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
European Christmas Markets: Germany, Austria & Switzerland Travel Guide with Maggie Downs
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If you’ve ever dreamed of experiencing a European Christmas market… this episode will make you want to book the trip immediately.
I sit down with travel writer Maggie Downs to talk about her journey through some of the most magical Christmas markets in Germany, Switzerland, and Austria, and how the experience completely changed the way she sees the holiday season.
We talk about what these markets are really like, from twinkling lights and festive music to the feeling of walking through a real-life snow globe.
Maggie shares everything you need to know to plan your own trip, including:
- When to go (mid-November through Christmas Eve is peak season)
- How to navigate between cities using trains and Eurail passes
- Why starting in Frankfurt makes planning easy
And then… we get into the best part: the food.
Think mulled wine (glühwein), hot cocoa, roasted chestnuts, potato pancakes with applesauce, raclette, fondue, crepes, and sweet chimney cakes filled with Nutella or whipped cream.
We also talk about what to buy (yes, you’ll want to bring an extra bag home), from handmade ornaments and artisan goods to collectible mugs unique to each market.
Plus, Maggie shares some of the most unique experiences you can find, from medieval-themed markets to Alpine towns with Krampus parades and even a giant advent calendar built into a city hall.
If you’re looking for a festive, immersive travel experience that feels completely different from the holidays at home, 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 European Christmas Markets
03:02 Maggie's Transformative Experience at the Markets
06:02 Overview of Christmas Markets in Europe
09:04 Diverse Themes and Unique Markets
11:51 Vendors and Products at the Markets
15:05 Delicious Food and Drink Offerings
18:01 Entertainment and Activities at the Markets
20:58 Planning Your Visit to the Markets
24:00 Packing Tips for the Christmas Markets
27:03 Final Tips and Recommendations