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
Budapest Travel Guide: Thermal Baths, Danube Views & Hidden Gems with Lori Wright
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Thinking about Budapest? This episode will put it on your list.
I sit down with Lori Wright, who recently traveled to Hungary on a photography tour, to talk about why Budapest might be one of the most beautiful (and underrated) cities in Europe.
From the moment she arrived, it was the architecture that stood out, dramatic Gothic buildings, castles perched above the Danube, and bridges stretching across the river that divide Buda and Pest.
We talk about what to do if you’re visiting for the first time, including:
- Soaking in Budapest’s famous thermal baths (yes, you can literally take an elevator down from your hotel)
- Exploring both sides of the city, from historic Buda to the more modern Pest
- Taking a nighttime river cruise on the Danube (touristy, but absolutely worth it)
Lori also shares a hidden gem I had never heard of: Margaret Island, a lush, park-like escape right in the middle of the river that feels worlds away from the city.
And beyond Budapest, we get a glimpse into the Hungarian countryside through her photo tour focused on horses, from rolling green hills to small villages that offer a completely different perspective on the country.
We also talk about what might surprise you, from the language barrier (Google Translate is your friend) to the more reserved culture compared to other parts of Europe.
If you’re looking for a destination that blends history, beauty, and a little bit of mystery, this episode will definitely 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 Exploring Budapest: First Impressions
02:06 The Enchantment of Hungarian Horses
04:51 Culinary Delights: A Taste of Hungary
07:12 Cultural Experiences: Arts and Entertainment
09:49 Navigating Budapest: Transportation and Communication
12:01 Hidden Gems: Discovering Margaret Island
14:32 Reflections on Travel: Insights and Takeaways