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
Chile Travel Guide: Food, Wine, Patagonia & Culture with Paula Tejeda
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Chile might not be at the top of your travel list… but after this episode, it just might be.
I sit down with Paula Tejeda, a Chilean-born chef, cultural ambassador, and founder of San Francisco’s beloved Chile Lindo, to talk about what makes Chile such a unique and unforgettable destination.
From the Atacama Desert in the north to Patagonia in the south, Chile is a country of extremes, think volcanoes, glaciers, wine valleys, and a coastline that rivals California’s. Paula shares what it’s like to grow up between Chile and the U.S., and how that dual perspective shapes the way she sees travel, culture, and community.
We talk about what to do (and when to go), including:
- Exploring Chile’s national parks and eco-tourism experiences
- Visiting wine regions that feel like Napa 30 years ago
- Discovering the Lake District, coastal towns, and the dramatic landscapes of Patagonia
And then… we talk food.
Empanadas (of course), but also sandwiches, fresh seafood, Chilean pastries, and the traditions that define everyday life, like once (afternoon tea), where friends and family gather to slow down and connect.
We also dive into Chile’s rich cultural identity, from poetry and music to indigenous Mapuche traditions, plus the deep (and surprising) historical ties between Chile and California.
If you’re looking for a destination that combines natural beauty, incredible food, and meaningful cultural experiences, this episode will open your eyes to a place you may not have considered… yet.
👉 For more travel inspiration, tips, and behind-the-scenes stories, subscribe to my Substack at The Gomes Guide.
Chapters
00:00 Exploring Chile: A Unique Geography and Culture
04:02 Personal Connections: Growing Up Between Two Worlds
09:57 Cultural Values: Family, Community, and Traditions
13:43 Chilean Cuisine: Beyond Empanadas
20:49 The Role of Music in Chilean Culture
29:46 Traveling to Chile: Must-See Destinations
50:29 Keeping Chilean Culture Alive in San Francisco