Unlock Our Signature Style Of Immersive Travel
Spend a day in El Camino Travel’s shoes—walking off the beaten path, of course. We’re taking you through a 24-hour itinerary of Paris, London, and San Francisco, traveling “The Touristy Way” versus “The El Camino Travel Way,” so that you can discover the magic of our immersive style of travel for yourself.
Written by Kat Harrison, El Camino Travel contributor. Originally published February 21, 2023
We’ve all been there. You travel to a new destination and you want to see the hot spots you’ve heard so much about, only to discover that, not only were these attractions overhyped, but they also involved long lines, overpriced tickets, and big crowds. On top of all that, you leave feeling like you didn’t really experience the city. Oof.
While we understand that there’s a time for traveling the touristy way, we’re here to show you that there’s another way to travel that is more fulfilling, sustainable, and transformative… Welcome to the El Camino Travel way!
We steer clear of the tourist traps and opt for off-the-beaten-path experiences and hidden gems instead. Let us show you the magic of our local and immersive style through a metaphorical day in Paris, London, and San Francisco traveling “The El Camino Travel Way” rather than “The Touristy Way.” This is how we love to travel, and we know you will too.
Paris
👎 The Touristy Way
Start your day waiting in line at the Louvre, then shop commercial brands while walking down the Avenues des Champs-Elysées. End your day fighting for a picnic spot at the Eiffel Tower.
💫 The El Camino Travel Way
Start your day with a unique two-hour walking tour with Entreé to Black Paris that showcases the history and culture of Black people in Paris. Their “On the Grandest of Avenues” tour follows the Avenues des Champs-Elysees in the footsteps of Black entertainers and artists such as Josephine Baker and Sidney Bechet.
Then shop small at Maison Château Rouge, a colorful and creative concept store in the 18th Arrondissement. This shop was co-founded by Youssouf Fofana, the son of Senegalese immigrants to Paris, with the goal of bringing more clients to the less-visited Chateau Rouge neighborhood to help develop and rebrand it as a quartier.
While you’re in the 18th Arrondissement, retreat to Brasserie Barbès, a casual brasserie featuring a sunny open-air patio and a rooftop overlooking Montmartre. Delight in French bistro classics, and then stick around for late-night dancing.
PRO TIP: ECT Clubhouse members can discover more under-the-radar Paris travel tips in our El Camino Travel Guide to Paris. Not a member? Sign up here!
London
👎 The Touristy Way
Spend hours indoors at The British Museum, a cultural institution found in every guidebook. Wait in line to see the Crown Jewels in the Tower of London. Finally, purchase an overpriced ticket to ride the London Eye.
💫 The El Camino Travel Way
Cook up a storm in a Migrateful cooking class led by migrant chefs who have faced challenges with integration and access to employment in the city. Migrants and refugees from Syria, Pakistan, Gambia, Turkey, and more share their cuisines by teaching recipes from home.
Then find your vacation read in The Common Press, a bookshop and café recommended by Kelley. Based in Shoreditch, the shop champions titles that represent queer and underrepresented communities.
End your day playing mix and match with small plates at Chuku’s, the city’s first Nigerian tapas restaurant, based in Tottenham, North London. The Black-owned, sibling-run restaurant celebrates its roots with Nigerian-inspired artwork on the walls and chill Afrobeats.
PRO TIP: ECT Clubhouse members can discover more under-the-radar London travel tips in our London Culture Guide. Not a member? Sign up here!
San Francisco
👎 The Touristy Way
Start your day with every other tourist at the chaotic Pier 39. Then take an almost 2-mile stroll across the famous Golden Gate Bridge. Conclude your day with dinner at the popular Zuni Café—but make sure you made a reservation at least four weeks in advance.
💫 The El Camino Travel Way
Spend your day exploring the Mission District, one of San Francisco’s most popular neighborhoods among locals. Brimming with Latino culture, the foundation of this district, it's known for its fantastic restaurants, bars, and shops.
While you’re there, discover Yamo, a secret hidden gem of a Burmese restaurant (and a fantastic alternative to the award-winning Burma Superstar in Inner Richmond) set in a tiny space with a single counter. Run by a mother-daughter duo, this might be the most affordable sit-down meal you can get in SF, and also one of the tastiest.
Then pop over to Zam Zam Cocktail Bar in the Haight for an equally tiny, extra cozy martini bar with an old-school vibe and a loyal local crowd. It's quiet, not rowdy, and a great place for solo travelers—just make sure you know what you want when you approach the bar.
Nearby, you’ll find Club Deluxe, an iconic SF venue with live music, cheap drinks, and an old-time New York jazz house feel. After struggling during the pandemic, the club almost had to shut down, but thankfully the owners were able to broker a deal based on an ordinance that helps small business owners recover from losses during the pandemic, allowing this live music destination to continue.
PRO TIP: ECT Clubhouse members can discover more under-the-radar London travel tips in our El Camino Travel Guide to San Francisco. Not a member? Sign up here!