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Hello hello,
This month, we're switching things up for our bold women traveler series — putting the spotlight on one of the talented photographers who's been behind the lens for us, trip after trip. |
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Meet alina, el camino bold woman traveler
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A Chicago-based commercial and lifestyle photographer and studio co-founder of Southfacing Windows, Alina's work has taken her behind the scenes with Nike, the WNBA, Adidas, Klarna, and the Chicago Bulls, shooting campaigns alongside athletes like Zach LaVine and Serena Williams.
Across 13 El Camino trips on five continents, she's been behind the lens for it all throughout the last decade — cholita wrestling matches in Bolivia, tai chi at sunrise in a Hanoi plaza, dinners that turn into dance floors in Aswan. She has a gift for catching our travelers in their element: sleeves rolled up, comfort zones ditched, willing to sit with a conversation about a place even when it gets complicated.
If you've ever been in awe of any of our photos, it's likely because of her.
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her el camino trips
Japan
Vietnam
Sri Lanka
Spain
Georgia
Egypt
Senegal
Colombia
Bolivia
Nicaragua
Guatemala
Mexico
Mongolia
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We want to highlight one of your El Camino trips. Which one would you like to highlight?
Senegal.
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How would you describe that El Camino trip in three words?
Creative. Vibrant. Coastal.
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What was your favorite moment from that trip — the one that still sticks with you?
Coming out at sunset to Fann Beach and observing hundreds of people working out outside in unison. People are playing basketball, soccer, jogging in large groups and lifting weights. It's a massive open-air gym and everyone is fit.
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What's something you recommend everyone bring to that destination?
Sunscreen.
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What do you love most about traveling and documenting with El Camino?
Meeting all the badass women on these trips who all have fascinating stories. After doing so many trips I end up running into a lot of the same faces and keep up with their lives offline. It's truly something I cherish. The community created and friendships formed outside of travel are special.
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What's something travel has taught you about yourself?
I can actually figure out a lot of things on my own if I let myself. Trusting my intuition to lead me the right way, even so far away from home.
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What is something you always pack?
Layers. Dramamine. Portable charger.
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What's a small ritual you have when you travel?
Ritual or addiction, but my first thing landing in a new city is finding all the best coffee.
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As Seen in AD, Vogue, and CNT
"The design and aesthetic are a 10/10—every detail is beautiful... The private courtyard and plunge pool were a favorite. After hot days exploring, it was the perfect place to cool off and recharge."
Casa Violeta is our sister property — a tropical oasis in the colorful colonial town of Granada, Nicaragua, featured in Architectural Digest, Condé Nast Traveler, Domino Magazine, and Vogue.
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New on BoE: Denmark Decided Tourism Needed Better Businesses.
So It Built a Hub to Create Them.
BoE is our B2B publication exploring the future of hospitality, travel, culture, and experience-driven brands. Discover thoughtful insights, industry conversations, and ideas shaping how people connect with the world today.
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Kerala, Rooted in Ritual
November 21 – 29
Move through Kerala’s backwaters, spice-laden heritage, and ancient healing traditions, tracing the rituals and philosophies that continue to shape daily life across India’s lush southern coast.
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Colombia, In Full Sabor
February 13 – 21, 2027
Move through Cartagena’s Caribbean rhythms and Medellín’s creative reinvention, meeting the musicians, dancers, and communities shaping Colombia’s culture from the coast to the mountains.
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Senegal, Rhythm and Reinvention
March 6 – 14, 2027
Move through Dakar’s contemporary art scene, Saint-Louis’ colonial river streets, and the Sine Saloum Delta, meeting the artists, dancers, architects, and musicians shaping Senegal’s creative identity.
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