About Happy Detour Travel

The Anti-Second Job.

Real trips. Real value. Someone actually in your corner.

My Story

Hi, I'm Eric. I'm here to make travel simple.

For as long as I can remember (definitely since at least 2017) I've been "that guy" in the group chat. I was the one finding the weirdly good flight deals, obsessing over cruise deck plans, and basically acting as an unpaid travel advisor for my friends and family just for the fun of it. I didn't do it for the thanks. I did it because I genuinely love the puzzle of a perfect itinerary.

Eventually, the hints from everyone I knew became too loud to ignore: "Eric, you're already doing the work. You should actually do this for real."

So, I listened. Happy Detour Travel started as a late-night idea in late 2025 and officially came to life in March of 2026. I'll be the first to tell you that I'm still building this dream. There is a learning curve, and some days I'm leaning on a lot of Dunkin' iced coffee, a few Coke Zeros, and a healthy dose of determination to figure out the technical side of the house from my home base in Ohio. But I am working through it every single day to build a travel brand that is vibrant, fun, and something I'm actually proud of.

Sometimes the best journeys begin with a Happy Detour.

— Eric Carney, Happy Detour Travel
Eric Carney, travel advisor at Happy Detour Travel

Where I've Been

A Cruiser at Heart

I believe the world is far too big to stay in one spot. You only live once and most of us don't see nearly enough of what's out there. I'm a cruiser at heart. I love that the biggest decision of the day is which pool deck to lounge on. But I've also spent time navigating London and getting lost in the "everything is included" bliss of Caribbean resorts. One trip is never enough. There's always more to see.

Right now, I'm deep in the weeds researching a safari in Tanzania. It's a major bucket list item, and I'm going to make it happen soon.

🚢 Cruises 🏖️ All-Inclusives 🏰 London 🗼 Tokyo 🦁 Tanzania — coming soon

How We Work Together

Travel planning is a conversation, not a transaction.

I'm not a magician, and I'm probably not going to hit the "perfect trip" on the very first try. But that's okay. That's not how good travel planning works anyway.

You'll still be doing the fun research, scoping out excursions and dreaming about the views, while I handle the tedious parts. Think of me as your filter. You tell me what you're looking for, and I do the deep-dive research, check the logistics, and navigate the bookings. We'll go back and forth until the itinerary feels exactly right.

No pressure. No sales tactics. Just honest teamwork.

Why Trust Me

What I bring to every trip I help plan.

Experience

I've Been There

Scouting Caribbean resorts, navigating London, and deck-planning cruises since 2017.

Expertise

I Do the Homework

Proud member of the WorldVia Travel Network, staying current on deals and destinations.

Authoritativeness

Your Personal Filter

I cut through 50+ open tabs and sponsored reviews to give you the straight facts.

Trustworthiness

Transparent and Honest

Paid via commissions from providers. Planning fees start at $50 depending on your trip. We talk through everything before anything is confirmed.

A Little More About Me

The quick version.

Ready to go somewhere amazing?

Let's figure out where that is. No pressure, no commitment. Just a real conversation about your next trip.

✈️ Start Planning My Trip

No pressure. Everyone welcome.

@happydetourtravel