Detours Gay Travel Blog
What’s New With Detours Travel in 2026
- Oct 16, 2025
At Detours, Travel Has Never Just Been About the Destinations
Our travelers agree that what makes a Detours trip special isn’t just where we go, but how we go. Our signature travel concept means we skip the cookie-cutter itineraries, plan only the essentials, and fill in the rest as we go. That means you choose what you want to do, when you want to do it, with plenty of fellow travelers always ready to join in.
But it’s the camaraderie that turns a great trip into something unforgettable. Whether it’s laughing over dinner in a local spot you’d never find on Google, fueling your adrenaline by stepping outside your comfort zone, or taking in a stunning sunset together, it’s the Detours family that makes every journey memorable. More than half of our guests return for another adventure, not just for the destinations but to reconnect with friends from past trips and welcome new ones into the mix. That sense of loyalty and connection is what keeps both our travelers and our team coming back for more.
We’ve always believed the best way to experience a destination is through the people who call it home. That’s why we forge lasting partnerships with local guides, hosts, and communities who help make every Detours trip special. We’re proud to return to our favorite destinations year after year, strengthening those connections and deepening the experiences we share. At the same time, we’re always handpicking new destinations to keep pace with our travelers’ ever-growing sense of wanderlust.
That same commitment to connection with our travelers and our local partners is what’s driving our next chapter. As we look ahead to 2026, we’re adding even more adventure to the mix with brand-new destinations, refreshed itineraries, and a few surprise twists that reflect everything you love about traveling with Detours. And with our 15th anniversary just around the corner in 2027, we’re already planning something extra special to celebrate how far we’ve come and all the places we still want to go together.
🐢 Ecuador and the Galápagos: Two Dream Debuts
Our newest adventures made a splash the moment they dropped. Both of our new 8-day Ecuador and Galápagos itineraries filled faster than any trip in recent memory. It’s easy to see why. Together, they showcase the very best of Ecuador, known as the “Land of Four Worlds” for its unmatched diversity packed into one small, spectacular country.
For travelers who love to sleep on solid ground, our 8 Days in Ecuador and Galápagos by Land itinerary blends the cultural richness of Quito with time on the islands, where fearless wildlife and pristine landscapes create a living laboratory of evolution. Think sea lions napping on white sand beaches, blue-footed boobies dancing along the shore, and giant tortoises lumbering through the highlands.
For those craving a different adventure, the 8 Days in Ecuador Galápagos by Land & Sea itinerary takes things onto the water. After discovering Quito’s Andean vibrancy and standing at the Equator in Mitad del Mundo, guests fly to Baltra Island then board a private yacht for an all-inclusive Galápagos cruise. With gourmet meals, open decks, and sunrise views that change daily, it’s a perfect blend of comfort, exploration, and connection. Snorkel beside sea turtles, float past penguins, and wake each morning to a new island waiting to explore.
Both itineraries capture what Detours travelers love most: a mix of freedom, friendship, and authentic adventure in one of the most remarkable places on Earth. A few limited spaces remain for 2026, but we’re already planning additional departures for 2027.
☀️ New Pairings: Spain and Portugal, Spain and Morocco
Our 12 Days in Spain and 11 Days in Portugal and Morocco itineraries have been Detours travelers’ favorites since 2016 and 2021 respectively. Each one offers its own rhythm, flavor, and charm, and now, for the first time, we’re pairing them together to form two incredible new combinations that bring even more depth and discovery to these regions.
The 10 Days in Portugal and Spain itinerary dives into the vibrant heart of Iberia. You’ll wander Lisbon’s colorful streets, take in the artistry of Barcelona, and explore Seville’s sunny plazas. Along the way, you might e-bike along the Tagus River, unwind in a traditional hammam, or join a paella cooking class. With guided tours of Madrid’s Royal Palace and the Sagrada Família, plus plenty of free time to relax over wine with new friends, this trip blends culture, food, and fun at an easygoing pace.
The 11 Days in Spain and Morocco itinerary links two worlds in one unforgettable journey. From Barcelona’s modernist landmarks to Seville’s flamenco rhythm and Granada’s Moorish grandeur, each stop feels rich with history and life. Crossing into Morocco, you’ll trade tapas for tagines and find yourself wandering Marrakech’s lively souks before watching the sunset from a rooftop terrace. It’s a journey that balances guided exploration with time to make your own discoveries, all while connecting with local communities along the way.
Whether you’re drawn to Iberia’s coastal charm or North Africa’s vibrant energy, these new itineraries bring a fresh twist to two regions we’ve always loved returning to. On both trips, we travel in small groups, choose boutique hotels, and support the local economy as much as possible.
🐪 Extend Your Adventure: The Moroccan Sahara
For those who can’t get enough of Morocco, journey beyond Marrakech into the vast beauty of the Sahara Desert. This four-day Sahara Extension is available after both the 11 Days in Spain and Morocco and 11 Days in Portugal and Morocco Trips. It includes two nights in a luxury desert camp, 1 night in a Ksar, sunset camel rides, and live music under starlit skies. On the way back, you will visit the UNESCO-listed Aït Benhaddou, which also served as the set for The Gladiator and Game of Thrones. It’s the perfect way to experience even more of Morocco’s magic before or after your Detours trip.
🎻 Central Europe: A Fresh Start in Vienna
Our beloved 10 Days in Central Europe itinerary is getting a small but exciting update for 2026. We’re trading Budapest for Vienna, giving this journey through Central Europe an even grander beginning. Everything else you love about this trip remains the same: the blend of history, culture, and inclusive nightlife that makes it one of our most popular European adventures.
The trip now kicks off in Vienna, a city of imperial architecture, elegant cafés, and a musical legacy that still hums through its streets. From the beauty of the Hofburg Palace and the energy of the Naschmarkt to the vibrant LGBTQ+ scene that lights up after dark, Vienna offers an unforgettable mix of sophistication and warmth.
From there, we continue on to Prague, where Gothic spires and cobblestone alleys create a storybook atmosphere perfect for exploring castles, cathedrals, and local beer gardens. The journey wraps up in Berlin, where art, history, and celebration collide in one of Europe’s most inclusive and expressive capitals.
This is still the same city-focused, culture-rich itinerary travelers have loved for years, now with Vienna adding a touch of timeless charm to start things off right.
🌍 Looking Ahead to 2027
As we look ahead to 2026, it’s clear this year will be one to remember. From the wild beauty of the Galápagos to the cultural contrasts of Spain, Portugal, and Morocco, and the timeless cities of Central Europe, our adventures are evolving in ways that stay true to what Detours does best: authentic travel experiences shared with incredible people.
After 13 years of exploring the world together, we’re confident that we offer the best value in gay travel. As we prepare to celebrate our 14th year, we’re already making big plans for our 15th — a milestone that deserves something truly special. Expect new destinations, unforgettable experiences, and a few surprises that capture the spirit of what Detours has always been about: travel, friendship, and plenty of fun along the way.
Stay tuned. The next chapter of Detours is already in motion, and we can’t wait to share it with you.
✈️ See What’s Ahead
Our full 2026 trip calendar is now available. Explore departure dates, itineraries, and the next adventure calling your name.