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
Moving to Australia from the U.S.: What It’s Really Like (Family, Visas & Starting Over with Emma Shoemaker)
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What does it really take to pack up your life and move across the world… with two young kids?
In this episode, I sit down with Emma Shoemaker, who moved her family from Florida to Australia after more than a decade in the U.S., to talk about what that transition actually looks like, from selling almost everything they owned to navigating visas, logistics, and a whole lot of uncertainty.
We get into the emotional side of the move (spoiler: it’s a rollercoaster), plus the very real logistics, like deciding what to ship, how long it takes (months!), and why they chose to take a six-week detour through Europe along the way.
Emma shares what it was like to:
- Sell nearly everything and start fresh
- Buy a home sight unseen in Australia
- Navigate complicated visa and paperwork processes
- Help her kids adjust to a new country, school system, and culture
We also talk about the cultural differences between the U.S. and Australia, from lifestyle and community to language (yes, even English feels different), and what “home” really means after living in multiple places.
And if you’ve ever dreamed about moving abroad, Emma shares some incredibly practical advice, including why doing an extended stay before committing can make all the difference.
This is equal parts inspiration and real talk, and a reminder that while moving abroad isn’t easy… it might just be worth it.
👉 For more travel inspiration, tips, and behind-the-scenes stories, subscribe to my Substack at The Gomes Guide.
Chapters
00:00 The Journey Back to Australia
03:06 The Emotional Rollercoaster of Moving
05:53 Selling Everything: The Facebook Marketplace Experience
09:01 Adventures in Europe Before the Move
12:10 Cultural Adjustments: Embracing New Norms
15:00 Navigating the Housing Market from Afar
17:53 The Renovation Journey Begins
20:55 Advice for Families Moving Abroad