Meet Our Team: Darren!

Travel has been a part of my DNA for as long as I can remember as growing up, I always had a fascination with the world. I’d sit for hours in front of an atlas, searching for the names of places and countries I’d never heard of and dreaming that one day I’d be able to visit them all.

Having grown up in South Africa, I left for a year abroad in Australia immediately after graduating from high school and settled in Canada shortly thereafter. I set a goal to visit 100 countries by the time I turned 30, but it was slow going for several years, and once I’d completed my education in Law, I decided I needed to kick things up a gear. So, in 2016 I moved to the Middle East and began working as a flight attendant for an airline based in Dubai. Three incredible years later, I’d explored 76 countries and ticked off 6 world wonders before returning home to Vancouver. 

The best part about travel is undoubtedly the memories you make with the people you meet along the way. I try to enrich and challenge my perspectives by visiting places with unique cultures and unfamiliar customs. I’m passionate about learning the stories and histories that make up the identity of every new destination I visit. I’m also a sucker for a rugged coastline, a molten sunset, a crumbling ancient temple and a hearty, local meal. 

When I’m not leading trips with Detours, I work on board a train showing travellers the beauty of the Canadian Rockies. I spend my down-time hiking around Vancouver, playing video games, learning to speak another language and dreaming of the next adventure. As your Detours trip leader, I look forward to showing you what inspires me at each destination we visit together.