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
How to Pack & Fly Like a Pro: Carry-On Only, Jet Lag Tips & Travel Hacks with Sylvia Klinger
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Want to travel lighter, stress less, and actually feel good when you land? This episode is packed (pun intended) with tips.
I’m joined again by seasoned traveler Sylvia Klinger, who has visited 50+ countries and logs over 200,000 miles a year, to break down how to pack and fly like a pro.
We start with packing, and Sylvia’s biggest rule: start early. Like… two weeks early. She shares how to build a simple capsule wardrobe, why she never checks a bag, and the exact essentials she always brings (think packing cubes, mini toiletries, a go-to travel outfit, and a surprisingly genius trick involving shower caps and shoes).
We also get into the mindset shift of packing light, fewer shoes, versatile outfits, and only what you actually need.
Then we move to the flight itself… and this is where things get really interesting.
Sylvia walks us through her exact routine for avoiding jet lag, including:
- Why you should skip alcohol and heavy meals on the plane
- How to train your body before you even leave
- The surprising sleep strategy she swears by
- What to eat (and not eat) before and during your flight
She also shares her must-haves for long-haul comfort, from compression socks and eye masks to noise-canceling headphones and a seat cushion that might just change your life.
And one of my favorite takeaways? Traveling well isn’t about bringing more… it’s about bringing the right things.
If you’ve ever overpacked, struggled to sleep on a plane, or started a trip feeling exhausted, this episode will completely change how you travel.
👉 For more travel inspiration, tips, and behind-the-scenes stories, subscribe to my Substack at The Gomes Guide.
Chapters
00:00 Introduction
02:45 Packing Philosophy and Essentials
05:45 Traveling Light: Tips for Minimalist Packing
08:33 Health and Safety Essentials for Travelers
11:32 Navigating Airport Security and Liquid Regulations
14:21 The Importance of Packing Cubes
17:01 Choosing the Right Outfits for Travel
19:57 Traveling Comfortably: Clothing and Accessories
22:47 Preparing for Long Flights and Time Zone Adjustments
24:49 Traveling Smart: Sleep and Nutrition Strategies
28:41 Packing Like a Pro: Preparation Tips
32:22 Navigating Airports: Security and Lounge Benefits
37:00 Comfort on the Plane: Seat Selection and Essentials
40:55 Staying Healthy: Snacks and Hydration
46:21 Final Thoughts: Maximizing Travel Experience