The Gomes Guide Travel Podcast
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 meaningful travel. Listeners are invited to subscribe for fresh ideas, insider tips, and destination inspiration delivered each week.
Whether you’re planning your next trip or simply dreaming about one, The Gomes Guide Travel Podcast celebrates connection, community, and the joy of experiencing new places through food and travel.
The Gomes Guide Travel Podcast
Traveling Through West Africa: 12 Countries, Culture & Adventure with Bonnie Hough
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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 life.
We talk about everything from traveling with a guide (and why it’s essential in this region) to navigating long days on the road, staying connected, and what it’s like as a female traveler. Bonnie also shares powerful experiences visiting remote villages, witnessing traditional dances and ceremonies, and connecting with locals in ways that go far beyond typical travel.
This isn’t your typical bucket list trip… and that’s exactly what makes it so impactful.
If you’re curious about traveling to West Africa, or just love hearing about bold, off-the-beaten-path adventures, this episode will open your eyes to a completely different side of the world.
👉 For more travel inspiration, tips, and behind-the-scenes stories, subscribe to my Substack at The Gomes Guide.
You can learn more about Bonnie and her travels by visiting her blog: https://www.bonnieflies.com/