Meet Our Team: Daniel!

It’s wonderful to meet you all! I’m Daniel Naughton – an American from San Francisco – and I’m beyond excited to be stepping into the role of owner at Detours. Before I even met Miles, it was clear to me that he had created something special with the Detours community and that the Detours team was incredibly good at what they do. After all, those hundreds of glowing reviews didn’t write themselves. I’m here because I believe in Detours’ mission and I want to carry it forward while adding my own energy and perspective.

I bought Detours because travel has played a steady, formative role in my life. My first introduction to group travel was at the age of 10 in 1995, when my father began managing Colgate University’s off-campus studies program in Dijon, France. I saw firsthand how spending time in a new place can broaden people’s perspectives and how important a guide can be in introducing folks to a new place. Students would arrive unsure of what to expect – only that they liked wine and croissants – but would leave more confident and engaged with the world. Even at that age, I understood that travel has a way of reshaping how people connect with each other. That early exposure stayed with me and shaped how I view the value of exploring beyond your own environment, ultimately leading me to live in Japan for two years after graduating from college.

My experience as a gay man is another major reason I felt drawn to Detours. I’ve been out since 2003, before it felt common or easy, and I know how important it is to be in spaces where you can be your whole self without hesitation. Even today, in much of the world, gay travelers often have to think about safety and acceptance in ways others do not. A company like Detours gives people the freedom to explore the world while feeling supported, understood, and safe.

If you have any questions, feedback, or just want to say hi, please feel free to email me at daniel@detourstravel.com.  I can't wait to meet you all.