Photo Ops
In 2014, Colombian-American Katalina Mayorga took on the modern-day explorer’s social-media dilemma: how to disconnect and still have envy-inducing photos to show for it. So she founded El Camino Travel, a company that sends a professional photographer on its outfitted trips in Central America.
Don’t expect a week on the beach. Itineraries in Colombia, Nicaragua, and Trinidad and Tobago are loaded with adventure (like rappelling from waterfalls) and culture (cooking and dance lessons). Every night the photographer sends 30 photos to each guest. Not that you’ll necessarily want to share your epic Tarzan flop into a jungle lake.
From $2,050; elcamino.travel —Jen Murphy
Business Travel, Meet Bucket List
Westin Hotels wants to take you surfing. And hiking. And skiing. Building on the success of RunWestin, which pairs local runners with guests looking to put in a few miles while away from home, the upscale hotel chain has begun offering an adventure concierge service, connecting you with gear and seasoned staff members who know the area’s best hills, breaks, trails, and peaks.
With several more locations joining soon, even the quickest trip will have room for a little extra fun. —Graham Averill
LAX
Los Angeles
Surf the South Bay from nearby Manhattan Beach.
Peachtree Plaza
Atlanta
Tune up at the hotel’s repair station, then tour historic neighborhoods on two wheels.
Bear Mountain
Victoria, British Columbia
Hike to the summit of Mount Finlayson, with panoramas of Victoria and Vancouver Island.
Kierland
Scottsdale, Arizona
Take a four-mile guided ramble through the Sonoran Desert.