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Travel companies

lynskieinFenwick

New Member
Time of past OR future Camino
Apr/May 2023
Planning to walk the Primitivo from Oviedo end of April with 3 other people. Looking for recommendations for a travel company to arrange accommodations and luggage transfer. Also wondering if I should have them include breakfast and dinner in the quote.
 
The focus is on reducing the risk of failure through being well prepared. 2nd ed.
Honestly, I think you will be your own best company for the job. I’ve only seen two very elderly women who were happy with their chartered company…. And they had a guide with them every evening to chaperone them to dinners.
The rest of the time I’ve seen people stuck with itineraries their feet could not handle, forced to chase their luggage down the roads; or groups in which all members got stuck in one pace that never worked for all members at the same time; or people realizing they really want to take that detour to see X and they can’t because they are “locked in” on a package that is costing them 2-3 times as much on the ground as others…
If you need baggage transfer, pretty much all accommodations will help you handle that each evening.
I just finished the Primitivo from Oviedo and there’s just not shortage of accommodations until you reach the Frances…. And you can handle that by plotting out your arrival at Melide and booking about 5 days out rom there if the word on the trail is that it is very busy.
 
If you use a company I wouldn't recommend that you include dinners. I met a woman man on the Portuguese Camino this year who booked with a company and prepaid for all of her dinners. She ended up losing most of the money from the dinners as she preferred to eat with the other pilgrims that she met.
 
Down bag (90/10 duvet) of 700 fills with 180 g (6.34 ounces) of filling. Mummy-shaped structure, ideal when you are looking for lightness with great heating performance.

€149,-
Planning to walk the Primitivo from Oviedo end of April with 3 other people. Looking for recommendations for a travel company to arrange accommodations and luggage transfer. Also wondering if I should have them include breakfast and dinner in the quote.
This is a frequently asked question that seldom gets answered unequivocally on this forum. Four of you, with internet access and a day to spare could sort out accommodations, luggage transfers, attractive restaurants ( you never know for sure till you start chewing), a list of recommended rest stops, worthwhile diversions and just about everything else. All the information you could possibly need can be found in the relevant pages of this forum, on www.Gronze.com and in the excellent guides published by Wisepilgrim, Brierley et al. Buen Camino and happy planning.
Otherwise, there are lots of companies that’ll set you up, it’s just that you’ll find yourselves walking their Camino not yours.
 
If accommodations and baggage transfers are all you need, it really isn’t difficult to put the trip together yourself. When I have walked with my wife, she prefers to have our accommodations pre-arranged. You’re walking with three others so you might only need two rooms (not sure of your configuration). But, we have never had any difficulty now on several Caminos booking our rooms ourselves. Sure, it takes some effort doing the the work yourself, but there is also the satisfaction of planning your own Camino. Plus, you’re not paying a third party a fee for something that you can easily do yourself and you have a better sense of what you’re getting (we’vevrarely had any big surprises).

With regard to baggage transfer, and we have done this on several Caminos, you can line up bag/backpack pickup the night before with a transfer company that you will most likely be able to use all the way to Santiago.

Regarding meals, there are generally a number of very good choices at each of your destinations. You won’t have any difficulty finding good food. Where to start? First, decide on your stopping points.

From guidebooks to online information you can decide how far each day you want to walk. One of my favorite Camino apps is Gronze.com. In addition to distances, elevation changes, and stage difficult, it gives you alberges, hostels, inns, and hotels along The Way. Many of the resources have direct links to the accomodations or to Booking.com (if they use this service). I have had great luck reserving rooms on Booking.com. I’ve also been just as successful emailing the facility asking for a room. As the end of April isn’t that far off, you could begin now exploring the possibilities that are available. I think you’ll find it a good time to walk regarding making arrangements along the Primativo.
 
If you decide to plan your own Camino you can use Correos, the Spanish post office for your bag transfers. You can get a discount by purchasing transfers for your entire route ahead of time, but you don't have to have all your stops scheduled in advance - you can notify them each day as to where to pick up and drop off your bags.
 
Join our full-service guided tour and let us convert you into a Pampered Pilgrim!
Honestly, I think you will be your own best company for the job. I’ve only seen two very elderly women who were happy with their chartered company…. And they had a guide with them every evening to chaperone them to dinners.
The rest of the time I’ve seen people stuck with itineraries their feet could not handle, forced to chase their luggage down the roads; or groups in which all members got stuck in one pace that never worked for all members at the same time; or people realizing they really want to take that detour to see X and they can’t because they are “locked in” on a package that is costing them 2-3 times as much on the ground as others…
If you need baggage transfer, pretty much all accommodations will help you handle that each evening.
I just finished the Primitivo from Oviedo and there’s just not shortage of accommodations until you reach the Frances…. And you can handle that by plotting out your arrival at Melide and booking about 5 days out rom there if the word on the trail is that it is very busy.
Thanks. Where did you stay in La Mesa or Berducedo? (I know I have to pick one or the other :) ) I have been looking at Booking.com and there seems to be a shortage of places to stay in these villages.
 
Thanks. Where did you stay in La Mesa or Berducedo? (I know I have to pick one or the other :) ) I have been looking at Booking.com and there seems to be a shortage of places to stay in these villages.
Have you looked on Gronze yet?

Here's the listing for La Mesa

And Berducedo
 
New Original Camino Gear Designed Especially with The Modern Peregrino In Mind!
Thanks. Where did you stay in La Mesa or Berducedo? (I know I have to pick one or the other :) ) I have been looking at Booking.com and there seems to be a shortage of places to stay in these villages.
Yes, booking.com will only show some of the available places to stay. Not all places take reservations. This may also be a bit early to be looking as well. Are you considering private rooms or albergues?

I think you will find many people on this forum will encourage you to plan your own Camino rather than go with a booked tour. Either is fine, you'll probably get a lot of advice from people who don't use a tour company here.
 
Have you looked on Gronze yet?

Here's the listing for La Mesa

And Berducedo
Thanks again. I had never heard of Gronze before your comment, lol.
 
Thanks again. I had never heard of Gronze before your comment, lol.
Gronze is great for finding accommodations. They provide contact information and links to booking.com for those properties that use that service.

Gronze is only in Spanish, but if you use the Chrome browser it will automatically translate to English or the language of your choice.
 
Join our full-service guided tour and let us convert you into a Pampered Pilgrim!
Yes, booking.com will only show some of the available places to stay. Not all places take reservations. This may also be a bit early to be looking as well. Are you considering private rooms or albergues?

I think you will find many people on this forum will encourage you to plan your own Camino rather than go with a booked tour. Either is fine, you'll probably get a lot of advice from people who don't use a tour company here.
We are 2 couples in our mid 60's and are looking for private rooms and bathrooms. We would consider private albergues.
 
Gronze is great for finding accommodations. They provide contact information and links to booking.com for those properties that use that service.

Gronze is only in Spanish, but if you use the Chrome browser it will automatically translate to English or the language of your choice.
We are 2 couples in our mid 60's and are looking for private rooms and bathrooms. We would consider private albergues.
 
I would urge you to spend some time with Gronze so as to develop an understanding of accommodation availability, daily walking distances and elevations. All the information is there. You may need to modify your accommodation requirements in a couple of stages though no more than that. If you go with a facilitator you may find your accommodation is off Camino and requires vehicle transfers. But hey, the planning is half the fun
 
Get a spanish phone number with Airalo. eSim, so no physical SIM card. Easy to use app to add more funds if needed.
We are 2 couples in our mid 60's and are looking for private rooms and bathrooms. We would consider private albergues.
You could also include AirBNB in your searches for some towns. As two couples you might find it nice to have a place to yourself with a washer, etc. From time to time.
 
You could also include AirBNB in your searches for some towns. As two couples you might find it nice to have a place to yourself with a washer, etc. From time to time.
A problem with AirBnB is that you can't see the exact location until you book. Not so important when you are traveling by car, but on foot can have a big impact! I would only book places with free cancellation.
 
A problem with AirBnB is that you can't see the exact location until you book. Not so important when you are traveling by car, but on foot can have a big impact! I would only book places with free cancellation.
Yes, I agree with this advice, but many places do let you see the location or close enough that you will know it is far from where you want to be. I used them in Spain 4 or five times last summer with good results.
 
A selection of Camino Jewellery
there are lots of companies that’ll set you up, it’s just that you’ll find yourselves walking their Camino not yours.
This.
It's much more your journey if you can walk your own pace and stop when you feel like it. Two couples complicates that a bit, but the planning could be a lot of fun, too.

If you go with a facilitator you may find your accommodation is off Camino
My first camino was from Leon to Santiago, joining a friend who had booked with a reputable camino company. Three times we were booked into places as far away from the camino as 2.5km. It was a real drag.
 
Another really useful website for planning is Godalesco.com. Used in combination with Gronze you can sort out the distances you want and what sort of accommodation is available.
I’d strongly advise against booking any dinners, we did that our first Camino, found ourselves waiting until 9 to eat, when there were great looking restaurants we would have preferred
 
Thanks. Where did you stay in La Mesa or Berducedo? (I know I have to pick one or the other :) ) I have been looking at Booking.com and there seems to be a shortage of places to stay in these villages.
I was in the peregrino albergue in Berducedo… and I will have to find my credentCale to answer any further… but as you are travelling as two couples I recall that I was able to use booking.com for tow absolutely fantastic apartments — with their owners in adjacent units.
These ranged from 75 euros to 93 euros per night, and we had 2 or 3 people sharing (for the sake of having laundry included, total security and a somewhat safer separation from a then-current COV outbreak between Leon and Santiago.
Here are some photos and if you PM me, I will get the names.
Enclosed are from the 3 BR apartment in Melide, split between 3 people.
 

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The 2024 Camino guides will be coming out little by little. Here is a collection of the ones that are out so far.
Where did you stay in La Mesa or Berducedo?

There’s a private Albergue in La Mesa called Albergue Miguelin. As far as I know, this is the only place to eat and sleep in this village. They have bunk beds as well as private rooms. The private rooms in the main building did look very nice indeed. They also have outdoor pool which I think is maintained in the summer months (I was there in October and it was very green).

Other private albergues with private rooms:
Albergue La Quintana in Grado (one of those iconic Indiana architecture)
Casa Sueño in Salas (hotel/private room option was quite pricey though compared to others)
Pension La Posada in Tineo
Casa Herminia in Campiello
Albergue Porta de Grandas, Grandas de Salime
Complejo O Piñeiral
Pension Porta Santa, O Cadavo
A Pociña de Muñiz, Vilar de Cas
A Nave de Ferreira, Ferreira
 
Planning to walk the Primitivo from Oviedo end of April with 3 other people. Looking for recommendations for a travel company to arrange accommodations and luggage transfer. Also wondering if I should have them include breakfast and dinner in the quote.
I assume you have already decided to hire a company to handle this. You have your reasons. If so, CaminoWays has an excellent reputation and we have booked them to walk from Le Puy to Moissac. for our next camino. Breakfast is automatically included while dinner is optional. We chose not to take this option for a number of reasons: 1. Dinner may be later than we prefer. 2. There are times when we meet other pilgrims and would like to share dinner with them. 3. There are times when we grab food along the way and aren't up for a full meal in the evening.

We walked the Primitivo without any support and never had an issue. But that was in 2016. I suspect it must be more crowded now. Everyone always told us it was the most beautiful camino, and we concur.

I must confess that when we walked the Portugues a few months ago and saw so many fellow pilgrims skipping along merrily with teeny packs on their backs while we were lugging our stuff not knowing where we may end up, we decided to do a supported trip for our next camino. We've done this in other countries, like walking the Sea-to-Sea (C2C) in the UK, and it was pure joy. Not truly the camino experience to purists, but I'm all for joy.
 
Planning to walk the Primitivo from Oviedo end of April with 3 other people. Looking for recommendations for a travel company to arrange accommodations and luggage transfer. Also wondering if I should have them include breakfast and dinner in the quote.
Don't forget the shurpa clacking coconuts to sound like horse hoofs as you walk.
 
Down bag (90/10 duvet) of 700 fills with 180 g (6.34 ounces) of filling. Mummy-shaped structure, ideal when you are looking for lightness with great heating performance.

€149,-
There are a number of specialist Camino agencies you can use such as Camino Ways, Santiago Ways, Tee Travel, Ultreya Tours etc. They have good route descriptions, stage maps, preparation advice and much more Camino info in your language so a good resource in comparison to Gronze which is in Spanish. Yes I tend to agree that you can find your own dinner spots. You can also use Correos for transfer if not the agencies will arrange.
 
I believe someone mentioned cost savings in organising everything yourself. I did a comparison about 10 years ago when my wife and I were walking the Le Puy route in stages to Santiago.

I calculated that it would cost 3 times more to use a company providing the managed service. I carry my own bag but Caroline cannot (back issue) so I plan the stages and book accommodation. It is a really great way to become familiar with the route.

We use Correos where available, the service is excellent. I prefer to book directly with pensions and albergues so they take the full fees, so much information is available.

You will never regret making your own arrangements. Probably the biggest challenge is getting a feel for what makes a good distance in any one stage.

Buen camino
 
Ideal sleeping bag liner whether we want to add a thermal plus to our bag, or if we want to use it alone to sleep in shelters or hostels. Thanks to its mummy shape, it adapts perfectly to our body.

€46,-
Planning to walk the Primitivo from Oviedo end of April with 3 other people. Looking for recommendations for a travel company to arrange accommodations and luggage transfer. Also wondering if I should have them include breakfast and dinner in the quote.
To answer your question, I am an 77 year old man with health issues and dodgy joints.
I have just completed my 6th Camino the Camino Del Norte from Irun to Santiago this year.
I have always used a Camino company to plan my itinerary, private accommodation, baggage transfer and breakfast. I have always used Juan Gutjerrz who can be contacted at juanv@caminosyrutas.com
Phone 0034610136409
I will be planning my next Camino with him Camino Primitivo from Oviedo to Santiago and on to Finisterre and Muxia next May/June please God and good health.
You can be assured of private accommodation, facilities, breakfast, baggage transfer every day, and if required back up support in the event of illness, injury or serious fatigue.
He will plan your itinerary for you and most important with you to meet your anticipated daily needs.
For me I could not do it any other way, I have got to know people from all over the world and have made Facebook friends every year.
For me it is always a personal pilgrimage walk of Saint James Way on one of the many Caminos.
Buen Camino and best wishes with what ever decision you make.
 
This.
It's much more your journey if you can walk your own pace and stop when you feel like it. Two couples complicates that a bit, but the planning could be a lot of fun, too.


My first camino was from Leon to Santiago, joining a friend who had booked with a reputable camino company. Three times we were booked into places as far away from the camino as 2.5km. It was a real drag.
Thanks for your reply. It is a dilemma that we'll have to sort out...a third party or booking it ourselves.
 
Thanks for your reply. It is a dilemma that we'll have to sort out...a third party or booking it ourselves.
Whatever you decide, do shop around a bit… as prices can vary A LOT.

A friend back home was looking at Camino Frances but she wasn’t keen on going by herself. Then she found a charity which put an organised group walk where she had to pay £350 for Sarria to Santiago upfront, then raise over £2500 for the charity. When I looked at the main tour companies like Caminoways, they charge around £500 for 2023 Sarria to Santiago/5 days. I told her, with £350 you can book 5 hotels from Sarria to Santiago plus luggage transfer at €5/day and have money for meals… and then she can choose a charity she likes and raise money for them without having the pressure of needing to raise a min £2500! Then I also found, for €350 the smaller Spanish companies would offer 5 days Sarria to Santiago on Instagram…

If going with a tour company, there’s the option for guided vs self guided, so that’s something else to think about. I think perhaps going with a guide may hinder you from striking up conversations with other pilgrims. But there may be situations where a guide can explain more of the local attractions: there’s a folk museum in Grandas de Salime, Castro Chao Samartin in Castro, ruins of pilgrims hospitals in Hospitales and Montouto, Lugo is like a big walking museum, Roman temple in Santa Eulalia de Boveda… at some of these places, there were local staffs who would be very happy and enthusiastic to explain in Spanish but shy with their English.

Finally a local company that can do luggage transfer as well as taxi should you need to is Taxi Camino. Very approachable via WhatsApp. It seems there’s a team that covers the route from Oviedo to Lugo and then a different team from Lugo to Santiago. You can book day by day or take a package the whole way from Oviedo to Santiago, similar to Correos. Also… they charge you per piece of item not per person. So if your group is 2 couples, each couple can get a fairly large bag to be transferred by luggage service, and walk with a light day bag.

+34 619 15 67 30
 
The focus is on reducing the risk of failure through being well prepared. 2nd ed.
Whatever you decide, do shop around a bit… as prices can vary A LOT.

A friend back home was looking at Camino Frances but she wasn’t keen on going by herself. Then she found a charity which put an organised group walk where she had to pay £350 for Sarria to Santiago upfront, then raise over £2500 for the charity. When I looked at the main tour companies like Caminoways, they charge around £500 for 2023 Sarria to Santiago/5 days. I told her, with £350 you can book 5 hotels from Sarria to Santiago plus luggage transfer at €5/day and have money for meals… and then she can choose a charity she likes and raise money for them without having the pressure of needing to raise a min £2500! Then I also found, for €350 the smaller Spanish companies would offer 5 days Sarria to Santiago on Instagram…

If going with a tour company, there’s the option for guided vs self guided, so that’s something else to think about. I think perhaps going with a guide may hinder you from striking up conversations with other pilgrims. But there may be situations where a guide can explain more of the local attractions: there’s a folk museum in Grandas de Salime, Castro Chao Samartin in Castro, ruins of pilgrims hospitals in Hospitales and Montouto, Lugo is like a big walking museum, Roman temple in Santa Eulalia de Boveda… at some of these places, there were local staffs who would be very happy and enthusiastic to explain in Spanish but shy with their English.

Finally a local company that can do luggage transfer as well as taxi should you need to is Taxi Camino. Very approachable via WhatsApp. It seems there’s a team that covers the route from Oviedo to Lugo and then a different team from Lugo to Santiago. You can book day by day or take a package the whole way from Oviedo to Santiago, similar to Correos. Also… they charge you per piece of item not per person. So if your group is 2 couples, each couple can get a fairly large bag to be transferred by luggage service, and walk with a light day bag.

+34 619 15 67 30
Thank you for your very thoughtful reply. We won't be using a guide. We have received quotes form Pilgrim.es, Santiago Ways and Follow The Camino. Based on various replies, we've also decided not to include dinner in our package.
 
Can anyone tell me about the "mandatory travel insurance"? A couple of the travel companies have it included in their quote, but The Natural Adventure does not include it. Is there a requirement to have Camino specific travel insurance? We are planning to buy travel insurance in our home countries for the whole time we are out of country. And wonder if we need special coverage.
 
The one from Galicia (the round) and the one from Castilla & Leon. Individually numbered and made by the same people that make the ones you see on your walk.
Planning to walk the Primitivo from Oviedo end of April with 3 other people. Looking for recommendations for a travel company to arrange accommodations and luggage transfer. Also wondering if I should have them include breakfast and dinner in the quote.
Seems like nobody answered the question you asked. I've used WalktheCamino.com for 5 Caminos. I like their service because they do not force any particular set of stops or services. They do have a starter itinerary which may work or may not work. I tend to walk less miles or less changes in altitude, so they modify the stops to match. I use them only for setting up nightly accommodations and transfer. They recommend but not require dinners as part of the trip. Nor do they require any particular town to stop in. They may or may not have a spot that they know of, but that's in the details. In short, they provide a customized to your requirements itinerary rather than a fixed my way or else approach. I know they do some of the Primitivo but have not inquired on the whole trip. I'm working on the Norte for 2024 with them.
 
Thanks. Where did you stay in La Mesa or Berducedo? (I know I have to pick one or the other :) ) I have been looking at Booking.com and there seems to be a shortage of places to stay in these villages.
We walked the Primitivo this year in September/October it is an absolutely fantastic walk you will really love it. We stayed in Berducedo and were very happy to stop for the night there, after the Hospitales route. We stayed at Casa de Aldea Araceli, it was great - best shower after a long day walking, they have a bar and small restaurant. I booked all of our accomodation and we were really happy that we planned it this way, we were uncertain of the post COVID impact on the Camino. I would highly recommend another place called Casa Camino Turismo Rural in Casacamino about 15 km from Melide. I carried my pack but my husband needed to transfer some of his and we used Taxi Camino, Tino the owner is wonderful and we never had a problem and just used WhatsApp to contact him., one day we walked (on purpose) 8km ahead and we sent him a message and within 20 minutes a taxi arrived to take us back to where we were staying for the night, the next morning we taxi'd back to were we'd left off the day before. I agree with others you can sit down for an afternoon with your friends and book accomodation all the way through, Im happy to send my "spreadsheet" for you to see, it was really fun as well. Everyone walks differently - we just need to walk in a manner that is respectful to our bodies, Have fun, we would walk this way again we enjoyed it so much :)
 
Planning to walk the Primitivo from Oviedo end of April with 3 other people. Looking for recommendations for a travel company to arrange accommodations and luggage transfer. Also wondering if I should have them include breakfast and dinner in the quote.
Luggage transfer company we use was CaminoFacil. We had a great response and I would recommend them. Nothing at all went wrong!
 
The one from Galicia (the round) and the one from Castilla & Leon. Individually numbered and made by the same people that make the ones you see on your walk.
Planning to walk the Primitivo from Oviedo end of April with 3 other people. Looking for recommendations for a travel company to arrange accommodations and luggage transfer. Also wondering if I should have them include breakfast and dinner in the quote.
You cannot do better than Andaspain! We have gone on three caminos with them and are going again in April! They are so great at helping your Camino be exceptional!
 
Yes, booking.com will only show some of the available places to stay. Not all places take reservations. This may also be a bit early to be looking as well. Are you considering private rooms or albergues?

I think you will find many people on this forum will encourage you to plan your own Camino rather than go with a booked tour. Either is fine, you'll probably get a lot of advice from people who don't use a tour company here.
I am doing the Camino Frances in July and August 2023, admittedly busy months. I have booked every night through booking.com. I have found most accommodation through booking.com is already heavily booked (or is fully booked) I tried independent accommodation, emailing, but received no response. Booking.com will take bookings for April, in fact I would recommend the earlier the better.
 
I have found most accommodation through booking.com is already heavily booked (or is fully booked) I tried independent accommodation, emailing, but received no response.
It's more than likely that the properties have not released rooms to booking.com and other booking sites yet - not that they are already heavily booked.
 
St James' Way - Self-guided 4-7 day Walking Packages, Reading to Southampton, 110 kms
It's more than likely that the properties have not released rooms to booking.com and other booking sites yet - not that they are already heavily booked.
And there is a very simple way to check this: look at the monthly overview of the property on booking.com. When it has no availability from March 2023 until December 2023, they have not yet released any beds or set their prices yet.

From this point of view at least, “book the earlier the better” is actually not good advice.

Misread information (which includes the “only one room left” line which clearly refers to the rooms sold on the booking.com website and may not include all of the available rooms of the property) creates an unnecessary sense of urgency if not downright panic among readers who are also not yet familiar with the ins and outs of Camino de Santiago walking.
 
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CaminoWays has an excellent reputation and we have booked them to walk from Le Puy to Moissac. for our next camino. Breakfast is automatically included while dinner is optional. We chose not to take this option for a number of reasons: 1. Dinner may be later than we prefer. 2. There are times when we meet other pilgrims and would like to share dinner with them. 3. There are times when we grab food along the way and aren't up for a full meal in the evening.
My friends and I walked the Le Puy as far as Auvillar. The gites always either included or offered the dinner option, and the quality French meals by the host/hostess are exceptional. In my experience in 2018, the dinner was always wonderful and doubt you would find many other options to eat your last meal of the day along the way unless staying in the bigger cities, which are few.
 
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My friends and I walked the Le Puy as far as Auvillar. The gites always either included or offered the dinner option, and the quality French meals by the host/hostess are exceptional. In my experience in 2018, the dinner was always wonderful and doubt you would find many other options to eat your last meal of the day along the way unless staying in the bigger cities, which are few.
We tend to be early eaters and early to bed. What time is dinner normally served at the gites?
 
€2,-/day will present your project to thousands of visitors each day. All interested in the Camino de Santiago.
We tend to be early eaters and early to bed. What time is dinner normally served at the gites?
I prefer to eat earlier too. Although I can not recall the exact times the gites served dinner, I have no memories of being too hungry or annoyed by any dinners served too late.
Maybe others will chime in who have walked this route.
 
Honestly, I think you will be your own best company for the job. I’ve only seen two very elderly women who were happy with their chartered company…. And they had a guide with them every evening to chaperone them to dinners.
The rest of the time I’ve seen people stuck with itineraries their feet could not handle, forced to chase their luggage down the roads; or groups in which all members got stuck in one pace that never worked for all members at the same time; or people realizing they really want to take that detour to see X and they can’t because they are “locked in” on a package that is costing them 2-3 times as much on the ground as others…
If you need baggage transfer, pretty much all accommodations will help you handle that each evening.
I just finished the Primitivo from Oviedo and there’s just not shortage of accommodations until you reach the Frances…. And you can handle that by plotting out your arrival at Melide and booking about 5 days out rom there if the word on the trail is that it is very busy.
We were super happy with Andaspain and never had a moments trouble with our luggage getting where it needed to go or with the places they arranged for us to stay. As I said earlier, we are planning to go on another Camino with them this coming year and have been on three other trips with them. They will not disappoint.
 
We were super happy with Andaspain and never had a moments trouble with our luggage getting where it needed to go or with the places they arranged for us to stay. As I said earlier, we are planning to go on another Camino with them this coming year and have been on three other trips with them. They will not disappoint.
“Forced to chase luggage down the road” — does not mean that the companies performed in any way other than as promised. The companies are fine. The issue is that pilgrim regret sets in when the luggage is destined for the next town and for any of a several dozen reasons (fitness, heat, rain, injury, hunger, a great museum.…) you have to catch up tot he luggage destination. And that means abandoning physical needs and hearts’ desires that had not been anticipated at the outset.
 
€2,-/day will present your project to thousands of visitors each day. All interested in the Camino de Santiago.
We tend to be early eaters and early to bed. What time is dinner normally served at the gites?

I prefer to eat earlier too. Although I can not recall the exact times the gites served dinner, I have no memories of being too hungry or annoyed by any dinners served too late.
Maybe others will chime in who have walked this route.
We find that dinner in France is usually about 7pm, not much later, especially in rural areas. Very different to Spain.
 
And there is a very simple way to check this: look at the monthly overview of the property on booking.com. When it has no availability from March 2023 until December 2023, they have not yet released any beds or set their prices yet.

From this point of view at least, “book the earlier the better” is actually not good advice.

Misread information (which includes the “only one room left” line which clearly refers to the rooms sold on the booking.com website and may not include all of the available rooms of the property) creates an unnecessary sense of urgency if not downright panic among readers who are also not yet familiar with the ins and outs of Camino de Santiago walking.
Good to know. Thank you.
 
We walked the Primitivo this year in September/October it is an absolutely fantastic walk you will really love it. We stayed in Berducedo and were very happy to stop for the night there, after the Hospitales route. We stayed at Casa de Aldea Araceli, it was great - best shower after a long day walking, they have a bar and small restaurant. I booked all of our accomodation and we were really happy that we planned it this way, we were uncertain of the post COVID impact on the Camino. I would highly recommend another place called Casa Camino Turismo Rural in Casacamino about 15 km from Melide. I carried my pack but my husband needed to transfer some of his and we used Taxi Camino, Tino the owner is wonderful and we never had a problem and just used WhatsApp to contact him., one day we walked (on purpose) 8km ahead and we sent him a message and within 20 minutes a taxi arrived to take us back to where we were staying for the night, the next morning we taxi'd back to were we'd left off the day before. I agree with others you can sit down for an afternoon with your friends and book accomodation all the way through, Im happy to send my "spreadsheet" for you to see, it was really fun as well. Everyone walks differently - we just need to walk in a manner that is respectful to our bodies, Have fun, we would walk this way again we enjoyed it so much :)
I would like to see your spreadsheet. I guess you can attach it to this thread?
 
The one from Galicia (the round) and the one from Castilla & Leon. Individually numbered and made by the same people that make the ones you see on your walk.
We walked the Primitivo this year in September/October it is an absolutely fantastic walk you will really love it. We stayed in Berducedo and were very happy to stop for the night there, after the Hospitales route. We stayed at Casa de Aldea Araceli, it was great - best shower after a long day walking, they have a bar and small restaurant. I booked all of our accomodation and we were really happy that we planned it this way, we were uncertain of the post COVID impact on the Camino. I would highly recommend another place called Casa Camino Turismo Rural in Casacamino about 15 km from Melide. I carried my pack but my husband needed to transfer some of his and we used Taxi Camino, Tino the owner is wonderful and we never had a problem and just used WhatsApp to contact him., one day we walked (on purpose) 8km ahead and we sent him a message and within 20 minutes a taxi arrived to take us back to where we were staying for the night, the next morning we taxi'd back to were we'd left off the day before. I agree with others you can sit down for an afternoon with your friends and book accomodation all the way through, Im happy to send my "spreadsheet" for you to see, it was really fun as well. Everyone walks differently - we just need to walk in a manner that is respectful to our bodies, Have fun, we would walk this way again we enjoyed it so much :)
Well it looks like I'm going to be following my own Camino and would love it if you could share your spreadsheet with me. It looks like you can attach the file to this thread.
 
Well it looks like I'm going to be following my own Camino and would love it if you could share your spreadsheet with me. It looks like you can attach the file to this thread.
Members can send private messages to each other via the "conversation" function. When you click or just hover (on a computer) over a member's name there will be a "start conversation" button. When someone sends you a Private Conversation message there will be an indicator on the envelope icon at the top of the screen.
 

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Can anyone recommend a good snack to buy for the hospitalès route Nothing major just something to keep me going Many thanks

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