Do I need a phone? What's your experience?

[Mari Ulfsdotter]

When I walk the camino I want to be totally offline, I don’t want to bring any technical gadgets, not even a phone. But do I need a phone? Is it a must for booking Albergues or is it just "good to have” like in case of emergency? what´s your experience?

 

[patgreen]

Most people like to take a phone but you don't need one. I have never booked an Albergue you can't book a lot of them anyway. In an emergency you could ask to use someone elses phone. I think emergencies are very rare anyway.

 

[RobertS26]

I carried a phone for a couple of reasons. First, I used it as a camera. I know many people walk the Camino without a camera, but I am glad that I brought one. Second, you will find that many industrious taxi drivers have strategically, if not tastefully, placed a small sign touting their services along the way. Whenever I reached one of these signs I took a picture of it. Having the ability to instantly call for a taxi gave me a nice feeling of comfort. Third, I did want those at home to have the ability to contact me in case of an emergency on that end (no one ever called).

On the whole, I would vote for bringing it even if you just leave it in your backpack.

 

[SabsP]

I brought a phone beause I need to be in contact with my mum on a regularly basis for personal health reasons. We had an arrangement how to be in contact so she knew phone was switched off during the day.
And I love my Samsung smartphone for taking pictures, the occasional Booking.com hotelarrangement ( nice app from Booking ) an the Vueling app...no need to print out all the paperwork. Also I do use Evernote alot ( practical to store info like a copy of your id, bankcard etc).
If used sensibly...a phone is a good item IMHO...

 

[WycombeMan]

I've decided against taking a phone when I leave next week, I have a fear that I will spend all my time looking for wi-fi hotspots/texting and wanting to surf the net and not just relaxing, re-affirming my faith and just getting away from it all, I have said I will contact home every 4 days to say I'm still alive etc

 

[paladycamino]

I plan on taking my phone for many of the same reasons RobertS26 stated. You can also purchase a phone and minutes for like 25 euros. I have one from previous trips and it comes in handy every once in a while when I travel overseas. If you plan on walking by yourself it is just one more emergency tool. I also agree there will be plenty of phones you can probably borrow. I also plan on using the free smartphone apps to text and talk to family for free. I wish I could not take it but I have been a techie for over 25 years so even just going down to just a phone is a big step for me.

 

[alexwalker]

I am bringing my iPhone mostly as an emergency device just in case (I have installed WhatsApp just for that), but it also serves as a flashlight, compass (just in case), map and camera in one single piece, saving me some weight in my pack.

But I must confess I am very much in line with WycombeMan here: I hate it when all people are just staring at their iPhones/iPads...

 

[gidivet]

I plan on taking my phone for many of the same reasons RobertS26 stated. You can also purchase a phone and minutes for like 25 euros. I have one from previous trips and it comes in handy every once in a while when I travel overseas. If you plan on walking by yourself it is just one more emergency tool. I also agree there will be plenty of phones you can probably borrow. I also plan on using the free smartphone apps to text and talk to family for free. I wish I could not take it but I have been a techie for over 25 years so even just going down to just a phone is a big step for me.

I have been thinking long and hard about the tech I carry. I will be blogging and would like to use a digital camera, so I'm taking an iPad mini to download photos from the camera and put them in the blog. I would love to use just my phone, but the camera isn't good enough, and I haven't managed to find a way to get photos directly from the camera into the WP8 phone.
So sadly I'm carrying some tech, and decided to download some Camino guides since they weigh nothing extra.

 

[ManyMiles2Go]

I took my phone, mostly for concerns from work (they never called me though ) I used mine for a camera also, and was nice to have my medical insurance papers, etc. on my phone if needed. A nice gentleman from Germany used my phone when he was having ATM problems. Should have let him buy my dinner when he offered, but didn't see the phone bill until I got home

 

[ManyMiles2Go]

Oh, if you do take your phone, DO NOT tell your brother-in-law you have one. (You know, the guy who calls his sister about once a month until she is out of the country, then has to call every other day to see if she is OK )

 

[lettinggo]

Hola

When I walked I left the phone back home and it was a good experience for me.
I needed a period of time to be unconnected and to be undisturbed.
The times I felt I wanted to connect I used one the numerous email possibilities, or just made a call from a local phone.
During my walks I never found myself in an emergency, but if I had been, I most certainly would have been aided by a fellow pilgrim.
Enjoy your walk.

Buen Camino,
Lettinggo

 

[alexwalker]

But I must confess I am very much in line with WycombeMan here: I hate it when all people are just staring at their iPhones/iPads...

I have said it before, but will repeat: The famous writer of the sci-fi horror story "1984", George Orwell, once said:

"The day when we communicate more with machines than with each other, is the beginning of the end for us".

 

[lettinggo]

Sounds like a good day to begin a long walk...

 

[peregrina2000]

When I walk the camino I want to be totally offline, I don’t want to bring any technical gadgets, not even a phone. But do I need a phone? Is it a must for booking Albergues or is it just "good to have” like in case of emergency? what´s your experience?

Hi, Mari,
As you can see from the replies so far, this is a very personal decision. I have two very elderly parents, so for me having a phone to communicate regularly with them across the ocean is essential to everyone's peace of mind. I also like to have a phone to connect with friends in Spain, to make an occasional reservation ahead of time, and just to have a phone "in case..." (I try not to think of what those terrible things might be).

But if a phone is going to take away from your comfort level, my advice would be that by all means you should leave it at home. There are plenty of ways to get in touch if you need to resort to technology -- many libraries, old folks centers, and cultural centers have computers for public use. There are stores called "locutorios" where there are phones, computers, faxes, etc, with services that are generally very reasonably priced, for calling in Spain or outside Spain. These stores are located in larger cities or smaller places with large immigrant communities, so they are not uncommon along the Camino.

I have walked with people who have their phone on for one hour a day in case anyone needs to get in touch, and then it's just off the rest of the time. Many ways to work this one out, you just have to find what works for you. Buen camino, Laurie

 

[AJ]

No you don't NEED a phone.

 

[Olivares]

When I walk the camino I want to be totally offline, I don’t want to bring any technical gadgets, not even a phone. But do I need a phone? Is it a must for booking Albergues or is it just "good to have” like in case of emergency? what´s your experience?

Pilgrims in the 12th Century still equipped themselves the best they could, no different for 21st Century pilgrims. Being offline does not mean not having the resources with you in case of an emergency. That said, IF YOUR PILGIMAGE is about disconnecting from your day-to-day and contemplate it from a place of silence I think it is fantastic to forgo the means. HOWEVER, you can be totally offline and still bring technical gadgets. OF COURSE, you do not need a phone, but having a phone often times is not about YOU connecting but allowing other people in your life to stay connected to you, even if only on an emergency basis; it is about consideration of others as well. If you have alternate means to regularly let people back home know your whereabouts, then having a phone is definitely not warranted. Buen Camino!

 

[Al the optimist]

My phone is a camera, a book and a music player as and if needed as such as well as having copies of all relevant documents. Funnily enough it can also be a contact point to check up on loved ones and to reassure them I am OK! Yes, it can also be used to book ahead (though I don't) but also to keep in touch with your new strewn out camino family. But each to their own, what works for one is different to what works for another. I do have the added bonus though that with my UK contractI don't incur charges for calls and texts within the country I am in, and I and my family/friends in the UK can call/text without charges.
EDIT Obviously it is also useful for emergencies and for helping others who don't have a phone in whatever way they need facilitating. I also forgot to mention I have my guides and maps on there to save weight.

 

[mspath]

During my first caminos my husband and I communicated when necessary by land-line telephone; since 2008 I have carried a smartphone which also serves as my camera and computer on which I write my blogs. Since we both are in our 70's whilst apart we text each other good morning, briefly cite our daily plans, and text again at day's end. Simple, swift and efficacious this helps keep each of us in the other's loop.

While walking a smartphone and European assistance number 112 can provide invaluable emergency help. Luckily I have never personally needed such assistance, but over the years I have called 112 for other pilgrims who needed fast help and either had no phone or were unable to use a phone. ...In retrospect I would NEVER walk without a smartphone. Carrying one may help save someone else's life.

Margaret Meredith

 

[obinjatoo@yahoo.com]

I did not have a smartphoneipadtabletbloggernetbook thingy and I didn't miss it. It's Europe not (insert most remote part of the globe. Western Sahara perhaps). While sections of the CF seem a little remote, there is always someone. Disconnect and do yourself a favor.

 

[Suzanne Edminster]

I have been thinking long and hard about the tech I carry. I will be blogging and would like to use a digital camera, so I'm taking an iPad mini to download photos from the camera and put them in the blog. I would love to use just my phone, but the camera isn't good enough, and I haven't managed to find a way to get photos directly from the camera into the WP8 phone.
So sadly I'm carrying some tech, and decided to download some Camino guides since they weigh nothing extra.

I'm in the same situation. What are the Camino guides you downloaded? I am not taking a phone, but am taking camera and Ipad mini. The IPad will allow Skype or Facetime with my husband at wifi spots.

 

[paladycamino]

I am one of 9 and a 90 year old father who has had three cancers and believe it or not is still going strong (hope I have his genes.) But like Al it is more than a phone for me it is a book, flashlight, music, camera, compass, ect.... I love the medical information on the phone. Passport photo is something else I was thinking I might have a picture of just in case. Drivers license and credit card numbers (just never know.) So it is an emergency tool for me. But I agree do what works for you. I am using the Viber app on my phone to keep in touch with family. Anyone else find another app that was useful.

 

[Al the optimist]

Try Whatsup for text messages when you get WIFI.

 

[Anniesantiago]

I do not like taking a phone.
I have to carry one when I'm escorting a group.
Otherwise, I'd leave the danged thing home!
If there is an emergency, tons of pilgrims carry phones.

 

[paladycamino]

Thanks, Al I will check it out. I just picked Viber because it was call, text, send pictures, and you did not have to invite people and free. I like the comment tons carry them. Must be something too that then. Also, even though tons have them I am going to go out on a limb and bet my family does not have one of those pilgrims numbers. Oops, wrong my daughter is coming so they would have hers. I don't plan on using it much just to give my family the peace of mind I am still alive. That is worth the weight of the phone. Thanks for the tip about letting others use it. Hope your bill was not too high.

Annie just curious why when you escort a group and not by yourself. Is it for the groups piece of mind?? Or so they don't have to bring theirs. You are very seasoned so I completely understand your not wanting one.

 

[MKalcolm M]

I made the decision to walk completely unplugged, no tech at all, I didn't even take a watch. It was great. About once a week I'd get access to the internet to check all was well at home, and it was all that was needed. Next camino I walk I will do the same. Absence from high tech creates a freedom to be yourself and to be in the moment with those around you.

 

[paladycamino]

For the people that don't bring a phone I envy you. I completely believe it would be a different experience. I hope I find someone on my journey that does not have a phone that I can learn from how to be so free.

 

[Anniesantiago]

Annie just curious why when you escort a group and not by yourself. Is it for the groups piece of mind?? Or so they don't have to bring theirs. You are very seasoned so I completely understand your not wanting one.

When I take a group, they need to be able to contact me.
Walking alone, no phone.

Some of my folks used Skype to contact family members at night.
Free if you have a smartphone or tablet.

 

[Olivares]

While sections of the CF seem a little remote, there is always someone.

YEP, there is always somebody with a phone.....thank Goodness!

 

[mspath]

YEP, there is always somebody with a phone.....thank Goodness!

Walking in late autumn /winter through fog, heavy rain or snow that SOMEBODY has been me! As mentioned above on several caminos I have come upon other solitary pilgrims in DEEP trouble. They needed help FAST. By chance, my phone provided contact with emergency assistance at 112. Thus I repeat "...NEVER walk without a smartphone. Carrying one may help save someone else's life."

 

[Rambler]

Well, I am taking a different approach:

NASA designed a Camino pack for me that has several enviable features:

• GPS enabled so that I can be located at any moment down to the actual stall I am using at an albuerge
• Continuous blogging of all sight and sounds that I experience along the way, including snoring
• Built in Google translation so that I can understand 107 different languages through my bluetooth earpiece (everything is better with bluetooth)
• Virtual uplink to the web with the Google Glass camera will provide my POV at the website https://whocares.org
• Also Google Glass will provide on-lens maps and Yelp ratings of all hostals, restaurants, refugios
• Pings every 30 seconds to the authorities and first responders in Spain of my heart rate, respiration, temperature, and blood sugar levels
• A UV disinfecting wand is attached to the system to clean my body, clothes, bed, all those around me, etc. of any bacteria, virus, bedbug or other nasty (will also heat your tea up!)
• I will be connected to satellite phone systems globally so I will not miss any work correspondence and can participate in video conferences as needed
• The 4G LTE continuous tracking will let me know which pilgrims are ahead or behind me so that I can catch up or avoid at my leisure.
• All critical data will be uploaded to the Web and Siri will write my blog for me each evening while I watch Netflix in the albuerge on the wall with my projection screen while others are sleeping.

I think I am bringing a phone...

Rambler

 

[Mariann]

When I walk the camino I want to be totally offline, I don’t want to bring any technical gadgets, not even a phone. But do I need a phone? Is it a must for booking Albergues or is it just "good to have” like in case of emergency? what´s your experience?

I plan to start walking mid may, I will only take an old fashion phone and just turn it on from 1900 - 2000, just in case. No other Devices With me!

 

[lettinggo]

Well, I am taking a different approach:

NASA designed a Camino pack for me that has several enviable features:

• GPS enabled so that I can be located at any moment down to the actual stall I am using at an albuerge
• Continuous blogging of all sight and sounds that I experience along the way, including snoring
• Built in Google translation so that I can understand 107 different languages through my bluetooth earpiece (everything is better with bluetooth)
• Virtual uplink to the web with the Google Glass camera will provide my POV at the website https://whocares.org
• Also Google Glass will provide on-lens maps and Yelp ratings of all hostals, restaurants, refugios
• Pings every 30 seconds to the authorities and first responders in Spain of my heart rate, respiration, temperature, and blood sugar levels
• A UV disinfecting wand is attached to the system to clean my body, clothes, bed, all those around me, etc. of any bacteria, virus, bedbug or other nasty (will also heat your tea up!)
• I will be connected to satellite phone systems globally so I will not miss any work correspondence and can participate in video conferences as needed
• The 4G LTE continuous tracking will let me know which pilgrims are ahead or behind me so that I can catch up or avoid at my leisure.
• All critical data will be uploaded to the Web and Siri will write my blog for me each evening while I watch Netflix in the albuerge on the wall with my projection screen while others are sleeping.

I think I am bringing a phone...

Rambler

No exoskeleton to do the walking?...

 

[Brendan Dawson]

I am taking my IPad Mini. Skype and FaceTime does a complete job of reaching (and being reached by) the ones that really matter.....wife, kids and their families and brother!
All have Apple "something".

Everyone one else can probably make it until my return.

Can take pics as required, as well!

Leaving home tomorrow.....wishing myself, and all who trudge.....Buen Camino ,





Sent from my iPad using Camino de Santiago Forum
Walkdontrun

 

[thetravellingpen]

I have said it before, but will repeat: The famous writer of the sci-fi horror story "1984", George Orwell, once said:

"The day when we communicate more with machines than with each other, is the beginning of the end for us".

Big difference between communicating 'with' machines or 'via' machines... that preposition can make all the difference. Via machines is a great way to stay in contact when away.

 

[paladycamino]

Hey Rambler you have something about showing your face. Are you in the witness protection program?? Every picture is either side or back view LOL… Nice humor from the guy that told me to not listen to music when I am walking LOL… But glad you will be near in case I need some of your tech toys when I start to go through withdraws.

 

[Olivares]

Leaving home tomorrow.....wishing myself, and all who trudge.....Buen Camino

Buen Camino Brendan! Godspeed Hermano!

 

[jmcarp]

We all have different needs and expectations regarding the use of electronic devices, so it boils down to a personal decision. Those of us that grew up in a previous generation without permanently-attached iphones and computers naturally have a different viewpoint, but we surely have our own crutches, so who are we to judge the wants and needs of others? The one big thing I left behind on the Camino was my judgemental nature (well, at least most of it). Millions or pilgrims walked the Camino for over a thousand years before the availability of modern electronics, so yes, it is possible to do it without a cell phone or even a map, but my advice to anyone walking the Camino would be to take at least a basic mobile phone for emergencies and semi-emergencies. But remember, just because you have it doesn't mean you have to use it all the time or even occasionally. My phone stayed in the cargo pocket of my shorts 99.5% of the time. I would send a short text message to the folks back home every other day or so, and even made a handful of voice calls just to let them know that all was well.

 

[Rambler]

Hey Rambler you have something about showing your face. Are you in the witness protection program?? Every picture is either side or back view LOL… Nice humor from the guy that told me to not listen to music when I am walking LOL… But glad you will be near in case I need some of your tech toys when I start to go through withdraws.

PALady:
Those pictures are of my stunt double.
And please don't talk about the witness protection program... THEY may be listening.
LOL

On a serious note though, we all should be respectful that each person gets to walk their own Camino. That means respectfully using your technology in discreet places away for those that may not want to hear your skype home (i.e. not in the albuerge dorm room). And also not being reactionary to those that choose to use it. Many people's Caminos are made better from tech.

So PALady I expect to hear Gonna Fly Now blaring from your headset as you climb the Route Napoleon in the coming weeks with your hands over your head at the top. Ignore me unless you find me passed out on the side of the road. If so, please press 112 on my backpack and just walk on by...


Rambler

 

[C clearly]

I am unconflicted about this - I love my smartphone and wouldn't leave home without it. Perhaps my happy relationship with it is because I have generally avoided having it connected to my working life. It is a constant challenge to keep up with the advancing functions, and I view that as good mental exercise for me when I retire later this year.

 

[paladycamino]

Don't have that on my play list yet Rambling but will add it. My first three on my playlist are "I would walk 500 miles" "HAPPY" and "Let's get this party started" I am ready!!!! I do hate having to listen to other people on phones that is a pet peeve of mine. So hopefully others will be as respectful. Yeah I like to kid a lot. I have always been a big believer in to each their own!!! C cleary when I got my new phone this year I intentionally did not put my work email on it and I am much happier. I am not a brain surgeon so nothing that pressing that could not wait until the next day I am at work.

 

[Walsh Camino]

When I walk the camino I want to be totally offline, I don’t want to bring any technical gadgets, not even a phone. But do I need a phone? Is it a must for booking Albergues or is it just "good to have” like in case of emergency? what´s your experience?

Mari,

When we were planning for our 2012 Camino, I had an intention of no phone. I found someone to manage my business while I was away and was ready to be completely free.

Unfortunately, about one week before our departure, my 79-year old dad was diagnosed with lung cancer. So I ended up taking a phone to have in an emergency. I also set up a new email address that only my mom and siblings had and that way I could get updates on my dad without having to wade through all the emails from my regular life. There is wifi everywhere and the secret email worked great. Unfortunately, the reports on dad got worse and there were more complications in addition to the cancer diagnosis. As it turned out, having the phone gave me one last opportunity to talk to my dad. I spoke to him in Carrion de los Condes. Just a few days later we were in Astorga when my mom called to tell me that dad had died suddenly from an abdominal aortic aneurysm. I can write a book on how to get back to the US in an emergency when biking the Camino.

The camino is full of surprises and for most more pleasant than the one that detoured my journey. I do know that for the last 18 days of his life, my dad had great joy as he read our blog and shared many special moments of our Camino. And I know that he will be with me as we head back to the Camino in September when we will bike from Roncesvalles to Finisterre.

I say follow your heart and if you like the comfort of a phone, take it.

Buen Camino!

 

[Kanga]

When I walk the camino I want to be totally offline, I don’t want to bring any technical gadgets, not even a phone. But do I need a phone? Is it a must for booking Albergues or is it just "good to have” like in case of emergency? what´s your experience?

Mari, you definitely don't need a mobile phone.

I did not have a mobile phone on my first couple of Caminos.

People carry phones for all the same reasons they have them at home.

 

[bimblingalong]

I took a stock standard Nokia, bought a Spanish prepaid SIM card & promptly forgot about it's existence!!...
Only had to dig it out of the bag twice, in the later stages of my walk to call a taxi for an injured friend & check up on her well being...
Also, will never forget a hugely supportive message that came from my partner at very crucial, post Cruz de Ferro meltdown..
Other than that I was just happy knowing it was there, but even happier to only switch it on occasionally to check battery levels;-)

For my upcoming Norte/ Primitivo I will do the same....

 

[longwalker]

Many years ago I learned that phoning home while on holiday never produced a positive experience.

 

[ZacM]

Use this time to retreat from the world as much as you can! It will be difficult but sooooo worth it in ways that I can't even begin to describe!

I brought my Itouch (outdated, I know!) and used it whenever I had the chance for the first 2 weeks of my trek. This was until my friend that I was walking with lovingly asked me to give it to him and my experience went from just a Saturday morning walk to an actual pilgrimage.

I can't say why it's worth it, but use electronics as little as you can. But there is something about retreating from the noise that phones bring into our lives that allows the silence to really enhance the experience of the camino and even just nature in general!

Buen camino
Zac

 

[julie]

I didn't carry a phone on my first pilgrimage. Though there were no problems in my world and I had no idea why I felt the need to go on pilgrimage, the feeling of being out of contact was rather appealing. I used public phones or emailed every so often to let my family know where I was and that I was OK.

My idea about going phone free changed when I met a woman who had returned to complete her pilgrimage. Her first attempt, the year before, had been interrupted by a call to say that her daughter was seriously ill and was in hospital.

Now I take a phone and my family knows that I will turn it on for about an hour at approximately 7pm each night. They can send a text if they need me to ring home. Thankfully, the need hasn't arisen yet but it is comforting for them and also for me to know that I am not completely out of touch.

I took a camera but not a charger on that first pilgrimage. It was charged mid-way however when I met a pilgrim with the same camera complete with charger. What a difference it makes when you are sparing with photos! That first time I took less than 100 photos between St Jean-Pied-de-Port and Finisterre, on subsequent pilgrimages it has been more like 1000! Writing that, I realise that it's time the charger stayed at home.