Detour Diaries

Dare to Detour is the supportive wellness community you deserve.

We invite you to join us for the journey, as we reconnect with ourselves — mind, body, and spirit — and step into a new way of being.

Solo Travel, Travel Ali Holst Solo Travel, Travel Ali Holst

My Guide to London as a Solo Traveler

I took the train ride from Scotland to get to London and spent my 5 days there eating, exploring bookstores, and walking gawking at the spring gardens in bloom. Each day I would simply wander, pop into a cafe, shop, or restaurant, and continue walking about. I stayed in Notting Hill, because why not?!

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Travel Ali Holst Travel Ali Holst

Scotland Retreat Recap: 7 Days in Cairngorms National Park

Have you ever dreamed of walking through Scotland's wild landscapes, mist hanging over the moors, a wee dram of whisky in hand, and unmatched natural beauty at every turn? I recently experienced exactly this during our unforgettable seven-day retreat in Cairngorms National Park, an adventure that combined walking and whisky in perfect harmony.

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Adventure, Travel, Solo Travel Ali Holst Adventure, Travel, Solo Travel Ali Holst

Embracing Adventure at Any Age

Have you seen the National Geographic article going around about women diving into outdoor adventures as they age? This piece truly resonated with me because it's something I feel passionate about, especially as someone who’s redefined her own relationship with fitness and nature over the years. 🌿🏃‍♀️ So I couldn't resist sharing my thoughts with you.

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Travel, Solo Travel Ali Holst Travel, Solo Travel Ali Holst

What Kind of Packer Are You?

I used to be a last-minute packer. I would ensure my kids were packed days in advance, but I often found myself scrambling to pack for myself well into the midnight hours the night before our departure. But now, my packing routine has evolved into a delightful dance of anticipation and practicality.

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Travel, Solo Travel, Adventure Sheryl Wright Travel, Solo Travel, Adventure Sheryl Wright

Behind the Scenes of How I Plan a Trip

When crafting the itineraries for my Dare to Detour retreats, I start by defining what we will NOT do. The point of these trips is that I want it to be a true Detour - not an itinerary you would do with family or your friends. So rather than following the traditional tourist trail or "top 5 must-sees" outlined by popular travel guides, I intentionally opt for truly unique experiences.

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Travel, Budgeting Ali Holst Travel, Budgeting Ali Holst

Go All-Inclusive

So, you've been tossing around the idea of Detouring with Dare or maybe you're still contemplating. I've heard Mercury is in retrograde, so if you're feeling a bit on the fence, blame it on the cosmos, right? 😊 I'm definitely feeling the need to be extra careful about all of my decisions, big or small. Whether you're ready to take the plunge or still mulling it over, I want to share the truth behind what "all-inclusive" really means at Dare.

Spoiler: it's seriously everything!

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Budgeting, Travel Ali Holst Budgeting, Travel Ali Holst

Big Money Moves

I’m in the mood to get real about money, and I want to get into how to master the mental moves that happen behind-the-scenes of big purchases. So, buckle up because I'm whisking you away to the vibrant souks of Marrakesh, where I found myself entangled in a whirlwind of colors, culture, and, of course, rugs!

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Travel, Italy Ali Holst Travel, Italy Ali Holst

So You’ve Never Been to Italy

Italy has this magic that keeps pulling me back – more than any other place. It's like my heart found its favorite spot to dance in the world. I've traveled here more than any other country. I call it my personal Eat, Pray, Love destination. Seriously, it's the nurturing ground for my soul. From our Detour in the Dolomites last year to wandering the streets of Rome all by myself, each trip adds another layer and I’ve come to realize that if you've ever dreamt of traveling to Europe…

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Travel Sheryl Wright Travel Sheryl Wright

More Than a Trip

I LOVE love and my heart has a soft spot for Italy, especially in the fall. This October a group of wonderful Darlings will join me as we immerse ourselves in La Dolce Vita at a 16th-century farmhouse among vineyards and olive groves.

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Travel, Self Care Ali Holst Travel, Self Care Ali Holst

How Travel Can Be the Biggest Catalyst for Change

As we step into the New Year, I want to share a personal reflection that has significantly shaped my own journey. We frequently find ourselves in a groove-perhaps a fantastic one-but it often hinders us from seeing beyond our routine. The most impactful approach to break free from this cycle is by embracing change. Want to know the quickest way to make a shift in your life?

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Travel Sheryl Wright Travel Sheryl Wright

Which Type of Travel Planner Are You?

Do you like to research in advance and create organized itineraries? Are you the one who handles booking all of the tickets, hotels, rental cars, transfers, and Uber drivers? Do you comb through articles on travel sites for inspiration? Let me guess... are you the go-to planner for your family/friend group/crew?

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Travel Sheryl Wright Travel Sheryl Wright

What's the ROI of a Detour?

Answer: It depends on the things you prioritize as investments in your life. Some people view travel as a luxury item. But for me, it's an essential investment in self. Therefore, investing in travel is important to me.

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