We had the good fortune of connecting with Laura Adams and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Laura, we’d love to hear more about how you thought about starting your own business?
Before founding Telamon Travel, I spent many years working for a tour operator specializing in cultural travel to Cuba. Those experiences, through both the travelers I supported and my own trips to Cuba, became my foundation. They showed me how travel could be transformative not only for the traveler, but also for the communities who welcomed them. I witnessed how an exchange over music, art, or shared meals could open hearts and create lasting impact on both sides.

When I envisioned Telamon, I wanted to take that sense of depth and connection and apply it to luxury travel in a more personal way. Too often, journeys are treated as transactions rather than as meaningful experiences that could enrich someone’s life. My goal was to build a boutique agency that felt different, where every detail is personally designed with care, reflection, and intention.

The name Telamon itself comes from classical architecture: a sculpted figure that quietly bears the weight of the structure above it. To me, it represents strength, artistry, and steadfast support. That’s the role I envisioned for Telamon Travel: to stand behind each journey, upholding the details with quiet strength so my clients can immerse fully in the experience, knowing they are cared for.

Over time, I also came to recognize that wellness, not just physical health but mental clarity and emotional renewal, needed to be a guiding principle. That reflection deepened during the global pause of the pandemic and has since become woven into every itinerary I design. Today, wellness is not an afterthought but a core part of Telamon’s philosophy: travel should leave you not only inspired, but restored.

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
Telamon Travel is a boutique luxury and wellness travel agency dedicated to designing journeys that are both inspiring and restorative. I specialize in curating bespoke itineraries, luxury cruises, and wellness retreats for discerning travelers who value elegance, refinement, and thoughtful service.

What sets Telamon apart is the way I see travel as both an art and a form of wellness. Every itinerary is intentionally designed to reflect not only where someone wants to go, but also how they want to feel along the way. A journey with Telamon might include sailing through the Adriatic, a stay at a world-class spa retreat, or a cultural immersion in a historic city. The common thread is that each experience is created with care, balance, and intention.

Getting here was not easy. Launching a business in the travel industry meant navigating periods of uncertainty, and at times it required an incredible amount of resilience. I overcame challenges by staying true to my vision and focusing on what matters most: relationships and consistency. Relationships with my clients, who trust me to hold space for their dreams. Relationships with my sister, Ann, who has been my lifelong travel companion and now works alongside me. And relationships with my partners across the globe, who extend that same care to my clients when they arrive.

The lessons I have learned along the way are simple but profound. Clarity matters. Wellness is essential. Consistency builds trust. What I want the world to know about Telamon is that we stand behind every detail of a journey with the quiet strength our name represents. Travel with us is not only about where you go, it’s about how the experience shapes you, restores you, and endures as more than a trip, becoming a meaningful chapter.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
When friends visit San Diego, I love to design an itinerary that highlights both the beauty of the coast and the richness of our local culture. If we had a full week together, here is how I’d share the place I call home.

We would begin with mornings by the water, starting with a walk along the cliffs at Torrey Pines or the tide pools at Cabrillo National Monument. Yoga on the beach in Del Mar or La Jolla is another favorite way to start the day. For breakfast, I’d take them to Café Madeleine in South Park for a French-style morning, or to Morning Glory in Little Italy for something playful and indulgent.

Afternoons would be about exploration. I’d plan time in Balboa Park to enjoy its gardens and museums, then perhaps a sailing excursion on the bay or whale watching depending on the season. For wellness and relaxation, I’d include a spa experience at Rancho Valencia or a quiet afternoon at one of the coastal resorts where you can linger by the pool with a view of the ocean.

Evenings would showcase San Diego’s dining scene. We might spend one night at Addison, our Michelin-starred gem, another at Born & Raised for a classic steakhouse experience, and another enjoying fresh seafood at George’s at the Cove. For something casual yet quintessential, fish tacos at Oscar’s or a brewery crawl in North Park always delight.

Over the course of the week, I’d also carve out time for the charming communities that make San Diego unique: a day trip to Coronado with its wide beaches and historic Hotel del Coronado, browsing the boutiques of Solana Beach’s Cedros Avenue, or wine tasting in Temecula just a short drive away.

One place I always return to is the Mount Soledad Memorial. It offers sweeping views of the entire county, but more than that, it carries a profound sense of serenity and reflection. It’s a reminder of the history, sacrifice, and spirit that shape this place, and it never fails to leave me grateful for both home and horizon.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
My deepest gratitude goes to my sister, Ann, who has always been my closest travel companion and greatest encourager. Long before she joined Telamon officially, she was by my side, inspiring and supporting me in ways both big and small. Having her now as part of the business feels like a natural continuation of that lifelong partnership.

I’m also deeply thankful to my parents, who made travel a priority from the very beginning. They ensured that my sister and I traveled often as children, taking annual road trips so we could truly see the country rather than just fly over it. Those early experiences instilled in me a sense of wonder, curiosity, and appreciation for discovery that continues to guide my work today.

Finally, I want to honor my clients, whose trust and curiosity inspire me every day. Their openness to meaningful, restorative travel experiences is what gives purpose to the work I do.

Website: https://telamontravel.com

Instagram: https://instagram.com/telamontravel

Linkedin: https://linkedin.com/company/telamontravel

Facebook: https://facebook.com/telamontravel

Other: Begin Your Journey: https://telmn.co/journey

Image Credits
Headshot by Vanessa Haaland

Nominate Someone: ShoutoutSoCal is built on recommendations and shoutouts from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.