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
Solo Travel in Scotland: Edinburgh, the Highlands & Why You’ll Keep Coming Back with Jen Belcher
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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 like visiting Culloden Battlefield, exploring Loch Ness, and taking a small group tour with a guide you’ll wish you could bottle up and bring home.
We also talk about how her travel style evolved across three trips, from hitting the major sights to slowing down and living more like a local, think cozy cafés, long walks through green spaces, and staying in an apartment instead of a hotel.
But what really stood out to me was how personal this destination became for her. From emotional moments in Princes Street Gardens to unexpected connections with fellow travelers, this episode is a reminder that sometimes travel hits deeper than you expect.
We also get into solo travel, why Scotland is one of the best (and safest) places to start, plus practical tips on planning your trip, what to pack (layers, always), and how to meet people along the way.
If Scotland is on your list, or you’re thinking about taking your first solo trip, this episode will inspire you to go.
👉 For more travel inspiration, tips, and behind-the-scenes stories, subscribe to my Substack at The Gomes Guide.
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Scotland: A Love Affair
02:44 The First Trip: Discovering Edinburgh and the Highlands
05:21 The Second Trip: Exploring Glasgow and Living Like a Local
08:07 The Third Trip: Adventures in Bruges and York
10:28 Travel Challenges and Lessons Learned
14:46 Exploring Scotland: A Solo Traveler's Journey
17:11 Finding Connection: Scotland and West Virginia
20:05 The Magic of Moments: A Memorable Experience
21:05 Safety in Solo Travel: A Woman's Perspective
22:17 Scenic Highlights: The Best of Scotland
24:58 Dining Alone: Embracing Solo Meals
26:19 Connecting with Fellow Travelers
28:09 Advice for Aspiring Solo Travelers
30:06 Packing Tips for Scotland
32:48 Future Travels: Exploring More of Scotland