About Jill & Detour by Design
Thoughtfully planned. Personally meaningful. Professionally handled.
I believe great travel isn’t just about where you go — it’s about how it feels. The best trips reflect your style, your pace, and your purpose. That’s the heart behind Detour by Design and the work I love most.
Meet Jill
My travel career began in the late 1980s as a young travel agent — back when booking a flight meant calling it in! After earning a degree in Geography and completing graduate work, I spent nearly 30 years teaching world geography at BYU — a role that deepened my love for sharing the world with others and eventually led me back to travel planning in 2020.
For years, my late husband and I led study abroad programs, and we had just begun building out group travel through my growing business when he passed away in 2024. Today, I carry those shared dreams forward — crafting thoughtful, beautifully planned trips for individuals and groups alike.
Detour by Design was built on the idea that travel is more than the expected.
Just as my own life has taken unexpected detours — ones that have brought both joy and deeper understanding — I believe the most meaningful trips do the same. They surprise us, shape us, and stay with us.
This is travel that goes beyond the obvious.
This is travel by design.
How I Work
Working with a travel experience designer means having someone who knows how to turn ideas into reality—and stress into simplicity.
Today’s travel landscape is filled with options, algorithms, and advice — but more information doesn’t mean easier planning or even better decisions. And off-the-shelf travel plans usually miss the nuances and thoughtful touches that make travel a truly memorable experience.
I take time to understand your style, goals, and preferences so that every trip feels personal and seamless. From tailored recommendations to trusted partners, I handle the details so you can just enjoy the experience.