Tourist to Traveller

Tahnee Donkin

Tourist to Traveller is a travel podcast for curious, time-poor adventurers who want to travel deeper, smarter, and more intentionally, without quitting their 9-5. Hosted by Tahnee, a long-time traveller, travel blogger, and bucket-list chaser, this podcast helps you move beyond ticking off landmarks and into truly memorable travel experiences. Think practical travel tips, realistic itineraries, destination guides, and behind-the-scenes lessons from balancing full-time work with epic adventures. From underrated destinations and iconic bucket list journeys to travel planning hacks, packing strategies, and slow, responsible travel insights, Tourist to Traveller is here to help you travel better, not just more. Whether you’re planning your next adventure, dreaming of future travels, or looking for inspiration to live a more travel-rich life, this podcast will help you shift from tourist to traveller. 

  1. 2d ago

    My Ultimate Travel Bucket List: 10 Dream Destinations I Can't Wait to Visit

    There’s something magical about having a travel bucket list. It’s more than a collection of places you hope to visit one day... it’s a reminder to dream bigger, stay curious, and keep planning adventures that truly excite you. In this episode of Tourist to Traveller, I’m taking you behind the scenes of my own travel dreams and sharing the destinations that are currently at the top of my bucket list. Some are wild and remote, some are iconic for good reason, and others have been calling my name for years. From sleeping beneath the stars in Oman and chasing the Northern Lights in Finland to swimming with humpback whales in Tonga and standing amongst Antarctica’s towering icebergs, these are the experiences I can't stop thinking about. Whether you're planning your next overseas holiday or simply looking for inspiration, I hope this episode encourages you to keep dreaming and reminds you that every unforgettable journey starts with a single idea. What You'll Learn in This Episode Why having a travel bucket list can help you travel with more purposeMy top 10 dream destinations and what makes each one so specialTravel trends I'm seeing towards slower, more meaningful and experience-led travelHelpful Resources & Links Free Download: The Ultimate Travel Bucket List Planner  If today's episode has inspired you to start planning your own dream adventures, download my free Travel Bucket List Planner. It'll help you organise your dream destinations, prioritise future trips, set travel goals and start turning your bucket list into reality. Related blog post: I've also written a companion blog post featuring all 10 destinations from this episode, with additional travel inspiration and photos. You'll find the link in the show notes, along with more destination guides and travel planning resources on Tourist to Traveller. My Ultimate Travel Bucket List.  Connect & Explore Find destination guides, travel planning resources and more at touristtotraveller.com, and follow along on Instagram @_touristtotraveller for behind-the-scenes planning and future travel inspiration.

  2. Jul 12

    Wadi Rum, Jordan: Why This Otherworldly Desert Belongs on Your Bucket List

    Most travellers dream of visiting Jordan for one iconic reason: Petra. And while Petra absolutely deserves its place as one of the world's greatest archaeological wonders, there was another place that completely surprised me... Wadi Rum. Known as the Valley of the Moon, Wadi Rum feels like stepping onto another planet. Towering sandstone mountains, endless red dunes, ancient rock formations and vast open skies create a landscape so dramatic that it has been used as a filming location for Mars in movies like The Martian and Lawrence of Arabia. But what made Wadi Rum unforgettable wasn't just the scenery. It was the feeling of being completely disconnected from the outside world... sharing tea with Bedouin hosts, watching the desert transform at sunset, and standing beneath a sky full of stars with nothing but silence around me. In this episode of Tourist to Traveller, I’m sharing exactly what it’s like to experience Wadi Rum, why staying overnight is essential, and how to make the most of your visit to one of Jordan’s most incredible bucket list destinations. What You’ll Learn in This Episode Why Wadi Rum is one of the most unique places to visit in JordanWhat it’s really like to explore the desert on a Jeep safariWhy staying overnight in a Bedouin camp is a must-do experienceThe best things to do in Wadi Rum, including sunrise, sunset and stargazingThe best time of year to visit and what to packPractical advice for planning your own desert adventureHelpful Resources & Links My complete Wadi Rum Jordan Travel Guide - including where to stay, what to do, practical tips and everything you need to know before visiting. Connect & Explore Find destination guides, travel planning resources and more at touristtotraveller.com, and follow along on Instagram @_touristtotraveller for behind-the-scenes planning and future travel inspiration.

  3. Jul 5

    The Ultimate 24-Hour Guide to Chefchaouen: How to Experience Morocco’s Blue City Without the Crowds

    Chefchaouen doesn’t just photograph beautifully... it feels different the moment you arrive. Tucked into the Rif Mountains of northern Morocco, this blue-washed city invites you to slow down, wander without a plan, and breathe a little deeper. But here’s what most travellers get wrong: they rush it. Chefchaouen is often squeezed into a tight Morocco itinerary as a quick day trip, leaving just enough time for a few photos before the tour buses roll on. In this episode, I’m sharing exactly how to spend 24 unrushed, magical hours in Chefchaouen... from sunrise wandering through empty blue alleyways to golden hour rooftops, local food spots, and the quiet moments that make this city unforgettable. What You’ll Learn in This Episode Why Chefchaouen is worth more than a rushed day tripThe best time of day to explore the blue medina (and why it matters)How to experience Chefchaouen without crowdsWhere to eat, stay, and wander for a relaxed overnight visitPractical tips for photography, shopping, and cultural awarenessHelpful Resources & Links If Morocco feels overwhelming to plan, I recommend downloading my free Morocco Travel Planning Guide, it’s designed to help you build a realistic itinerary, pack smart, and travel with confidence. You’ll find the link in the show notes. And if you'd like the full 24 hour itinerary, check out my blog article 24-Hour Guide to Chefchaouen.  Connect & Explore Find destination guides, travel planning resources and more at touristtotraveller.com, and follow along on Instagram @_touristtotraveller for behind-the-scenes planning and future travel inspiration.

  4. Jun 27

    23 Unmissable Things to See and Do in Palau, Micronesia

    Palau is one of those destinations that doesn’t just live up to the hype... it rewrites what you thought tropical travel could be. Remote, raw, and wildly beautiful, it’s a place where emerald islands rise out of electric-blue water, WWII history sits alongside ancient culture, and nature is protected. Palau is a small island nation in Micronesia that consistently ranks as one of the world’s top destinations for nature, diving, and conservation-led travel... yet it still flies under the radar for many travellers. When I first started planning Palau, I realised very quickly that this wasn’t a “turn up and wing it” kind of destination. It rewards curiosity, preparation, and travellers who want more than just pretty beaches. In this episode, I’m sharing 23 unmissable things to see and do in Palau, based on first-hand experience... from kayaking through hidden lagoons and swimming with sharks, to ancient stone monoliths, waterfalls, cultural sites, and moments that genuinely stopped me in my tracks. What You’ll Learn in This Episode Why Palau feels so different to other tropical destinationsThe absolute must-see experiences (and what you can skip)How to explore the Rock Islands by boat, kayak, and even from the airWhere Palau’s WWII history comes to lifeWhat surprised me most about travelling around PalauPractical tips for tours, permits, transport, and planningWho Palau is best suited for — and who it might not be right forDestinations & Experiences Covered in This Episode Rock Islands Badrulchau Stone Monoliths Airai BaiScenic Flight Over Palau Overnight Kayaking with Paddling Palau Peleliu Island Natural Arch Ngardmau Waterfall Palau National Capitol Kuabes Park Japanese WWII Lighthouse Belau National Museum Palau International Coral Reef Center Milky Way Lagoon Mesekelat WaterfallShark City Clam City Jellyfish Lake Blue Corner German ChannelCarp IslandEtpison MuseumTraditional Sailing TourHelpful Resources & Links Free Resource: Palau Destination Guide, a practical planning guide with packing lists, activities, tours, accommodation, logistics tips, and adventure ideas beyond diving... perfect if Palau’s on your bucket list.Podcast Episode: Kayaking the Rock Islands of Palau If Palau is on your radar, grab my free Palau Destination Guide... it’ll help you plan smarter, pack better, and feel confident booking experiences like these. Connect & Explore Find destination guides, travel planning resources and more at touristtotraveller.com, and follow along on Instagram @_touristtotraveller for behind-the-scenes planning and future travel inspiration.

  5. Jun 21

    How I Travel With a Chronic Illness (CIRS): Honest Stories & Practical Travel Tips

    Travelling the world with a chronic illness isn’t something you often see talked about online, especially when the illness doesn’t “look” obvious. From the outside, my travels might seem carefree and high-energy, but behind every trip is careful planning, flexibility, and a deep understanding of my body. In this episode, I’m sharing something I don’t often talk about publicly: my experience living with Chronic Inflammatory Response Syndrome (CIRS), often referred to as mould illness, and how it impacts the way I travel. This is a deeply personal conversation about invisible illness, flare-ups on the road, missed moments, and why I continue to travel anyway... just differently. If you’ve ever wondered whether travel is still possible with a chronic illness, this episode is for you. What You’ll Learn in This Episode What it’s really like travelling with an invisible chronic illnessHow CIRS affects my energy, cognition, digestion, and resilienceWhy I plan trips months in advance (and how I do it gently)How I use Google Maps, social media, and AI to reduce planning overwhelmMy non-negotiables when choosing accommodationWhat travelling during a flare-up actually looks likeWhat I pack in my chronic illness travel kitHelpful Resources & Links Related blog post: How I Travel with a Chronic Illness: My CIRS Travel Story  Related blog post: The Future of Travel AI is Here: How AI is Revolutionising The Way We Plan, Book & Experience the World  Connect & Explore Find destination guides, travel planning resources and more at touristtotraveller.com, and follow along on Instagram @_touristtotraveller for behind-the-scenes planning and future travel inspiration.

  6. Jun 14

    What I Pack in My Carry-On for Long-Haul Flights (Comfort, Delays & Lost Luggage Covered)

    Long-haul flights are a fact of life when you’re a frequent flyer. They’re the gateway to bucket-list adventures… but they can also be uncomfortable, exhausting, and wildly unpredictable. On a recent trip from Australia to the USA, a “quick” stopover in Dallas turned into a 24-hour airport survival situation when a once-in-a-century snowstorm hit Texas. Flights were cancelled, hotels were full, Ubers shut down, terminals were freezing... and when I finally reached my destination, my checked luggage didn’t. That experience reinforced something I’ve believed for years: what you pack in your carry-on can make or break your journey. In this episode, I’m sharing exactly what I pack in my carry-on for long-haul flights... not for perfection, but for comfort, preparedness, and peace of mind when travel doesn’t go to plan. What You’ll Learn in This Episode Why your carry-on matters more than your checked luggageHow to pack for delays, cancellations, and lost bagsMy go-to carry-on bag setup for long-haul travelWhat always stays with me (and what I intentionally leave out)Comfort essentials that make long flights more bearableThe underrated items that have saved my trips more than onceThis episode breaks down my real-world carry-on packing strategy for long-haul flights... especially when travelling from Australia, where multi-leg journeys and long stopovers are unavoidable. You’ll hear why I always travel with a hard-shell suitcase plus a carry-on backpack, and why I swear by my Tildy Carryall Camera Backpack from taz + tez... a bag that works as my flight carry-on, day pack, hiking bag, and road-trip backpack. Helpful Resources & Links Related blog post: What I Pack in My Carry-On for Long-Haul Flights Disclosure: This podcast includes affiliate links. I will be paid a commission if you use these links to make a purchase.  Connect & Explore Find destination guides, travel planning resources and more at touristtotraveller.com, and follow along on Instagram @_touristtotraveller for behind-the-scenes planning and future travel inspiration.

  7. Jun 7

    Hiking the Caminito del Rey: Everything You Need to Know About Spain’s Most Epic Cliffside Walk

    Before I even landed in Spain, the Caminito del Rey was already locked into my bucket list. I’d seen the photos... narrow walkways hugging towering cliffs, the river below, and views that felt almost unreal. What I didn’t realise at the time was how misunderstood this hike actually is. Despite its dramatic reputation (and its past as one of the world’s most dangerous walks), the Caminito del Rey today is surprisingly accessible, and absolutely unforgettable if you know how to do it right. In this episode, I’m sharing what it’s really like to hike the Caminito del Rey, what surprised me most, and the practical tips I wish I’d known before stepping onto that cliffside path. What You’ll Learn in This Episode What the Caminito del Rey actually is (and what it isn’t)Where it’s located and how to visit it as a day tripHow long the hike really takes and how challenging it feelsWhat to expect on the trail, from safety briefings to no-stop zonesThe pros and cons of guided tours vs doing it yourselfPractical tips to enjoy the views properlyHelpful Resources & Links I’ve written a full South of Spain travel guide that shows how to fit the Caminito del Rey into a bigger itinerary.Dive deeper with my blog post Hiking the Camonito del Rey - Spain's Most Epic Cliffside WalkConnect & Explore Find destination guides, travel planning resources and more at touristtotraveller.com, and follow along on Instagram @_touristtotraveller for behind-the-scenes planning and future travel inspiration.

  8. May 31

    Why Everyone Should Do a Yearly Off-Grid Tiny House Stay (And How to Plan Yours)

    There’s a moment that happens every time I arrive at an off-grid tiny house. My phone loses signal, the noise drops away, and finally I feel like I can breathe again.  Over the years, my yearly off-grid tiny house stay has become a ritual... not just a getaway, but a full reset. It’s the kind of travel experience that doesn’t just give you memories, but actually changes how you feel when you come home. In this episode of Tourist to Traveller, I’m sharing why I believe everyone should experience an off-grid tiny house stay at least once a year, and exactly how to plan one so it feels restorative, not intimidating. What You’ll Learn in This Episode Why off-grid stays offer a deeper reset than traditional holidaysWhat a tiny house stay actually includes (and what it doesn’t)How unplugging impacts your nervous system and creativityWhat to pack, and what to leave behindEasy, comforting food ideas for tiny house livingWhere to find great off-grid tiny house stays in Australia and beyondHelpful Resources & Links Related Blog Post: Why Everyone Should Do a Yearly Off-Grid Tiny House Stay (And How to Plan Yours)Discount Code: Tiny Away - Australia, NZ, Europe, Malaysia, Taiwan (get 10% off with discount code TOURISTTOTRAVELLER10)Disclosure: This episode includes an affiliate code. I will be paid a commission if you use this code to make a purchase.  Connect & Explore Find destination guides, travel planning resources and more at touristtotraveller.com, and follow along on Instagram @_touristtotraveller for behind-the-scenes planning and future travel inspiration.

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About

Tourist to Traveller is a travel podcast for curious, time-poor adventurers who want to travel deeper, smarter, and more intentionally, without quitting their 9-5. Hosted by Tahnee, a long-time traveller, travel blogger, and bucket-list chaser, this podcast helps you move beyond ticking off landmarks and into truly memorable travel experiences. Think practical travel tips, realistic itineraries, destination guides, and behind-the-scenes lessons from balancing full-time work with epic adventures. From underrated destinations and iconic bucket list journeys to travel planning hacks, packing strategies, and slow, responsible travel insights, Tourist to Traveller is here to help you travel better, not just more. Whether you’re planning your next adventure, dreaming of future travels, or looking for inspiration to live a more travel-rich life, this podcast will help you shift from tourist to traveller. 

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