detour black travel

Gay Tours and Travel

Detours is a laid-back, no-strings-attached approach to gay group travel that feels more like exploring the world with old friends than anything else. Our less-restricting itineraries mean spontaneous, fun-filled opportunities to capture the best of what every spot along the way has to offer.

Why Detours

Smaller group sizes, maximum 16 people - keeps things intimate and low impact, guaranteed departures, over 60 trips each year - and they're all guaranteed departures, structured spontaneity, flexible itineraries leave plenty of room for unique experiences.

12 Days in Peru

Starting at $3,860 usd.

8 Days in Peru

Starting at $3,490 usd.

12 Days in Spain

Starting at $3,660 usd.

10 Days in Europe

Starting at $3,540 usd.

11 Days in New Zealand

Starting at $3,830 usd.

10 Days in Egypt

Starting at $4,170 usd.

11 Days in Costa Rica

Starting at $3,870 usd.

11 days in South Africa

Starting at $4,080 usd.

11 Days in Scandinavia

Starting at $3,970 usd.

11 Days in Greece

Starting at $3,840 usd.

11 Days in Portugal & Morocco

Starting at $4,190 usd.

8 Days in Italy

Starting at $3,320 usd.

10 Days in Japan

Starting at $4,130 usd.

10 Days in Australia

Starting at $4,240 usd.

13 Days in Thailand & Cambodia

Starting at $3,890 usd, john d - australia, august 7, 2023.

As a solo traveller I was a little worried about going on a group trip.  I saw all the other positive reviews and booked. Well there is a reason why the reviews are all 5 stars, I had the most amazing trip to Greece. I felt so relaxed right from the start after meeting all the other guys and our tour guide Oliver. The next 12 days was like having a holiday with all your friends and as a group we got to see and do so many fabulous things together. Oliver was our guide and how lucky were we to have him. He just did everything for us from booking taxis, restaurants, tours and putting information into our group chat so we always new exactly what was happening. He would even put a link in there to find our way back to our hotel after a couple to many drinks which was needed a few times. Detours is 5 star from the moment you make contact with them and continue even after your tour is finished. I just recommend them so much if you are looking to have that trip of a lifetime that you will never forget. I can’t wait for my next adventure with them.

Efren E. - USA

March 11, 2024.

As we wrap up our trip to Egypt, I thank Detours for a second amazing trip, having gone to South Africa last year. Once again, the tour was well-organized from beginning to end. Maurice was fully available in the months leading up to the trip. Once on the ground, Darren was my tour leader for a second year in a row. He is an enthusiastic, organized, kind and true leader. He created a fun and friendly atmosphere while also providing daily guidance and updates on when and where to eat, what to bring, what to wear and great tips based on previous trips. He is always willing to help or trouble-shoot on any questions. He really looks out for his guests. Hend was our local Egyptian content expert and educator and provided tremendous insights on all our sites and Egyptian history. She is a lovely person who was also instrumental in helping the group seamlessly navigate every city we visited, providing best recommendations on where and what to eat, how much to tip, and much more. She is open to sharing what life is like in Egypt and providing insights on topics including Islam. We kept thinking: I would not have wanted to wing this trip on my own. We felt extremely welcome and safe on this trip. The actual experiences and sites are breath-taking. Loved everything about this trip. I would go as far as to say that it was the best trip of my entire life.

Patrick N. - USA

February 15, 2024.

Tim and I had an amazing time on our Detours trip to Costa Rica. This was our first time on an all-male trip, so we did not know what to expect. We have already registered for our second trip with Detours, so you know where this review is going. Everything leading up to the trip was handled with professionalism and ease by Detours. That same vibe continued once the trip started. Brandon, our trip leader, was high-energy, fun, kind, inclusive, organized, connected, and on top of his game. He did not miss a beat, all details were attended to, and he made the trip enjoyable for all. Clay was equally kind and fun, and we look forward to one of his guided trips in the future. Costa Rica is a beautiful country. We loved the variety of our locations (the beach, the mountains, the hot springs / Volcano). A little bit of everything was perfect. We participated in so many unforgettable activities (ziplining, Tarzan swing, ATV, white-water rafting, canyoneering, sunset cruises, beaches, waterfalls, pool parties, park tours, . . . ) that filled our days and brought us even closer to the group of guys we traveled with. The beauty is you get to choose your own adventure. Do it all, or do nothing, no pressure. If that is not enough, you get to experience it all with a diverse group of men from across the globe. The friendships and connections we made were easy even for introverts and heightened our positive experiences. We hope to continue these friendships in our future travels. If you are on the fence, get off. A Detours experience is worth it. Enjoy your trip!

T.J. M. - USA

January 29, 2023.

It’s hard to find almost any business that “gets you” these days. Travel has changed so much in the past few years so it’s a big investment of time, money and expectation when you book a trip. I’ve just completed my 5th tour with Detours and I can’t say enough great things about them. This is a business built from the ground up with a passion for fun, adventure, comfort and value foremost in mind. All the tour leaders with Detours are reflections of the qualities the owner envisions. They’re all about YOU! They know what they’re doing and have never let me down or fallen short of providing an unforgettable experience. If you haven’t yet, book a tour with them and be ready to be amazed at what they do.

Stephen A. - USA

May 8, 2024.

I just got home from 12 days in Spain with Brandon (and Clay in training)... this trip was nothing short of amazing. It was my first time to all of the locations on the trip. In real life, I like to be in control of everything... but on this trip, I handed it over to the most unflappable, kind, energetic, creative and outstanding team leader (Brandon) that anyone could wish for. There was not a T uncrossed or an I undotted... in the trip descriptions, it appears that you may have to figure out more than you actually do... if you want a trip where you can leave your brain at home, you can have it... if you want a lot of free time, you can do that too. You always have dinner companions, like minded excursion buddies and photographers if you want them. For purposes of anyone who might think they are too young or old, our age group ranged from 30 to early 60's (I am closer to the older side of that group lol), but it did not make a difference! I would say the trip gave me an opportunity to grow, reflect, energize and enjoy. It was truly one of those trips that make you feel even better about life when it was done. I truly cannot thank Brandon enough for his leadership... Clay for his partnership... and the many friends I made on this trip (you know who your are!)... I haven't laughed as much as I did in this trip in a long time... stop pondering whether you should book it, just do it... you will not regret it!

Rick W. - USA

June 2, 2023.

Choosing Detours Travel was the best decision I have very made seriously, without a doubt the best vacation I have ever had!!!!! I have never traveled with a group of 16 Gay Men of various backgrounds, interests; to be very honest this was an "out of the box" moment for me which caused much anxiety going in. From the moment I arrived in Athens a day early I reached out via What's App to see who was in town, hooked up with 3 guys in a few hours and the adventure began. Our Leader Brandon who was in contact with us as soon as we began the adventure and continued to check on all the group several times either in person or on line, everyday this man is on top of everything! He instantly wins everyone over with his amazing energetic, positive, humorous, welcoming, kind, warm, personality he knows his business inside and out nothing stumps him he always comes thru even after hours. What a beyond excellent representative for Detours Travel Bravo Brandon!!!!! The trip every detail looked after amazing transfers, hotels, restaurants, scheduled and extra tours offered ( no hard sell just suggestions you may want to pursue or not ) Any of my friends knows I am a tough demanding customer with high standards. I can honestly say all were met no complaints whatsoever ever I would go on another Detours adventure for sure maybe only travel this way from now on Two more things I will share: 1/ I had a little incident with an ATV vehicle no injury to me whatsoever Brandon managed me and was the go between with vendor keeping me informed with calming grace and figuring all out. 2/ before reaching our last destination Brandon shared there was problem with my room but assured me it would be handled as it was; when we reached hotel the management was amazing laid out the options which I agreed to - Amazing Property & Service. That is it...... having a tough time..... without Detours & Brandon getting thru may days without their guidance Cheers to you all,

Shane W. - USA

March 3, 2023.

I completed my first Detours trip to South Africa and I'm still in amazement of the experience. South Africa is amazing and so is Detours. Anytime we had a question, Miles or his team was quick to answer and assist in anyway they could. Our trip leader Darren was a complete joy who took the time getting to know each of us and helping us bond. This is the first time I've connected with my tour group and want to stay in touch with them. Several of us are planning future trips together. If you want an amazing experience and do something more than just seeing the sights, do a Detours tour. I'm so excited I took the chance and now part of the Detours family. Detours builds community on their trips so it feels like a bunch of friends decided to go on holiday together.

Paul B. - USA

September 26, 2023.

I rarely write reviews but I simply had to write one for Detours after returning from their Italy trip. Honestly, the way I found Detours is that I searched for “Gay tour Italy”. And while there were a number of tour groups offering trips to Italy, Detours had a trip that was closest to the dates I wanted to travel. So I booked the trip and hoped for the best! But I didn’t need to worry, and you won’t need to worry either if you book with them. My trip leaders ended up being Miles & Ollie and they were both knowledgeable, professional, helpful, friendly, entertaining, and adorable. They thought of every detail and even included some surprises along the way. I met some great people and made memories that will last a lifetime. I was genuinely sad when it was over. This trip actually meant a lot to me and thanks to Detours, it was everything I had hoped for and more. I can’t imagine booking with anyone else in the future. Now I just need to decide where to go next!

Sonny C. - USA

March 21, 2024.

The 12-day tour of New Zealand was an absolute adventure from start to finish! Exploring Auckland, Rotorua, Wellington, and Queenstown provided a diverse and captivating experience that left us in awe of this beautiful country. Highlights included ascending the Sky Tower in Auckland, where the panoramic views took our breath away. The wine tour on Waiheke Island introduced us to some of the finest local wines in a picturesque setting. Hobbiton was a dream come true for any Lord of the Rings fan, with its charming hobbit holes and lush landscapes. The thrill of Zorbing in Rotorua was unlike anything we've ever experienced, adding an exciting twist to our journey. And who could forget the majestic beauty of Milford Sound? Flying back from Milford Sound to Queenstown on a Cessna plane was an unforgettable highlight, offering unparalleled views of the stunning fjords and rugged landscapes below. Throughout the trip, our tour leader, Chase, went above and beyond to ensure everything ran smoothly. From organizing activities to providing insightful suggestions, Chase's expertise and enthusiasm enhanced our experience tremendously. In conclusion, the journey through New Zealand was nothing short of extraordinary. From its vibrant cities to its breathtaking natural wonders, this tour showcased the best that this remarkable country has to offer. We returned home with memories that will last a lifetime and a deep appreciation for the beauty of New Zealand. Highly recommended for any adventure seeker!

Brian K. - USA

June 27, 2023.

We are so grateful that we found Detours online when looking for travel options. We recently took a tour through Italy and it felt like first class all the way but for a very reasonable price. Everyone from the initial communication with Maurice in the office who handled our bookings and questions to our interactions with our tour leaders Scott and Miles was top notch. They even helped arrange a last minute cooking class for us which was above and beyond. We look forward to a future trip with Detours as it was not only the best service ever but felt like it was with family the whole time.

Only the best people to make your trip amazing.

Miles Mitchinson

My job isn't done until my group members are having the time of their lives and return home raving...

Shane Bingham

General Manager

Every day I’m grateful for being able to experience new adventures in this exciting and inspiring world we live in...

• Brandon Folkes

Brand & Marketing Manager, Leader Development & Trip Leader

I want to ensure you get that same feeling of thrill and excitement that I get when I travel.

Maurice Van Veen Vazquez

Guest Experience Manager

My outlook on life changed tremendously through immersing myself into cultures and vast scenery...

Clayton Inglis

Operations Manager, Trip Leader

To be able to share the world I've come to know and love with my fellow LGBTQ+ community members is a dream come true.

Trip Leader

Those who know me best will attest that I revel in unconventional exploration...

Casey Miller

When not traveling and leading tours, I managed to (barely) graduate from Harvard with two masters degrees...

Darren Frances

I’m passionate about learning the stories and histories that make up the identity of every new destination I visit...

Oliver Armstrong

My ultimate goal is to inspire others to explore the world with an open mind, curiosity, and making a positive impact.

Thaddeus Eng

I hope whatever Cliff's Notes I accrue on my way will help you on yours!

Chase Bovet

I can't wait to see you out there and look forward to sharing the trip of a lifetime with you.

A Detours Guide to Our 'Must Try' Trip Activities: Part 2

• Oct 12, 2023

A Detours trip wouldn't be complete without a little adventure... And our groups LOVE adventure. While we all like a little poolside relaxation or spa moment, it just feels good to do something a little mo…

A Detours Guide to Our ‘Must Try’ Trip Activities: Part 1

• Aug 25, 2023

When it comes to travelling around the world one thing is for sure, there is so much to do on this beautiful blue planet that we call home. Even though we are always fans of sitting on a beach sipping a c…

It's our 11th Birthday! Let's celebrate.

• Jul 25, 2023

Wow, another year has gone by with another year of new adventures and memories made. A lot has happened in the last 12 months here at Detours – We launched 2 new permanent trip destinations (Italy and Sc…

Travel Egypt: A Guide to the Many Reasons Egypt Should Be Your Next Destination

• Jan 19, 2023

Egypt sits as one of the the oldest cradles of human civilization, with a vast number of relics, tombs, and archeological sites that showcase the sheer magnitude that ancient Egypt once was. Not only that, but…

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Missouri School of Journalism

University of missouri, detour, ron stodghill’s black travel magazine, expands reach while offering unique opportunities for students at missouri school of journalism.

Detour student contributors in the RJI studio with founder Ron Stodghill. Back row, from left: Kristin Kuchno, Rylee Fels, Lucy Caile, Taylor Schmitt. Front row, from left: Olivia Gyapong, Brooke Muckerman, Ron Stodghill, Cela Migan

By Austin Fitzgerald

COLUMBIA, Mo. (March 4, 2024) — DETOUR, a digital magazine and multimedia brand focused on Black travel, has grown steadily since its June 2022 launch, and with a slate of new projects on the way, momentum is only growing for the pioneering publication at the Missouri School of Journalism.

DETOUR was developed at the School with the help of a team of student correspondents . The students worked with the magazine’s founder and Meredith Chair in Service Journalism, Ron Stodghill, and his network of industry contacts to create content and establish a voice on social media.

Since then, a distribution partnership with McClatchy has seen DETOUR content published in major outlets like the Miami Herald, the Kansas City Star, the Charlotte Observer and the Fort Worth Star-Telegram, among many others. “ Lost in Buckeye ,” a series about a father’s search for his missing son in Buckeye, Arizona, reminded readers that “ sundown towns ” are not just a thing of the past and featured collaborative, multimedia reporting from journalism students.

And now, DETOUR is expanding further into a brand that will encompass a variety of content partners, with plans to partner with and help grow a national luxury lifestyle magazine and a women-led, minority-owned marketing agency. These and other collaborations will complement DETOUR’s existing content from contributors and affinity marketing partnerships, such as with Travel + Leisure Co., the world’s leading membership and leisure travel company.

“Building a successful travel website continues to take us down some surprising roads and introduce us to business models that I would never have imagined,” said Stodghill, an acclaimed, veteran journalist for the New York Times and other publications. “And every day, McClatchy has taught us something new about how to be competitive, and thekind of storytelling that best resonates with audiences.”

One of those new roads is the DETOUR Travel Club , a membership program that will allow readers to save on travel accommodations when it launches soon.

But storytelling is at the root of DETOUR’s mission, so perhaps it is no coincidence that the next big reporting project is called “Rooted,” about an initiative in St. Louis to fight the displacement impacts of gentrification. Nonprofit organization Invest STL is giving 50 Black families $20,000 each to help them build wealth in a three-year process that is part of a larger, multi-decade plan to help Black families stay in the city.

As with “Lost in Buckeye,” DETOUR has enlisted the help of students for “Rooted,” though in a different way.

Working from audio recordings of interviews conducted by Alicia Haywood, an award-winning producer and visiting assistant professor at the School of Journalism, students at KBIA-FM — the Missouri News Network’s NPR member station — are creating a radio series chronicling the St. Louis initiative.

“We’re capturing a moment of trying to reinvest in Black wealth, and we’re trying to understand how people are making meaning out of this 20-year-long project that is just beginning,” said Katelynn McIlwain, BJ ’22, MA ’23, audio managing editor at KBIA.

Five students from a variety of backgrounds and experience levels are working to identify themes in the interviews that they can build episodes around, while students in Stodghill’s capstone course are working on text and video content for DETOUR’s website.

Stodghill and McIlwain hope this is the start of a long-term collaboration between DETOUR and KBIA, and not only for ongoing coverage of “Rooted.”

“The Black experience is obviously something that a lot of newsrooms want to cover, but maybe not every outlet has the resources to dedicate a team just to that,” McIlwain said. “DETOUR has that focus, so it’s a great opportunity for KBIA to have some dedicated coverage to the Black experience.”

Indeed, the outlets share an interest in using “Rooted” as a jumping-off point to explore other stories surrounding gentrification and Black wealth. For example, Stodghill wants to bring attention to the work of Maxine Clark, the founder of Build-a-Bear Workshop. Since retiring in 2013, she has been active in attempting to narrow the “ Delmar Divide ” that has historically segregated people in St. Louis by race and class.

“I want St. Louis to become a teaching laboratory for students,” Stodghill said. “There are some great, untold stories about people and places shaped by people of color, and we can give them a voice and a platform.”

Of course, large-scale reporting projects aren’t the only instances of student involvement in the publication. Campbell Hamai, an associate producer at DETOUR, earned her bachelor’s degree from the School of Journalism in 2023 and is now a graduate student in the College of Arts and Science. She first met Stodghill in his undergraduate magazine publishing course, and Stodghill, impressed by her work, told her she would have a job upon graduation if she wanted it.

Both as a student and as an employee, Hamai has been struck by Stodghill’s grounded leadership style.

“I’m so used to higher ups emphasizing that there is a power difference, but Ron encourages a relationship where we talk to each other on equal standing,” Hamai said. “He encourages me to say what I’m thinking, even if it contradicts him.”

That culture of support for all voices has also become a positive influence on Hamai’s work.

“I’ve become more aware that, as an editor, I don’t need to be present in a piece,” she said. “Rather than controlling a piece or controlling the author’s voice, I am now very focused on helping authors get their voices out there.”

These sentiments were echoed by Roshae Hemmings, BJ ’22, who started writing for DETOUR as a student in Stodghill’s capstone course before becoming an associate producer for the publication after graduation. But Hemmings added that DETOUR doesn’t just highlight individual voices: by focusing on experiences and opportunities in Black travel, the publication contributes to a broader, more collective sense of understanding about what it means —and what it doesn’t mean — to travel as a Black person.

“We’re trying to show that Black people are avid in this space,” Hemmings said. “There are people who maybe think that Black folks don’t travel to certain places, or maybe there are even Black folks who don’t consider traveling to those places because they haven’t seen other Black people go there. We’re not making a big fuss about it — we’re just showing you that Black people exist in these spaces and have always existed in these spaces.”

Hamai and Hemmings have become key players onStodghill’s team, and their presence is no accident — Stodghill prefers to hand-pick students who can handle a high degree of responsibility and creative freedom.

“DETOUR is a real startup kind of opportunity, and a certain kind of student enjoys that challenge and is ready for that,” Stodghill said. “Roshae and Campbell could not be more different, but I love their drive and theirpartnership.”

In particular, Stodghill is fond of the diverse makeup of his team: Hamai, a woman who is ¾ white and ¼ Japanese from Washington, Missouri; Hemmings, a Black woman born in Kingston, Jamaica, and raised in St. Louis; and Stodghill himself, a Black man from Detroit. Combined with an equally varied constellation of contributors and industry connections, he sees the mix of backgrounds and perspectives as vital for representing DETOUR’s increasingly multicultural audience.

“We’ve had pretty much a rainbow of people working for us since we started,” Stodghill said. “It’s given us some of the healthiest dialogues you can have around race. It’s always thoughtful, and that’s partlybecause of the School of Journalism and the quality of students we have here. If we’re telling good stories, wecan get anyone to show up at the door.”

Updated: March 6, 2024

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