Travellers who want more from a tour experience than rushing through cultural locations, whirlwind city tours, and non-stop itineraries with no time to indulge your own interests and make new friends, should look to Detours Travel.
Created in 2012, Detours offers small group, 8 to 13 day gay adventure tours to select destinations in Europe, Africa, Asia, Oceania and South America. Created and led by a group of people who all share a passion for travel, it’s laid-back approach to gay group tours comes with less-structured, flexible and fun-filled itineraries that ensure social opportunities, unique experiences and unforgettable adventures.
“One thing that we really like is community and connection,” said Brandon Folkes, the Brand and Marketing Manager for the Canadian-based company. “Our travellers have a shared experience together where they create friendships and community. And, they also get to create connections to the local cultures, the destinations and the people.
“That is something you can expect and cherish on our tours. It is something you can take home with you.”
And, depending on what a traveller is looking for, Detours offers an eclectic mix of destinations and experiences—from outdoor adventures to nature-filled escapes. Here is a look three upcoming Detours Travel tours.
SOUTH AFRICA
This 11-day trip features the best of South Africa. Guests will experience the cosmopolitan cities of Cape Town and Johannesburg, spend time among the vineyards of the country’s award-winning Winelands, and over a few days, explore the 19,485 square kilometre Kruger Park, a national park in South Africa’s northeast region that is one of the world’s most famous places to go on safari.
“When you think Africa, you think animals, of the big animals—the elephants and rhinoceroses and giraffes. Having that opportunity to see those animals in their native environment is incredible. That is the unique nature of that destination,” said Folkes.
Upcoming South Africa tours take place from Oct. 18 to 28, Oct. 30. to Nov. 9, Dec. 23 to Jan. 2, Jan. 21 to 31 and Oct. 17 to 27 (With 2026 trips having one extra day in the Winelands and one less day in Johannesburg).
NEW ZEALAND
Also an 11-day gay excursion, Detours’ trip to New Zealand highlights the adventurous side of this small-but-mighty island nation known for its diverse landscapes. Along with days spent in the major cities of Auckland and Wellington, there is also a tour of the Hobbiton movie set from the Lord of the Rings films in Rotorua, and the option to visit to stunning Milford Sound in the Queenstown region, with plenty of adrenaline filed activities.
There are also opportunities to experience and learn more about the unique culture of New Zealand’s Māori peoples, such as visiting a Māori village in the Rotorua area and at the Museum of New Zealand, Te Papa Tongarewa in Wellingnton. “You get to go into Frodo’s home, and I think that is fascinating to see a bit of our popular culture in the unique landscape of New Zealand,” said Folkes, referring to the popular character from the films. “Mix that in with the fun activities or zorbing—rolling down a hill in a giant ball—paragliding and bungee jumping, you get a bit of adrenaline along with the more humbling cultural experience.”
Upcoming New Zealand tours are taking place Nov. 27 to Dec. 7, Feb. 9 to 19, Feb. 16 to 26 and Mar 11 to 21.
COSTA RICA
One of the most gay-friendly countries in Central America, Costa Rica is perfect for those who want to leave their stress at home and enjoy 11-days of rest and relaxation. The experience includes time spent in the capital city of San Jose, a guided walk through Manuel Antonio National Park, time spent in the gay beach area of Costa Rica, and a stay under the famous Arenal volcano to enjoy some of the local waterfalls and hot springs. “One thing that I really love about Costa Rica is its people. They are very laid back, very friendly, there is this idea of pura vida—pure life— where you want to live life to its fullest in every aspect,” said Folkes. “It is also the most biodiverse countries in the world with all these nature and outdoor experiences, like horseback riding, snorkelling, ATV riding. Just being in the jungle and seeing all the various plants, monkeys and sloths, you get a good connection with nature in Costa Rica that you might to experience in the U.S. or Canada. That is very special.”
Costa Rica tours are taking place Dec. 23 – Jan 2, Jan. 23 to Feb. 2 and Feb. 4 to 14.
Folkes said Detours always tries to keep its tours limited to about 16 people because it allows guests to really get to know each other and build connections—ensuring that sense of community can thrive. It is also small enough that the trip leader, who are there to ensure your trip is everything you’re looking for and know the destinations inside and out, can give each participant a proper amount of attention.
“Because of the various natures of these tours, we get different types of people who want to have those unique experiences,” said Folkes. “But what I always find is that we have a very unified vibe when it comes to the type of people that travel with us. An open-minded vibe, a taste for adventure, and plenty of chances to connect—it’s the kind of energy our trips attract.”
To learn more about what sets Detours apart, details on the different destinations it offers, or for more information on the upcoming tours of South Africa, New Zealand and Costa Rica, visit detourstravel.com.
