Chef, cookbook author, restaurant owner, and culinary tour guide Joanne Weir joins host Shannon Gomes for a conversation that begins in Porto and the Douro Valley—where she’s leading a culinary tour in April—and opens into something much bigger.

We talk about food as a love language, why cooking doesn’t need to be complicated, and what other cultures get right about slowing down and gathering around the table. Joanne shares her philosophy on simple entertaining, building confidence in the kitchen, and why markets, long lunches, and shared meals create deeper connections than almost anything else.

This episode is about travel, yes—but it’s also about how we live, cook, and connect, and what happens when we make time to sit down and eat together.

Chapters

00:00 Exploring Porto and the Douro Valley
02:56 Culinary Tours and Local Culture
11:24 Cooking Traditions and Techniques
18:04 The Importance of Cooking and Community
27:09 Wine Culture and Culinary Experiences
32:03 Future Culinary Adventures

In this special episode, host Shannon Gomes sits down with two very special guests, her own two teenagers, Quinn and Fiona, to talk about what travel really looks like from a teen’s point of view. From planning trips and packing must-haves to favorite destinations, food adventures, and the importance of personal space, this is an honest, thoughtful conversation about traveling as a family with teens.

Whether you’re a parent planning trips with teenagers or a family looking to travel better together, this episode offers insight straight from the source.

00:00 – Welcome & Episode Setup
Shannon introduces the episode and welcomes her teen guests, Quinn and Fiona.

01:00 – Should Teens Be Involved in Trip Planning?
Why having a say in destinations and activities matters to teens.

04:00 – Airplane Essentials & In-Flight Comfort
Must-have items for flying, favorite snacks, and tips for sleeping on planes.

08:00 – Hotel vs. Airbnb: Where Teens Prefer to Stay
Why space, location, and having your own room can make or break a trip.

12:00 – The Importance of Personal Space on Family Trips

Why downtime and privacy matter, even on vacation.

15:00 – Why Being Near Water Is a Travel Priority
Oceans, beaches, and how water helps teens relax and recharge.

18:00 – Favorite Destinations Around the World
Paris, Italy, Greece, Mexico, Costa Rica, and what made each trip memorable.

23:00 – Favorite Big Cities (U.S. & International)
London, New York, San Francisco, and what teens love about city travel.

27:00 – Experiencing Culture Through Food
Food tours, cooking classes, markets, and why food is key to understanding a place.

32:00 – How Travel Changes Perspective
What teens learn about culture, people, and the world through travel.

35:00 – Dream Destinations Still on the Wish List
Morocco, Egypt, South America, Southeast Asia, and island escapes.

38:00 – The Perfect Travel Day
Balancing sightseeing, rest, food, physical activity, and relaxation.

42:00 – Final Thoughts & Wrap-Up
Shannon reflects on traveling together and looks ahead to the next family adventure.

Why This Episode Matters:
So many conversations about traveling with teens happen without actually asking teens what they think. This episode gives them the floor, offering practical takeaways for parents and a reminder that listening, flexibility, and shared experiences go a long way when traveling together.

In this engaging conversation, Kassie shares her experiences of moving from California to Zurich, Switzerland, discussing the challenges and joys of relocating abroad, the logistics of moving with pets, and the cultural differences she encountered. She reflects on her journey into motherhood in a new country, the healthcare system, and the support she received from midwives. Kassie emphasizes the importance of community and patience in building connections, navigating daily life, and embracing the unknown. The conversation concludes with light-hearted rapid-fire questions, revealing Kassie's favorite Swiss treats and her reflections on life in Zurich.

Read more on The Gomes Guide on Substack: https://thegomesguide.substack.com/