detour travel and tours

Detours Travel - Gay Group Travel

Review Highlights

“ Thank you Detours and Miles Mitchinson for the fantastic memories over the last four years. ” in 3 reviews

“ You choose what you want to do, and the tour leader creates a schedule so your interests don't conflict. ” in 4 reviews

“ The itinerary that Miles and Brandon designed exceeded any ability to conduct all these activities on one's own. ” in 5 reviews

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15388 24 Ave

Surrey, BC V4A 2J2

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About the business.

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Business Owner

DETOURS specializes in award-winning gay group trips to the world's most exotic locations in Europe, Latin America, Asia, and more! We value a fun flexible travel style more than structured "tours". …

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Wonderfully run tours for gay men. I took their 12 day tour of Spain which included Barcelona, Granada, Sevilla and Madrid. I enjoyed their helpful yet flexible format so much I'm planning my next tour with them. Unlike other group tours, you're not stuck on a bus and forced into their schedule. You can go with the group to popular locations or you can spend time on your own, or both! It's really the best of both worlds, having a reliable tour leader to take you to see the sites--as well as having all the free time you want to explore on your own. There's a walking tour of each city, and a list of the most popular sites. You choose what you want to do, and the tour leader creates a schedule so your interests don't conflict. You go to big attractions, like Gaudi's Sagrada Familia, as a group because they've arranged for tickets in advance (without which you can't get in). Our group leaders, Dan, was always helpful, organized, kind, cheerful, always calm, and funny. He made sure we got to see what we wanted to see, either as a group or individually. The 14 gay guys on the trip were all good-natured and easy to get along with. As well as having a great format, Detours is also an excellent value as travel gets more expensive. You stay at lovely, centrally located hotels, with a buffet breakfast included to keep you going all day. The group meets for dinner which you can attend or not, as always, it's your choice. Transportation between cities on the tour are also included. It's a low stress, great fun way to discover the world with like-minded people.

Alhambra Granada Spain

My husband and I recently finished an amazing trip through Israel and Jordan with Detours. This part of the world had not really been on our travel radar, but my husband and I decided to book the vacation after talking with people who had previously taken this trip with Detours. We weren't disappointed. Our guide, Darren, was fantastic. He was attentive and knowledgable - he was fun, friendly and knowledgable, while also keeping the group on track. The entire trip was fantastic, but the highlight for us was really exploring Jordan. We enjoyed floating in the Dead Sea, were amazed by Petra, and were truly impressed by the Wadi Rum desert. One of our highlights was going out into the desert at night and enjoying the starlit sky. This was our 7th trip with Detours, and it won't be our last. We love their relaxed approach and the small group concept. This vacation is definitely worth checking out if you want to explore this part of the world without the hassle of planning everything yourself.

The ruins of the Treasury at Petra

Have you ever taken a Tut Tut ride through the busy streets of Bangkok ? Experienced the thrill of a hot air balloon ride at dawn in in Egypt? How about sipping cocktails in an infinity pool at a gay hotel overlooking the ocean in sunny Costa Rica ( while your friends at home are shoveling snow )? Would you like to see elephants and rhinos up close in South Africa ? Those are just some of the many wonderful memories I have from my seven trips with Detours Travel. Sure, I guess you could spend hours and hours planning your own trip and save a few bucks but then you will miss the experience of traveling with like minded gay travelers that will become new pals. Believe me, after a few cocktails you will chat and bond with your new amigos . Discovering more about them and perhaps gaining new insights about yourself. But wait there's more ! Your group will be accompanied by an experienced guide from Detours to handle the details and smooth out the "bumps " in the road that ALWAYS happen when traveling ! ( Suddenly not feeling well in Lisbon ? They can find a doctor. Want a massage in Morocco ? They can arrange that. How about a night out at a gay bar in Barcelona or Sitges, Spain ? Check . Zip-lining in Costa Rica ? No problem . ) Detours Travel offers a true value for gay travelers that want new adventures and a hassle free way to experience world travel. I have been traveling with them since 2016 and have more tours booked for the future . Don't hesitate to book a tour ( many sell out for good reason ) , you will not regret it !

See all photos from Tom C. for Detours Travel - Gay Group Travel

This was a great trip. We've travelled around the world, making our own plans and it was so great to have someone else plan everything! Our trip leader, Oliver, was fantastic! He made everyone feel welcome, paid attention to everyone's needs, got us where we were going, and communicated clearly and constantly. He's also a great deal of fun to hang around with (as more of an introvert I would find his job exhausting!). I was particularly impressed with his ability to set expectations: every activity, restaurant, meal, and bar was exactly "as described", which was really helpful in making decisions about what we would do or not do. I also left my phone on the bus in Santorini, and Oliver was very helpful in getting it back (for which I'm eternally grateful!). Our group was great as well. We were fairly diverse in terms of geography and backgrounds, and the guys were kind, friendly, and no unnecessary drama. Most people were up for anything, and we spent a lot of time together as a group and enjoyed one another's company. The activities overall and the amount of time we spent in each place were well chosen. We arrived early to see more of Athens and get unjetlagged, so we had plenty of time to see the archeological sites that we did not see as a group. Milos was wonderful, Santorini beautiful but too many cruise ships, and Mykonos was fantastic and fun to explore. I sense a great deal of intentionality about what happened at various times both in terms of activities and meals. Whether Oliver was following a script honed over many previous Greece trips, and how much he was doing on his own spontaneously, it "totally worked". All in all, a great trip and a wonderful first experience with Detours. I specifically chose Detours for this trip because of the small group experience, and we actually chose the Greece trip more because it fit into our schedule than for Greece itself. I had no idea how beautiful and enjoyable Greece truly was, and am so glad we made the choice! We're looking forward to our next adventure with Detours.

Can't say enough great things about this tour group. I'm a new solo traveler and was apprehensive about going across the globe alone, but Detours made for an unbelievable experience in Eastern Europe. I was also wary of doing a "tour" as I generally like to explore the sites I like with leisure but again, Detours hit it out the park. Our tour leader, Brandon was simply amazing. He was very kind, patient, and knowledgeable... not to mention, fun! He always set up plans for the day, but all travelers were free to join or explore on their own. This was the nice part about this tour, you are never out of options and can always be with the group, but are never expected to be. For instance, I had already been to Berlin, so most of the days there I explored the city by myself as the rest of the group visited the sites I had already been to. But, the nice part was I was able to meet up with the group at any time, including the great dinners planned, so I never had to eat a meal by myself (which was the most unappealing part of vacationing solo for me). Detours has a great protocol of setting up a walking tour on the first day of visiting a city, which was nice because you got a local guide to provide info and it also allowed you to determine which sites you wanted to visit during the rest of your stay. Plus, the guides we had were fantastic - personable, knowledgeable, and local. The tour leader then make plans to visit the top attractions and you are free to tag along or go somewhere else that's more to your preference. Regardless of what you choose, your leader was always in communication so it was easy to find the group throughout the day. The accommodations we had were fantastic as well. They were more boutique hotels, but very nicely appointed and central to each city. I would say the included breakfast at each one was also great! Finally, I couldn't complete this review without raving about our tour leader, Brandon. He was so nice and patient, always ensuring that each person was happy and taken care of, including when there were unforeseen mishaps. He chose great restaurants and destinations, but was also open to suggestions by others. He's very personable and fun to hang out with... he was right there with me at 3am dancing at the clubs, which was unexpected but awesome! I couldn't be more happy with my first "solo" trip, as well as my first "tour". I'm glad I stumbled upon Detours and am already planning on my next adventure. HIGHLY recommend.

See all photos from Larry S. for Detours Travel - Gay Group Travel

On March 20, 2020 we embarked on a vacation to Costa Rica with Detours Gay Adventure Travel! This trip became a life changing event for all of us. At the very start of the pandemic, we arrived and met 7 wonderful people. This was literally right before knew how crazy Covid-19 would get. From there we all faced daily anxiety related to the Covid-19 virus. And we all made decision to make the best of it as safely as possible. As many of you will recall things were changing in the World minute by minute. Thankfully we booked with Detours and they helped us find solace in the vast Costa Rican jungles, in the breathtaking nature, in the gorgeous beaches, in the waterfalls, the raging rivers, at the coffee plantation, throughout the city, with the people, in the delicious food, peering out at the massive Volcano in La Fortuna , sitting in the hot springs, listening to music, hiking the waterfalls at the Villa, sharing each other's stories and basically creating unforgettable memories that will last a lifetime. Owner Miles and tour guide Brandon took care of us beyond expectation. Try to imagine owner Miles watching one tour after another shut down across the World. He kept calm and continued to be a delightful host the entire trip... Miles and Brandon never missed a beat for our 13 day adventure!!! With each change, Miles and Brandon kept us informed and ensured that our trip carried on, so long as it was still safe to do so. Brandon was so kind, funny and entertaining the entire stay and beyond. He knows how to bring the fun and keep things real! And he's a cutie! My Husband and I highly recommend Detours. If you want something new, exciting and unforgettable then give Detours a shot. We been traveling for years and this is just what we needed to change things up! It is a group tour, so if you don't want to meet new people and broaden your experiences then this may not be right for you. I was a little anxious going into it for that reason. However, I couldn't be happier that I made the decision to try something new!! Thank you to Miles and Brandon!!! Best Tour guides EVER!!! Our whole group will always have a special place in our hearts for this unremarkable experience!! Much Love, Tyson and Spencer -3/2020

See all photos from Tyson B. for Detours Travel - Gay Group Travel

Such a fun time in Tuscany and wonderful tour guides that gave us a fun educational experience. I love the Detours staff and they really do their best to assure we have a pleasant, fun, customized time. I really appreciate all their efforts!

First, my short version: I just completed my fourth trip with Detours and once again, it exceeded my very high expectations. It was a wonderfully organized trip with beautiful scenery, great hikes, and fascinating experiences. Miles runs a highly professional organization. From his nearly instantaneous responses to emails, preemptive information, and attention to detail; his consideration for his clients is superb. PROS: Excellent value! Easy to book the trip online. Great communication. You will never be disappointed with their service and quality of the tours. CONS: Time flew by too quickly. Now for my long and detailed version: (be forewarned, I am a writer so I do my best to paint the most accurate picture I can.) I feel it is only fitting that I begin my review of Detours Gay Adventure Travel with the Cambridge Dictionary definition of a detour. "An occasion when someone does something that is different from what is usual or expected." Booking my first tour with Detours and Miles in 2013 was EXACTLY that! While still a young company then, I happened across their website and what I saw struck a chord within my soul. Detours' (and the owner, Miles Mitchinson's) goal is to help travelers get to know a destination, appreciate the culture, and do things they may have never imagined. My previous travel preference leaned towards highly structured tours where I knew in advance each day's timetable, etc.... To say I was making a complete 180 from my usual and comfortable travel planning is an understatement. After a multitude of emails back and forth with Miles, I decided to not just swerve but rather jump onto the road less traveled and that single decision made all the difference. That initial trip ended up being the holiday of a lifetime - my Thailand adventure was without a doubt my favorite trip. Well, at least up until my next trip with Detours. Before I get into my most recent adventure in New Zealand, here is something I want to point out. When you sign up for a Detours Trip, you must understand that just by the very nature of the company, you will not be traveling on a "highly structured" or 'luxurious' and "pampering" trip by the usual behemoth tour and travel company standards. I can best describe Detours as a Boutique travel agency. On second thought, "agency" is a must to cold a word; rather, a Boutique Travel Family that provides a personalized, professional, and fun approach to travel for discerning gay travelers. In my humble opinion, the Detour's approach offers many advantages, including the ability to travel with like-minded companions for an intimate experience with the local territory. The opportunity to enjoy meals at a communal table or at a family winery. The chance to fully immerse yourself in the local culture and landscape. The discovering of small, locally-owned hotels and operators which ensures that your travel dollars benefit the community you're visiting. A wide range of daily options from doing nothing but relaxing by the pool to adrenaline-pumping activities to a local cooking class or wine tasting. No matter which itinerary you choose, each one is centered around fun and unique experiences. As for my latest trip, 12 days in New Zealand, it was a dream come true. Not only did I see sights about which I had dreamed my whole life, but I also got to experience everything close-up and personal. In planning the trip, both the owner (Miles) and Shane, emailed me clear explanations of the itinerary, answered all of my questions and made revisions, especially to accommodate my ever-changing schedule. This was an amazing trip! Throughout our travels through New Zealand, we passed llamas, sheep, deer, villagers, glaciers, waterfalls, lakes, gorgeous forests, rolling hills, old farmhouses, Maori (indigenous Polynesian people), and so much more. We even visited Hobbiton Village made famous in the Lord of the Rings and Hobbit movies. There were so many highlights... our outstanding, kind, patient, amazing leader Shane!! What an absolute saint. He was so organized, insightful, and always attentive to the group. He had us laughing always. The other travelers from all over the world (who I must say did a great job of putting up with my send of humor throughout the trip). The amazing people (Kiwi's) of New Zealand who are so generous with their history and culture. While there were a couple of times the hiking was challenging but the views made it totally worth the effort. The Milford Sound area was rugged and open with varied terrain and breathtaking views for as far as the eye could see. Honestly, the only way this trip could have been better was if I was being trained by Shane to become a new Trip Leader! All in all, this trip was a MUST DO. I'm already thinking of my next Detours journey. Without hesitation, I can say the Road Less Traveled is life-changing.

We just completed a trip to Greece in September 2021. The trip was amazing and Detours made it very easy. Shane was our trip leader and he left no stone unturned. He was always five steps ahead of the gang. Some people in our group like more of the history stuff and others like the beach. He had multiple itinerary options throughout the day to please all involved. We felt very comfortable traveling to Greece during Covid. Everyone in our group was vaccinated and the authorities checked VAX cards on all the different islands and Athens. Thanks for such a great trip. We are looking forward to the next adventure with Detours

When Detours Travel cancelled the trip due to pandemic, I got nickled and dimed on the refund. Their loss because I am a frequent traveler and will not be traveling with them. I don't know about the quality of their trips.

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12 Days in Peru

From the sprawling sand dunes of Ica, to the traditional stone streets of Ollantaytambo, and from the ancient fortress of Cusco, to the jaw-dropping ruins of Machu Picchu, Peru is a country of incredible contrasts. The country with the “WOW” factor, and a destination on everyone’s must-visit bucket list.  12 days of unforgettable exploring gravity-defying ancient estates, adrenaline-rushing activities, and unique wildlife in every direction.

Our 12-day trip through Peru mixes our laid-back travel concept with Peru’s most unique and memorable sites to form an adventure that you’ll be talking about forever. Whether you’ve always dreamed of soaking up the incredible mountaintop Inca ruins of Machu Picchu, taking a scenic train journey through the Peruvian Andes, or you’re ready to discover off-the-beaten-track sites like the desert oasis of Huacachina and the penguin-filled (yes – penguins!) Ballestas Islands, Peru is ready to blow your mind!  With breathtaking vistas in every direction, incredibly unique local culture, and an unlimited number of exciting activities along the way, Peru is a perfectly enriching destination.

• Accommodations
• What's Included

Most travelers will arrive into Peru's largest airport in Lima on day 1 and meet at our starting and ending point in the community of Miraflores at 4pm to start our adventure.  Our time here in Lima is spent exploring the highlights of the city including the rich history, the famous culinary scene, and the naturally beautiful coastline.  Lima may not be on the list of the world's most wild gay communities, but there is plenty of nightlife and a very welcoming community in Miraflores.

Included Activities: Welcome dinner and drinks

Optional Activities: Walking tour, Larco Museum, Huaca Pucllana ruins, Food tours and experiences, bike tours

On our second day we jet off into the Andes Mountains on a 90-minute flight to Cusco, then down the road into the Sacred Valley to spend two nights in the beautiful town of Yucay. The altitude here is over 2000 feet lower than Cusco so staying in the valley will assist with the feelings of the higher altitude compared to Cusco. Surrounded by history and natural beauty, our two nights here are an opportunity to immerse ourselves in the ancient times of the Incas who ruled over this area hundreds of years ago. The beauty of the area and the surrounding Inca ruins ensure this is an unforgettable stop in Peru. Included during your time here is a full day of exploring the ancient salt flats of Maras, the unique ancient agricultural site of Moray, and the historically significant mountain town of Ollantaytambo, complete with cliff-side ruins!

Included Activities: Maras Salt Flats and Ollntaytambo tour

Optional Activities: Inkatiy Museum

Our fourth day is a day that’s surely been in your mind for many years. We depart from the Sacred Valley in the morning on a 2 hour train journey through the Andes, winding along the Urubamba River. Before long we arrive in the mountain town of Aguas Calientes, names after the hot spring flowing nearby. From Aguas Calientes it’s only another 20 minutes by bus to the unforgettable mountaintop ruins of Machu Picchu. Our first two hours here is spent exploring the ruins with our favorite local Peruvian guide, who was born and raised in the area and an expert on everything Machu Picchu. The rest of our day is spent soaking up the incredible site which was lost to the outside world for many centuries. Instead of rushing off the mountain to catch the train back out of town, we stay the night at the base of the mountain in Aguas Calientes, giving us what seems like Machu Picchu all to ourselves.

Included Activities: Tour of Machu Picchu

Optional Activities: Mandor Waterfall Hike, Local Handcraft Market

On day 5 we leave time for catching the sunrise at Machu Picchu or braving the hike up Wayna Picchu (optional) before jumping on the scenic afternoon train and heading back to Cusco. Our three-night stay in Cusco gives us time to visit many of the area’s ancient sites, taste the unique local food, take part in a hike, join a local cooking class, wander the markets, meet animals at the local wildlife sanctuary, and many more options.  Cusco has its own unique culture that's visible at every turn and exploring its streets is a highlight of any visit to Peru.

It’s true, the city of Cusco is perched high up in the Andean mountain range at an altitude of approximately 11,000ft (3,000m) above sea level. The air up here is clean and surprisingly warm (during the daytime) and the city is a contrast of ancient stone streets and cathedrals scattered among a modern commercial center. Cusco is a destination in itself as well as a jumping off point to the Sacred Valley to the west, the Amazon to the north, and the higher peaks of the Andes and Lake Titicaca to the east.  Although we fly into Cusco from Lima, our three nights here come after our visit to the lower altitudes of the Sacred Valley and Machu Picchu in order to avoid the effects of Cusco’s altitude, so there’s no need to worry about the altitude here.

Optional Activities:  Sacsayhuamán ruins, cooking classes, Via Ferratta & Zipline, Inca Museum, Rainbow Mountain with ATVs, Animal Rescue Center, Pisac Market

Day 8 is our only “long” travel day of the trip, starting in the morning with a 90-minute flight off the mountain, a quick transfer in Lima, and a 3 hour ride down the Pan-American Highway to the pelican-filled seaside town of Paracas. With golden sand dunes as far as the eye can see, islands full of penguins, a palm-treed oasis in the desert, wineries and bodegas galore, and the famous Nazca lines nearby, this is a completely different side of Peru that can’t be missed!

Optional Activities:  Ballestas Island Tour, ATV Adventure, buggy and sandboarding, flight over Nazca lines.

On the afternoon of our 11th day we travel back up the Pan-American highway to Lima where we’ve got one last evening together as a group in our base of Miraflores.  This is our time to have one last feast together and grab some last-minute souvenirs before we all say “adios” and “hasta luego” to each other and Peru!  All travelers are welcome to book their flights departing from Peru at any time on the 12th day.

We don't like staying in smelly shacks on our vacations and we're pretty sure you don't either! You work hard to go on vacation and we believe you deserve an enjoyable, comfortable place to wind down at the end of each day. We put a LOT of time into finding the perfect accommodation for your trip. After rigorous wifi signal testing, fluffing pillows, and taking a shower or two, we've narrowed down our favorite properties. Check out our approved accommodation to see where we've stayed in the past and where we'll likely be staying on your trip.

Located in the heart of Miraflores, Innside Lima's rooms offer city views, free Wi-Fi, flat-screen TVs and minibars, as well as tea and coffeemaking equipment. There's a vibrant restaurant, a rooftop pool and bar, gym facilities and bike rentals.

A grand, circa-1810 estate next to the Urubamba River, this charming hotel in the Sacred Valley is 2 minutes' walk from the Yucay Museo de Cultura Viva. La Casona de Yucay's restaurant uses locally-sourced, farm-grown ingredients for its meals. Features include hardwood floors, a relaxing sauna, beatifully maintained gardens and rooms with lots of character.

Set on a street lined with cafes and restaurants, this woodsy-chic hotel with views of a cloud forest has bright, modern rooms, a relaxed cafe, a sleek bar, and a serene spa.  Perfectly located in the middle of Aguas Calientes town, just minutes from the train station.

Located just 5 minutes away from the Plaza de Armas and just steps away from other main attractions of Cusco, sits the beautiful 17th century house that is Casa Andina. Each room features complimentary high speed wifi, air conditioning, safe deposit box, flatscreen TV, and en suite bathrooms. 

With ocean views and tropical gardens this premium beachside hotel allows you to wake up to the tranquility of the bay. Each room offers a private terrace, flat-screen TVs, room safe, minibars and complementary Wi-Fi. Other amenities include a oceanfront pool, gym and spa. 

*Please note that due to availability, these exact hotels may not all be available during all DETOURS trips. However, we will always replace these with similar hotels, and will never downgrade.

This 12-day trip visits very diverse areas of the country. While the daytime is completely warm enough for shorts and a t-shirt even in the mountains, the evenings cool down to sweater-weather. Temperatures don't change much in Peru where instead of a 4-season climate, they only experience a dry season (April to November) and a wet season (December to March). It's a good idea to bring a couple items of warm clothing for those brisk mountain evenings, although the majority of your time will be nice and warm! Rain is not common in the season we operate in, but light rain gear is a good idea as a precaution.

Peruvians are very proud, friendly people and embody the passion for so many things that Latin people are famous for. Although English is very widely spoken, consider learning a few words of Spanish while you're here, we recommend starting off with “Hola” (hello), “Gracias” (thank you), and of course “Donde esta Machu Picchu?” (where’s Machu Picchu?)

The areas of Peru that we'll be visiting are quite open-minded and most people will be welcoming of homosexuality. That said, Peruvian culture is largely influenced by the Catholic church, and public displays of affection are generally frowned upon. In respect for their local culture we usually suggest keeping your excitement and affection for your partner to more private locations.

Enjoy Peruvian food? It's even better in Peru! The cuisine here has recently been receiving worldwide attention for its incredible flavor and diversity. Beef, chicken, beans, chicharron, and flavorful mixed rice dishes can be found on almost every menu. Detours doesn't believe in limiting your choices by including all of your meals at pre-decided restaurants as part of the trip package. Instead, we include all of your breakfasts to start your day off, then encourage you to explore all of the different restaurant options available to you for lunch and dinner. This way you can eat when you want, where you want, with whomever you want, and spend what you want! Your trip leader definitely has their favorite spots so if you'd like some advice on the best in each location, just check with them.

Our advice is simple. Pack your bag, then take half of those things out and leave them back home. It’s common to hear people wishing they’d packed less stuff, but we’ve never heard anyone complain that they didn’t bring enough. Even if you realize you forget to pack some crucial item you can always pick up a replacement once you arrive in Lima. We'll include some trip-specific packing advice based on expected weather as part of our update email to you, sent 10 days prior to your trip.

Peru uses a mix of their own currency (Peruvian Soles) as well as US Dollars, although Soles is more common.  In an effort to avoid bank fees, we suggest arriving to Peru with some local currency (around 1,000 PEN) as well as your ATM and credit cards just to be completely prepared. 100 Peruvian Soles is worth around $25 USD, so if your dinner bill costs 35 Soles that's only $9 USD!

It can sometimes be challenging to use large-denomination bills at shops and restaurants, so we encourage you to request small denomination bills when getting cash prior to your trip.

If possible, it's always a good idea to travel internationally with a credit card that doesn't charge foreign transaction fees.  The savings will add up over the course of your trip and may end up being worth the work of getting a new card prior to your trip.  Once you're overseas, if presented with the option to pay in the local currency or your home currency, we suggest always choosing the local currency to further avoid fees.

While tipping isn't a native custom in this destination, those working in the tourism industry all over the world have come to expect gratuities when providing good service.  This extends to local guides, restaurant wait staff, bus drivers, and your Detours trip leader.  Of course the actual amount is left up to your discretion, if you've been provided excellent service we suggest leaving around 15% for restaurant/wait staff as well as the local equivalent of a few dollars to bus drivers and luggage porters, as well as around $10-15 USD per day for local guides and your Detours trip leader.

We have pretty high standards when it comes to choosing our accommodations, and trust us, we’ve done plenty of room-sniffing, pillow-patting, and bathroom inspections to make sure we stay at quality spots. To be approved as a Detours accommodations provider, a guesthouse must: be locally owned (to support the local community), be in an amazing location (close to the hot spots), AND be gay-owned or gay-friendly. We won't be staying in 5-star Ritz-Carltons but we also won't subject you to anything we wouldn't want to stay in ourselves. Clean, comfortable, well-located spots that'll put a smile on your face, you can count on that!

All Detours trips are led by one of our own Detours trip leaders .  They're there with you every day and their job is to help ensure that this is your trip of a lifetime by taking the hassle out of your trip and enabling you to experience everything you came to Peru for.  Consider them like a friendly concierge that's traveling along with you.  All of our trip leaders are gay and all are well-traveled and experienced in the destination they're leading in, so they'll be a great part of your experience!

We do absolutely everything possible to avoid needing such a mundane awakening. A world without alarm clocks is one we want to be part of, and your “rise and shine” while in Peru should come from the sound of crashing waves or church bells in the distance. However, sometimes we are required to make early departures, but we do everything we can to minimize this.

Our Detours groups are run with a maximum of 16 travelers. Ages of group members vary but around 90% of our travelers are in their 30's, 40's, and 50's.  Whatever the age of the guys on our trips everyone's already got something in common, an exciting new experience in a new country! Each group is led by a Detours trip leader who is there to ensure everything goes off without a hitch, allowing you to focus on having the time of your life!

No problem! Don’t worry, lots of our travelers come solo and our trip will provide plenty of chances to meet great people both inside and outside of our group, including other solos. As far as your accommodations go, you’ve got two choices. We can either pair you up with another solo group member in a two-bed room for no extra charge, or you can have your own room for a reasonable surcharge.

Peru uses a "type A" and "type B" plug, the same as North America and several other places in the world. The voltage is 220V with 60 Hz frequency. These days, the majority of items that are plugged into an outlet are built to handle varying voltage and frequency levels, but just to be sure, we suggest checking your item for its accetable range

To ensure you don't lose connection along the way, your cell phone provider likely has several roaming options available.  We suggest reaching out to them prior to the trip to find out which package is right for you as it will depend on how much you intend to use your phone while traveling.  Keep in mind that all accommodation and most restaurants have free WiFi available as well.

What's included? • All taxes • All group transport between itinerary destinations • Roundtrip flight between Lima and Cusco • Accommodations for your 12-day Detours experience • All full breakfasts • Entrance fee to Machu Picchu • 2 hour guided Machu Picchu tour • Full day Sacred Valley tour including Maras and Ollantaytambo • Welcome dinner / drinks in Lima • Knowledgeable and fun Detours leader • 

What isn't included? • Meals and drinks outside of those listed above • Activities outside of the those listed above • International Airfare • Arrival/Departure airport transfers • Optional gratuities •

Additional spending budget?   Your big-ticket items are included through the trip, but you'll want to budget for additional spending such as additional meals, drinks, shopping, activities, etc. These costs can vary dramatically with differing personal habits but we suggest expecting to spend an additional $700 USD at the lower end for the more budget-conscious and $1100 USD at the higher end for the splurgers.  We suggest arriving to Peru with approximately 1,000 local Peruvian Soles.

$3860.00 USD

Trip Reviews

Joe p. - usa, october 25, 2023.

Just completed the Detours Peru trip last week and cannot say enough good things about it The sites were great as I thought it would be but Detours put it all together with great side trips hotels and a great bunch of guys to share our experiences with I'm glad I found Detours to travel with

Jett W. - USA

July 18, 2022.

Thank you Detours for the all the planning and execution that went into a fantastic trip to Peru. Highly recommend and would book again.

Arnie P. - USD

October 26, 2021.

My partner and I recently got back from the 12 Days in Peru trip. This was our first Detours trip, but it definitely won't be our last. We had an amazing time. I expected an interesting trip based on the itinerary, but I had no idea that the food would be this good. The restaurants were amazing! I also didn't expect the accommodations to be this fabulous. All of our hotels were really spectacular. The group activities (riding all-terrain vehicles, dune buggy ride and sand boarding, boat ride in Paracas) were a blast, and the trip provides plenty of free time to pursue individual interests. Everyone on the trip was super nice. No drama at all. I made some nice friends, some of whom I'll definitely keep in touch with. I can't wait for the next trip.

Our Other Trips

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.

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Detour africa, get4less.club, fresh adventures.

Detours Travel   Reviews

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Once again DeTours pulls it out of the…

Once again DeTours pulls it out of the bag! Great trip to Africa with Daddy Darren making the magic happen Meet new people who become great friends

Date of experience : October 26, 2023

Amazing trip, great group of guys

I was initially a little worried about going on a group trip, not knowing anybody and being used to doing my own thing on holiday, but I signed up because every review was so positive. Well there’s a reason those reviews are so damn good! I had an amazing time on their Greece trip in June. Within days I felt so comfortable, so relaxed and had so many new friends. Detours offers such a flexible trip, which you can make your own and do the activities you want. You simply must do the mud bath on Santorini - your skin feels so good afterwards - and the ATVs on Milos are a highlight – exploring the island is awesome. As a vego, there were always options at the restaurants (occasionally a bit repetitive), and on Milos lots of amazing locally made cheeses. Shane is the greatest trip leader! He’s such a fun, easy going and experienced leader who really goes the extra mile to make your trip memorable. I’ll definitely be a repeat customer.

Date of experience : June 29, 2019

We had an amazing trip with Detours to…

We had an amazing trip with Detours to Costa Rica. Really enjoyed being part of the group. Excellent program and guide. Good value for money. But do read carefully what you sign up for. Detours runs a concept that is different from your average tour operator. So be sure this is really the kind of travel you want.

Date of experience : May 07, 2019

Detours delivers with South Africa

Do you enjoy adventure? Meeting new people? Wildlife? If so, Detours has yet another amazing destination for you! South Africa has some of the most beautiful and diverse landscapes that I have experienced. Miles and Dan, the group leaders, did a wonderful job of exposing us to some of the amazing culture and cuisine that CapeTown, Paarl, Kruger Park and Johannesburg have to offer. In true Detours fashion, they offered up a ton of options for ways to experience the cities/towns we visited. The word “option” is always important because there is never pressure from any of the group leaders to pack your day full, unless that’s what you want. The Detours experience is catered to you, which I LOVE! There is never a shortage of options for activities and this trip had some exceptional experiences to offer. Everyone seems to have a “bucket list” and just going to South Africa was on mine…little did I know I would cage dive with great white sharks, see the big 5 in Kruger Park and be able to get up close with an elephant in an elephant sanctuary. This trip really has something for everybody. I highly recommend heading to South Africa with Detours.

Date of experience : February 03, 2017

"Winelands, Wild Animals, Winds of The Cape"--South Africa

As a veteran traveler, I seek the challenges of diversity, culture, adventure in a foreign land and my hopes were more than met by the inaugural Detours Travel trip to South Africa. My title captures all the W's for Wins in this wondrous adventure that explored the winelands of Parrl (reminiscent of California Central Valley) where you will learn a lot traveling to vineyards, Then there were the safaris, most notably to famed Kruger National Park (the size of New Jersey) where we were fortunate in seeing all the major WILD animals, highlighted by the elusive leopard who dramatically posed on top of an anthill for us. I was thrilled to see Cape Hope, the cliffs, pounding waves, black penguin colony, rugged landscape in a national park. Capetown is one of the "coolest" seaport towns I have ever experienced with endless activities and friendly people. Then the unanticipated surprises--visiting an elephant sanctuary and touching all parts of the elephant, visiting one of the world's largest canyons, Blyde River Canyon Nature Preserve, and getting to feed the vultures at the Mohotoholo Wildlife Sanctuary and the opportunity to see diverse parts of the South African landscape--savannahs, mountain rages, desert, rivers, shoreline, beaches, farmland, vineyards, and, of course, Tabletop Mt. National Park. Balmy sunny weather, fine hotels, delicious food (inexpensive...and best burgers anywhere). The key element of all of this were our two dedicated, caring, skillful, charming, energetic, helpful guides, Miles and Dan, who admirably strived that each individual had the best possible trip. ---Kenny

Date of experience : February 07, 2017

• Travel Guides
• Published October, 2022
• Home » Blog » Gay Tour Companies

14 Popular Gay Tour & Vacation Companies

Gay Tours & Companies Organizing Gay Vacations

Booking gay tours with a reputable gay tour company is a popular way for LGBTQ travelers to explore the world in a welcoming, gay-friendly environment. They’re also a fun, easy way to meet like-minded travelers.

Some gay tour companies offer typical day tours and excursions, but many of the companies I mention below organize gay vacations ranging from several days to more than a week.

While some tours focus on LGBT history and gay neighborhoods of cities, many gay tours are simply about providing experiences where gay travelers can explore new places together and feel genuinely welcome.

Here are some of the best LGBT vacation and gay tour companies you should consider while planning your next holiday. I’ll give you a thorough description of each, along with the destinations where they organize trips, and what they’re best known for.

#1 Out Adventures

Out Adventures is the world’s premier gay tour company, offering small-group LGBTQ vacations, cultural tours, and gay cruises.

They’ve planned tons of incredible escapes since 2009 and currently operate gay tours in 35 countries, spanning 6 continents.

Whether you want to explore the magical landscapes of Iceland , the hidden treasures of Lebanon , meet elephants in Thailand , or even make the journey to Antarctica, Out Adventures has an epic selection of gay tours to choose from.

Even in less-than-gay-friendly countries, Out Adventures supports the queer communities they visit along the way, noting that we can all still enrich local lives and learn about their experiences.

Every detail of each itinerary is considered. They seek out the best local restaurants, authentic experiences, boutique hotels, and partners that go beyond “friendly” and truly welcome the LGBTQ+ community.

To see the latest from Out Adventures, check out their gay tour calendar .

#2 Detours Travel

Detours Travel is one of the largest gay tour companies, offering over 50 vacations each year. Their diversity of trips is impressive. Choose among all sorts of incredible adventures like a week in Belize, or 12 days in Peru.

One of their longest gay vacations is a two-week adventure through Thailand and Cambodia where you can swim in the magical Phi Phi Islands and explore temples in Siem Reap .

Gay tours with Detours Travel have a “laid-back, no-strings-attached” approach, meaning their excursions offer gay travelers plenty of flexibility along the course of the trip.

They avoid overly structured itineraries, offering everyone the chance to be spontaneous in a relaxed and casual way. Planned excursions are also chosen based on the interests of the group.

In my opinion, this eliminates the stress that comes along with a daunting week-long roster of activities. You can take everything day by day and choose activities you like along the way.

With affordable vacation packages, helpful customer service, and a trustworthy and well-established brand, it’s easy to see why Detours Travel is one of the top gay tour companies in the world.

#3 Pride Sailing Holidays

Pride Sailing Holidays is one of my favorite gay tour companies. Throughout the summer season, they operate gay sailing adventures every week in both Croatia and Greece, as well as select weeks in Italy. No matter when you want to take a vacation, there will be a boat available to join!

I’ve sailed with them many times and the experiences are always magical, authentic, and luxurious. There’s nothing like cruising the open water on your very own sailboat or catamaran.

And with a maximum of 8 guests per boat, the trip feels intimate and you’re able to connect with everyone you sail with.

Most gay travelers who join the 7-day tours with Pride Sailing are solo travelers. Pairs of friends also tend to share cabins. But, if you already have a group of friends in mind, you can reserve your very own private charter to sail wherever you’d like.

See a bunch more awesome details and answers to FAQs on my gay sailing holidays page.

#4 HE Travel

HE Travel is another leader among gay tour companies catering to small groups. They are also a full-service travel agency providing flights, cruises, and customized travel experiences around the globe.

Tours organized by HE Travel are open to all adults, but most participating travelers are gay men. For the more active travelers, they offer cycling, hiking, rafting, and other adventure-oriented gay tours.

Travelers looking for a less strenuous experience have plenty of options too. There’s a wide variety of cultural tours and other excursions through Egypt, Peru, Japan, India, and many parts of Europe .

There are all sorts of other ways to browse their tours as well. You can pick based on the destination, activity level, or categories like biking, cruise, or adventure tours .

The IGLTA (International LGBTQ Travel Association) named their Hall of Fame Award for founder Hanns Ebensten recognizing the first gay tour—a week in the Grand Canyon in 1973. Today, HE Travel still runs Grand Canyon rafting trips with the same partner almost 50 years later!

#5 Everything To Sea

Everything To Sea runs all-male, clothing-optional, small-ship gay cruise tours in Southeast Asia. They’re among the most well-established gay sailing tour companies.

Their trips center around a renewed sense of freedom and male camaraderie, as guys get to encounter astounding nature while in the buff, alongside like-minded men of all ages, orientations, and nationalities.

They have all-inclusive prices including all meals, free-flow alcohol, and even out-of-the-ordinary optional features, such as massages and body shaving. 

Men can be naked anywhere on the ship. Highlights include snorkeling nude with manta rays and sea turtles in the most biodiverse marine environment in the world, catching sunsets and starry skies from the roof deck, visiting Komodo dragons in their native habitat, and floating in a bright blue natural pool inside a stalactite-filled cave.

Gay Vacations by Everything To Sea:

Your Journey With Others — Join a pre-arranged group of guys where everyone’s looking to make friends. Choose from a number of magical destinations.

Your Private Journey  — 3 guys, 1 ship, no clothes…and Everything To Sea! This is a custom-tailored, private sail for one man to come along with co-founders Max and Dave.

Your Group/Our Trip  — An option for pre-formed groups, this option offers benefits such as reduced per-person prices, a free trip for the organizer, or even the ability to earn money for the group. 

#6 OUTstanding Travel

OUTstanding Travel is a high-end gay vacation company offering group trips and gay tours in European destinations along the Mediterranean coast. They provide personalized gay vacation packages that focus on the type of experience each gay traveler is personally interested in.

Whether you prefer nightlife-rich destinations, unique culinary experiences, or culture-rich sightseeing adventures, OUTstanding travel’s founder Nadav Perez ensures every potential guest will have an unparalleled experience, exceeding all expectations.

Gay tours of Israel’s Dead Sea, the biggest historic attractions of Rome , or the gay scenes of cities like Tel Aviv and Madrid are just a few options to choose from. You can even book vacation packages surrounding popular gay circuit festival events like XLSIOR Mykonos.

#7 Diva Destinations Lesbian Tours

Diva Destinations is among the world’s leading lesbian tour companies, offering outings for lesbians, LGBTQ women, and non-binary individuals.

For nearly 10 years Diva Destinations has provided their community with a safe, inclusive, and friendly space to enjoy fun, memorable holidays-all while creating amazing opportunities to explore and travel the world

Jen Grant, the founder of Diva Destinations, says “For me personally, one of the most satisfying aspects of any trip is watching our group who have never met before start getting to know each other. From the very first evening, I can see the ice breaking as they talk over dinner, about the day they have shared, and their growing excitement about the trip ahead. I am with the group every step of the way, so there is always a safety net, especially for our guests traveling alone”.

The company’s organizers pride themselves on creating a strong community within each tour group, based on the foundation of friendship, inclusion, acceptance, and fun!

#8 Brand g Vacations

Brand g Vacations recently celebrated its 11th anniversary of operating 5-star gay tours and river cruises. With nearly 20 trips per year, their tours take guests to every corner of the world, including destinations in Nepal, Japan, Ireland, and Africa.

Every gay vacation organized by Brand g is virtually all-inclusive, with unlimited beverages, shore excursions, airport transfers, signature Brand g entertainers, and much more. On every trip, one of Brand g’s three highly experienced and caring gay tour guides makes sure everything is seamlessly executed.

With a 95% repeat booking rate, the company has amassed a passionate fan base of committed and enthusiastic gay travelers. They’re expanding every year too, with 2023 marking their foray into the luxury ocean cruise market.

#9 Zoom Vacations

Zoom Vacations offers unforgettable luxury gay tours for small groups to a range of unique and often lesser-traveled parts of the world. A few notable destinations where they organize vacations include Egypt, Bhutan, Laos , and Peru.

With one look at their itineraries, it’s easy to see how glamorous and well-planned everything is. Booking with Zoom Vacations, gay travelers can expect to stay in upscale, gay-friendly accommodations, have access to a private concierge, and tour local attractions via privately organized and secure transport.

Absolutely everything is taken care of, and the entire vacation feels like an absolute dream.

Their gay tour packages include everything needed for a comfortable and seamless trip, including private airport transfers, daily breakfasts, cocktail hours, and plenty of guided excursions.

In addition to group trips, Zoom Vacation can also custom plan a gay getaway for your own personal group in over a dozen countries worldwide.

#10 Coda Tours

Coda International Tours designs small gay group tours in destinations that appeal to travelers seeking to relax, have fun, and benefit from the experience of being exposed to foreign cultures and people—all with flair and sophistication.

Their trips are built around the cultural hubs and highlights of the world—places everyone should visit at least once in their lifetime. Coda’s style is elegant without being opulent, refined without being pretentious, and insightful without being tiresome.

Coda is the ideal gay tour company for anyone seeking an all-inclusive travel experience where everything is carefully planned, and the overall experience is maximized. Their excursions cover as much ground as is comfortably feasible at a reasonable.

Gay travelers love booking with Coda because they stay in carefully selected hotels, sample local cuisine, discover hidden gems, and meet other curious people. Plus, it all happens alongside talented tour guides with years of experience.

Popular destinations with Coda Tours change frequently. They offer trips to all corners of the world. If there isn’t an organized gay tour where you want to go, they’ll create a customized private tour for you.

#11 MrGaycation

MrGaycation is a gay tour company that specializes in creating fun and unique vacations tailored for gay men, called gaycations!

While based in the United States MrGaycation organizes trips internationally, all created with gay men in mind.

Their host resorts are all-inclusive, meaning all your food and beverages (and even alcohol) are included! Gay tours with MrGaycation are filled with custom entertainment throughout the week, consisting of comedians, drag queens, singers, cabaret performers, and more.

Daytime activities offered include fitness classes, curated pool parties, and offsite excursions to explore the local area. After dinner, everyone enjoys nightly entertainment followed by epic, themed dance parties.

#12 Italy Gay Travels

Italy Gay Travels is a gay-owned and operated boutique gay tour company. They organize all-gay small group tours and events for international travelers in friendly destinations in Italy and beyond.

Taking pride in serving the LGBTQ+ international community Italy Gay Travels’ mission is to bring like-minded people together to make long-lasting friendships and incredible lifetime memories.

They specialize in off-the-beaten-track unique experiences within Italy, but being such avid travelers themselves, the company’s tour organizers have expanded their reach to showcase even more fantastic destinations.

#13 Cape Town Gay Tours

Cape Town Gay Tours creates bespoke, premier day tours, for gay travelers to Cape Town & South Africa.

Using gay tour guides, Cape Town Gay Tours provides inspiring, tailor-made tours, considering the exceptionally high standards that clients both deserve and expect. 

They also offer a range of Garden Route tours and traditional African safaris, all in luxury private game reserves.

Be it a day exploring the Peninsula to the tip of Africa, a day exploring the Winelands, a day in the city and on Table Mountain, a day safari, a week driving the Garden Route, or a few nights on safari, they’re a gay tour company with something for everyone.

#14 Queer Tuscany Tours

Queer Tuscany Tours is a gay tour company founded by Francesco Calanca, a Florence-based licensed tour guide. His gay tours are aimed at rediscovering the neglected aspects of LGBTQ+ features in Renaissance art.

Learn about the history of the gay and lesbian community in Florence as well the love lives of great Renaissance masters like Michelangelo, Leonardo da Vinci, Botticelli, and Donatello.

Queer Tuscany Tours shows travelers the most celebrated museums in Florence, including the Uffizi and the Accademia galleries, the Pitti Palace, and the Bargello among others.

In addition to Florence, they also offer gay tours in Tuscany , Pisa, Siena, and San Gimignano. 

Looking for more inclusive gay travel experiences? Check out these fun-filled bear weeks all around the world.

Or attend a popular international gay ski week in Europe, North America, or Australia.

Need gay destination ideas? wolfyy offers gay travel guides to destinations around the world.

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Trusted gay travel info, just for you., leave your email., gay travel advice you can't find anywhere else..

• Price My Plan

Take your Detour Travel insurance for your adventure

Plan options.

Basic protection for the casual traveler on a budget

• 100% of Trip Costs up to $1,000
• $100 reasonable expenses/day
• $25,000 maximum benefit
• up to $100 dental expenses
• $250,000 maximum benefit
• not included

Pre-Paid Expenses

• $500 maximum benefit
• $100 maximum benefit per day (after 12 hours)

Health + Safety

• up to $5,000

Gear + Personal Belongings

• $1,000 maximum benefit
• $100 per article
• $250 combined maximum
• up to $250 (after 24 hours)

Expanded coverage and benefits for adventure sports including gear rental

• 100% of Trip Costs up to $2,500
• $50,000 maximum benefit
• up to $250 dental expenses
• $500,000 maximum benefit
• up to $3,000 for lost/damaged
• $2,000 maximum benefit
• $150 maximum benefit per day (after 12 hours)
• $50,000 Maximum Benefit
• $5,000 maximum benefit
• up to $25,000
• $250 per article
• $500 combined maximum
• up to $500 (after 12 hours)

Superior benefits including extreme sport or activity coverage

• 100% of Trip Costs up to $5,000
• $100,000 maximum benefit
• up to $500 dental expenses
• $1,000,000 maximum benefit
• up to $5,000 for lost/damaged
• $200 maximum benefit per day (after 12 hours)
• $10,000 maximum benefit
• up to $50,000
• $3,000 maximum benefit
• $300 per article
• up to $750 (after 12 hours)

The benefits of @the edge , plus increased trip cancellation and interruption coverage

• 100% of Trip Costs up to $10,000

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* Benefits, coverage, terms and conditions and exclusions may vary by state.

Underwritten by Nationwide Life Insurance Company, Columbus, Ohio. In Washington, the plans are underwritten by Nationwide Life Insurance Company and Nationwide Mutual Insurance Company, Columbus, Ohio. Applicable to policy forms NSIGTC 2000, NSHTC 2000, SRTC 2000, or state equivalent.

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When travel gives you a Detour, take it. Whether you are preparing for an adventure of a lifetime or leading a life of adventure, Detour Travel Protection safeguards your health and well-being, prepaid expenses, and gear and personal belongings should things wander off course.

Detour is founded and operated by adventurers who live the lifestyle and understand the rewards and risks associated with experiential travel. 

Designed for U.S. residents traveling more than 100 miles from their homes, Detour’s versatile plans include enhanced benefits such as non-insurance and emergency travel assistance services. Detour’s coverage options range from basic protection for the casual traveler on a budget to extreme sports coverage for the hardcore adrenaline junkie. It’s your experience to define.  It’s our mission to protect you before and during your trip.

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7 TOUR Companies that are Proud to specialize IN LGBTQ+ TRAVEL

Affinity Travel , Online Exclusives

THESE TOUR companies are designed TO provide support for and celebrate LGBTQ+ friendly TRAVEL AND are ready to help you see the world the way you want.

For travelers in the LGBTQ+ community one key aspect of a successful trip is an atmosphere of acceptance. The tour operators listed below specialize in lesbian, bisexual, gay and transgender travel and will work with you and your group to assemble vacations to the best LGBT-friendly locations. Each of these companies pay close attention to the up-and-coming locations for LGBTQ+ travel as well as keeping an ear out for the safest destinations for anyone in the community. Feeling comfortable to be who you are while traveling is the top priority at each of these companies and they all have something unique to offer in the business of vacationing within your community.

OLIVIA TRAVEL

Leading lesbian tour operator, Olivia Travel, began as a record label in 1973 before transforming into an international tour outlet in 1990. Today the company, has planned trips for over 350,000 women and has a program designed for every kind of woman. There are programs for women over 40 and under 40, women of color, and even women in uniform. Whether you prefer to bring all your best gals on a trip or find adventure solo, there is a trip by Olivia that is a perfect fit for you. Their travel coordinators will work with you, or your entire group, to plan your next fantastic vacation.

Olivia Travel goes all out to deliver world-class travel experiences to women, their vacations span from full cruise trips to renting out hotels for a vacation full of girl power. The company even offers safari trips full of gorgeous landscapes and rare animal experiences. No matter which route you chose, all adventures through Olivia Travel are created to foster authenticity, a welcoming community of LGBTQ+ women, and a space that allows you to come exactly as you are. Groups, or solo travelers, may book online, visit the San Francisco office or call Olivia’s travel consultants. ( olivia.com )

OWLs: We celebrate our elders by creating special events so that you can connect, share stories, and forge new friendships. (photo courtesy of https://olivia.com/our-programs)

ZOOM VACATIONS

Based in Chicago, this prestigious travel planner won the 2016 Travvy Award’s gold prize for Best Escorted Tour Operator in the LGBT category and the 2010 TripOut Gay Travel Awards, among many other accolades. From their start Zoom has been all about diversity, inclusion, and comradery. All their destinations have been vetted as being gay-friendly and welcoming to people in all walks of life.

Zoom Vacations believes that successful gay travel, and travel in general, relies on the close attention to detail. Travel coordinators at Zoom strive to personalize the trip to the traveler, getting to know you, your preferences, and the vision you have for your vacation. The company provides two ways to travel, with their pre-planned vacation itineraries or by helping you plan your own private trip catered to your ideas.

Zoom’s unique tours can take you anywhere from Morocco or Egypt, and even to the Maldives. Their planned get aways offered each year include luxury hotel stays, tour guides throughout all the trip’s outings, as well as incredible cuisine both at your hotel and at hand-picked locations around your destination. If you want to go the independent travel route, a travel expert will work with you throughout each step of the planning process. They will consider the destination you have in mind along with your budget and hand craft a vacation specific to you. Pricing for solo trips and the schedule for upcoming tours, as well as testimonial from several previous Zoom travelers can be found on their website ( zoomvacations.com ).

Based in Salt Lake City, Utah to serve as a beacon of hope to the large population of young LGBTQ+ individuals, HE Travel is one of the leading companies in inclusive travel. They have received the Editor’s Choice from Out & About, the popular gay travel newsletter, and was named Gay Tour Operator of the Year by OutTraveler Magazine.

HE Travel specializes in active outdoor travel with trips that feature hiking, rafting, and biking. While all their trips have a varying levels of outdoor activity, they do not all center around these activities. There are also trips that feature island hopping, safaris and even cultural tours.

If outdoor adventure amongst a welcoming and inclusive community sounds like the right kind of trip for you, you can visit HE Travel’s website to see their full calendar of trips. ( tototours.com )

OUT ADVENTURES

Based in Canada, Out Adventures takes LGBTQ+ groups interests into consideration when planning a variety of trips around the world. Since 2009 Out Adventures has been prioritizing the celebration of the LGBTQ+ community in their travel itineraries. Their crew has explored over a hundred countries, making them well versed about customs and feelings towards the community. This allows them to plan trip for you centered around places that you will feel safe and welcomed. Out Adventures are not only curated to make you feel welcomed wherever your travels may take you, but also to support the LGBTQ+ community in the countries their tours visit. Tours are organized on their site according to themes such as active, cruise, culture, and flex, making it easy to find a trip that feels right for your interests.

Out Adventures guided trips and tours lean more towards the small size hosting sixteen travelers for land excursions and not more than forty on a cruise. This allows you and your fellow vacationers to build a sense of comradery and foster an even greater community feel on your trip. If one of their tours does not stick out to you, they always have agents that are happy to help you plan something that is more your style or speed. ( outadventures.com )

(Photo courtesy of https://www.outadventures.com/)

(Photo courtesy of https://www.outadventures.com/ )

DETOURS GAY TRAVEL

Founded in 2012, Detours home base is also located in Canada. The company is run by a group of family and friends that pride themselves on putting together relaxing and unhurried vacations. Their travel initiative is to allow guests on their trips to be travelers, not tourists, immersing them in a locations culture rather than only seeing bug ticket attractions. Detours travel concept revolves around you the traveler, steering away from “cookie cutter” itineraries and following a plan as we go mindset. If you would rather lay on the beach while the rest of the group goes zip lining or want to try out a weaving class instead of snorkeling, Detours encourages you to choose your own adventure along the way.

They have a calendar full of trips that can take you and your friends to Europe, Asia, Oceania, Latin America, and Africa. Whatever you’re looking for, Detours can help book your group on a pre-scheduled trip or customize one based on your interests. ( detourstravel.com )

Pink VIbgyor

This travel agency in Sydney, Australia specializes in tailor made LGBTQ+ vacations with a heart for providing you with the most immersive and relaxing stays. While Pink Vibgyor also offers specific preplanned gay tours, their shining aspect is their attention to your preferences when helping you plan your dream vacation. They heavily research all their package trips as well as any trip they may be assisting you with, to bring you closer to the LGBTQ+ culture and lifestyle around your location.

One of their features that set them apart from other LGBTQ+ travel companies is their section on culinary tours. These special tours feature meals with local families, getting a front row seat to their coking styles and recipes, and experiencing the best traditional cuisine your destination has to offer.

You can see all their exciting featured planned tours or fill out a form to begin crafting your personal tailor-made tour with a staff member on their website. ( pinkvibgyor.com/ ).

Oscar Wilde Tours

Gay Pride is more and more important in the world today—and Oscar Wilde Tours lets you explore it more deeply than ever. As heirs to a tradition that is central to civilization, LGBTQ+ people can truly take pride in their forebears, who count among their number such greats as Sappho and Socrates, Michelangelo and Leonardo da Vinci, Shakespeare, Tchaikovsky and Virginia Woolf, the genius dancer Nijinsky, the literary revolutionary Thomas Mann, and of course, the sublime Oscar Wilde himself.

Oscar Wilde Tours offers guided tours to destinations such as Europe and the United States, focusing on the cultural and historical significance of LGBTQ+ communities in each location. ( oscarwildetours.com/ )

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Get Off The Bus And Away From the Crowds To Truly Experience Your Destination

Actively explore your destination for close up experiences with nature, planning a latin america vacation can be overwhelming, we'll make it easy for you to get the trip of your dreams, let our unbiased, honest, travel experts help you choose, book, and prepare for your perfect trip from one of the many high-quality trips in our adventure travel marketplace , read our travel guides to learn how to get a great trip, everything you need to know to choose and plan your perfect galapagos trip, click here to see more travel guides to help you get your perfect trip, traveler reviews of detour, the adventure travel marketplace, our most popular trips.

Angelito I Galapagos Cruise and Machu Picchu

The Angelito I Galapagos Cruise and Machu Picchu trip offers the best of each destination: great wildlife viewing in the Galapagos, and amazing culture and history in Peru. The Angelito I Galapagos Cruise is a perfect trip for travelers seeking a quality Galapagos cruise experience — good guides, service and wildlife-rich itineraries — without the high end prices for fancy accommodations. In Peru, you will see the most impressive Inca ruins, charming Andean villages, and stunning Peruvian countryside on a tour that captures all the area’s must-see sites. Trip Lengths: 11, 12, or 15 Days Destination : Galapagos Islands, Cusco, Sacred Valley, & Machu Picchu Lodging: Boutique Hotels & Tourist Superior Class Yacht Activities: Wildlife viewing, naturalist walks, snorkeling, Inca ruins, indigenous markets

The Ultimate Inca Trail Trek

Unique 5-day Inca Trail Trek itinerary gets you away from the crowds and gives more time to explore ruins Acclimatize for the trek with off the beaten path hikes to explore the best ruins and sites in Cusco and the Sacred Valley in this 9 day adventure Expert guides, cooks, and equipment make this a truly top-notch experience, starting and ending at the Cusco airport Trip Length : 9 Days Destinations : Machu Picchu, Inca Trail, Sacred Valley, Cusco, Peru Lodging : Comfortable camping, & boutique 3-star plus hotels Activities : Trekking, Inca ruins Dates: Trips depart every Saturday, March - December

Hiking Chile’s Lake & Volcano District

Experience the national parks of the Chilean Lake District on foot, hiking through stunning countryside of mountains, lakes, and monkey puzzle trees. You spend each night in comfortable lodges. You also soak in hot springs, and share a dinner with an indigenous Mapuche family. Trip Length : 9 Days Destination : Lakes District, Chile Lodging : Comfortable & sustainable 3-star and 4-star lodges Activities : Hiking, cultural experiences, volcano climbing, hot springs

Express Galapagos and Machu Picchu Multisport Adventure

For those who want to see and do a lot, but don’t have a ton of time, this adventure combo is perfect. Explore the history of the Incas in Cusco, the Sacred Valley of the Incas  by whitewater rafting, hiking, and mountain biking before finally hiking the last day of the Inca Trail to arrive to Machu Picchu on foot through the Gate of the Sun. Hike, SUP, bike, kayak and snorkel your way across 3 diverse islands in the Galapagos Islands on this action packed 6-day multisport adventure, checking out the Galapagos’ iconic wildlife all along the way. Trip Length:  13 Days Destinations: Cusco, Sacred Valley, Royal Inca Trail, Machu Picchu, Santa Cruz Island, Isabela Island, San Cristobal Island Lodging: 3-Star Hotels in the Galapagos, 3-Star Plus Hotels in Peru Activities:  Wildlife viewing, snorkeling, hiking, optional surfing or boogie boarding, optional Scuba diving, optional kayaking, optional stand up paddle boarding, Inca ruins, markets, cultural experiences

Machu Picchu Hiking & Amazon Wildlife

Experience the best Inca sites on day hikes around Cusco, the Sacred Valley of the Incas, and Machu Picchu without the need for camping. Overnight in comfortable, local boutique hotels at night. You will experience Peru like no other tourists and you will even get to hike the last day of the Inca Trail to arrive to Machu Picchu on foot via the Gate of the Sun, just like the Incas did centuries ago. Then head to the Amazon to the Tambopata Research Center (TRC), one of the most remote rainforest lodges in South America. The lodge is situated inside an uninhabited area of the Tambopata National Reserve and next to the Bahajua-Sonene National Park. The surrounding rainforest ecosystem remains pristine, and the lodge is adjacent to one of the largest parrot and macaw clay licks in the world, making for incredible bird and wildlife viewing. Trip Length: 11 Days Destination: Cusco, the Sacred Valley, Inca Trail to Machu Picchu, & the Amazon Lodging: Charming & Boutique 3-Star Plus Hotels & Lodges Activities: Day hikes, Inca ruins, cultural experiences, wildlife viewing

Torres del Paine “W” Trek – 7 Day Patagonia Trek

The Torres del Paine "W" Trek is one of the World's classic trekking routes and it takes in the most scenic portions of Patagonia's Torres del Paine National Park. A combination of challenging and moderate hikes take you into Torres' famous French Valley, face-to-face with massive Glacier Grey, and right up to the base of the Torres (the iconic granite Towers perched atop the entire range). You'll overnight at the comfortable and remote EcoCamp and in classic mountain refugios. Trip Length:  7 Days Destination : Torres del Paine National Park, Chile Lodging:  Domes at the EcoCamp, mountain refugios Activities:  Demanding hikes

Galapagos Premium Multisport Adventure

One of the very best active trips possible in the Galapagos Islands, this land-based multisport adventure combines nice accommodations with great guides and equipment and a well-planned itinerary designed to maximize recreation while seeing as much wildlife as possible. This trip is ideal for private groups or families, too. Trip Length : 7 Days Destination : San Cristobal, Isabela, & Santa Cruz Islands, Galapagos Lodging : Your choice of 3- or 4-star hotels Activities : Hiking, snorkeling, kayaking, mountain biking, wildlife viewing

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The Rick Steves guide to life

Travel mogul. philanthropist. legal weed champion. the real rick steves is so much more complex than who you see on tv..

EDMONDS, Wash. — At first glance, it is hard to tell that Rick Steves is protesting.

In the center of his hometown, America’s favorite travel host is perched on the edge of a fountain roundabout engaging in some friendly civil disobedience. As cars circle the intersection, Steves smiles and waves, looking more like an Elf on a Shelf than an angry picketer. This is his way of reminding people he wishes they’d stop driving here.

Steves’s family moved to Edmonds when he was 12, and the 68-year-old is still happy to call it home. Rather than relocate to his beloved Europe, he dreams of bringing some European sensibilities to the edge of the Puget Sound, less than 20 miles north of Seattle.

When he’s not traveling around Europe, writing about Europe or running his multimillion dollar European tour company, the prolific TV host and author likes to squeeze in some local activism. The roundabout routine is his push to block off Edmonds’s very American Main Street for pedestrians. If you squint at it, you can see what Steves sees: this would be the perfect place for a lively town square.

“I like a lot of things about Europe but I love the urban energy of Europe. I love the piazza,” Steves said in a wistful tone you might recognize from PBS. “We don’t have a piazza.”

Unfortunately for Steves, the voting majority of the city does not love the idea of parking their SUVs farther away to shop. So despite his Boy Scout enthusiasm, the most famous man in Edmonds must keep up the perch-and-wave. This is not his only crusade.

Spend any amount of time with Steves, and you’ll encounter a total ham who loves a zany bit. But if you ask him about serious issues like car-free zones, he’ll bring up other causes that are dear to him: affordable housing, supporting the arts, creating senior centers for the elderly to age with dignity.

He’s anti-Trump and pro-cannabis. He does not care if that is bad for business.

The average Rick Steves fan has likely missed this side of him. On TV they see an always-sunny history lover who makes going abroad feel approachable for the average American. That’s an incomplete picture, like thinking you know Paris because you’ve seen the Eiffel Tower on YouTube.

Meet him in Edmonds, and he’ll fill in the rest.

It may look like a lot of gallivanting, but being Rick Steves takes a lot of work.

He spends three months of the year overseas, researching, writing, recording, refining tours, updating guidebooks. If he’s not planning or producing content, he’s often doing promotional events across the United States. This year Steves is celebrating the 40th edition of his first book, “Europe Through the Back Door.” Over the course of his career, he’s built a privately held company that generates $120 million in revenue a year, published 110 books, filmed 12 seasons of “Rick Steves’ Europe” and produced more than 750 podcast episodes.

“It’s just like coordinating a three-ring circus,” Steves said.

That is: really fun, sort of exhilarating and extremely complicated. To pull this off, Steves does not observe the French 35-hour workweek. He’s a workhorse with a reputation for keeping a frenetic pace year-round.

“It’s more of an American work culture,” Amy Duncan, Steves’s communications director, told me. “He’s an unapologetic capitalist but he is also a socialist.”

He makes enough money to fly first class, but he only sits in economy, claiming he doesn’t mind being cramped.

“It never occurred to me that I’m suffering,” he said. “As long as I’ve got an aisle and a seat that reclines, I’m happy.”

Actually, Steves believes airlines should only have one class. It’s part of his egalitarian worldview. He’s also anti-points and anti-miles, refusing to sign up for airline loyalty programs because he believes they bully us into complicating our lives.

Steves also enforces a self-imposed “ carbon tax ” on his tour company, which takes more than 30,000 people to Europe annually. For every customer, Steves invests $30 to atone for emissions created by their flights between the United States and Europe. Last year, that added up to $1 million donated to a portfolio of organizations, Steves said.

“I don’t need to be a slave to the quarterly profit statement. I want to be around and profitable in 10 years from now in a world that you can travel in that’s stable,” Steves said. “This is a smart investment and it’s an ethical expense that I should pay for.”

Rick Steves will tell you he’s motivated by making money; the more he can earn, the more good he can do with it.

“Vicarious consumption, that’s one of my things,” Steves said.

After amassing a windfall from the 2001 George W. Bush tax cuts for high earners, Rick Steves donated $1 million to support the local symphony and performing arts center. In 2005, he used retirement savings to buy a 24-unit apartment complex for the local YWCA’s use as transitional housing for women and children. He figured he’d eventually sell the complex and live on the earnings. About a decade later, he changed his mind and donated the complex valued at $4 million.

He also gave more than $4 million to help build the Edmonds Waterfront Center, a vibrant gathering place for seniors where his daughter had her wedding in 2021. And he gave another $2 million for a similar center in the nearby city of Lynnwood, which broke ground in mid-April .

“Rick puts his money where his mouth is,” said Nancy Leson, a former Seattle Times food critic who used to let Steves’s daughter babysit her son. She’s appreciated his regular presence in the community, like hosting events for local politics at his house and shopping at the farmers market .

“He changed travel,” local resident Karen Howe said on her way into the Waterfront Center with a friend. She’s used Steves’s guidebooks for years. “He’s introduced us to places that most of us would never think of going.”

Rick Steves hasn’t won his piazza battle, but he has brought European touches to Edmonds. At the Rick Steves’ Europe headquarters, there’s an E.U. flag hanging from the mocha brick facade. And gargoyles that drain rainwater, just like at the Notre Dame cathedral.

“Gargoyles scare away evil spirits,” Steves points out, unable to suppress his inner tour guide.

Here Steves employs more than 100 people: editors, audio producers, tour specialists and cartographers such as Dave Hoerlein, his first employee. That’s excluding the fleet of guides and drivers he contracts across the pond to shepherd tour customers.

Inside, he bounds through a maze of cubicles, his neck craned forward, always at an eager pace. His 6-foot frame appears leaner than previous seasons of his life, but his signature look is familiar. No, not khakis and a button-down. That’s vintage Rick. These days, he wears dark jeans and a button-down, plus a thin scarf and leather sneakers.

During a day of meetings, Steves’s fjord-blue eyes lit up at the minutia of the business. He went over new maps with Hoerlein. He and longtime co-author Cameron Hewitt addressed problems like finding a “less glitzy” stop on the Amalfi Coast that’s not Sorrento. They discussed whether a place is worth visiting after it’s gotten too popular, and Steves indulged in some gallows humor.

“It’s going to be like holding the corpse of a loved one who just died,” he said.

His critics argue the “Rick Steves Effect” can turn a charming village, restaurant or museum into a tourist magnet. Matthew Kepnes, the travel writer behind the blog Nomadic Matt , points to the Swiss town Zermatt, which he says Steves put on the map, and has since dealt with overtourism . You’re bound to bump into groups with Rick Steves guidebooks in Italy’s increasingly crowded Cinque Terre.

Whether Steves is actually to blame for changing a place is up for debate. There are plenty of destinations he’s covered that haven’t been inundated with swarms of Americans (see also: Gdańsk).

Steves says he assesses whether a place wants tourism, if it can handle it gracefully. If they don’t or can’t, he may mention it but not promote it.

He has faith — maybe too much — that his clients share his values.

“Does [my work] change the personality of a town? It can. Am I a dramatic impact on Europe? No,” he said.

“There’s a handful of places I really promote aggressively that I’ve had a serious impact on, but otherwise ... my travelers are the kind of people that take only pictures and leave only footprints ... they’re good travelers.”

You don’t have to spend much time in Edmonds to see why Rick Steves never considered leaving.

The city — population roughly 42,000 — sits on a majestic inlet. You can get to a major international airport in about an hour. The community is so courteous, it has an “umbrella share” program in case people forget their own on a rainy day. As Steves walks around town, he greets people by name. He lives within walking distance to both his favorite diner and a pétanque court, the French answer to Italian bocce. He plays bongos at his church on Sundays.

In 1967, Richard “Dick” Steves moved the family here because he was worried about Rick Junior.

“I was hanging out with dangerous kids and going down the wrong trail,” Steves said. Seriously.

His dad, an Army veteran, got by in the upscale suburb as a piano technician and importer. When Steves was 14, his parents dragged him on a work trip to Europe to visit piano factories; it was a radical experience that sparked his lifelong passion for travel.

Back in Edmonds, Steves started teaching piano, eventually turning his savings into trips abroad of his own — not only to Europe, but Turkey, Nepal, Afghanistan. He went to college nearby, earning degrees in European history and business from the University of Washington, where he played in the Husky Marching Band.

After graduation, Steves figured he could keep up his routine: give piano lessons during the school year, then travel during the summer. He started teaching travel classes in the same recital hall where his piano students performed. This was back when there was no internet and few guidebooks to consult for trip planning.

The classes were a hit. At 25, Steves turned his lecture materials into a 180-page book, and self-published “Europe Through the Back Door,” in 1980.

Four years later, he hosted his first European minibus tour group, serving as both bus driver and guide.

His businesses have evolved — his bus tours now take up to 28 travelers, a number Steves says is a sweet spot between making the tour more affordable yet enjoyable for customers and profitable for the company. But his mission has remained the same: to be the best resource for European travel and help Americans travel better.

“I just focus on that and I love it,” he said. “It takes my life out of balance — which is not good — but it lets me do a lot of stuff that I believe in and that’s good.”

Steves has been open about the challenges of being a travel mogul. As he built his empire, he was also raising a family. Being “married” to both took a toll. In 2010, Steves and his wife, Anne, divorced after 25 years of marriage.

Up the hill from his junior high, Rick Steves’s modest beige home offers a window into his many lives. There are family photos on the walls, from older relatives to his baby grandson, Atlas. He hosts political fundraisers on the sprawling deck. A painting of Kerala, India, nods to one of his favorite countries (people forget Steves did four editions of “Asia Through the Back Door”).

Next to his grand piano, there’s a stuffed creature that Steves calls his “Silver Fox” baring its teeth and wearing novelty sunglasses with cannabis leaves on the lenses — a nod to two of his interests: taxidermy and marijuana activism.

“It’s the civil liberties … it’s the racism … everything about it is wrong,” he said of keeping weed illegal.

As for the toothy fox, Steves doesn’t do typical souvenirs anymore, but he makes an exception for stuffed animals.

“The wooden shoes and the pewter Viking ships are so obvious,” he said. “I like to do something a little more organic and a little more striking and it takes me back there — I like it.”

He’s a very good piano player. He can also play the sousaphone and the trumpet — which he did regularly during the pandemic, performing taps for his neighbors at sunset.

Covid-19 was a nightmare for the travel business, but a miracle for Rick Steves’s love life.

After running in the same social circles for years, he and Shelley Bryan Wee, a prominent local bishop, started dating at the end of 2019. They had a lot in common. Both are progressive Lutherans. Both are divorced with adult children. But neither worked a typical 9-to-5, and one of them spent three months of the year in Europe.

Then lockdown happened. Steves, who couldn’t remember if he’d ever had dinner in the same place 10 nights in a row, spent 100 nights at the same table with Wee. It solidified their relationship.

“Shelley is a constant,” Steves said. He still struggles with the balancing act between work and love.

When the stars align and they’re both in Edmonds, Wee cooks, and Steves plays sous chef. They walk Jackson, Wee’s labradoodle, creating their own version of the passeggiata, Italy’s traditional evening stroll. They play table tennis before dinner.

When the world reopened, they started traveling together. They’ve made time for a few big vacations: a trip to Morocco, where they were caught in a windstorm that blew the windows out of their car; a luxury barge cruise through Burgundy, France, “that was embarrassingly expensive,” Steves confessed, followed by a week hiking in the Swiss Alps; and another hiking trip between remote lodges on Mont Blanc.

Before their first trip, Steves edited the contents of Wee’s suitcase, because packing light is part of his philosophy.

“What do you say?” she asked. “You’re talking to Rick Steves.”

Editing by Gabe Hiatt. Additional editing by Amanda Finnegan. Design editing by Christine Ashack. Photo editing by Lauren Bulbin. Videos by Monica Rodman. Senior video producer: Nicki DeMarco. Design by Katty Huertas. Copy editing by Jamie Zega.

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