Help me get started!

[Katy6264]

Hi, I'm Katy, and 18 years old. I've always wanted to travel. I've never actually been outside of my country. Actually... I've never even went as far at two provinces.
But I always had a longing to see what it's like to see another world.
I watched The Way. It's unrealistic, and beautified of course but, I think it would be something amazing to walk that far.. To give up luxuries for a little while, and have a real challenge.
My question, how to get started? How long should I prepare for, and what will I need? Please. Any information will help.

 

[Alyssa]

Here's how I got started...

I read everything I could online about the Camino for a week; bought a plane ticket that allowed me 38 days in Spain; started haunting the local REI (outdoor equipment store) and trying on shoe after shoe after shoe; bought shoes, tried them at home, returned them until I find the right pair for me; tried out different sleep systems, returned them until I found what worked for me; continued to research (getting the bulk of the information I needed on this forum--many thanks to you all!)

Five months later, I found myself taking my first step on the Camino in St. Jean Pied de Port.

Katy, feel free to send me a private message if you want more detailed information... Buen camino and welcome!!!

 

[whariwharangi]

You'll need documents ... passport and travel insurance. You might want to talk to a health nurse about getting shots ... though Spain is a 1st world country and you are not likely to need much. When you use the word "province" I assume you are Canadian; so contact the Canadian Company of Pilgrims to obtain a Credencial. The credencial allows you to stay in albergues along the camino. You should start with these documents because, particularly with the passport, its time consuming to get them. I would suggest obtaining a guidebook, Brierley has a good one.

You'll need to investigate visa requirements. My understanding (and please confirm this with your government foreign affairs) is you can stay in Schengen area countries (which includes Spain, France, and Portugal but not UK) for a total 90 days out of every 180 days. (and no that is not 90 days in Spain and 90 days in France)

The plan for getting there and back takes up most of your preparation time. You need to know how much time you have. That will determine where you start and finish. Then you need to figure out the best way to get there out of myriad travel options.

How much time will you need? Brierley wrote in his guide book that you should have at least 35 days to complete the camino from SJPdP to Santiago gracefully. I would suggest more time is better. Add travel time to that.

You will need a pair of walking shoes or boots that are broken in. You'll need to decide the minimum of gear you will need (clothing, toiletries, and luxuries) because you get to carry it all in your framed backpack equipped with a hip belt.

The hard part is that you will need the funds to pay for it all.

 

[Katy6264]

Thank you both You were both a HUGE step in me starting out a plan
It makes me much more confident to do this!

 

[MichaelB10398]

First thing - you can do this. Second thing - planning is always the better way to go. This site has an enormous amount of information. When you think of something - what pack to use, what clothes to wear, which trail to walk, where to stay, how do I know where to go, etc. it is all here. Use the search and read. If you cannot find an answer then just ask a question. Pilgrims are helpful and those on this site are more than willing to share their experience with you.

You are rather young so you may be in excellent shape; if not, start walking. Walk long distances, short distances; walk with a pack on, walk with a loaded pack; walk up hills and mountains; walk down hills and mountains. The better shape you are in the easier it will be for you. However, if you are not in great shape, learn to take is easier at the beginning until your legs strengthen, then you can walk long distances faster without causing yourself problems. If you try to do too much too fast your body will let you know. The way it lets you know is it stops you from walking.

The Camino can also be a very spiritual journey. For some that means religious; for others it is strictly spiritual. Regardless of your position in this area, it is good to prepare for that also.

There is no "correct" way to do the Camino. Your camino is your camino and you can do it however works best for you.

 

[Deacon Harbey Santiago]

The third thing you should do is decide when, and where: When to go, where to start and how to get there. The site rome2rio will help greatly.

http://www.rome2rio.com/

 

[Al the optimist]

Camino rule - weight is king! Don't carry the kitchen sink in case you need it. Essentials only. Boots (a size bigger than normal to allow for socks and heat increase) and backpack that are comfy are equally important.