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/

In this episode, Shannon Gomes interviews Sofie Dolan about her experiences hiking the Camino de Santiago, a network of ancient pilgrimage routes to the Cathedral in Santiago de Compostela in Northwest Spain. Sofie shares her motivations for walking the Camino twice, the challenges and joys of the journey, the people she met along the way, and the spiritual significance of reaching Santiago. She also discusses the importance of preparation, the beauty of the landscapes, and the delicious food enjoyed during the trek. The conversation highlights the transformative power of walking and the connections made with fellow pilgrims.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to the Camino de Santiago

02:56 The Journey of Discovery and Reflection

05:51 Planning and Preparing for the Camino

08:51 Experiencing Nature and Spirituality

11:55 Accommodations and Daily Routines

14:57 Meeting Fellow Pilgrims

18:06 The Diversity of Camino Travelers

21:09 Reflections on Safety and Solo Travel

32:16 Fascinating Stories from the Camino

34:10 The Arrival at Santiago

36:02 Experiencing the Terrain

40:12 Preparing for the Camino

42:22 The Walking Meditation

43:38 The Culinary Rewards

44:54 Reflections on the Journey

48:19 Favorite Stops Along the Way

51:42 The Power of the Camino

53:01 Future Plans for the Camino

In this episode, Lori Wright shares her recent travel experiences in Budapest, Hungary, focusing on the city's stunning architecture, rich history, and unique cultural experiences. She discusses her stay on Margaret Island, the thermal baths, and a photography tour centered around horses. Lori also delves into the local cuisine, the warmth of the Hungarian people, and the ease of navigating the city. The conversation highlights the beauty of Budapest and the joy of immersing oneself in a new culture.

Chapters

00:00 Exploring Budapest: First Impressions

02:06 The Enchantment of Hungarian Horses

04:51 Culinary Delights: A Taste of Hungary

07:12 Cultural Experiences: Arts and Entertainment

09:49 Navigating Budapest: Transportation and Communication

12:01 Hidden Gems: Discovering Margaret Island

14:32 Reflections on Travel: Insights and Takeaways

In this engaging conversation, Shannon Gomes interviews Kathleen Shanahan about her deep love for Puerto Vallarta. They explore the beauty of the Banderas Bay, the vibrant culture, and the culinary delights that make this destination a paradise for travelers. Kathleen shares her favorite outdoor adventures, dining experiences, and the welcoming nature of the local community. The discussion also touches on daily life in Puerto Vallarta, family traditions, and exciting day trips to nearby towns. With a mix of personal anecdotes and practical tips, this episode is a must-listen for anyone considering a visit to this enchanting region.

Chapters

00:00 Discovering Puerto Vallarta: A Love Story

02:46 Outdoor Adventures in Paradise

05:45 Culinary Delights: A Foodie's Paradise

08:52 Arts and Culture: The Heart of Puerto Vallarta

11:59 Street Food and Local Eats: A Taste of Mexico

19:23 Culinary Delights in Puerto Vallarta

20:46 Life in Puerto Vallarta: A Personal Perspective

23:44 Exploring the Surrounding Areas

28:01 Day Trips and Hidden Gems

31:01 Rapid Fire Questions: Fun Insights

Summary

In this episode, Shannon Gomes welcomes back Sylvia Klinger, a seasoned traveler and expert in packing and travel tips. They discuss Sylvia's extensive travel experience, her packing philosophy, and essential items for a stress-free journey. Sylvia shares her minimalist approach to packing, health and safety essentials, and strategies for sleeping on long flights. The conversation also covers navigating airport security, choosing the right clothing, and the importance of hydration and nutrition while traveling. Listeners will gain valuable insights into how to travel efficiently and comfortably, making the most of their adventures.

Chapters
00:00 Introduction
02:45 Packing Philosophy and Essentials
05:45 Traveling Light: Tips for Minimalist Packing
08:33 Health and Safety Essentials for Travelers
11:32 Navigating Airport Security and Liquid Regulations
14:21 The Importance of Packing Cubes
17:01 Choosing the Right Outfits for Travel
19:57 Traveling Comfortably: Clothing and Accessories
22:47 Preparing for Long Flights and Time Zone Adjustments
24:49 Traveling Smart: Sleep and Nutrition Strategies
28:41 Packing Like a Pro: Preparation Tips
32:22 Navigating Airports: Security and Lounge Benefits
37:00 Comfort on the Plane: Seat Selection and Essentials
40:55 Staying Healthy: Snacks and Hydration
46:21 Final Thoughts: Maximizing Travel Experience

In this episode, Shannon Gomes interviews Maggie about her enchanting experiences at European Christmas markets. Maggie shares her transformative journey from being a Christmas skeptic to embracing the festive spirit during her travels in Germany, Switzerland, and Austria. The conversation covers the unique themes of various markets, the delightful food and drink offerings, and practical tips for planning a visit, including packing essentials and navigating public transport. Listeners are transported to the magical world of holiday traditions, local artisans, and the joy of gathering with friends and family during this special time of year.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to European Christmas Markets

03:02 Maggie's Transformative Experience at the Markets

06:02 Overview of Christmas Markets in Europe

09:04 Diverse Themes and Unique Markets

11:51 Vendors and Products at the Markets

15:05 Delicious Food and Drink Offerings

18:01 Entertainment and Activities at the Markets

20:58 Planning Your Visit to the Markets

24:00 Packing Tips for the Christmas Markets

27:03 Final Tips and Recommendations