The Values We Live By As Travelers
We value transparency and we want to help you make a decision that's right for *you*. Our trips are not for everyone… but they might be for you.
Written by Emily Plug, Head of Content & Sales at El Camino Travel. Originally published January 20, 2023
Booking travel is a big decision and we know that you pour a lot of thought and consideration into making your choice. We know you have many travel companies to choose from and we're honored that you are considering us. We want to be transparent about who we are and who we're for because our trips are not for everyone. We want to help you choose a travel company whose ethos, values, and style is right for you.
We’re an inclusive travel community and we welcome travelers from all backgrounds and walks of life. Our trips are designed for a traveler who has an adventurous spirit and cares about making the world a better place through responsible, intentional tourism. This traveler is open-minded, inherently curious, and enjoys indulging in the moment. Our trips are for the traveler who finds joy in stepping outside of their comfort zone, loves trying new things, and is excited to fully immerse themselves in the destinations we're visiting. Though we provide a high level of customer service, our traveler is someone who understands that travel will never be perfect.
We want you to be excited to be pushed outside of your comfort zone and we invite you to leave your preconceptions at home. Things may move at a different pace and success may look different than what you're accustomed to at home. We encourage you to confront these differences head-on.
We're extremely passionate about guiding our travelers through unparalleled experiences that will enable them to learn, grow, rest, and recharge—returning home better and stronger than when they left. Those who join us with an open heart and an open mind will get the most out of their experience with us. We invite you to be vulnerable, humble, and bold. Above all else, we want you to have an experience of a lifetime in community with other travelers. If you mesh with our style of travel, you're going to return home feeling empowered, uplifted, and forever changed. We can't wait to shake things up with you.
Prior to traveling with us, you'll be invited to agree to the following Traveler Values. These values are not only important to us, but they allow our travelers to determine if they are the right fit for an El Camino adventure. They also serve as a reminder that this is a group experience. You will be operating as a cohesive and connected unit and sharing the experiences together. It sometimes means considering the common good of the group ahead of yourself, and most importantly, that you'll have the opportunity to meet and connect with an incredible group of travelers who value intentional travel, just like you do.
El Camino Traveler Values
I am open-minded, inherently curious, and enjoy indulging in the moment.
I find joy in stepping outside of my comfort zone, love trying new things, and am excited to explore a culture completely different from my own.
I have read the full itinerary and looked at the style of accommodations. All looks good to me!
I understand that last-minute changes to the itinerary or accommodations are always possible (but I know the El Camino team will communicate changes beforehand, whenever they can).
I also understand that, sometimes, things happen—flights are delayed, bad weather kicks in—but I’m ready to roll with all of that, as I would on any other trip. Sometimes the best memories come from things not going as planned.
I understand that I can opt out of any activities on the itinerary, whenever I want. (But I promise to let my guide know when I do.)
I understand that if issues come up on the trip, I will let my local host know so the El Camino team can proactively address any concerns that I may have.
I am excited to meet travelers from all walks of life. Inclusivity is the name of the game, and everyone can sit at our table!
I’m ready to meet adventurous, intelligent travelers like myself, and lift them up as we make memories in our destination together.
What do you think of our Traveler Values? Does this sound like you? If you're ready to move forward to the next step, you can start browsing our trips here, or take our ✨dream trip quiz✨ to get matched up with the perfect trip.