The Gomes Guide Travel Podcast

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 travel photo.  We go beyond camera settings and gear, and get into the real heart of photography: storyt...

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 first moment in Rome, when you realize just how ancient it is (a “new” bridge is 700 years old), and wh...

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 feeling like “the Shire,” where the pace slows down and the ocean is always close by.  We get into what...

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 in Europe, and then head north to Inverness and the Scottish Highlands, where Jen shares highlights li...

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 like Sydney and Melbourne to unforgettable experiences like snorkeling the Great Barrier Reef and road-...

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 how the platform’s point system works, how to find and book exchanges, and why you don’t need to swap...

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 get into where to stay (including a dreamy adults-only boutique hotel and a rooftop pool with mountain v...

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 impressions of the city, from its quiet, local feel to hidden gems she discovered just by wandering (includin...

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 Athens and the Acropolis to island hopping in the Cyclades.  Her first trip started with a massive earthq...

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 about everything from hiking Mount Tam and wandering the Marin Headlands to beach days in Stinson and B...

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 of the easiest (and most cost-effective) ways to travel, especially for families. Think: unpack once, w...

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 about where to stay (Ipanema is a favorite), how to experience Rio like a local, and why the beach cultur...

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 inspired the move (hint: lifestyle, healthcare, and a dream of creating an artist residency), and what it a...

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 cleanliness and efficiency to the deep sense of respect woven into everyday life. Sylvia shares what it f...

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 continent itself.  We get into the full experience: the long journey to get there, what it’s like being on...

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 the best credit cards for earning points, how to rack up miles without changing your spending habits, a...

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.  We cover it all, from the European charm of Quebec City and its magical winter festivals to the jaw-...

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 what surprised her most, what challenged her, and what made this one of the most meaningful trips of her...

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 loss.  We talk about how she planned the trip, stayed safe, and explored the city at her own pace, fro...

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 Ryle, a family travel coach , doctor, and mom of three, who has figured out how to make long-term, meaningful family travel actually doable.  We talk about how she and her family have traveled the world, from road-tripping across the U.S. in an R...

If Italy already has your heart… this episode will make you fall even harder. I’m joined by Italy expert, author, and tour leader Susan Van Allen to talk about what makes Italy such a powerful destination, especially for women. From her Italian-American roots to leading women-only trips across the country, Susan shares why Italy feels so personal, soulful, and unforgettable.  We talk about where t...

Thinking about Morocco? This episode will make you want to book the trip. I’m joined by James Beard Award-winning chef Joanne Weir to talk about why Morocco completely stole her heart and why she keeps going back year after year.  We get into everything you need to know before you go, from the best time to visit and where to stay (hello, dreamy riads) to must-see spots like Marrakesh, Fez, and the...

What would it take to walk 10,000 miles across two continents? In this episode, I sit down with author and adventurer Jenn Baljko, who spent three and a half years walking from Bangkok to Barcelona with her partner. Yes… on foot.  We talk about what inspired this wild idea, how they planned (and improvised) along the way, and what it really feels like to live out of a backpack for years. But what...