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
Island Hopping in Greece: Athens, Hidden Islands & Greek Food with Marcia Gagliardi
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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 earthquake in Athens (yes, really), but what followed was a deep love affair with the country, especially a quieter island she still dreams about returning to.
We talk about how to choose the right Greek island (hint: avoid islands with airports if you want fewer crowds), why shoulder season is the best time to visit, and what Athens is really like beyond the postcard views.
And then there’s the food.
Greek yogurt with honey. Feta that will ruin you forever. Rustic seaside tavernas. Greek coffee, frappés, Freddo espressos, natural wines, tsipouro, and the kind of hospitality that turns strangers into friends.
Marcia also shares tips for solo female travelers, how to experience authentic local culture, and why learning just a few Greek phrases goes a long way.
If you’re planning a trip to Greece, or just craving Mediterranean sunshine, history, and incredible food, this episode is full of inspiration and practical advice.
👉 For more travel inspiration, tips, and behind-the-scenes stories, subscribe to my Substack at The Gomes Guide.