Shows
Mixtape TravelsRome with Renee FrojoIn this engaging conversation, Shannon and Renee explore the enchanting city of Rome, sharing personal anecdotes and insights about its rich history, hidden gems, and vibrant culture. They discuss the best ways to experience the city, from exploring lesser-known neighborhoods to indulging in authentic Italian cuisine. Renee emphasizes the importance of community and the unique lifestyle in Italy, contrasting it with the fast-paced life in the U.S. They also touch on responsible travel practices and the magic of visiting Rome during the off-peak season, making it a truly memorable experience.Chapters 00:00 First Impressions of R...2025-07-2233 minMixtape TravelsHalf Moon Bay with Marcus D.In this episode of Mixtape Travels, Shannon chats with longtime Bay Area radio personality and Half Moon Bay local Marcus D. about what it’s really like to live in one of California’s most picturesque—and popular—coastal towns. From his ocean-view backyard in El Granada to his pro tips for surviving weekend traffic and dodging tourists, Marcus gives us the insider scoop on the magic (and the madness) of Half Moon Bay.What We CoverHow Marcus found himself living his dream life by the PacificThe joys and quirks of small-town coastal livingPr...2025-07-1543 minMixtape TravelsTraveling Solo to Scotland with Jen BelcherIn this engaging conversation, Jen Belcher shares her deep love for Scotland, recounting her multiple trips and the profound connections she has made with the country. From the enchanting landscapes of the Highlands to the vibrant cities of Edinburgh and Glasgow, Jen discusses her experiences as a solo traveler, the cultural nuances she has encountered, and the friendships formed along the way. She offers valuable insights into planning itineraries, navigating challenges, and embracing the local culture, all while emphasizing the importance of safety and comfort for women traveling alone. Jen's passion for Scotland shines through as she reflects on...2025-07-0837 minMixtape TravelsTraveling around Australia with Janice KhoIn this episode of Mixtape Travels, host Shannon Gomes speaks with Janice Koh, a pharmacist and travel enthusiast from Australia. Janice shares her insights on travel, emphasizing the importance of personal growth through exploration. They discuss various destinations in Australia, including underrated spots, the Great Barrier Reef, and the best times to visit. Janice also highlights the unique Australian food culture, wildlife encounters, and common misconceptions about Australia. The conversation wraps up with a discussion on the Australian travel culture and the encouragement of travel among young Australians.Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Travel and Personal Growth2025-07-0134 minMixtape TravelsSwapping Homes to Travel with HomeExchange CEO Emmanuel ArnaudIn this episode of Mixtape Travels, host Shannon Gomes speaks with Emmanuel Arnaud, CEO of HomeExchange, about the evolution of home swapping and its impact on sustainable travel. Emmanuel shares his journey from being a HomeExchange customer to founding GuestToGuest and acquiring HomeExchange. The conversation delves into the guest point system, the importance of trust in home exchanges, and the growing global community that embraces this unique travel experience. We also discuss the recent global Home Exchange Day event and the future of exchanging homes as a sustainable travel option.Chapters00:00 Introduction to...2025-06-2429 minMixtape TravelsPalm Springs with Jamie HaleyIn this episode of The Gomes Guide, I chat with Jamie Haley, a creative marketing and brand leader who lives part-time in Palm Springs, about everything that makes this desert destination so much more than a retro retiree town. Jamie shares her favorite places to stay (hello, rooftop pool and mid-century suites), what to do during shoulder season, and the hidden gems you’ll only hear about from someone who truly lives the lifestyle.We talk pickleball, pool floats, the best Bloody Mary in town, and where to go for sushi that passes the San Francisco snob te...2025-06-1740 minMixtape TravelsTraveling through Norway with Dana SmithIn this episode, Shannon talks with fellow traveler and communications pro Dana Smith about her unforgettable summer trip to Norway. From discovering hidden speakeasies and world-class coffee in Oslo to cold plunges, vegan pizza, and red fisherman cabins in the Lofoten Islands, Dana shares tips, surprises, and all the places she can’t stop thinking about.Expect: floating saunas, natural wine, reindeer (maybe heart), fjord views, and serious wanderlust.Whether you’re planning your own Norway adventure or just daydreaming from the couch, this episode is packed with travel inspo, laughs, and a love letter to t...2025-06-1039 minMixtape TravelsTraveling through Greece with Marcia GagliardiWhat happens when your dream trip to Greece kicks off with an earthquake? If you're Marcia Gagliardi, you find wine, feta, and unexpected joy in the chaos.In this episode, Marcia shares her hilarious and heartfelt stories from island-hopping in the Cyclades, surviving a quake in Athens, crashing ferry schedules, and stumbling onto the best taverna on a nearly tourist-free island.We talk Greek food, coffee culture, quiet islands vs. party beaches, and how Greece might just be the friendliest place on Earth.Whether you're planning a trip or just love a good...2025-06-0351 minMixtape TravelsThe Magic of Marin County with Adam CohenIn this episode, I chat with Adam Cohen—aka @Marin.Dad—about all things Marin County. Just over the Golden Gate Bridge, Marin is full of natural beauty, coastal charm, and surprising history. We cover favorite hikes, foodie spots, local culture, and what makes Marin feel like a true Northern California gem. Plus: where to catch a legal beach bonfire and why oysters in Marshall are a must.Follow Adam: @marin.dadListen + share if you love travel, nature, or finding cool spots off the beaten path!2025-05-2743 minMixtape TravelsAll about Cruising with Suzanne LyonsThink cruising is just for retirees and buffet-lovers? Think again. In this episode I sit down with family travel blogger and cruise enthusiast Suzanne Lyons, who shares why cruising has become her favorite way to vacation—with kids in tow!Suzanne takes us behind the scenes of her decades of cruise experience, from her first trip to Bermuda in the ’90s to her current adventures with her two daughters. She breaks down the different types of cruises (ocean, river, expedition, luxury), dishes on the best cruise lines for families, and offers real-world advice on how to plan a st...2025-05-2042 minMixtape TravelsRio de Janeiro with Marissa GomesIn this episode of Mixtape Travels, I welcome seasoned traveler and marketing exec Marissa Gomes to chat about visiting Rio de Janeiro, Brazil — her husband’s homeland and one of her favorite destinations. With over 40 countries under her belt, Marissa shares personal insights into what makes Rio so magnetic, from the iconic beaches of Ipanema and Copacabana to hidden gems like the car-free island of Ilha Grande.We dive into everything from the best times to visit, local food and drinks (hello, passionfruit caipirinhas!), navigating Rio with kids, and her unforgettable experience at the World Cup...2025-05-1339 minMixtape TravelsLiving Abroad in Portugal with Nicole CurcioIn this episode, ceramic artist Nicole Curcio shares her inspiring story of moving from Portland, Oregon, to a small village in Portugal’s Silver Coast region. With dreams of launching an artist residency and living a slower, more meaningful life, Nicole takes us through her journey—from navigating visas and property purchases to integrating into the local community with her husband and two dogs.We discuss:Why Nicole and her husband chose Portugal over other European countriesThe unexpected power of an Instagram connection with a local ceramicistCultural differences, language learning, and the pace of life in rura...2025-05-0641 minMixtape TravelsTraveling through Japan with Sylvia KlingerIn this episode, award-winning global nutrition expert and seasoned traveler Dr. Sylvia Klinger shares her deep admiration for Japan—a love that began with a single layover and has since led to multiple return visits. Sylvia highlights the country’s unmatched cleanliness, respectful culture, delicious food, and extraordinary public transportation system. She offers practical travel tips, from what to pack to etiquette essentials like bowing and using both hands when offering something. Sylvia walks us through her favorite destinations—Tokyo, Kyoto, Hiroshima, and beyond—while sharing her passion for Japanese traditions, from tea ceremonies to baseball games. Wheth...2025-04-2239 minMixtape TravelsAntarctica with Leigh Oshirak SchuberthIn this episode, I sit down with Leigh Oshirak Schuberth to dive into her unforgettable journey to Antarctica. From navigating the infamous Drake Passage to witnessing breathtaking landscapes of glaciers, icebergs, and wildlife, Leigh shares her firsthand experiences of the White Continent.We discuss the logistics of traveling to such a remote destination, the best time of year to visit, and the transformative impact of seeing Antarctica’s pristine beauty up close. Leigh also offers valuable insights into choosing the proper expedition and the importance of having a flexible and adventurous mindset when traveling to Antarctica....2025-04-1541 minMixtape TravelsHow To Travel Using Points with Jeff NeerIn this episode, I sat down with Jeff Neer to demystify the world of travel points and miles. Jeff, an expert in maximizing credit card rewards for travel, shared his top strategies for leveraging points to make dream trips with your family a reality without breaking the bank.Jeff emphasizes the importance of understanding different types of points—airline miles, hotel points, and flexible credit card rewards—and how they can be combined for the best value. According to Jeff, selecting the right credit card is crucial for maximizing travel rewards. He also shares strategies for op...2025-04-0835 minMixtape TravelsTraveling through Canada with Emilie BrillonEmilie Brillon is the founder of Love Life Abroad, where she helps moms plan epic road trips and outdoor adventures with their families across Canada. Born and raised in Quebec, Emilie developed a passion for exploring new places early on. After an unforgettable family road trip across the country, she and her family chose to settle at the foothills of the Canadian Rockies.Now based in Alberta, Emilie shares her love for Canada’s diverse landscapes — from the rugged Rockies to hidden gems in Quebec, British Columbia, and...2025-04-0133 minMixtape TravelsJourney to Western Africa with Bonnie HoughInterview with world traveler, Bonnie Hough (who has traveled the world 8 times, 7 times by herself!), about her recent two month journey to Western Africa in 2024. days journey, she travels 8,000 miles with her small tour group visiting Morocco, Western Sahara, Senegal, The Gambia, Guinea Bissau, Guinea, Sierra Leone, Liberia, Cote d'Ivoire, Ghana, Togo and Benin. You can learn more about Bonnie and her travels by visiting her blog: https://www.bonnieflies.com/2025-03-2534 minMixtape TravelsTraveling Solo with Paris with Amy BoyleIn this episode, Amy Boyle shares her transformative experience of a three-week solo trip to Paris, reflecting on the freedom and self-discovery that comes with traveling alone. She discusses her planning process, accommodations, and the importance of flexibility in exploring the city. Amy highlights memorable culinary experiences, her time spent in Versailles, and the valuable lessons learned about solitude and self-reflection. She also offers book and movie recommendations that capture the essence of Paris, encouraging listeners to discover the magic of solo travel and to “find your own Paris” wherever you may live.Amy’s Paris recommendations: Hotel...2025-03-1829 min