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. 

Episodes

  1. 3D AGO

    Tasmania Travel Guide: Regions, Hidden Gems & How to Experience It Like a Traveller

    Tasmania is one of those destinations people think they understand, until they actually go. It’s often labelled as cold, quiet, or somewhere you just “do a quick lap.” But spend any real time there and you realise Tasmania is layered, wild, creative, and deeply rewarding for travellers who are willing to slow down. In this destination deep dive, I’m sharing how to experience Tasmania... from choosing the right regions to avoiding the biggest planning mistakes I see time-poor travellers make again and again. What You’ll Learn in This Episode How to choose regions based on your travel style (not a checklist)How much time you actually need, and where it’s worth slowing downUnmissable experiences that go beyond the obvious highlightsPractical planning tips for weather, distances, and limited annual leaveQuick note: the audio quality in this episode isn’t perfect in parts due to recording conditions, but the content is solid and absolutely worth a listen if Tasmania is on your bucket list. Helpful Resources & Links If you want to go deeper after listening, I’ve shared detailed Tasmania guides on the blog, including: Tasmania Regional Guide - to help you choose where to goUnmissable Things to Do in Tasmania - experiences worth prioritisingFascinating Facts About Tasmania - great context before you visitConnect & 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.

    24 min
  2. FEB 8

    When Travel Goes Wrong: Real Travel Fails, Hard Lessons & How to Travel Smarter

    For every dreamy travel photo you see online, there’s usually a moment behind the scenes where something didn’t go to plan. A missed flight. Accommodation that looked nothing like the photos. Or that sinking feeling when you realise you’ve packed your itinerary so tightly there’s no room to actually enjoy the trip. After more than 20 years of travelling, often squeezing bucket-list adventures into annual leave, I’ve had my fair share of travel fails. And while they were frustrating at the time, they’ve shaped the way I travel today far more than the “perfect” trips ever did. In this episode of Tourist to Traveller, I’m getting honest about when travel goes wrong, what those moments taught me, and how you can avoid common mistakes... without overplanning, stressing yourself out, or losing the joy of travel. What You’ll Learn in This Episode Why travel going wrong is more common than social media makes it lookMy most memorable travel fails (and what I learned from each one)How travel fails can actually make you a more confident travellerHelpful Resources & Links Free Resource: Travel Planning Like A Pro In 5 Easy Steps A practical guide designed to help you avoid common travel mistakes before you book. Perfect for busy travellers who want better trips without overthinking every detail.And if this episode resonated, explore more Tourist to Traveller episodes to help you travel with confidence, clarity, and intention.  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.

    34 min
  3. JAN 31

    Palau Travel Guide: What to See, When to Go & the Ultimate 7-10 Day Itinerary

    Most travellers have never heard of Palau, and that’s exactly what makes it so fascinating.  Palau is one of the most unique destinations in the Pacific. With more than 300 islands and one of the world’s largest marine sanctuaries, Palau offers a very different experience to more commercialised tropical destinations. Tucked away in Micronesia, Palau is a country where visitor numbers are intentionally low, where you sign an environmental pledge on arrival, and where entire islands remain uninhabited. In this destination deep dive, I’m unpacking what Palau is really like to travel, beyond the photos and the hype. From when to go and how to get there, to what’s actually worth your time once you arrive, this episode is designed to help you decide whether Palau belongs on your bucket list. What You’ll Learn in This Episode Where Palau is and why it remains under-the-radarThe best time of year to visit Palau The top things to see and do A realistic 7-10 day Palau itinerary Practical Palau travel tips Destinations Mentioned  Rock Islands, Koror, Badrulchau Stone Monoliths, Ngardmau Waterfall, Palau National Capitol, Kuabes Park Beach, Belau National Museum, Mesekelat Waterfall, Etpison Museum, Jellyfish Lake, Natural Arch, Milky Way Lagoon, Blue Corner, German Channel, Shark City, Airai Bai, Japanese WWII Lighthouse, Japanese WWII Communications Centre.  Helpful Resources & Links If Palau’s now on your radar, download my Palau Destination Guide, it pulls everything from this episode into one practical, easy-to-use resource. And if you want to keep planning, head to touristtotraveller.com for my full Palau travel guides and itinerary breakdown. 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
  4. JAN 24

    Travel Trends 2026: 10 Game-Changing Ways We’ll Travel Next

    Travel is changing… and if you’ve felt that pull towards slower, more meaningful adventures, you’re not alone. The way we travel in 2026 looks very different to the whirlwind, checklist-style trips of the past. Travellers are craving depth over speed, intention over excess, and experiences that actually enhance their lives. In this episode of the Tourist to Traveller Podcast, I explore the 10 biggest travel trends shaping 2026, from iconic road trips and underrated destinations to off-grid escapes, wellness travel, AI trip planning and the rise of overwater villas beyond the Maldives. It’s about understanding where travel is heading, and how you can use these shifts to plan smarter, more fulfilling bucket list adventures… even with limited time and annual leave. What You’ll Learn in This Episode Global travel trends shaping 2026Why slow travel and road trips are having a major comebackHow eco and regenerative travel are becoming non-negotiableHow AI is changing the way we plan and experience tripsNew destinations offering overwater villas beyond the MaldivesHelpful Resources & Links Blog: Why Everyone Should Do a Yearly Off-Grid Tiny House Stay (And How to Plan Yours)Blog: The Future of Travel AI Is Here: How AI Is Revolutionising the Way We Plan, Book & Experience the WorldUntil next time, go beyond the tourist track and level up your travel experiences.  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.

    21 min
  5. JAN 19

    How to Choose the Perfect Group Tour

    I’m an independent traveller at heart. I love planning my own trips and moving at my own pace. But sometimes, a group tour is honestly the smartest option, especially when time, energy, or logistics are working against you. The problem is, not all group tours are created equal. If you’ve ever been stuck on a massive bus, rushed through highlights, or dragged from one tourist shop to another, you’ll know how quickly a trip can lose its magic. In this episode, I’m sharing my personal process for choosing a group tour that actually enhances your experience, not one that leaves you frustrated and exhausted. What You’ll Learn in This Episode How to know if a group tour is right for youWhy group size matters more than you thinkWhat to look for in itineraries, transport, and accommodationHow to avoid time-wasting toursRed flags to watch for before bookingMy go-to group tour companies (and why)If you’ve ever felt torn between independent travel and organised trips, this episode will help you choose with confidence... without the overwhelm. Helpful Resources & Links Related Tourist to Traveller blog post: How to Choose the Right Group Tour: My Personal Selection Process Follow my travels on Instagram: @_touristtotravellerThanks for tuning in to the Tourist to Traveller Podcast.  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
  6. JAN 18

    The Hottest Places to Travel in 2026

    Have you already started dreaming about where 2026 might take you? Not just anywhere, but somewhere that still feels authentic, meaningful, and memorable. With crowds intensifying, costs rising, and overtourism changing the way destinations feel, travel is shifting. 2026 isn’t about ticking off the same hotspots everyone else is chasing. It’s about choosing places with depth, diversity, and stories that stay with you long after the trip ends. In this episode, I’m sharing the destinations I believe are about to have a moment... including underrated gems, comeback destinations, and a few wildcards for travellers craving something truly different. What You’ll Learn in This Episode How travel trends are changing in 2026Why depth, space, and feeling matter more than everUnderrated destinations to visit before they boomComeback and emerging destinations worth planning earlyEpisode Summary  Travel in 2026 is being shaped by overtourism, sustainability, accessibility, and a growing desire to travel with intention. There’s a clear shift away from rushing through destinations and towards experiences that feel grounding, immersive, and memorable. Helpful Resources & Links Related Tourist to Traveller blog posts: The Hottest Places to Travel in 2026 (Including Underrated Destinations To Watch) Until next time, go beyond the tourist track and level up your travel experiences.  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.

    27 min
  7. JAN 18

    Trailer - Tourist to Traveller

    Subscribe now to the Tourist to Traveller Podcast, a brand new podcast series.  In this trailer episode, I’m sharing the story behind the Tourist to Traveller Podcast and why shifting how you travel can completely change how travel feels... even when time, money, and annual leave are limited. What You’ll Hear in This Episode The real difference between a tourist and a travellerWhy “perfect” trips can still feel underwhelmingWhat this podcast will help you do differentlyEpisode Snapshot I’m Tahnee, an Australian travel blogger and everyday explorer who’s been ticking off bucket list destinations for over 20 years while balancing a full-time 9-5. This podcast is for curious, time-poor travellers who want more than cookie-cutter itineraries. Each week, I’ll share destination deep dives, practical planning tips, packing strategies, and travel photography advice to help you travel smarter... not harder.  Start Your Journey Hit subscribe so you don’t miss upcoming destination deep dives and practical travel strategies.Explore the Tourist to Traveller Blog for destination guides, packing lists, and bucket-list itineraries.Because life’s too short for average trips, and it’s time to travel like a 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.

    4 min

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.