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
Home Exchange Explained: How to Travel the World for Less with CEO Emmanuel Arnaud
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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 homes at the same time to make it work.
But what I love most about this conversation is how much it’s about more than just saving money.
We talk about the power of community, the trust factor (yes, we go there), and how staying in someone’s home gives you a completely different, more local experience than a hotel or rental ever could.
Emmanuel also shares real stories from the HomeExchange community, from families traveling the world through swaps to strangers becoming lifelong friends.
And if you’re feeling a little hesitant? We cover that too, from safety concerns to guarantees and how to ease into your first exchange (hint: start close to home).
If you’ve ever wanted to travel more, stay longer, and experience places like a local, this episode might completely change how you think about travel.
👉 For more travel inspiration, tips, and behind-the-scenes stories, subscribe to my Substack at The Gomes Guide.
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Home Exchange and Emmanuel Arnaud
02:12 The Birth of GuestToGuest and HomeExchange
06:07 Understanding the GuestPoint System
10:40 The Global Community of HomeExchange
14:15 Building Trust in HomeExchange
18:42 The Difference Between HomeExchange and Rentals
21:04 HomeExchange Day and Community Engagement
26:53 The Future of HomeExchange and Sustainable Travel