Every traveller has that moment... standing at an airport carousel hoping your bag magically appears, realising your card’s been blocked overseas, or discovering the “must-see” attraction is completely sold out.

I’ve been there. More than once. And while those moments usually become funny stories after the trip, they’re stressful, expensive, and exhausting in the moment... especially when you’ve used precious annual leave to be there.

In this episode of Tourist to Traveller, I’m sharing ten real travel mistakes I’ve made over the years, and exactly how to avoid them, so you can travel with more confidence, less stress, and a whole lot more ease.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode

• The biggest rookie mistake travellers still make before leaving home
• Why overplanning can ruin even the best trips
• The jet lag mistake that steals days from short trips
• Why pre-booking attractions matters more than ever
• How to avoid common transport scams
• How to travel smarter without overcomplicating things

This episode is about learning from mistakes without shame, and giving you simple, actionable ways to avoid them so you can spend less time troubleshooting and more time actually enjoying your trip.

Helpful Resources & Links

• Related blog post: 10 Travel Mistakes You'll Never Make Again (and How to Avoid Them)

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.

Standing on the rim of a live volcano, feeling the ground rumble beneath your feet, watching lava burst into the night sky... this was a special moment for me.

In this episode of Tourist to Traveller, I’m taking you to Tanna Island in Vanuatu, one of the most raw, powerful, and unforgettable places I’ve ever travelled. This is an island ruled by nature, not infrastructure, where life moves slowly and tradition still shapes everyday living.

At the heart of it all is Mount Yasur, one of the most accessible active volcanoes on the planet. Visiting it wasn’t just a bucket list experience, it was a reminder of why I travel in the first place.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode

• How to get to Tanna Island and what to expect from domestic travel
• What it’s really like to visit Mount Yasur at sunset and after dark
• Whether Mount Yasur is safe, and why local guides are essential
• Why staying overnight on Tanna Island completely changes the experience
• Where to stay, and what else to do beyond the volcano

Helpful Resources & Links

• I’ve written a full Tanna Island travel guide covering where to stay, what to pack, and what else to do.

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.

Some of my most memorable travel moments didn’t come from five-star hotels or big-ticket tours. They came from wandering side streets, eating where locals eat, and realising I didn’t need to spend more to experience more.

Travelling on a budget has a reputation for being restrictive... like you’re constantly saying no, missing out, or stressing over every dollar. But in reality, when it’s done well, budget travel can be incredibly freeing. It pushes you to travel more intentionally, more creatively, and often more authentically.

In this episode of Tourist to Traveller, I’m sharing how to travel on a budget without sacrificing the magic... the exact strategies I use to stretch my money further while still having rich, unforgettable experiences.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode

• How to choose destinations where your money naturally goes further
• How to find cheaper flights without obsessing over deals
• Accommodation hacks that save money without ruining the experience
• Simple money-saving habits that add up while travelling
• How to stop overspending before you even leave home

Budget travel isn’t about cutting joy... it’s about spending with intention. In this episode, I break down how planning smarter (not harder) allows you to travel more often and with far less financial stress.

Helpful Resources & Links

• How to Travel on a Budget - Read the full blog guide expanding on these tips, including tools and real examples
• Travel Planning Like a Pro - My 5 step travel planning guide to help you budget, book and plan without overwhelm

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.

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 travelling
• How to choose a destination that feels special
• Planning tips for the actual birthday day... what to book, what to avoid

Helpful 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.

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 like
• How a self-guided kayaking and camping trip works
• What wildlife and marine life you might see along the way
• Practical tips for weather, packing, navigation, and safety
• Whether 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 Go
• Related Episode: Why Palau Should Be on Your Bucket List

If 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.

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 air
• The simple in-flight habits that help reset your body clock
• Why meal times matter more than sleep on long-haul flights
• How to handle arrival day without crashing or losing momentum

Jet 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.

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 regions
• The best places to visit in southern Spain (and how long to stay)
• A traveller-approved 2-week Andalusia itinerary
• How to get around southern Spain (train vs car)
• The best time to visit Andalusia, and when to avoid
• Practical tips to avoid crowds, heat, and booking mistakes

Helpful Resources & Links

• Blog Post: The Ultimate South of Spain Travel Guide
• Blog Post: Hiking Caminito del Rey: Spain’s Most Epic Cliffside Walk
• Blog Post: The Ultimate Travel Guide to Málaga, Spain

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.

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 travellers
• Why small actions can have a big impact in shared travel spaces
• Cultural travel habits that disrespect destinations
• Group travel dynamics that can derail an otherwise great trip

Helpful 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.