PODCAST · society
The Gomes Guide Travel Podcast
by Shannon Gomes
The Gomes Guide Travel Podcast is where travel, food, and culture meet. Hosted by San Francisco–based travel writer, storyteller, and mom of two teens Shannon Gomes, the show features thoughtful conversations with experts in the food and wine world, avid travelers, creators, tastemakers, and locals who reveal what truly makes a destination memorable—and how to experience it like a local, with food always at the center of the journey. From unforgettable meals and hidden neighborhoods to meaningful cultural experiences and practical travel insight, each episode is designed to inspire curious travelers—especially Gen X listeners who value depth, connection, and great food—to explore the world more intentionally and to bring a sense of discovery back home. Shannon is also the writer behind The Gomes Guide (https://thegomesguide.substack.com), a weekly travel-focused Substack filled with stories, recommendations, and inspiration for meani
Episodes
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A Paris Guide to Eating and Drinking Well, From Someone Who Lives and Breathes French Food and Wine
Marion Cazes has been obsessed with food since she was three years old, demanding oysters while her sister asked for French fries. She grew up in Toulouse, spent eight years in PR and communications for luxury Paris hotels and then for chef Alain Ducasse, and somehow still didn't know much about...
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AI Has Never Slept in a Hotel Bed: Pauline Frommer on Why Guidebooks Still Matter
Pauline Frommer's dad wrote a book for broke GIs stationed in Berlin so they'd stop being afraid to leave base. It became Europe on $5 a Day, the best-selling guidebook of all time. Seventy years later, Pauline runs the company he built, and she's still making his case: you don't need money to...
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A Jungle in Sumatra, a Lighthouse in Nicaragua, and What Traveling With Your Kids Teaches That School Can't
Think traveling the world with kids is too complicated, too expensive, or just… not realistic? This episode might change your mind. I'm joined by Rebecca Ryell, a family travel coach, travel podcast host, doctor, and mom of three boys, who has spent the past 25 years figuring out how to make...
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Hut-to-Hut in the Swiss Alps: Hiking 70 Miles with Teenagers
Lia Heath tried to book the Tour du Mont Blanc for her family in early February. She got laughed at. Some huts on that route open reservations at 7 a.m. and sell out in five minutes flat. What she booked instead turned into eight days and 70 miles across the Swiss Alps with her husband, Tad, and...
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Wine Is Never Grown in Ugly Places | Liz Barrett, What's In That Bottle
If you want a better trip, pick a wine region first and build everything else around it. That's the travel philosophy of Liz Barrett, Certified Specialist of Wine and the writer behind What's In That Bottle. In this episode, Liz and I trace her path from a job interview where she admitted she…
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She's Been Feeding San Francisco's Curiosity Since 2004 | Lisa Rogovin, Edible Excursions
If you want to really know a city, skip the landmarks and find the people feeding it. That's the philosophy behind Edible Excursions, the Bay Area's original walking food tour company — and the life's work of founder Lisa Rogovin. In this episode, I sit down with Lisa to talk about how a...
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Oakland Has a Food Story. Kahja Elliott Is Making Sure You Hear It.
If you want to know where to eat in Oakland, ask someone who moved there knowing no one and used food to figure it out. That's exactly what Kahja Elliott did — and it turned into Kay in the Bay, a platform that goes beyond where to eat and gets into why a place exists, who it's for, and what it...
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She Studies the World Through a Glass: A Conversation with Kimberly Noelle Charles
Some conversations make you want to pour a glass and never stop listening. This is one of them. Kimberly Noelle Charles is the founder of Charles Communications Associates, one of the most respected wine marketing communications firms in the country — and one of the most passionate storytellers...
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The Woman Behind One of Sonoma County's Most Thoughtful Wineries | Karin Warnelius-Miller of Garden Creek Vineyards
Some conversations stop you in your tracks. This is one of them. Karin Warnelius-Miller is the proprietor, winemaker, and winegrower at Garden Creek Vineyards in Sonoma County's Alexander Valley — and her story is remarkable. Born on a dairy farm in Sweden, she immigrated to California in 1975,...
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Food, Travel, and Midlife Reinvention with Cookbook Author Amanda Haas
What happens when you spend your life teaching others how to cook — and finally give yourself permission to start living? That's exactly where Amanda Haas finds herself. A cookbook author (four books in, with a fifth on the way), former culinary director at Williams-Sonoma, and founder of the...
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From Lawyer to Travel Writer: How Jen Ruiz Built a Life Around Travel
What happens when you stop chasing the “perfect” life and start building one that actually feels like yours? Jen Ruiz did just that. While working full-time as an attorney, she challenged herself to take 12 trips in 12 months—and that decision changed everything. In this episode, we talk about…
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National Parks Road Trip with Teens: Yellowstone, Grand Teton & Glacier
If you’ve ever dreamed of taking a classic American road trip through the national parks with your family, this episode is for you. In this episode of The Gomes Guide Travel Podcast, Shannon sits down with her friend Julie to talk about an unforgettable two-week road trip through Yellowstone…
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The San Francisco Experience I Can’t Stop Thinking About with Gregangelo Herrera
In this episode, Shannon Gomes sits down with Gregangelo Herrera—artist, storyteller, and founder of the Gregangelo Museum in the Balboa Terrace neighborhood of San Francisco—a one-of-a-kind immersive art house that blends creativity, storytelling, and human connection in the most unexpected…
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Exploring New York City with a Local: Hidden Stories from Vibe Tours
New York City is one of the most visited destinations in the world—but how much of it do we actually understand? In this episode, I sit down with Dana, founder of Vibe Tours in New York City, to uncover the stories hiding in plain sight across Lower Manhattan. A Brooklyn native and former Wall...
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How One Family Traveled Thailand for a Month With Kids
What would it be like to pause your everyday routine and spend an entire month traveling with your family? In this episode, Shannon sits down with Anisha, a pharmacist, podcaster, and mom of two, who took her family on a 30-day adventure across Thailand. Traveling with children ages 3 and 8, they...
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What Visiting 130+ Countries Taught This Travel Journalist About Humanity (A Conversation with Sucheta Rawal)
What happens when you visit 130+ countries… and really connect with people along the way? In this episode, I sit down with travel journalist, speaker, and nonprofit founder Sucheta Rawal to talk about what she’s learned from a life spent exploring the world, and how those experiences have shaped...
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A Food Lover’s Guide to Porto & the Douro Valley (Wine, Markets & Culinary Travel with Joanne Weir)
Dreaming about Portugal? This episode will make you want to go… and eat everything. I’m joined by chef, cookbook author, restaurant owner, and culinary tour operator Joanne Weir to talk about why Porto and the Douro Valley might be one of the most magical food and wine destinations in the world.…
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Traveling with Teens: What They Really Think (Family Travel Tips from My Own Kids)
Ever wondered what your teens are really thinking on family trips? In this special episode, I sit down with two of my favorite guests, my own two teens, to get their honest take on traveling as teens… and let’s just say, they don’t hold back. We talk about everything from how involved they want…
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Moving to Zürich: What It’s Really Like to Live in Switzerland (Expat Life, Motherhood & Swiss Culture with Kassie Borreson)
What does it really take to move your life to Switzerland… and start a family there? In this episode, I sit down with my friend Kassie Borreson, who moved from San Francisco to Zurich with her husband, brought along their two cats (yes, really), and had her first baby shortly after arriving. We...
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Hiking the Camino de Santiago: What It’s Really Like (And Why You Might Do It Twice) with Sofie Dolan
What would make someone walk hundreds of miles across Spain… and then go back and do it again? In this episode, I sit down with my friend Sofie Dolan, who has hiked the Camino de Santiago not once, but twice, to talk about what makes this experience so powerful, addictive, and honestly…...
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Budapest Travel Guide: Thermal Baths, Danube Views & Hidden Gems with Lori Wright
Thinking about Budapest? This episode will put it on your list. I sit down with Lori Wright, who recently traveled to Hungary on a photography tour, to talk about why Budapest might be one of the most beautiful (and underrated) cities in Europe. From the moment she arrived, it was the…
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Puerto Vallarta Travel Guide: Beaches, Food & Local Life in Banderas Bay with Kathleen Shanahan
Thinking about Puerto Vallarta? This episode will make you want to book the flight. I sit down with Kathleen, who splits her time between the U.S. and Mexico, to talk about what makes Puerto Vallarta and the greater Banderas Bay such a special place to visit… or even live. We zoom out first,...
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How to Pack & Fly Like a Pro: Carry-On Only, Jet Lag Tips & Travel Hacks with Sylvia Klinger
Want to travel lighter, stress less, and actually feel good when you land? This episode is packed (pun intended) with tips. I’m joined again by seasoned traveler Sylvia Klinger, who has visited 50+ countries and logs over 200,000 miles a year, to break down how to pack and fly like a pro. We…
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European Christmas Markets: Germany, Austria & Switzerland Travel Guide with Maggie Downs
If you’ve ever dreamed of experiencing a European Christmas market… this episode will make you want to book the trip immediately. I sit down with travel writer Maggie Downs to talk about her journey through some of the most magical Christmas markets in Germany, Switzerland, and Austria, and how…
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Dewees Island, SC: A Car-Free Coastal Escape Near Charleston (Local Life & Travel Tips with Alicia Reilly)
What if you could live somewhere with no cars, no stores, and nothing but nature all around you? In this episode, I sit down with my friend Alicia Riley, who lives full-time on Dewees Island, a tiny, car-free barrier island just 20 minutes from Charleston, South Carolina… and it might just be one...
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Moving to Australia from the U.S.: What It’s Really Like (Family, Visas & Starting Over with Emma Shoemaker)
What does it really take to pack up your life and move across the world… with two young kids? In this episode, I sit down with Emma Shoemaker, who moved her family from Florida to Australia after more than a decade in the U.S., to talk about what that transition actually looks like, from selling...
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San Francisco Food Tours: Eat Like a Local with Kara Ricciardi of Stretchy Pants Food Tours
If you love food and travel… this episode is for you. I sit down with Kara Ricciardi, founder of Stretchy Pants Food Tours in San Francisco, to talk about how food tours can completely transform the way you experience a destination. Kara has traveled to over 80 countries (yes, 80!) and is a…
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A Local’s Guide to Seattle: Food, Neighborhoods & Hidden Gems with Natalie Compagno
Planning a trip to Seattle? This episode is your insider guide. I sit down with Natalie Compagno, a California native who’s been living in Seattle for the past decade (and has traveled to over 100 countries), to talk about what makes this city so special, from its creative energy to its deep...
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Chile Travel Guide: Food, Wine, Patagonia & Culture with Paula Tejeda
Chile might not be at the top of your travel list… but after this episode, it just might be. I sit down with Paula Tejeda, a Chilean-born chef, cultural ambassador, and founder of San Francisco’s beloved Chile Lindo, to talk about what makes Chile such a unique and unforgettable destination. From...
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Travel by Music: How to Explore the World Through Playlists with Kyle Durnan-Kerns
What if you could experience a destination… before you even get there? In this episode, I sit down with travel writer and former tour guide Kyle Durnan-Kern, creator of the Travel by Music series, to talk about how music can completely transform the way you travel. Kyle creates deeply researched...
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Traveling Patagonia: Overlanding, Glaciers & Adventure in Chile and Argentina with Carolyn Shimek
What’s it really like to travel to one of the most remote places on earth? In this episode, I sit down with Carolyn Shimek to talk about her two-month adventure through Patagonia, spanning both Chile and Argentina, where she and her husband traveled by truck camper, hiked across glaciers, and…
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Travel Photography Tips from a World-Renowned Photographer (Storytelling, Composition & Real Moments with Robert Holmes)
Want to take better photos when you travel? This episode will completely change how you see the world. I sit down with legendary travel photographer Robert Holmes, who has been shooting professionally since 1979 (including work for National Geographic), to talk about what actually makes a great...
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A Local’s Guide to Rome: Hidden Gems, Food & How to Avoid the Crowds with Renee Frojo
Planning a trip to Rome? This episode will help you experience it beyond the crowds. I sit down with Renee, who has been visiting Rome since she was 15 (and even studied abroad there), to talk about what makes this city so unforgettable… and how to experience it like a local. We talk about that...
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A Local’s Guide to Half Moon Bay: Beaches, Food & Coastal Vibes with Marcus D.
If you’ve ever driven down Highway 1 and wondered what it’s like to actually live in Half Moon Bay… this episode is for you. I sit down with local resident Marcus D., Star 101.3 Morning Show Host, to talk about life in this coastal town just 30 minutes from San Francisco, a place he describes as...
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Solo Travel in Scotland: Edinburgh, the Highlands & Why You’ll Keep Coming Back with Jen Belcher
What if you found a place in the world that just… felt like home? In this episode, I sit down with Jen Belcher, who has traveled solo to Scotland three times in one year (yes, really), to talk about what keeps pulling her back. We start in Edinburgh, one of the most beautiful and walkable cities…
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Australia Travel Guide: Sydney, the Great Barrier Reef & Hidden Gems with Janice Kho
Planning a trip to Australia? This episode will help you figure out where to start. I’m joined by Janice Kho, who grew up in Western Australia, to talk about what it’s really like to travel across this massive and incredibly diverse country. We cover the essentials, from iconic first-time stops...
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Home Exchange Explained: How to Travel the World for Less with CEO Emmanuel Arnaud
What if you could travel the world… without paying for accommodations? In this episode, I sit down with Emmanuel Arnaud, CEO of HomeExchange, to break down how home swapping actually works and why it’s one of the most affordable (and meaningful) ways to travel. We get into the basics, including…
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A Local’s Guide to Palm Springs: Hotels, Food & the Perfect Desert Getaway with Jamie Haley
Need a quick escape from the chaos of everyday life? Palm Springs might be exactly what you’re looking for. I sit down with artist and Palm Springs local Jamie Haley to talk about what makes this desert destination so special, from its laid-back vibe to its iconic mid-century modern design. We…
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Norway Travel Guide: Oslo, the Lofoten Islands & Arctic Adventures with Dana Smith
Thinking about Norway? This episode will make you want to go. I sit down with Dana Smith to talk about her unforgettable trip from Oslo to the Lofoten Islands, one of the most stunning (and surprisingly accessible) places in the Arctic Circle. We start in Oslo, where Dana shares her first...
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Island Hopping in Greece: Athens, Hidden Islands & Greek Food with Marcia Gagliardi
Dreaming about Greece? This episode will make you want to book the ticket. I sit down with Marcia Gagliardi, a San Francisco–based culinary personality and restaurant columnist well-known for her groundbreaking Tablehopper newsletter, to talk about her adventures traveling around Greece, from...
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A Local’s Guide to Marin County with Adam (The Marin Dad): Hikes, Food & the Perfect Day Trip
If you live in the Bay Area… or you’re visiting San Francisco… this episode is your excuse to finally explore Marin County. I’m joined by Adam Cohen (aka “The Marin Dad”) to share what makes Marin so special, from its incredible natural beauty to its tight-knit, community-driven vibe. We talk…
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Cruising 101: How to Plan the Perfect Cruise (Family Travel Tips with Suzanne Lyons)
Curious about cruising… but not sure where to start? This episode is for you. I sit down with cruise expert and blogger Suzanne Lyons to break down everything you need to know, from choosing the right cruise line to what it’s actually like once you’re on board. We talk about why cruising is one…
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A Local’s Guide to Rio de Janeiro: Beaches, Food & Hidden Gems with Marissa Gomes
Dreaming about Rio de Janeiro? This episode will take you there. I’m joined by seasoned traveler Marissa Gomes, who has visited over 40 countries and spent extensive time in Rio, to share what makes this city so unforgettable, from its iconic beaches to its vibrant culture and energy. We talk…
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Moving to Portugal: What It’s Really Like to Live Abroad with Nicole Curcio
Ever wondered what it’s really like to leave the U.S. and start over in another country? In this episode, I sit down with ceramic artist Nicole Curcio, who moved from Portland, Oregon to a small village in Portugal with her husband and two dogs to build a new life abroad. We talk about what...
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A First-Timer’s Guide to Japan: Culture, Food & Travel Tips with Sylvia Klinger
Thinking about a trip to Japan? This episode is the perfect place to start. I’m joined by global traveler Sylvia Klinger, who has visited Japan multiple times and completely fallen in love with its culture, people, and way of life. We talk about what makes Japan so unique, from the incredible...
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Traveling to Antarctica: What It’s Really Like (Penguins, Drake Passage & Expedition Tips)
Antarctica. It’s one of those trips that feels almost unreal… until you’re there. In this episode, I sit down with seasoned traveler Leigh Schuberth to talk about what it’s actually like to visit the most remote place on earth, from crossing the infamous Drake Passage to stepping foot on the...
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How to Travel Using Points & Miles (Beginner Tips + Expert Strategies with Jeff Neer)
Want to travel more… without spending more? In this episode, I sit down with points and miles expert Jeff Neer to break down how to actually use credit card points to travel smarter, save money, and even fly business class. We cover the basics (perfect if you’re just getting started), including…
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The Ultimate Canada Travel Guide: Quebec, the Rockies & Hidden Gems with Emilie Brillon
Planning a trip to Canada? This episode is your starting point. I’m joined by Emilie Brillon, founder of the travel site Love Life Abroad, who grew up in Quebec City and now lives near the Canadian Rockies, to talk about the best places to visit across this massive (and wildly beautiful) country....
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Traveling Through West Africa: 12 Countries, Culture & Adventure with Bonnie Hough
What’s it really like to travel through West Africa? In this episode, I sit down with incredible world traveler Bonnie Huff, who has visited over 120 countries, to talk about her 57-day journey across 12 countries in West Africa. From Senegal and Ghana to Sierra Leone and Guinea, Bonnie shares…
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Solo Travel to Paris: Finding Yourself, Slowing Down & Saying Yes with Amy Boyle
Have you ever dreamed of taking a solo trip to Paris… but felt a little unsure about doing it alone? In this episode, I sit down with journalist and storyteller Amy Boyle to talk about her three-week solo journey to Paris and why it was exactly what she needed during a time of personal change and...
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ABOUT THIS SHOW
The Gomes Guide Travel Podcast is where travel, food, and culture meet. Hosted by San Francisco–based travel writer, storyteller, and mom of two teens Shannon Gomes, the show features thoughtful conversations with experts in the food and wine world, avid travelers, creators, tastemakers, and locals who reveal what truly makes a destination memorable—and how to experience it like a local, with food always at the center of the journey.
From unforgettable meals and hidden neighborhoods to meaningful cultural experiences and practical travel insight, each episode is designed to inspire curious travelers—especially Gen X listeners who value depth, connection, and great food—to explore the world more intentionally and to bring a sense of discovery back home.
Shannon is also the writer behind The Gomes Guide (https://thegomesguide.substack.com), a weekly travel-focused Substack filled with stories, recommendations, and inspiration for meani
HOSTED BY
Shannon Gomes
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many episodes does The Gomes Guide Travel Podcast have?
The Gomes Guide Travel Podcast currently has 52 episodes available on PodParley. New episodes are automatically indexed when they're published to the podcast feed.
What is The Gomes Guide Travel Podcast about?
The Gomes Guide Travel Podcast is where travel, food, and culture meet. Hosted by San Francisco–based travel writer, storyteller, and mom of two teens Shannon Gomes, the show features thoughtful conversations with experts in the food and wine world, avid travelers, creators, tastemakers, and locals...
How often does The Gomes Guide Travel Podcast release new episodes?
The Gomes Guide Travel Podcast has 52 episodes. Check the episode list to see recent publication dates and frequency.
Where can I listen to The Gomes Guide Travel Podcast?
You can listen to The Gomes Guide Travel Podcast on PodParley by clicking any episode. We provide an embedded audio player for direct listening, and you can also subscribe via your preferred podcast app using the RSS feed.
Who hosts The Gomes Guide Travel Podcast?
The Gomes Guide Travel Podcast is created and hosted by Shannon Gomes.
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