Hi! My name is Shannon Gomes, the woman behind The Gomes Guide. I am a Gen X mom of two teens, and a passionate foodie who loves to travel. My wanderlust story began at the age of seven when I embarked on a whirlwind European tour with my travel-loving grandparents and family. That journey ignited a lifelong passion for exploring the world, meeting new people, and embracing new cultures, and experiencing life to its fullest.
Fast forward a few decades, and I’ve collected quite a few passport stamps around the world and visited many U.S. states. From growing up in California wine country in Sonoma County to attending the ’92 Winter Olympics in Albertville, France to studying abroad in London to embracing the vibrant energy of living in major U.S. cities including Los Angeles, New York City, and Boston, I’m proud to call the beautiful city of San Francisco my beloved home for over two decades.
My family includes my food-loving hubby and our two adventurous teens who are always eager to dive to jump in the car or hop on a plane to explore a new location. Together, we’re a quite the team, united by our love for exploration and our insatiable appetite for life’s adventures (and delicious local cuisine!).
But my journey isn’t just about exploration – it’s about amplifying female voices in the travel world. I couldn’t help but notice the stark lack of female representation among top travel experts, especially when it comes to Gen X. While there are men I admire in the travel world such as Rick Steves, the late Anthony Bourdain, Stanley Tucci, and Phil Rosenthal, it’s often women who are the primary architects behind all the travel plans. That’s why I’m here — to carve out a space for GenX female voices in the travel.
Speaking of Gen X, we are the generation that has grown up navigating our way around new places using printed maps, language dictionaries, and guidebooks (old school, baby!), but now crave the convenience of digital platforms for travel recommendations. Enter The Gomes Guide!
But beyond the thrill of exploration, there’s a deeper philosophy driving my wanderlust. I strongly believe that everyone needs to step out of their bubbles, get uncomfortable, meet new people, and explore new places. It’s through these experiences that we learn the most about others, ourselves, and the beautiful world we all live in.
Welcome to The Gomes Guide. I am so glad you are here!
Cheers, Shannon Gomes
My Top 10 Travel Tips:
- For the best rates and options, always book International Flights 6-8 months in advance and Domestic Flights 3-5 months in advance.
- For airplane travel, only bring a handbag/backpack and your carry-on luggage. Only check your bag if necessary. The best way to avoid losing luggage and the fastest way out of the airport, is only bringing carry-on luggage.
- Research activities and unique experiences/tours and book at least 1-2 months in advance. Be sure to reference any The Gomes Guide posts on your location, and check out what Airbnb Experiences has to offer (but note it is always cheaper and better for the tour operator if you book with them directly!).
- Research and book restaurant recommendations at 3-4 weeks in advance. You can make most reservations online, but some you will still need to call.
- Bring printed copies of ticket reservations (flights, tour tickets, train tickets, car rental reservations, shows, etc.) in case your phone dies or there is no wi-fi.
- Always use a credit card where you can earn travel rewards & miles. It’s the most cost-effective way to book airline tickets, hotels, car rentals and more. Be sure to book travel using miles and rewards well in advance!
- When visiting a very popular or historical destination, be sure to visit first thing in the morning or in the late afternoon before closing. Avoid the massive mid-day crowds at all costs!
- Pack mesh laundry bags to separate dirty clothes, use plastic shower caps to cover your shoes in your luggage, and put any item that could leak in plastic Ziploc bags (and pack extras!).
- Type up your travel itinerary in “Notes” in your phone to share with your travel companions for easy access and to make any updates while traveling.
- Always remember to build in downtime when traveling. Be sure to give your body and mind the rest it deserves while enjoying a new destination.
