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
A Local’s Guide to Rome: Hidden Gems, Food & How to Avoid the Crowds with Renee Frojo
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Planning a trip to Rome? This episode will help you experience it beyond the crowds.
I sit down with Renee, who has been visiting Rome since she was 15 (and even studied abroad there), to talk about what makes this city so unforgettable… and how to experience it like a local.
We talk about that first moment in Rome, when you realize just how ancient it is (a “new” bridge is 700 years old), and why the real magic isn’t just in the big sights like the Colosseum or Trevi Fountain, but in the side streets, neighborhoods, and everyday moments.
Renee shares her favorite spots, from wandering Via Giulia to exploring neighborhoods like Trastevere and Monti, plus lesser-known experiences like visiting the catacombs.
And of course… we talk food.
Family-run trattorias, handmade pasta, gelato in every season, espresso at the counter, and why the best meals are often in places without English menus.
We also get into practical tips, like how many days you really need, why winter might be the best time to visit (fewer crowds, magical holiday vibes), and how to travel more thoughtfully by following the rhythms of the city.
But what really stayed with me is this: Rome isn’t just a place you visit. It’s a place you feel.
If you’re dreaming about Italy, this episode will inspire you to slow down, wander more, and savor every moment.
👉 For more travel inspiration, tips, and behind-the-scenes stories, subscribe to my Substack at The Gomes Guide.
Chapters
00:00 First Impressions of Rome
03:00 Exploring Lesser-Known Spots
05:45 The Catacombs and Off the Beaten Path
08:58 Ideal Duration for a Roman Visit
11:54 Neighborhoods and Hidden Gems
14:54 Culinary Delights in Rome
17:37 Best Times to Visit Rome
19:00 Experiencing the Magic of Rome
20:19 Exploring Rome Responsibly
24:00 Cultural Awareness and Respect
26:00 Shopping and Fashion in Italy
27:21 Traveling Beyond Rome
28:58 The Allure of Italian Life
32:45 Community and Connection in Italy
33:53 The Soundtrack of Rome