary traditions of France.
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Oriental Express – this famous rail excursions are pricy, but...
Dream about traveling in true luxury while being surrounded by the timeless dramatic views of South East Asian landscape? Check off traveling on the famous Oriental Express off your bucket list – because now is the best time to go than ever before.
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Social media: not all it's cracked up to be for travelers
With all the widespread hoopla over its fast-growing influence, those who dismiss social media might as well express heresy at a religious convention.
Read more...Low hassle screening coming to 28 airports including SFO by the end 2012
A new passenger screening program to make check-in more convenient for certain travelers is being expanded to 28 more major U.S. airports, the government said Wednesday. There will be no cost to eligible passengers, who would no longer have to remove their shoes and belts before they board flights.
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'Spirited' response to new airline rules no surprise
If followers of airline carriers had to guess which one would be most outraged over what some are calling the "no surprise" new rules, they might guess Spirit. And they would be right.
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The number of al-inclusive resorts is growing
The company that started the trend towards all-inclusives is now turning its attention in a seemingly unlikely direction: upscale ski resorts. But that raises the question whether it will be smooth downhill racing for the former Club Med.
Read more...Here's the "Rocky Mountain Explorer" 2012 Packages
Packages Include Accommodations, Breakfast and Lunch for Two, Park Admission, Field Seminars and Support for Rocky Mountain National Park Education Programs
Read more...Galapagos -- Romancing, Mating and Marrying with Ecoventura on 7-Night Cruise
Ecoventura’s (http://www.ecoventura.com) environmentally friendly fleet of small expedition vessels in the Galapagos always wraps hospitality around its cruising guests and will host vows ceremonies for couples who have obtained legal paperwork in advance in Quito or Guayaquil.
Read more...Maui, Hawaii, Napili Kai Beach Resort has 2012 specials
Napili Kai Beach Resort, a deluxe resort situated on ten beachfront acres on Maui’s crescent-shaped Napili Bay, is offering a variety of specials during its “Value Seasons” in 2012, including free nights and luggage fee reimbursement. The family-friendly 163-room resort is known for its spectacular beachfront location, relaxed ambiance, and value-oriented philosophy of "No nickel-and-diming our guests.”
Read more...Hotel guests rate free Wi-Fi at top of amenity list
The latest survey proves what many have assumed for some time: Free Hotel Wi-Fi is at the top of the list when guests choose where they will stay.
Read more...Romantic Sunset & Moonlight Adventures in Newport Beach, California
February is the month where Valentines far and near make a date for romance. Surprise the one you love with a dreamy sunset or moonlight adventure in Newport Beach where romance is in the air 360 days-a-year and some of the most amorous activities happen after sundown.
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...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.
Read more...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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