1st time ever, aiming for end of May 2020.

[MaggieQYogini]

Heard of the trail years ago, but life has taken me close to actually doing it. I want to do the French way. Being a petite woman, would I be safe walking alone??????

 

[ranthr]

May be even safer than at home. On camino Frances in May you might hardly ever be alone.

 

[Kiernan]

Sure.
And, depending on the time of the year, you'll not be alone at all!!
Don't worry about that. You'll realize soon that your worries are going to be in a diferent way i.e. do I have a blister? Am I enough tired to keep going? will I find a bar to have something and get a rest in that village?.....and so on

 

[Glenshiro]

This question crops up regularly, and I hope some experienced female walkers will be along soon to reassure you.
From my own observations over a number of years, there are many solo female walkers, of all ages and nationalities, some of them startlingly young! All seem very relaxed, some pal up with other lone females or mixed groups, some prefer their own company either walking or in the evening, or both. The choice is yours.
None is likely to be more than 10-15 minutes away from other walkers unless they deliberately seek solitude by walking in winter. At all other times, there will be plenty of company.
And the crime rate in Spain is very low.
Go - you will remember it for the rest of your life!

 

[Peter Fransiscus]

Heard of the trail years ago, but life has taken me close to actually doing it. I want to do the French way. Being a petite woman, would I be safe walking alone??????

Hi Maggie ,
My wife walked also alone and she is only 1,59mtr. tall. She had no problems what so ever.
Yust enjoy your self and I wish you a wonderful time and a Buen Camino.

 

[Bodi]

I have walked alone twice and felt very safe both times. It was in the autumn both times and there were many other people walking. You can find solitude if you wish, as well as lots of opportunities to connect with other pilgrims. Buen Camino!

 

[AlwynWellington]

@MaggieQYogini , kia ora (greetings, good health)

Obviously I can not comment from a female perspective. But males can also be apprehensive. On two occasions just myself and a female were the only residents in the hostel and it worked out fine.

Kia kaha (take care, be strong, get going)

 

[AndrewDavOz]

Recommend training yourself to walk the planned distances, carrying the pack planned, so you have a chance of being fully prepared for the walking. In September I saw many cases of people who had just not realised how unprepared they had been, treating severe blisters they were unprepared for. You will not regret the training and be assured there are many solo women walking safely.
Andrew

 

[MaggieQYogini]

Thank you EVERYONE for your reply and advice!!! _/\_
My eye issue causes me headaches with too much screen time. So searching this forum has been daunting! So a few more questions:
1) Cell phone. I have T-Mobile. Suffice? Or buy a phone in Spain?
2) Best camera to take since I love photography. I have a Nikon or better to take a pocket size??
3) Pro and cons of making loding reservation ahead
4) Mosquitos an issue in May/June? Bedbug ever an issue?
5) Do most people just go home after the Camino or travel some more? I have the time to go on, but very curious of people's mindset after. All that solitude and going deep into one's head/psyche..........

Nervous and excited Maggie from LA

 

[Anniesantiago]

Thank you EVERYONE for your reply and advice!!! _/\_
My eye issue causes me headaches with too much screen time. So searching this forum has been daunting! So a few more questions:
1) Cell phone. I have T-Mobile. Suffice? Or buy a phone in Spain?
2) Best camera to take since I love photography. I have a Nikon or better to take a pocket size??
3) Pro and cons of making loding reservation ahead
4) Mosquitos an issue in May/June? Bedbug ever an issue?
5) Do most people just go home after the Camino or travel some more? I have the time to go on, but very curious of people's mindset after. All that solitude and going deep into one's head/psyche..........

Nervous and excited Maggie from LA

1) Cell phone. I have T-Mobile. Suffice? Or buy a phone in Spain?
This depends on your service contract with T Mobile. Does it cover Spain?

2) Best camera to take since I love photography. I have a Nikon or better to take a pocket size??
I just use my iPhone. There are millions of photos of the Camino online if I need a great one.

3) Pro and cons of making loding reservation ahead
Depends. In May, I personally would book lodging in SJPP, Roncesvalles, Zubiri, and Pamplona as well as In Santiago.

4) Mosquitos an issue in May/June? Bedbug ever an issue?
Never have seen mosquitos on the Frances route. Bedbugs are ALWAYS an issue.

5) Do most people just go home after the Camino or travel some more? I have the time to go on, but very curious of people's mindset after. All that solitude and going deep into one's head/psyche..........

Honestly, once you are IN Europe, it's CHEAP to get around. I've found flights from Santiago to Rome for €35. You can find inexpensive flights to Amsterdam, France, Italy, ferries to Ireland... it's crazy cheap once you're there.