Imagine exploring turquoise lagoons dotted with mushroom-shaped islands, swimming through crystal-clear waters, discovering ancient stone structures and wandering through lush tropical jungles. Now imagine doing all of that in a destination that is still relatively undiscovered by many travellers.

Welcome to Palau!

Hidden away in the western Pacific Ocean, Palau is one of those destinations that makes you wonder why more people aren't talking about it. This tiny island nation is home to extraordinary marine life, fascinating cultural traditions, incredible WWII history and some of the most impressive conservation initiatives in the world.

In this episode of Tourist to Traveller, I'm taking you on a little introduction to Palau and sharing 21 surprising, quirky and fascinating things that make this destination so special.

From swimming alongside golden jellyfish and covering yourself in natural limestone mud to discovering giant stone money, exploring mysterious ancient monoliths and diving among WWII shipwrecks, Palau is packed with experiences you won't find just anywhere.

I'll also share some of the unexpected things I discovered during my own visit, why Palau is doing things differently when it comes to sustainable tourism, and why I think this incredible Pacific destination deserves a place on your travel bucket list.

Whether you're planning a Pacific adventure, searching for somewhere a little different or simply looking for your next bucket list destination, this episode will give you plenty of inspiration to start exploring Palau.

In this episode, you'll discover:

• Where Palau is and what makes it such a unique travel destination
• Why Palau deserves a place on your bucket list
• 21 fascinating things you probably didn't know about the country
• Its incredible Rock Islands, Jellyfish Lake and underwater world
• The fascinating history and cultural traditions you can experience
• How Palau is leading the way in responsible tourism and marine conservation
• Why this little-known Pacific paradise is worth exploring beyond its beaches

Useful Links & Resources:

• Ready to start planning your Palau adventure? Download my free Palau Destination Guide for inspiration and practical information to help you plan your own trip.
• Read the full blog on 21 Fun & Quirky Facts about Palau.
• Learn more about my incredible kayaking experience in Palau with my blog post or podcast episode on Kayaking the Rock Islands of Palau.

Sometimes the best adventures begin with discovering somewhere you hadn't even considered 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.

Madrid wasn’t originally on my Spain bucket list. I imagined a busy, corporate capital that might not have the character or atmosphere I was looking for. But after travelling around Spain for a few weeks, I arrived in Madrid with very few plans... and ended up completely changing my mind.

What I discovered was a city full of lively plazas, late-night tapas, unexpected hidden gems, incredible food and a cultural scene that kept surprising me. From watching flamenco to exploring ancient Egyptian history, Madrid turned out to be one of those places that reminds you why sometimes the best travel experiences happen when you leave a little room for spontaneity.

In this episode of Tourist to Traveller, I’m sharing what I loved about Madrid, the experiences I’d recommend adding to your itinerary, and the practical things I wish I’d known before visiting.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode

• Why Madrid deserves a place on your Spain itinerary
• The best things to do in Madrid, including the Royal Palace and Temple of Debod
• Where to experience authentic Spanish culture, flamenco and local nightlife
• How much time to spend in Madrid
• When to visit Madrid and what to expect in different seasons

Helpful Resources & Links

• Read my Madrid Travel Guide: Best Things to Do, Eat and Experience for more details, recommendations and practical travel tips.

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.

Fes was one of the most disorienting yet fascinating cities I visited in Morocco. The moment you step through the gates of the ancient medina, you're surrounded by a maze of narrow alleyways, the smell of spices and freshly baked bread, and donkeys carrying goods through streets that feel as though they've barely changed in centuries.

It's chaotic, sometimes overwhelming, and not always the easiest place to navigate. But that's also what makes Fes so memorable. While Marrakech is often the first Moroccan city that comes to mind, Fes offers a different experience, with centuries of history, traditional craftsmanship and a glimpse into everyday Moroccan life.

In this episode of Tourist to Traveller, I'm sharing my ultimate Fes travel guide, including the best things to do, what to eat, where to stay and the practical tips that'll help you plan your visit with confidence. Whether you're visiting Morocco for the first time or working out how to fit Fes into a longer itinerary, this episode will help you make the most of your adventure.

What You'll Learn in This Episode

• The best things to do and see in Fes, Morocco
• What makes the ancient Fes el-Bali medina so special
• What to expect when visiting the famous Chouara Tannery
• The historical sites and traditional architecture worth exploring
• What to eat in Fes and how to discover local Moroccan cuisine
• The best time to visit Fes and how many days to allow

I'll take you through the highlights, from the colourful dye vats of Chouara Tannery to the beautiful tilework and carved cedar of Bou Inania and Al-Attarine madrasas. I'll also explore the history of Al Quaraouiyine, widely recognised as one of the world's oldest continually operating educational institutions.

Helpful Resources & Links

• My Morocco Destination Guide — Visit Tourist to Traveller to find my Morocco destination resources and start planning your trip.
• The Ultimate Fes, Morocco Travel Guide — Explore the sights, accommodation recommendations and practical travel tips in more detail.

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.