Spring '26 Gomes Guide Updates 🌸
Travel News, Smart Deals, Podcast Highlights, and Where to Go This Summer
Happy Spring, everyone! 🌸
Hard to believe it is already May (or as fellow parents call it, “The 100 Days of May” or “Maycember” - ha!). Wanted to first say hello to everyone and hope your year so far has been off to a good start, and that you’ve experienced some great adventures or are looking forward to exciting ones ahead this year! Our family enjoyed some quality time together over the Easter weekend in Nantucket, which was so peaceful during the off-season (highly recommend).
What a wild time for travel, though, with airline and gas prices dramatically increasing due to rising fuel costs (eek!), global conflict, airlines going out of business (bye, Spirit!), new systems in place for traveling to Europe (learn more below), and more. Whew! By all means, though, all of this news shouldn’t completely scare you from traveling altogether this year; it’s just time to get a bit more creative about how you travel, where you travel to, and the most cost-efficient way to do it.
If there was ever a time to use (or finally get) a credit card that earns you Points & Miles, and then use those points to book airline tickets and hotels - this is your sign to do so! Not sure where to start? Be sure to listen to my interview with Jeff Neer and also subscribe to my friend Janice’s Substack, Travelling Lens Insider, and be sure to read all of her posts about how to travel using Points and Miles.
Looking for more money-saving travel hacks this year? I highly recommend you check out the following sites and download the apps on your phone.
Flight Deals: Going.com
Swapping Your Home to Travel Throughout the U.S. + World: HomeExchange.com
Last-Minute Hotel Deals: HotelTonight.com
Locate Cheapest Gas Stations in U.S.: GasBuddy
And remember, you don’t always need to go on a grand trip abroad or across the country to experience the joys of travel. Some of my favorite trips are just a few hours away via car, and there is always so much to explore in your very own city - you just need to view it through new eyes, just like a tourist visiting would do.
And real quick - would you mind giving some quick feedback on The Gomes Guide? I promise it will take less than 3 minutes. Thank you!
Now, let’s jump in to some Spring Gomes Guide updates! 🌼
Recap of Season 3: The Gomes Guide Podcast
Wow! Just wrapped Season 3 of The Gomes Guide Podcast, and what a season it was. I’m so grateful for all of my incredible guests who I had such inspiring conversations with. If you missed any, be sure to check out all of the following episodes and note you can also find the podcast on Apple or Spotify (please follow there and rate the show, it helps others discover it. Cheers!).
The Magic of European Christmas Markets with Maggie Downs 🎄
If you’ve ever dreamed of sipping hot mulled wine in a cobblestone square while twinkle lights dance above your head and the smell of roasted chestnuts fills the air… this episode is for you.
How to Pack & Fly Like Pro with Sylvia Klinger ✈️
Some people move through airports with ease—bags packed perfectly, stress-free, and somehow able to sleep through an overnight flight like it’s a nap in their own bed. That’s Sylvia Klinger: a registered dietitian, world traveler, and master packer who can fit two weeks of outfits into a single carry-on. She’s logged hundreds of thousands of miles (she …
Puerto Vallarta with Kathleen Shanahan 🇲🇽
If Puerto Vallarta has ever been on your “maybe one day” list, this episode might move it straight to the top. I sat down with my friend Kathleen Shanahan — who splits her time between San Diego, San Francisco, and Puerto Vallarta — to talk about what makes this corner of Mexico so magnetic. Think warm turquoise water, …
Budapest with Lori Wright 🇭🇺
My friend Lori, a Bay Area producer and photographer, recently returned from a week-long photo trip to Budapest, Hungary, which inspired both adventure and reflection. Her photo tour with Tony Stromberg allowed her to capture the horses of Hungary while exploring Budapest’s vibrant personality through thermal baths, backst…
Hiking the Camino de Santiago (Twice!) with Sofie Dolan
I’ve had the Camino de Santiago on my bucket list ever since my friend Erica Alioto shared her experience in a Q&A Guest Post on Hiking the Camino de Santiago. She’d walked the Camino in October 2024 with a group of close girlfriends, and something about the way she describe…
Living Abroad in Zürich with Kassie Borreson🇨🇭
What does it really look like to uproot your life, move across the world, and begin again in a place where you don’t speak the language, don’t understand the systems, and don’t know a soul? For my friend Kassie Borreson, a professional photographer (👀
Traveling from a Teen's Perspective
Since our kids were young, we’ve prioritized traveling together as a family, taking road trips, exploring cities, visiting family abroad, and spending time near the water whenever we can.
Starting in Porto, Ending at the Table: A Podcast Conversation with Chef Joanne Weir 🍷
📣 Quick update before we dive in: I have re-branded Mixtape Travels podcast to The Gomes Guide Travel Podcast — same show, same voice, just a name that better aligns everything here.
What Visiting 130+ Countries Taught This Travel Journalist About Humanity
What if the most important lesson travel offers isn’t about geography, but about people?
What a Month in Thailand with Kids Really Looks Like (And What It Taught One Mom)
Is it realistic to spend a month in Thailand with kids? Is it safe? Affordable? Overwhelming? Worth it?
Walking New York with a Local: The Stories Most Visitors Miss
Most people who stop at the Charging Bull in Lower Manhattan snap a photo and move on.
The San Francisco Experience I Can’t Stop Thinking About (And Why It Matters Now)
Some places really stick with you.
How One Travel Writer Turned 12 Trips Into a New Career
There’s a moment many of us hit somewhere along the way, when we look up from our carefully planned lives and think, Wait… is this it?
Again, what a season! ⚡️
Get ready for Season 4 that will be launching soon that will be focused on Food & Wine, as I interview my expert friends in the industry. Guaranteed to be a delicious season!
p.s. Have a friend (or five!) that might enjoy receiving The Gomes Guide every Tuesday? Click on this link to refer your friends … it’s how this vibrant community grows. 🌱
✈️ What U.S. Travelers Need to Know About Entering Europe (2026 Update)
If you’re heading to Europe soon, there are two new systems to be aware of. Here’s a simple breakdown:
🇪🇺 New Biometric Border Checks (Happening Now)
Europe has introduced a new system called the Entry/Exit System (EES).
Instead of stamping your passport, border agents now:
Scan your passport
Take a facial photo
Collect fingerprints
This applies to U.S. travelers and other non-EU visitors staying up to 90 days.
What to expect:
Your first trip may take a little longer at passport control
Future entries should be faster once your data is on file
Overstays are now tracked digitally (no more guesswork)
🛂 ETIAS Pre-Travel Authorization (Coming Late 2026)
This is the change people keep hearing about—but it hasn’t launched yet.
ETIAS (European Travel Information and Authorisation System) is expected to go live in late 2026 (no exact date yet).
Once it starts, U.S. travelers will need to:
Fill out a short online application before their trip
Pay a small fee (around €20)
Get approval (usually within minutes)
Your approval will be:
Linked to your passport (no printout needed)
Valid for 3 years or until your passport expires
Think of it as Europe’s version of the U.S. ESTA.
💻 How ETIAS Will Work
When it launches, you’ll:
Go to the official ETIAS website or app
Enter your passport and basic travel details
Answer a few security questions
Pay the fee online
Receive approval (often within minutes)
Your airline will check your ETIAS status before boarding.
⚠️ Important Notes
There is no exact ETIAS launch date yet
It is not required for travel as of now (Spring/Summer 2026)
Watch out for unofficial websites charging extra fees
🧠 The Bottom Line
Traveling to Europe now?
Expect biometric screening at the airportTraveling later in 2026 or beyond?
You may also need to complete the ETIAS form before departure
☀️ Summer Travel Destination Ideas
So crazy to think that summer is right around the corner! My friend Janice of Travelling Lens Insider recently asked 14 Travel Writers (including myself) for their Top Summer Travel Destinations - it is such a great list! And if you need more inspiration for this summer, here are some ideas from past Gomes Guide posts.
🇺🇸 U.S.
Sunriver & Bend, Oregon🌲
Nestled in the heart of Central Oregon, Sunriver and Bend, Oregon offer an unparalleled blend of natural beauty and vibrant culture, making them prime destinations for year-round adventures. From the snow-capped peaks of the Cascades to the lush riverbanks of the Deschutes, this region is a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts. Whether you're skiing and sno…
Orcas Island, Washington ✨
Orcas Island is the largest of the San Juan Islands in Washington state and is known for its stunning natural beauty, outdoor recreational activities, and vibrant arts community. Only a 1 hr. Ferry Ride from Anacortes, WA, you will immediately slip into a peaceful state of mind once on the beautiful ferry ride and when you step foot upon the enchanting …
The North Shore of Kauai 🌴
In my opinion, the North Shore of Kauai is the most beautiful location of all the Hawaiian Islands. Featuring lush, dramatic landscapes, incredible beaches to surf or snorkel in, and offering an overall laid-back island vibe, the North Shore of Kauai needs to be on your must-visit list. Plan to visit for at least 4-8 days. 😎
Q&A GUEST POST with Julie Hines: New Orleans ⚜️
“America has only three cities: New York, San Francisco and New Orleans. Everywhere else is Cleveland.” - Tennessee Williams
🌎 International
Traveling through Canada with Emilie Brillon
Emilie Brillon, a native Canadian from Quebec and founder of Love Life Abroad, is passionate about showcasing Canada beyond the usual tourist spots. From the vibrant cities to breathtaking natural landscapes, Emilie shares insider tips on experiencing Canada like a local. In this podcast interview …
Traveling through Norway with Dana Smith
If you’ve ever dreamed of wandering under 24-hour daylight, sipping aquavit in a hidden bar, or floating in a sauna docked on a fjord—this episode’s for you. I caught up with my friend Dana Smith, a fellow communications pro and travel-lover, about her two-part adventure through Norway—first in
London 🇬🇧
"When a man is tired of London, he is tired of life; for there is in London all that life can afford." - Samuel Johnson, English writer and poet, 1791
As always, thank you for reading The Gomes Guide (and listening to the podcast!). If you have any feedback on what you like or don’t like, I’m all ears! Send me an email anytime at shannon@thegomesguide.com, drop a note in the comments below or be sure to submit your feedback here.
Wishing you safe and memorable travels always,
