Tourist to Traveller

Tahnee Donkin
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  • PLACES & TRAVEL

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. 10H AGO

    Why Your Next Milestone Birthday Deserves a Passport, Not a Party

    Some birthdays don’t need balloons, speeches, or the pressure of hosting everyone you’ve ever met. Some birthdays need a little adventure. In this episode, I’m sharing why milestone birthday travel has become one of my favourite traditions... and why, for some celebrations, a passport makes far more sense than a party.  If the idea of hosting a big birthday fills you with dread, but the thought of booking a flight lights you up, consider this your permission slip. What You’ll Learn in This Episode How to plan a milestone birthday trip What to do if not everyone can afford or commit to travellingHow to choose a destination that feels special Planning tips for the actual birthday day... what to book, what to avoidHelpful Resources & Links Blog post: Why Your Next Milestone Birthday Deserves a Passport, Not a Party  A simple planning guide to help you choose a destination, manage expectations, and plan a birthday that actually feels like you.Blog post: Where to Travel Next: Unique Destinations for Your Bucket List Inspiration for your next bucket list adventure. 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.

    26 min

  2. APR 5

    Kayaking the Rock Islands of Palau: A Bucket List Adventure Off the Beaten Path

    On my recent trip to Palau in Micronesia, I wanted to go beyond the postcard views and curated tours. I was craving a hidden gem experience... something immersive and completely unforgettable. That’s how we ended up paddling through the Rock Islands on a two-day, one-night self-guided kayaking and camping adventure. In this episode, I’m taking you inside that experience, from hidden caves and WWII shipwrecks beneath our kayaks to camping on a remote beach with no one else around. If you’ve ever wondered what it’s really like to do something like this (and whether you could do it too), you’re in the right place. What You’ll Learn in This Episode What kayaking the Rock Islands of Palau is actually likeHow a self-guided kayaking and camping trip worksWhat wildlife and marine life you might see along the wayPractical tips for weather, packing, navigation, and safetyWhether this adventure is right for you Helpful 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.Blog Post: Kayaking the Rock Islands of Palau: Everything You Need to Know Before You GoRelated Episode: Why Palau Should Be on Your Bucket ListIf Palau’s even remotely on your radar, grab my free Palau Destination Guide... it’ll help you plan smarter, pack better, and feel confident booking experiences like this. I’ve also linked my full kayaking guide in the show notes if you want to dive deeper. And if this episode sparked your sense of adventure, make sure you’re following the podcast so you don’t miss what’s coming next. 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.

    39 min

  3. MAR 29

    How to Avoid Jet Lag While Travelling: Real Tips That Actually Work

    Jet lag used to be the part of travel I dreaded most. Not the packing. Not the long flights. The bone-deep exhaustion that hit on arrival... the kind that steals your first few days and makes everything feel foggy, flat, and harder than it should be. As an Aussie, long-haul travel is just part of the deal. Whether I’m landing in Athens, Casablanca or Barcelona, it’s usually after 20+ hours of flying, multiple time zones, and some very questionable sleep. But after years of long-haul travel, I’ve worked out how to avoid jet lag almost completely... without sleeping pills, gimmicks, or losing days of my trip. In this episode, I’m sharing the real-world habits that actually work, so you can arrive tired but functional… and start enjoying your trip from Day 1. What You’ll Learn in This Episode How to start adjusting to your destination time zone while still in the airThe simple in-flight habits that help reset your body clockWhy meal times matter more than sleep on long-haul flightsHow to handle arrival day without crashing or losing momentumJet lag isn’t just about lack of sleep... it’s about timing, routine, and how quickly your body adapts to a new rhythm. In this episode, I break down the practical strategies I use on every long-haul trip to minimise jet lag and maximise energy on arrival. Helpful Resources & Links Related Blog Post: How to Avoid Jet Lag While Travelling: Real Tips That Actually Work 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.

    23 min

  4. MAR 22

    The Ultimate South of Spain Travel Guide: A Realistic 2-Week Andalusia Itinerary

    Southern Spain has a way of pulling you in. It’s not just the big-ticket sights... the Moorish palaces, the cliffside walks, the UNESCO-listed landmarks... it’s the in-between moments. Rooftop sunsets with €2 wine. Wandering historic villages with no real plan. Eating tapas while watching locals dancing in the streets.  In this episode, I’m sharing exactly how to experience Andalusia properly... without rushing, burnout, or trying to squeeze the entire south of Spain into a week. If you want a trip that feels rich, balanced, and deeply memorable, this one’s for you. What You’ll Learn in This Episode Why Andalusia is one of Europe’s most rewarding regionsThe best places to visit in southern Spain (and how long to stay)A traveller-approved 2-week Andalusia itineraryHow to get around southern Spain (train vs car)The best time to visit Andalusia, and when to avoidPractical tips to avoid crowds, heat, and booking mistakesHelpful Resources & Links Blog Post: The Ultimate South of Spain Travel Guide Blog Post: Hiking Caminito del Rey: Spain’s Most Epic Cliffside WalkBlog Post: The Ultimate Travel Guide to Málaga, SpainConnect & 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.

    50 min

  5. MAR 15

    My Biggest Travel Icks (And How Not to Be That Traveller)

    After more than 20 years of travelling, I’ve learned that travel isn’t just about where you go. It’s about how you show up while you’re there. I’ve experienced some truly magical moments on the road… and I’ve also been stuck next to some wildly uncomfortable travel behaviour. The kind that doesn’t ruin a trip entirely, but subtly drains the joy out of flights, airports, tours, and group adventures. This episode of Tourist to Traveller is a candid, good-humoured look at my biggest travel icks... shared not with judgement, but with the hope that we can all travel a little more consciously, respectfully, and confidently. What You’ll Learn in This Episode The most common airport and plane behaviours that frustrate travellersWhy small actions can have a big impact in shared travel spacesCultural travel habits that disrespect destinationsGroup travel dynamics that can derail an otherwise great tripHelpful Resources & Links Read the full blog article My Biggest Travel Icks (And How Not to Be That Traveller). 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.

    31 min

  6. MAR 7

    Travel During Conflict: How to Navigate Middle East Travel Safely in 2026

    If you’ve seen the news lately, chances are you’ve seen headlines about escalating conflict in parts of the Middle East and Europe. And when those headlines start appearing, many travellers immediately ask the same question: Should I still travel? It’s a complicated space to navigate. Safety matters, of course. But the world is also far more nuanced than a breaking news alert or a dramatic headline. In this episode of Tourist to Traveller, I’m sharing the process I personally used when this event impacted my travel plans, and how I recently made the decision to pivot my upcoming trip. Because becoming a confident traveller isn’t about ignoring risk, it’s about learning how to navigate uncertainty with clarity and good judgement. What You’ll Learn in This Episode The simple “pause, re-assess, pivot” framework I use when evaluating destinationsThe exact decision-making process I used when reassessing my own upcoming tripPractical ways to adjust your itinerary rather than cancelling travel entirelyWhen global tensions rise, it’s natural for travellers to feel uncertain about their plans. Ultimately, this episode is about shifting the mindset from fear-based travel decisions to informed travel decisions. With the right information and a flexible approach, travellers can continue exploring the world responsibly, even when global events create uncertainty. Helpful Resources & Links If you’d like a simple framework to help you plan your next trip, my guide Travel Planning Like A Pro In 5 Easy Steps walks you through the same decision-making process I use so you can plan trips with confidence. If this episode helped you think differently about travel during uncertain times, feel free to share it with a fellow traveller who might need the same reminder: pause, re-assess, and pivot... but don’t stop exploring 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.

    18 min

  7. MAR 1

    The Best Food I’ve Tried Around the World

    Some travel memories blur with time. Others stay so vivid you can almost taste them again. For me, so many of those lasting memories are tied to food... not just what was on the plate, but where I was sitting, who I was with, and that exact moment when I took a bite and knew it was special. In this episode, I’m sharing the most unforgettable meals I’ve eaten around the world. These aren’t fancy fine-dining experiences or viral Instagram spots. They’re the meals that made me pause and smile, the ones I still think about years later. What You’ll Learn in This Episode Why food creates some of our strongest travel memoriesThe meals around the world that left a lasting impression on meHow simplicity often beats complexity when it comes to unforgettable foodWhy food-led travel creates deeper, more meaningful experiencesHelpful Resources & Links Related Blog Post: The Best Food I’ve Tried Around the World: Meals I Still Dream About Years Later Explore More: Destination guides, itineraries and travel tips over on the Tourist to Traveller blog.And if you loved this episode, head to the blog to explore the full food guide, or browse other Tourist to Traveller episodes for more inspiration to help you move from tourist to traveller. 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.

    29 min

  8. FEB 22

    Travel Planning Like a Pro: 5 Easy Steps to Stress-Free, Bucket List Trips

    Have you ever scrolled through Instagram, saved a hundred dreamy travel posts… and then felt completely stuck on where to start? Like everyone else has some secret system for planning epic trips, and you somehow missed the memo. I’ve been there. And after more than 20 years of fitting bucket-list adventures around full-time work, and real-life responsibilities, I’ve learned that great travel doesn’t come from over-planning... it comes from smart planning. In this episode, I’m sharing the exact five-step framework I use to plan my own trips... the same process that helps me find hidden gems, incredible food, and experiences that actually live up to the hype. What You’ll Learn in This Episode How to plan travel like a pro (without spreadsheets taking over your life)My five simple stages of stress-free travel planningHow to turn inspiration into a realistic, enjoyable itineraryWhy mapping your trip changes everythingHow to balance structure with spontaneityPractical booking tips that save time, money, and energyHelpful Resources & Links Related Blog Post: Travel Planning Like A Pro In 5 Easy Steps A practical checklist and planning framework to help you follow this exact five-step process for your next trip.Tools Mentioned: Google Maps, Skyscanner, Expedia, Booking.com 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.

    17 min
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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. 

Information

  • Creator
    Tahnee Donkin
  • Years Active
    2K
  • Episodes
    15
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Tourist to Traveller
  • Show Website
    Tourist to Traveller