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. 4d ago

    12 Unexpected Benefits of Travel: Life Lessons I’ve Learned on the Road

    Travel Gives You So Much More Than a Holiday What if your next holiday could give you more than incredible photos, beautiful destinations and a few weeks away from work? After more than 20 years of travelling, I’ve realised that some of the greatest benefits of travel have nothing to do with the destination. The real transformation happens in the moments when plans go wrong, you have to navigate somewhere unfamiliar, or you find yourself seeing everyday life through a completely different lens. From discovering a secret 3am ferry in Samoa to navigating travel chaos in Spain and experiencing a major power outage in Granada, travel has taught me lessons I never expected to learn. And many of those lessons have followed me home. What You’ll Learn in This Episode 12 unexpected life lessons travel can teach youHow travel develops problem-solving skills and adaptabilityWhy travelling can change your perspective and challenge your assumptionsHow travel builds resilience and confidenceThe unexpected ways travel can improve your financial awarenessHow travel can strengthen relationships and create meaningful connectionsHelpful Resources & Links Related blog: 12 Unexpected Benefits of Travel: How Travel Can Change Your Life - I’ve written a full guide expanding on the lessons and stories from this episode. Explore more travel inspiration and practical planning advice at 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.

  2. Aug 9

    How to Visit Petra, Jordan Without the Crowds: The Ultimate Petra Travel Guide

    Petra was the reason I travelled to Jordan. I’d seen the Rose City in documentaries, books, travel feeds and Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade, but nothing prepared me for the moment I walked through the Siq and saw the Treasury for the first time. It felt completely unreal... like I’d stepped into a film set, except this ancient city was very much real. What surprised me even more was just how enormous Petra is. Over two days, I walked 26 kilometres and still felt like I’d barely scratched the surface. And while Petra can be busy, there are ways to experience this incredible ancient city with fewer people around... including one strategy that gave me several precious minutes at the Treasury almost completely alone. In this episode of Tourist to Traveller, I’m sharing my practical guide to visiting Petra, Jordan, including how long you need, where to stay, when to visit, how to avoid the biggest crowds, what to see beyond the Treasury, and the things I wish I’d known before arriving. What You’ll Learn in This Episode Why Petra is so much more than the famous TreasuryHow many days you really need to explore PetraThe best strategy for experiencing the Treasury without the crowdsWhy the Monastery is worth the hikeThe best times of day for exploring and photographyWhether Petra by Night is worth adding to your itineraryImportant safety considerations, including heat and flash floodingWhy I don't recommend supporting animal tourism in PetraWhere to stay in Wadi MusaMy top tips for making the most of your Petra experienceHelpful Resources & Links The Ultimate Petra Jordan Travel Guide I've also written a detailed Guide to Visiting Petra, Jordan, including where to stay, what to see, what to pack and how to plan your time. Keep Planning Jordan Continue your Jordan adventure with my Wadi Rum Travel Guide and Dead Sea Jordan Guide. 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. Aug 2

    50 Fascinating Things to Know Before You Visit Morocco (That Completely Surprised Me)

    Before I travelled to Morocco, I thought I knew what to expect: golden sand dunes, bustling souks and ancient medinas. While those iconic experiences absolutely delivered, what surprised me most was everything beyond the postcards. From snow-capped mountains and lush green valleys to centuries-old traditions, incredible hospitality and even thriving wine regions, Morocco challenged every assumption I had. It was easier to travel than I'd imagined, richer in culture than I expected, and filled with moments that made me slow down and see the world differently. In this episode of Tourist to Traveller, I'm sharing 50 fascinating things I learned while exploring Morocco. Whether you're actively planning a trip or simply dreaming about one, these quirky facts, practical travel tips and cultural insights will help you experience Morocco with more confidence, curiosity and appreciation. What You'll Learn in This Episode Why Morocco is so much more than deserts and camelsThe incredible diversity of Morocco's landscapes, from mountains to coastlinesCultural customs and traditions every traveller should knowFood and drink experiences that might surprise youPractical travel tips for first-time visitorsLocal terminology that make navigating Morocco easierSmall details that will help you travel more confidently and respectfullyHelpful Resources & Links Ready to start planning your Moroccan adventure? Explore my free 50 Fascinating Things to Know Before Visiting Morocco guide, featuring all 50 tips from this episode, plus a handy packing checklist, Moroccan travel terminology, tipping advice and destination highlights to help you prepare with confidence. You might also enjoy these resources: The Ultimate Morocco Travel Guide14-Day Morocco ItineraryHow to Spend 24 Magical Hours in MarrakechIs Morocco Safe for Solo Female Travel?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. Jul 26

    60 Great Short Walks of Tasmania: Easy Adventures with Big Rewards

    When most people picture Tasmania in Australia, they imagine epic mountain hikes, rugged wilderness and multi-day adventures. But one of the biggest surprises for me was discovering that some of the island's most unforgettable experiences came from walks that took less than three hours… and often much less. From standing above the blue waters of Wineglass Bay to wandering through ancient rainforest, or strolling beneath towering trees, these short walks delivered some of the biggest highlights of my trip. They proved that you don't need endless time, incredible fitness or expensive gear to experience the very best of Tasmania. In this episode of Tourist to Traveller, I'm sharing why Tasmania's 60 Great Short Walks deserve a place on every travel itinerary, along with my favourite walks from the list, plus practical planning tips. What You'll Learn in This Episode What the 60 Great Short Walks of Tasmania are and why they're worth exploringWhy short walks are perfect for Tasmania road trips and busy travellersSome of Tasmania's most spectacular easy walks, from Cradle Mountain to FreycinetWhat to pack for Tasmania's famously unpredictable conditionsWhy some of the shortest walks often create the biggest travel memoriesHelpful Resources & Links Ready to start planning your own Tasmania adventure? Dive into my free guide, 27 Fascinating Things to Know Before Visiting Tasmania, packed with practical tips to help you plan with confidence and make the most of your trip. I've also written detailed travel guides to help you explore Tasmania, including: 60 Great Short Walks of TasmaniaCradle Mountain Travel GuideFreycinet National Park Travel GuideMount Field National Park GuideTahune AirWalk GuideThe Best Things to Do in TasmaniaFor even more inspiration, check out my detailed Tasmania travel guides on Tourist to Traveller, including my complete guide to the 60 Great Short Walks of Tasmania, and browse previous podcast episodes for more destination ideas, practical travel tips and bucket-list inspiration. 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. Jul 19

    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.

  6. 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.

  7. 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.

  8. 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.

Trailer

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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