Winter '26 Gomes Guide Updates ❄️
My Paris lists, re-branded podcast, new private chat for paid subscribers, and more
Happy Winter, all! ❄️
I’m just back from my trip to Switzerland and Paris, and I’m already missing the afternoon apéro sessions, all the French food (morning croissants, butter, cheese, fresh baguettes, and wine), and time wandering around Paris solo (in the rain and freezing cold, but who cares!). Be sure not to miss my “Favorite Things I Did While in Paris” list at the bottom of this post, as well as my list of “Things I Did Before my Trip to Paris.” I’m now back in San Francisco, dreaming of my winter days in Europe, yet excited and inspired for the “Year of the Fire Horse.” Wanted to share a few Gomes Guide updates with all of you as well, including my re-branded podcast, new perks for paid subscribers, and more.
Let’s go! 🔥
⚜️Things I Did Before My Week in Paris
A couple of weeks before my trip to Paris, I did the following to ensure a seamless arrival. I thought this list would be helpful for anyone with an international trip coming up, especially for those visiting Paris. 🇫🇷
Went to my bank two weeks in advance and ordered small bills in Euros so I would have some cash upon arrival and not need to go to an ATM immediately.
Registered my trip on the STEP website.
Purchased a 5-day Navigo card online in advance so I can use the metro and bus upon arrival. It was so easy to add the virtual pass to my Apple Wallet, and the 5-day pass was activated from my first use. Super easy to scan my pass at the metro stations and on buses, and the most affordable way to get around Paris (other than walking).
Signed up for tours in advance on the Get Your Guide app, as I wanted to ensure I learned some history about Notre Dame Cathedral and got to visit the Opera House (I chose the self-guided tour, which I preferred).
Signed up for another “Paris by Mouth” food tour since a highlight from my last trip was going on the North Marais tour with my family. On this trip, I did the St. Germain tour with Marion, and it was absolutely fantastic. Stay tuned for an upcoming podcast interview and post with Marion on the Food & Wine of France and more about “Paris by Mouth” tours. Note, you can also subscribe to their Substack that lists all the best restaurants in Paris, which is definitely worth it to become a paid subscriber!
I also took all of Sylvia Klinger’s tips to heart on how to “Fly Like a Pro,” packed this travel pillow and eye mask, and took two ZzzQuil when I boarded my flight, and slept for hours (yay!). Also, per her recommendation, I only drank water (no alcohol!) before going to sleep and skipped the first meal…only had the small breakfast with coffee before landing.
And if you were to ask me, “What did you wish you had done before your trip that you didn’t do but will next time?” My answers:
Packed a travel-size umbrella (it rained almost every day I was in Paris, and thanks to my friend Kassie, she let me borrow a small umbrella when I was in Zurich that I could easily put into my purse and use while in Paris)
Packed less! I was so proud to have just packed a carry-on-size suitcase (that I ended up checking since I had a direct flight), but I honestly packed too much. I had no need for the two skirts I packed; I only wore 2 pairs of jeans instead of 3, and I packed too many bulky sweaters. Need to constantly remind myself when packing: Less is More!
🎙️I’ve Re-Branded the Podcast!
It’s been one year now since I launched my podcast, Mixtape Travels. While it was fun to have a Gen X-focused name for a podcast, I realized it didn’t align with the brand I’m creating here, so to remain consistent, I’ve rebranded my podcast to:
The Gomes Guide Travel Podcast
I will, of course, continue to highlight all my podcast interviews here on Substack, but you can also find the podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen to podcasts. Please hit “follow” on your favorite podcast app so you never miss an episode.
🎙️Recent podcast episodes include:
💰Want to help support the podcast?
If you enjoy The Gomes Guide Travel Podcast and want to help keep the stories, conversations, and travel inspiration coming, please consider making a small donation here. Your support helps cover production costs and allows this independent, Gen X–focused travel show to continue sharing meaningful journeys through food, culture, and connection.
🌟 New Perks for Paid Gomes Guide Subscribers
I recently launched a private chat channel here on Substack - a new perk for all paid Gomes Guide subscribers. In the chat, you can ask me any travel-related questions, from advice on where to go and when, to food and activity recommendations, to travel tips. Additionally, I plan to share my well-researched Google Map of Paris, with pins for all the best restaurants, shops, and sites I recently visited, with my paid subscribers. 🇫🇷
I’ve already received my first chat question from Janice, who asked, “If you were to travel solo, where are 2-3 places you’d recommend for a solo female traveler to go?”
Want to know my answer and ask your own travel questions? Consider upgrading to a paid subscription (monthly or annually) today.
📱Follow on Instagram
Friends, I’m trying to build my audience on my Instagram account and upgrade my content (I get regular feedback and advice from my two teens - ha!). If you aren’t already, would you mind giving The Gomes Guide IG a quick follow and sharing it with your travel-loving friends? Below are a few Reels from my recent trip. Thank you!
(And yes, I realized I spelled “Montmartre” wrong in the text of the Reel after posting. Whoops! 🙄)
🍾 Favorite Things I Did While in Paris
I’ve been to Paris a few times, and I still think it is the most beautiful city in the world. And don’t get me started on how much I love the food & wine in France (the best!). But since I had already visited most of the major sites in previous visits (Louvre, Eiffel Tower, etc.), this time, I had more time to do things that I really wanted to do (and at my own pace, since I had two solo exploring days after my work meetings during the week). Here’s a list of my favorite things I did while in Paris recently:
Visited the recently re-opened Notre Dame Cathedral (recommend going first thing in the morning)
Wandered through the historic and cozy Shakespeare & Co. bookstore (the gathering place for all the great expat writers—Joyce, Hemingway, Stein, Fitzgerald, Eliot, Allen Ginsberg, Anaïs Nin, Henry Miller, as well as for leading French writers)
Did a self-guided tour of the Palais Garnier Opera House (purchased my self-guided ticket in advance on the Get Your Guide app)
Wandered around the cookware supply store, E. Dehillerin
Visited the charming store La Maison du Roy, and bought beautiful handmade Christmas ornaments
Visited so many great boutiques and shops in the Marais, including Merci, Officine Universelle Buly, and my favorite cheese shop of all-time, Laurent Dubois
Stocked up on French pharmacy items such as Nuxe multi-purpose dry oil, Nuxe honey lip balm, Caudalie Thé des Vignes shower gel, Caudalie sunscreen, Caudalie beauty elixir spray, and Nuxe rose lotion and facial scrub. (Note: Bring a large Ziplock bag and be sure to pack all liquids in your checked luggage)
Wandered around the Montmartre neighborhood, and took pictures of the best view of Paris from the top of the Basilique du Sacré-Cœur
Visiting the Le Bon Marche shopping center in the St. Germain neighborhood (WOW!) and then being absolutely mesmerized by the La Grande Épicerie de Paris (The Great Grocery Store of Paris) right across the street. I was like a kid in a candy store!
Went on the St. Germain food tour with guide Marion of Paris by Mouth tours. I can’t recommend their tours enough — SO good and the best way to learn about French culture, food, and wine. Great for the entire family, couples, or solo travelers.
Thank you for reading and continuing to share The Gomes Guide Substack and podcast with your travel-loving friends. It’s such a joy to grow this community and have you all play a role in it!
Until next Tuesday,
I love the Paris tips, going in September with girlfriends and am so overwhelmed on how to plan our days! The food tour is on my list for sure.
So great, Shannon! Whenever you want to visit Paris, I would love to take the train over and join you! 🇫🇷🥖🥐❤️
A Paris By Mouth tour has been on my list to do for a while!