Gay Tours and Travel

We signed up for our first tour group as we headed to Greece largely bc we didn't speak the language and didn't want to worry about transport, planning, etc. What we got in return was so much more. Our amazing and fearless leader Dan shepherded us - and 10 others - on an amazing journey that included everything from jumping off 20' cliffs into the Agean, seemingly endless shots at Jackie O's with the beautiful staff, a white themed party on a pirates ship, an archeologist led tour of Delos, and so much more. We couldn't have asked for a better group, leader, or experience. If you are waffling on whether a tour is right for you, waffle no more. Side notes: Daily excursions are not required, so if you don't feel like particularly active, no sweat. Dinner is arranged every night, which takes any guesswork out of the equation. HUGE shoutout to Dan and the entire Detours team. They couldn't have made it easier, more fun, or rewarding. We'll remember this trip for the rest of our lives.

A Detours travel experience is like no other and I simply cannot recommend them more highly. If you enjoy well-planned, yet flexible itineraries, experienced trip leaders, knowledgeable local guides, high-quality accommodations, and small groups that breed new friendships, then you'll love Detours.

We've taken 2 trips with Detours. One to Egypt and one to Thailand & Cambodia. In both cases, our trip leader, Shane, was the ultimate host. We've loved every minute of these trips and will go on another as soon as we can. Detours was started ten years ago (we got to celebrate their birthday in Cambodia!) by guys who are passionate about travel and wanted to build a brand that could extend that passion to their guests. They've cracked that code and we are thrilled to have been referred to them by friends.

Detours balances hundreds of factors to build amazing travel experiences that are affordable yet lean into higher quality. This is no budget vacation package but it's also not a luxury package. And speaking of packages, while there is a framework of itinerary and pre-booked activities, there is also a lot of flexibility built-in. With small groups up to about 15 guests, this allows time to go off on your own or in small groups with newly-minted Detourse friends to explore your location. That's perfect for seasoned travelers as well as those who are just beginning to experience international travel.

Happy 10th Birthday, Detours! We are so thrilled to have found you and highly recommend that readers of this review visit your website and find their next trip of a lifetime!

Tim and I had an amazing time on our Detours trip to Costa Rica. This was our first time on an all-male trip, so we did not know what to expect. We have already registered for our second trip with Detours, so you know where this review is going. Everything leading up to the trip was handled with professionalism and ease by Detours. That same vibe continued once the trip started. Brandon, our trip leader, was high-energy, fun, kind, inclusive, organized, connected, and on top of his game. He did not miss a beat, all details were attended to, and he made the trip enjoyable for all. Clay was equally kind and fun, and we look forward to one of his guided trips in the future. Costa Rica is a beautiful country. We loved the variety of our locations (the beach, the mountains, the hot springs / Volcano). A little bit of everything was perfect. We participated in so many unforgettable activities (ziplining, Tarzan swing, ATV, white-water rafting, canyoneering, sunset cruises, beaches, waterfalls, pool parties, park tours, . . . ) that filled our days and brought us even closer to the group of guys we traveled with. The beauty is you get to choose your own adventure. Do it all, or do nothing, no pressure. If that is not enough, you get to experience it all with a diverse group of men from across the globe. The friendships and connections we made were easy even for introverts and heightened our positive experiences. We hope to continue these friendships in our future travels. If you are on the fence, get off. A Detours experience is worth it. Enjoy your trip!

This was our first experience using a company to plan our vacation and Detours has completely exceeded our expectations. I gave them 5 stars because there is no option for 6 or 7 stars. Our group leader Ollie and our tour guide Hend were superb! Hend not only took charge at all the ticket counters facilitating our entry into all the historical sites she provided a wealth of knowledge at each site giving detail explanations regarding the historical information of each site. Ollie kept our vacation rolling smoothly ensuring everyone knew exactly where we were supposed to be and at what time we needed to meet. He kept everything light and fun but was still able to keep 12 gay men on track which can be harder to do than herding cats but he did it and made it fun.

There was one afternoon where we had lunch at a local families house. At first I was concerned about how comfortable I would be going into someone's home but our host Mia and her family not only provided us with a banquet of absolutely delicious local food, all made by her, but gave us all an insight into the life of an Egyptian family. I send Mia 5 stars as well. There were so many memorable moments on this trip they would be impossible to list. Thank you Ollie, Hend and Detours for making this trip so wonderful and memorable.

Wonderfully run tours for gay men. I took their 12 day tour of Spain which included Barcelona, Granada, Sevilla and Madrid.

I enjoyed their helpful yet flexible format so much I'm planning my next tour with them.

Unlike other group tours, you're not stuck on a bus and forced into their schedule. You can go with the group to popular locations or you can spend time on your own, or both! It's really the best of both worlds, having a reliable tour leader to take you to see the sites--as well as having all the free time you want to explore on your own.

There's a walking tour of each city, and a list of the most popular sites. You choose what you want to do, and the tour leader creates a schedule so your interests don't conflict.

You go to big attractions, like Gaudi's Sagrada Familia, as a group because they've arranged for tickets in advance (without which you can't get in).

Our group leader, Dan, was always helpful, organized, kind, cheerful, always calm, and funny. He made sure we got to see what we wanted to see, either as a group or individually.

The 14 gay guys on the trip were all good-natured and easy to get along with.

As well as having a great format, Detours is also an excellent value as travel gets more expensive. You stay at lovely, centrally located hotels, with a buffet breakfast included to keep you going all day. The group meets for dinner which you can attend or not, as always, it's your choice.

Transportation between cities on the tour are also included.

It's a low stress, great fun way to discover the world with like-minded people.

The Sept. 2024 Greece trip we took with Detours exceeded all expectations! If you are thinking of a Greek Isle trip, do it! If you are thinking about doing it with Detours, do it! We knew we wanted to do a Greece trip, but a cruise didn't seem a good fit. We found Detours and so glad we did.

We didn't really know what to expect in Greece, but were astounded by the beauty of the place. The day sail around Milos is a highlight. The water is unbelievably beautiful. The Santorini villages are amazing, the gay vibe of Mykonos Town & Elia Beach so fun. The Athens acropolis and Delos tours are much more interesting than expected.

Greece is the star of the show, but Detours did a great job facilitating the tour. No way we could have done it ourselves. Detours takes care of so much of the logistics. All the transfers, dinner spots, ferries, the hotels, etc. The pool at the Milos hotel was a favorite.

Darren the trip leader was fun, engaging, and knowledgeable. He made everyone feel included, always there for questions & help. He was awesome.

My husband & I recently returned from the October 2023 Spain trip. We really loved our Detour Tours travel experience. Our trip was made up of 16 fellow travelers - 4 couples & 8 singles who were all personable and easy going. We had a wonderful Tour Leader, Scott, who was very knowledgeable, experienced, approachable and looked out for all of us.  He went out of his way to be inclusive and was a great source of information on the local sites and activities.  Detours arranged the hotel accommodations, the airport transfers, and the travel between the 4 amazing cities of Barcelona, Granada, Seville, and Madrid. The tour included walking tours and a major attraction at the start of each destination city, but the rest of the time we were free to explore, join a group activity, or just chill in our hotel room or a nearby cafe. Our favorite experiences were the walking tours because the local gay tour guides were so knowledgeable, informative and personable. We learned a lot about the rich local history and culture of the Spanish cities we visited.  Our second favorite experiences were the fun group dinners and pre-and post dinner drinks that Scott organized and which most of us joined in. Although there was no pressure to join in other optional activities, we ended up signing up for a number of them such as cooking class, watching a flamenco show, and seeing the Prado Museum. They were all memorable and fun. Thank you Scott & Detours. If you are looking for a well run LGBT group travel experience, we strongly recommend Detours Travel. Victor and Jim from Palm Springs CA.

Choosing Detours Travel was the best decision I have very made seriously, without a doubt the best vacation I have ever had!!!!!

I have never traveled with a group of 16 Gay Men of various backgrounds, interests; to be very honest this was an "out of the box" moment for me which caused much anxiety going in.

From the moment I arrived in Athens a day early I reached out via What's App to see who was in town, hooked up with 3 guys in a few hours and the adventure began.

Our Leader Brandon who was in contact with us as soon as we began the adventure and continued to check on all the group several times either in person or on line, everyday this man is on top of everything!
He instantly wins everyone over with his amazing energetic, positive, humorous, welcoming, kind, warm, personality he knows his business inside and out nothing stumps him he always comes thru even after hours.
What a beyond excellent representative for Detours Travel
Bravo Brandon!!!!!

The trip every detail looked after amazing transfers, hotels, restaurants, scheduled and extra tours offered ( no hard sell just suggestions you may want to pursue or not )

Any of my friends knows I am a tough demanding customer with high standards.
I can honestly say all were met no complaints whatsoever ever I would go on another Detours adventure for sure maybe only travel this way from now on

Two more things I will share:

1/ I had a little incident with an ATV vehicle no injury to me whatsoever Brandon managed me and was the go between with vendor keeping me informed with calming grace and figuring all out.

2/ before reaching our last destination Brandon shared there was problem with my room but assured me it would be handled as it was; when we reached hotel the management was amazing laid out the options which I agreed to - Amazing Property & Service.

That is it...... having a tough time..... without Detours & Brandon getting thru may days without their guidance

Cheers to you all,

Detours Travel gave me the trip of a lifetime and one of the best weeks of my life in a castle in Italy! I booked this trip for the first time a little less than a year ago based on raving reviews from a friend of mine and Detours lived up to the reviews and then some. Every single detail gets thought through meticulously, leaving me to focus on nothing but relaxing and enjoying the sites. Optional lead tours are available at times, if you choose and each day has the perfect balance of planned activities that you can opt in or out of. I was able to pay for my trip in installments which made financial sense, and any time I had any issue or change needed, a quick email did the trick with no work needed on my end. Travel to and from the destinations are all planned ahead, and trip leaders are knowledgeable, friendly and create an inclusive environment to ensure everyone feels welcome and like friends. The masterminds behind the scenes go out of their way to make sure that this trip is unforgettable, I'm already planning my next one. Thanks Detours!