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
Moving to Portugal: What It’s Really Like to Live Abroad with Nicole Curcio
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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 actually takes to make it happen, from navigating visas to buying property in a foreign country.
Nicole shares the honest reality of expat life, including the slower pace, language barriers, and the unexpected challenges of… well, getting anything done. But she also talks about the magic of it all: the welcoming community, the beauty of living near the coast, and the joy of building something from scratch.
We also get into practical advice for anyone considering a move abroad, like why you should spend extended time in a place before committing, how to connect with locals, and what she wishes she knew before making the leap.
If you’ve ever dreamed about living in Europe or starting fresh somewhere new, this episode is equal parts inspiration and real talk.
👉 For more travel inspiration, tips, and behind-the-scenes stories, subscribe to my Substack at The Gomes Guide.
Follow Nicole:
🔗 Instagram: @welltraveledwares
🌐 Website: welltraveledwares.com
Resources Mentioned:
- Portugal The Simple Life Podcast
- Facebook Group: Americans & Friends PT (search for expat resources)