Booking ahead

[Carolyn Gillespie]

My friend and I set out on our first Camino on 8th April. We are walking the Camino Francaise and I see from one of the downloads that this will be a very busy time. We were not planning to book our accommodation ahead, but maybe this is not the most sensible plan. Does anyone have any advice for two novices?

 

[Deleted member 3000]

We were not planning to book our accommodation ahead, but maybe this is not the most sensible plan.

You will be early enough that booking should not be necessary. However, unless you stop in the early afternoon, you may not get your first choice. Real crowding does not start until June.

 

[Tia Valeria]

You could book ahead each night for next day if you are concerned. That way you have certainty of a bed and can plan how far to walk on any day. If you feel that your Spanish is not sufficient ask each place to help, but using your phone. They may well use their own, but it is good to offer to pay for the call if so. We found folk very helpful and have mixed non-booking with next day booking where we felt it was needed.

 

[Mark Lee]

Really no need to book ahead, especially at that time of year.
Maybe have it as an option when needed as you go, but otherwise, don't sweat it and enjoy the spontaneity of walking the Camino.
cheers

 

[Peter Fransiscus]

My friend and I set out on our first Camino on 8th April. We are walking the Camino Francaise and I see from one of the downloads that this will be a very busy time. We were not planning to book our accommodation ahead, but maybe this is not the most sensible plan. Does anyone have any advice for two novices?

Hi Carolyn, last year I began my journey at the 18th of April. Had no problem to find a place to sleep.
Wish you both a wonderful journey and a Buen Camino, Peter.

 

[JohnMcM]

My friend and I set out on our first Camino on 8th April. We are walking the Camino Francaise and I see from one of the downloads that this will be a very busy time. We were not planning to book our accommodation ahead, but maybe this is not the most sensible plan. Does anyone have any advice for two novices?

Carolyn and friend,
Maybe have the courage not to book ahead and "wing it"? If nothing else you will both have stories to tell, memories to fall back on, laughs to make you smile in the wee-small hours, shared jokes and a desire to come back that will make your Camino so very, very special.
Buen (non-booking ahead) Camino

 

[Carolyn Gillespie]

That's just what we were thinking! We will be brave and wing it!

 

[Carolyn Gillespie]

Hi Carolyn, last year I began my journey at the 18th of April. Had no problem to find a place to sleep.
Wish you both a wonderful journey and a Buen Camino, Peter.

Thank you Peter. Can't wait to get going!

 

[nreyn12]

The big crowds usually don't come until the 1st of May, so you should be fine, at least up until Sarria (last 100 kms.).