WELCOME TO
Travel Smarter, Laugh Harder & DontBeThatTourist
See the world. Respect the culture. And for the love of humanity… Don’t Be That Tourist In your travels OR the Journey of Life!
Why the name? DontBeThatTourist
Let’s be real — we’ve all had a #DontBeThatTourist moment at some point.
Lost? Yup. Overpacked? Definitely. Offended an entire culture without meaning to? …Oops.
When I created DontBeThatTourist, it wasn’t about shaming people — it was about turning travel mistakes into moments of growth (and usually, a good laugh). But let’s be honest — sometimes I will point fingers. I wanted a space to teach the clueless, challenge the careless, and remind everyone that travel isn’t just about checking boxes or taking the pretty picture — it’s about respecting and experiencing the culture that makes each place worth visiting.
Too often, people rush through destinations for the photo op but never actually experience the heart of the place — the people, the flavors, the sounds, the small moments that make travel unforgettable. I believe travel should make you more aware, not more oblivious. So yes, I’ll point out the eye-roll-worthy moments — sometimes mine, sometimes yours — but always with the goal of helping us all travel smarter, kinder, and with a little more self-awareness.
Because every DontBeThatTourist story is a lesson wrapped in laughter — and if we can’t laugh at ourselves, we probably shouldn’t be boarding the plane. So buckle up, learn a few things, and please… for the love of humanity — Don’t. Be. That. Tourist.
NOW BOARDING
Iceland — Fall 2027 · Northern Lights
My next group trip is forming now — come chase the aurora with us.
A little about me…
Hi, I’m Chelsea — the pharmacist-turned-travel-bestie behind DontBeThatTourist. I believe travel should be smart, respectful, wildly fun, and sprinkled with just enough chaos to keep the stories interesting.
I teach travelers how to explore the world without offending an entire temple, misreading a cultural cue, or accidentally learning the hard way that Bali swing photos require strategic wardrobe planning. (You’re welcome in advance.)
Between my Travel Rx wellness tips, culture-first guides, group trips, and “don’t do what I did” stories, my mission is simple: help you travel deeper, learn louder — and laugh through the learning curve while you do it.
If you love smart itineraries, local favorites, respectful travel, and a creator who’s not afraid to call herself out when she deserves it… you’re in the right place.
I want you to experience the world the way it deserves to be experienced — with curiosity, intention, respect, and the kind of awareness that makes every destination feel more meaningful. And if I can help you avoid at least one embarrassing moment I’ve already lived through? Even better.
I’ve been hooked on flying since a family trip at age five — and these days I’m on a mission to float over the world’s prettiest places in a hot air balloon. I lead group trips for travelers who want the stories, not the tourist traps, and I run trips for my fellow travel advisors, too.
Group Trips → · Join the Team → · Free Travel Guides →
Travel smarter. Laugh harder. Explore deeper. Live kinder.
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Because every great story starts with a DontBeThatTourist Moment…
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