Jill Knapp

My travel career began in the late 1980s as a young travel agent — when wasn't even possible to book your own trip! After earning a both bachelor's and master's degree in Geography, I spent nearly 30 years teaching world geography at Brigham Young University — a role that deepened my love for sharing the world with others and eventually led me back to travel planning in 2020.

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.

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.