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
Puerto Vallarta Travel Guide: Beaches, Food & Local Life in Banderas Bay with Kathleen Shanahan
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Thinking about Puerto Vallarta? This episode will make you want to book the flight.
I sit down with Kathleen, who splits her time between the U.S. and Mexico, to talk about what makes Puerto Vallarta and the greater Banderas Bay such a special place to visit… or even live.
We zoom out first, because Puerto Vallarta is just one part of a much bigger, vibrant region filled with beach towns, jungle landscapes, and a truly global mix of cultures.
We talk about what makes this destination so appealing, from its quick access from California to its warm, swimmable ocean and laid-back, tropical lifestyle.
And then… we get into the food.
Kathleen shares her favorite spots, from beachfront restaurants like Barracuda to local staples like Tacos on the Street (home to what she swears are the best tacos and margaritas around). We also talk about fresh seafood grilled right on the beach, food markets where locals actually eat, and why this region has become a true food mecca.
We also cover:
- How to explore the area by boat (including hidden beaches like Yelapa)
- The best nearby towns, from Sayulita to San Pancho and beyond
- What daily life looks like living in Puerto Vallarta
- When to go (and what to expect during rainy season)
- How to travel thoughtfully as tourism continues to grow
And one of my favorite takeaways? Puerto Vallarta isn’t just a vacation spot… it’s a place people fall in love with, and often return to again and again.
If you’re looking for a destination that blends beach, culture, food, and a true sense of community, this episode is packed with inspiration and practical tips.
👉 For more travel inspiration, tips, and behind-the-scenes stories, subscribe to my Substack at The Gomes Guide.
Chapters
00:00 Discovering Puerto Vallarta: A Love Story
02:46 Outdoor Adventures in Paradise
05:45 Culinary Delights: A Foodie's Paradise
08:52 Arts and Culture: The Heart of Puerto Vallarta
11:59 Street Food and Local Eats: A Taste of Mexico
19:23 Culinary Delights in Puerto Vallarta
20:46 Life in Puerto Vallarta: A Personal Perspective
23:44 Exploring the Surrounding Areas
28:01 Day Trips and Hidden Gems
31:01 Rapid Fire Questions: Fun Insights