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

    The Most Instagrammable Places in Palau, Micronesia: 16 Epic Photo Spots

    If you’ve ever scrolled past a photo of Palau in Micronesia and wondered, surely that water can’t actually be that blue, I have good news… it really is. Palau is one of those rare destinations where reality genuinely looks like the photos. Think jungle-covered limestone islands floating in impossibly turquoise water, hidden waterfalls, white limestone mud, traditional meeting houses, WWII ruins and an underwater world filled with reef sharks, manta rays and giant clams. But where are those iconic photos actually taken? In this episode of Tourist to Traveller, I’m taking you behind the lens and sharing 16 of the most Instagrammable places in Palau, Micronesia... including what makes each location special and how to capture beautiful travel photos even if you’re using nothing more than your mobile phone. What You’ll Learn in This Episode The best places to photograph Palau’s famous Rock Islands from aboveWhy kayaking is one of the best ways to photograph the Rock IslandsThe most photogenic waterfalls, beaches and cultural landmarksWhere to find Palau’s fascinating WWII sitesThe best locations for sunset and tropical island photographyPalau’s incredible underwater photography opportunitiesHelpful Resources & Links Dive deeper into The Most Instagrammable Spots in Palau in my full blog post.  Continue Exploring Palau Kayaking the Rock Islands of Palau: discover what it’s really like to explore this extraordinary landscape from the water.Where to Stay in Palau: compare accommodation options and find the right base for your adventure.Best Tours to Do in Palau: discover the experiences worth adding to your itinerary.Ultimate Travel Guide to Palau: my complete guide to planning a Palau adventure, including a seven-day itinerary.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. Sep 5

    Sailing the Nile on a Felucca: My Unforgettable Egypt Adventure

    What if you had the choice between two nights in a five-star hotel or two nights sleeping under the stars on a traditional sailing boat on the Nile? When I travelled to Egypt, I never planned to sail the Nile on a felucca. In fact, I had already booked the luxury accommodation. But when our guide offered us the chance to swap the hotel for a couple of nights on a traditional felucca, we decided to say yes to the adventure. And I'm so glad we did. What followed was one of my most memorable Egypt travel experiences... sleeping on a communal mattress, watching the sun rise and set over the Nile, sharing meals, playing games, meeting locals and simply slowing down as Egypt drifted past us. What You'll Learn in This Episode What it's really like to spend two nights sailing the Nile on a feluccaWhy I chose a traditional sailing boat over five-star accommodationWhat life is like onboard a Nile feluccaHow a felucca compares with a traditional Nile cruiseWhat to pack for a felucca experienceMy biggest lesson from saying yes to an unplanned adventureHelpful Resources & Links Read the full guide: Sailing the Nile on a Felucca: What It's Really Like + What to Pack Choose the right group tour: How to Choose The Perfect Group Trip: My Personal Selection Process  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 30

    Hobart Travel Guide: Best Things to Do, See, Eat & Experience

    Hobart has a way of surprising you. One minute you’re wandering between historic sandstone buildings at Salamanca Place, coffee in hand. The next, you’re standing on kunanyi / Mount Wellington with cold wind on your face, looking across the city, river and sea. Then the sun goes down and you’re choosing between a cosy wine bar, a historic pub or somewhere serving incredible Tasmanian produce. In this episode of Tourist to Traveller, I’m sharing my Hobart travel guide... including the best things to do in Hobart, where to eat and drink, where to stay, the day trips worth adding to your itinerary and the practical tips I wish every first-time visitor knew. Because Hobart isn't a city I think you should rush through. The magic is in combining the must-see experiences with enough space to wander, discover and follow your curiosity. What You'll Learn in This Episode The best things to do in Hobart, TasmaniaWhy Salamanca Place and Salamanca Market should be on your itineraryHow to experience kunanyi / Mount WellingtonMy favourite cafés, restaurants, bars and distilleriesThe best areas to stay in HobartThe best day trips from Hobart, including Bruny Island, Richmond and Port ArthurHow many days you really need in HobartHelpful Resources & Links Top Things to Do, See, Eat & Experience - A deeper dive into everything I've covered in this episode, including links.  Best Day Trips from Hobart - my detailed guide to the best places to explore beyond the city.  Unmissable Things to Do in Tasmania - for more Tasmania 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.

  4. Aug 23

    The Best Day Trips from Port Vila, Vanuatu: Beaches, Islands, Waterfalls & More

    One of the things I loved most about travelling through Vanuatu was discovering just how much you can experience without constantly packing your bags and changing hotels. Port Vila is more than a place to stay... it’s the perfect base for exploring Efate Island. Within an hour, you can be snorkelling over coral reefs, swimming in impossibly blue lagoons, chasing waterfalls, exploring tropical islands or finishing the day with a cocktail beside the ocean. And some of the experiences that stayed with me most weren’t necessarily the ones I expected. In this episode, I’m sharing the best day trips from Port Vila, including the places I genuinely think are worth prioritising if you’re planning a Vanuatu adventure. What You’ll Learn in This Episode Why Port Vila makes such a great base for exploring EfateWhy Pele Island is my number-one day trip from Port VilaWhat makes Erakor Island ideal for an easy, relaxed escapeHow to combine Blue Lagoon, Eton Beach and Rarru Cascades into one incredible dayWhat to expect from the Mele region, including Mele Cascades and Vanuatu Jungle ZiplineHelpful Resources & Links The Best Things to Do on Efate Island My complete guide to exploring Efate beyond Port Vila. The Day Trips from Port Vila My complete guide to exploring Efate beyond Port Vila. Visiting Tanna Island & Mount Yasur Volcano Planning to explore beyond Efate? Discover my experience on Tanna Island. 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. Aug 16

    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.

  6. 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.

  7. 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.

  8. 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.

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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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