If you like to travel to amazing places, make new friends, and have the time of your life, I highly recommend Detours travel. We recently completed a nearly two week tour of Greece and had a blast traveling to several islands and Athens. Our tour guide, Miles, who is also the company owner, was a joy to be with and made the vacation carefree and fun. Our group bonded from the start, and before the end, we felt like family. It was sad to see it come to an end. We really feel we got our money’s worth and look forward to another Detours vacation in the future.

Just got back from an amazing trip to Spain with Detours. I would recommend them wholeheartedly. They're highly responsive - including answering a slightly panicked email from me within 15 minutes at 9:00 on a Monday night. The trip itself was amazing. Dan was our tour leader and I couldn't have asked for a more knowledgeable, fun, and helpful person to lead us. I had some reservations about the open tour format - it felt like there would be a lot of open time for us to figure out on our own, but the reality is, they'll keep you going on as big or small itinerary as you want. And if you want to do everything, there's always good folks on the tour to join you. The group bonded straight away and we had a blast together. I don't mind saying there were a few tears shed at the end of the trip. Such a wonderful experience. I hope to take another Detours trip again in the near future.

First, my short version: I just completed my fourth trip with Detours and once again, it exceeded my very high expectations. It was a wonderfully organized trip with beautiful scenery, great hikes, and fascinating experiences. Miles runs a highly professional organization. From his nearly instantaneous responses to emails, preemptive information, and attention to detail; his consideration for his clients is superb.

PROS: Excellent value! Easy to book the trip online. Great communication. You will never be disappointed with their service and quality of the tours.
CONS: Time flew by too quickly.

Now for my long and detailed version: (be forewarned, I am a writer so I do my best to paint the most accurate picture I can.)
I feel it is only fitting that I begin my review of Detours Gay Adventure Travel with the Cambridge Dictionary definition of a detour. “An occasion when someone does something that is different from what is usual or expected.”

Booking my first tour with Detours and Miles in 2013 was EXACTLY that! While still a young company then, I happened across their website and what I saw struck a chord within my soul. Detours’ (and the owner, Miles Mitchinson’s) goal is to help travelers get to know a destination, appreciate the culture, and do things they may have never imagined. My previous travel preference leaned towards highly structured tours where I knew in advance each day’s timetable, etc.… To say I was making a complete 180 from my usual and comfortable travel planning is an understatement.

After a multitude of emails back and forth with Miles, I decided to not just swerve but rather jump onto the road less traveled and that single decision made all the difference. That initial trip ended up being the holiday of a lifetime – my Thailand adventure was without a doubt my favorite trip. Well, at least up until my next trip with Detours.

Before I get into my most recent adventure in New Zealand, here is something I want to point out. When you sign up for a Detours Trip, you must understand that just by the very nature of the company, you will not be traveling on a “highly structured” or 'luxurious' and “pampering” trip by the usual behemoth tour and travel company standards. I can best describe Detours as a Boutique travel agency. On second thought, “agency” is a must to cold a word; rather, a Boutique Travel Family that provides a personalized, professional, and fun approach to travel for discerning gay travelers.

In my humble opinion, the Detour’s approach offers many advantages, including the ability to travel with like-minded companions for an intimate experience with the local territory. The opportunity to enjoy meals at a communal table or at a family winery. The chance to fully immerse yourself in the local culture and landscape. The discovering of small, locally-owned hotels and operators which ensures that your travel dollars benefit the community you’re visiting. A wide range of daily options from doing nothing but relaxing by the pool to adrenaline-pumping activities to a local cooking class or wine tasting. No matter which itinerary you choose, each one is centered around fun and unique experiences.

As for my latest trip, 12 days in New Zealand, it was a dream come true. Not only did I see sights about which I had dreamed my whole life, but I also got to experience everything close-up and personal.

In planning the trip, both the owner (Miles) and Shane, emailed me clear explanations of the itinerary, answered all of my questions and made revisions, especially to accommodate my ever-changing schedule.

This was an amazing trip! Throughout our travels through New Zealand, we passed llamas, sheep, deer, villagers, glaciers, waterfalls, lakes, gorgeous forests, rolling hills, old farmhouses, Maori (indigenous Polynesian people), and so much more. We even visited Hobbiton Village made famous in the Lord of the Rings and Hobbit movies.

There were so many highlights... our outstanding, kind, patient, amazing leader Shane!! What an absolute saint. He was so organized, insightful, and always attentive to the group. He had us laughing always. The other travelers from all over the world (who I must say did a great job of putting up with my send of humor throughout the trip). The amazing people (Kiwi’s) of New Zealand who are so generous with their history and culture. While there were a couple times the hiking was challenging but the views made it totally worth the effort. The Milford Sound area was rugged and open with varied terrain and breathtaking views for as far as the eye could see.

Honestly, the only way this trip could have been better was if I was being trained by Shane to become a new Trip Leader! All in all, this trip was a MUST DO. I’m already thinking of my next Detours journey.

Without hesitation, I can say the Road Less Traveled is life-changing.

Without question, the Costa Rica tour was one of the most fun trips I’ve had with any gay tour group….and I've been on a lot! The entire Detours team was awesome, but our trip leader Dan, was particularly outstanding. He was knowledgeable and helpful with all details in every possible way. And he made the trip super-fun! I can’t wait to go on another Detours trip. If you go on the Costa Rica tour, be sure to do the rafting adventure. It was the highlight of the trip. There was a diverse group of guys from all over the Americas on my trip and I think I can safely say we all had a blast!

Very simply, the trip with Detours was extraordinary! The itinerary that Miles and Brandon designed exceeded any ability to conduct all these activities on one’s own. Their extensive knowledge of Israel and Jordan surpassed my expectations. Their many personal connections provided opportunities for the group to learn more intimately about the sites visited. The small group size afforded easier ability to navigate between sites allowing us to optimize our time sightseeing. Traveling with Detours will be one of your best decisions. Highly recommend!