Meet Our Trip Leaders: Dusty!

After my first year of university, I went on my first backpacking trip to Australia that would change my life forever. Each day was an adventure consisting of beautiful places, new experiences and new friends. I even extended my original trip by a month to explore New Zealand with some of the awesome people I met! That's when I learned no matter where you are, it's the people you surround yourself with that makes travelling worth the adventure. That trip ignited a fire within me to pursue even more adventures abroad; ultimately inspiring me to visit 30+ countries and dedicating over 7 years to providing unforgettable global adventures for others.

While completing my Business Degree at the University of Calgary, I spent a semester abroad in Australia, followed by a trip to SE Asia, where I experienced the magic of group travel. Combining my passions for exploring new places and meeting new people, I would go on to lead tours in Thailand and Indonesia for three amazing years. Eventually, I shifted into a more administrative travel role for several more years to follow. Bringing forth my experience of facilitating trips both in and out of the field, I am beyond excited to be on the Detours Team to lead incredible people throughout incredible destinations!

When I reflect on my time spent as a world traveller, it’s the people that I was able to share those experiences with that stand out most in my memory. Beyond the diverse cultures, breathtaking landscapes, and awe-inspiring monuments, I’ve met some of my closest friends while travelling. As a leader, creating genuine human connections is what I strive for, and it's what makes every day special for me. I’ve found that people are free to be their most authentic selves while travelling, and I can personally attest that my own travel experiences have made me a lot more comfortable with myself and have inspired me to live a much more open, uninhibited, and all-round fuller life.

If we are fortunate enough to travel together, I can’t wait for the incredible adventures and experiences we’ll share!