Egypt had been on my bucket list for as long as I can remember.

Growing up, my dad would read us books about the world, ancient history, animals and different countries instead of the usual bedtime stories. Somewhere amongst those books were the pyramids, the Sphinx and the stories of ancient Egypt. So when I finally stood in front of the pyramids, it wasn't just another travel experience. It was a childhood dream coming to life.

But Egypt also surprised me in ways I hadn't expected.

From discovering that our tour bus had an armed guard, to navigating persistent sellers, unexpectedly long travel days and an unauthorised road that put our group in a very uncomfortable situation, there were plenty of things I wish I'd known before travelling to Egypt.

There were also moments that completely blew me away... exploring ancient tombs with an Egyptologist, learning to understand hieroglyphics, sailing the Nile on a traditional felucca and seeing just how much ancient history is woven into everyday Egypt.

In this episode, I'm sharing the things I wish I knew before visiting Egypt, including the good, the challenging, the surprising and the practical lessons I'd want another traveller to know before they go.

What You'll Learn in This Episode

• Why safety was one of my biggest considerations
• Why I chose to travel around Egypt with a group
• The surprising story of the armed guard on our tour bus
• What to expect at the pyramids and major tourist sites
• What it's like travelling through military checkpoints
• Why having an Egyptologist guide transformed my experience
• What it's really like to sail on a traditional Nile felucca

Helpful Resources & Links

Sailing the Nile on a Felucca: My Unforgettable Egypt Adventure
Read the full story of my experience sailing and sleeping on a traditional felucca on the Nile.

20 Things I Wish I Knew Before Visiting Egypt
Read the companion article with all 20 lessons, practical tips and stories from my trip.

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.

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 above
• Why kayaking is one of the best ways to photograph the Rock Islands
• The most photogenic waterfalls, beaches and cultural landmarks
• Where to find Palau’s fascinating WWII sites
• The best locations for sunset and tropical island photography
• Palau’s incredible underwater photography opportunities

Helpful 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.

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 felucca
• Why I chose a traditional sailing boat over five-star accommodation
• What life is like onboard a Nile felucca
• How a felucca compares with a traditional Nile cruise
• What to pack for a felucca experience
• My biggest lesson from saying yes to an unplanned adventure

Helpful 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.