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Two weeks and have all my nights pre booked!

Annalisa

Member
Time of past OR future Camino
Arrive in Biarritz on June 25, 2017
I realized that my original post was not here. So I am going to give some details again. I am walking from St Jean to Burgos June 25-July 8. Yes I have pre booked all my nights for some of the following reasons - want mostly single accommodations, suffer from migraines and anxiety, going alone my husband enjoyed being part of the planning it also eased some of my anxiety, I am going with the understanding that I can adjust along the way, more relaxed knowing I have all day to hike and enjoy without worrying about a bed eases anxiety. I am not going into this lightly and know that many have great insight but please remember everyone is different- we all do what we can to get us out the door each day! Maybe next year will be different when I pick up in Burgos but honestly this is the only way I can get myself out the door to what is going to be an much needed learning and growing experience for me!
 
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Yes if something would change along the way! I will be walking from St Jean June 25 to Burgos July 8
 
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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,-
I booked all the way from SJPP to Santiago and was glad I did since it was my first time. I might do it differently the next time but this worked out well for me. I was in the minority of people that did the walk but I would say about 30% booked the full trip ahead and no one I ran into complained about it. The downside is if you sustain an injury and you have to slow down or take a day off; but there are many ways to catch up if that happens.
 
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,-
I booked all the way from SJPP to Santiago and was glad I did since it was my first time. I might do it differently the next time but this worked out well for me. I was in the minority of people that did the walk but I would say about 30% booked the full trip ahead and no one I ran into complained about it. The downside is if you sustain an injury and you have to slow down or take a day off; but there are many ways to catch up if that happens.
Thank you for sharing your experiences. I will only walking from June 25 - July 9. So I only had to plan two weeks. Since I have bad migraines I thought getting a private room most nights would help. Next year when I pick up where I leave off I may do it differently.
 
Just please be sure to call and cancel if you have changes in plans.
That way, some poor pilgrim won't be without a bed because they're holding it for you.
I will for sure. I will not be taking a room/bed from a poor pilgrim so no worries on that.
 
€2,-/day will present your project to thousands of visitors each day. All interested in the Camino de Santiago.
I booked tonight standing in front of the albergue. I am on the Camino.

THAT is a real fear of commitment, I am afraid! A month of bookings is far beyond my ken.
Enjoy I only have two weeks and this is my first experience of the or any Camino. I have done 50 mile trail runs so I am up for the miles. Since I am going alone and suffer from migraines private rooms most nights seemed like the best option. Also my husband felt more comfortable knowing where I will be staying and felt part of the planning. Next year maybe it will be different. But everyone has a different comfort level. Aren't we all just pilgrims searching for our thing ?
 
Annalisa
Enjoy the comfort you will derive from knowing your accommodation is sorted. I think many people love the spontaneity that is possible on the camino and so they are eager to share that with you. But sometimes that can come across as "you are doing it the wrong way". By nature I'm a planner, but I love to release that when traveling - for you, this time, your decision sounds perfect!
Buen camino
 
Annalisa
Enjoy the comfort you will derive from knowing your accommodation is sorted. I think many people love the spontaneity that is possible on the camino and so they are eager to share that with you. But sometimes that can come across as "you are doing it the wrong way". By nature I'm a planner, but I love to release that when traveling - for you, this time, your decision sounds perfect!
Buen camino
Thank you so much I really needed that!
 
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Yes if something would change along the way! I will be walking from St Jean June 25 to Burgos July 9.
Annalisa-- Stick to your plans-- it's far easier! I've walked various camino trails 6 times and a few years ago, pre-planned the whole Frances route from SJPDP to SDC. I was great to relax and not have to scramble for a bed. Buen camino to you!
 
I've been doing the Camino in stages over the last few years - I'm completing it this year when I walk from Léon to Sarria - and I have always pre-booked private accommodation (hostals, hotels) where possible. I've stayed in albergues too but I prefer a room of my own, thanks very much. It is a great relief knowing that there is a place waiting for you at the end of a day's walk. It makes for a more relaxing experience, in my view, and you can afford to stop at various places and take in the sights without worrying about getting a bed. Yes, you are restricted in that you have to stay at a particular destination but seeing as most people walk the daily stages recommended by John Brierley that is not a problem. I have never regretted not walking longer or shorter on any day.
 
It is a great relief knowing that there is a place waiting for you at the end of a day's walk. It makes for a more relaxing experience, in my view, and you can afford to stop at various places and take in the sights without worrying about getting a bed.

Each to their own. Personally my anxiety goes the other way: I hate the idea of booking a bed and then feeling the pressure to make it to that particular destination come what may. My only personal hard-and-fast rule when walking is that I walk all the way. No skipping sections by bus or taxi. To be confident of reaching a fixed destination each day despite any routine mishaps I would have to book in stages much shorter than I would normally prefer to walk.
 
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.
I've been doing the Camino in stages over the last few years - I'm completing it this year when I walk from Léon to Sarria - and I have always pre-booked private accommodation (hostals, hotels) where possible. I've stayed in albergues too but I prefer a room of my own, thanks very much. It is a great relief knowing that there is a place waiting for you at the end of a day's walk. It makes for a more relaxing experience, in my view, and you can afford to stop at various places and take in the sights without worrying about getting a bed. Yes, you are restricted in that you have to stay at a particular destination but seeing as most people walk the daily stages recommended by John Brierley that is not a problem. I have never regretted not walking longer or shorter on any day.
Thanks John that is what I am looking forward to. Knowing I can relax and enjoy each day taking it all in because I don't have to worry about finding a bed early. I have broken it up into a variety of distances and used his book as a reference in doing so. I am looking forward to staying at the different places I picked along The Way.
 
Each to their own. Personally my anxiety goes the other way: I hate the idea of booking a bed and then feeling the pressure to make it to that particular destination come what may. My only personal hard-and-fast rule when walking is that I walk all the way. No skipping sections by bus or taxi. To be confident of reaching a fixed destination each day despite any routine mishaps I would have to book in stages much shorter than I would normally prefer to walk.
My anxiety goes the other way. That is the only way I found I could relax about attempting it. Maybe it is the ultra runner in me. I know it isn't a race and God knows that is not what I am looking for in this journey it is all about healing. I don't see there will be a need for a taxi or bus. If I can cover 50 trail miles in 11 hours at home and hike 10 miles each day on an average. I feel that I should be able to cover the various stages I planned without issue. I do have from sun up to down no need to rush since I can check in up to 8pm if I want. Just a slow walk and enjoy the way. I would have loved to do the whole journey in one year but I can only get this amount off at one time so next year I plan to finish.
 
I sat in the car today in Sahagun waiting for Paddy to drop into the pharmacia because there was no place to park other than a restricted zone. He was out in the rain and I was in the sanctity of a warm car. The weather has done a complete 180 in the last 24 hours in the Meseta; we have gone from a week of summerish weather to downright miserable conditions. It was not a day for walking, unless you are a duck, and as I sat there I watched many befuddled pilgrims walking around with their noses stuck in the "Brierley" trying to find a room for the night. It was before noon, so there must be a problem with what's available in town today. My concern with pre-booking is what do you do if it is pouring down rain when you wake up in the morning? Take a taxi to your next designated stop? I'm with Falcon, I walk until the conditions tell me to stop or when it suits me and voila there is always a place to stay sitting right in front of me.
 
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There are many ways of looking at this problem and there is no right answer. It is a matter of what you can tolerate and how these things are perceived. First of all, I have started each camino by giving myself permission to fail. There are bus lines, taxis, etc, as has been mentioned. There are many "what if's," rain not being the most devastating-- there are physical injuries (much more serious than blisters) and illnesses to contend with. I served as a hospitalero twice in the past and saw pilgrims with cellulitis, broken bones, asthma not controlled with an inhaler, bronchitis, etc.
I've walked on the trails multiple times, with and without reservations, but always had a plan in mind. There are times when we don't have the luxury of walking as slowly (or as quickly) as we would like due to having to catch trains and planes to get back home (unless you could afford the luxury of having an open return ticket). If plans have to change, it's not the absolute end of the world, but can say that I know what my body can take and have stuck to my plans over all of my camino walks. I remember hiking during a cold November one year in torrential rain and was over 60 years old at the time. I had good gear and stayed reasonably well off because of it.
I think the approach to doing a camino is very individual and what suits one person might not work at all for someone else.
 
St James' Way - Self-guided 4-7 day Walking Packages, Reading to Southampton, 110 kms
What do I do if it's pouring down rain? I dress accordingly and walk. Not a problem. Ain't gonna melt, y'know :)
There are many ways of looking at this problem and there is no right answer. It is a matter of what you can tolerate and how these things are perceived. First of all, I have started each camino by giving myself permission to fail. There are bus lines, taxis, etc, as has been mentioned. There are many "what if's," rain not being the most devastating-- there are physical injuries (much more serious than blisters) and illnesses to contend with. I served as a hospitalero twice in the past and saw pilgrims with cellulitis, broken bones, asthma not controlled with an inhaler, bronchitis, etc.
I've walked on the trails multiple times, with and without reservations, but always had a plan in mind. There are times when we don't have the luxury of walking as slowly (or as quickly) as we would like due to having to catch trains and planes to get back home (unless you could afford the luxury of having an open return ticket). If plans have to change, it's not the absolute end of the world, but can say that I know what my body can take and have stuck to my plans over all of my camino walks. I remember hiking during a cold November one year in torrential rain and was over 60 years old at the time. I had good gear and stayed reasonably well off because of it.
I think the approach to doing a camino is very individual and what suits one person might not work at all for someone else.
I love the rain
 
I booked tonight standing in front of the albergue. I am on the Camino.

THAT is a real fear of commitment, I am afraid! A month of bookings is far beyond my ken.
The original poster is walking for two weeks, not a month.
 
St James' Way - Self-guided 4-7 day Walking Packages, Reading to Southampton, 110 kms
Thank you everyone for sharing your knowledge very much appreciated.
 
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We pre-book a few nights, but generally only at the beginning and end stages.
Hopefully your sense of direction is better than ours as often we spent considerable time actually finding the places we had pre-booked. Unless your Spanish is pretty good, it is hard to ask for directions.
One issue is that your flexibility is gone as you may find a place you wish to stay other than what you have booked and possibly in another town/village altogether.
We kind of like the adventure of finding a place most nights. Also, we always look at our rooms before laying our money down. This has allowed us to pass on a few real dives along the way.
 
We have walked free of bookings; booking one night ahead on a daily basis and also booking right through. Each has been a different experience, but the 'booked' camino would not have been possible without the pre-booking. Peace of mind over a bed gave us freedom to experience the day's walking, and we had planned our 'stages' to suit our needs and ability. It worked :)
Buen Camino @Annalisa
 
The 2024 Camino guides will be coming out little by little. Here is a collection of the ones that are out so far.
My husband and I will be hiking the last 100 km with our son and daughter in law the last week of June. Our son and daughter in law want to stay at hostels and we want a private room. Our question is are rooms readily available at this time of year.? We were hoping to not need to book ahead.
 
I have told this story from time to time on this Forum and I think it worth repeating.

On my second Camino, I met a very skilled surgeon from the United States who was a complete and total perfectionist. In planning his Camino, he read hundreds of books, consulted maps, poured over elevation charts, and looked up historical weather data. He left nothing to chance. The invasion of Normandy in 1944 took less planning. He was so precise that he booked a room for every night along the way to Santiago--some 40 carefully planned out reservations. In all, he spent almost a thousand hours planning out the perfect Camino. The most absolutely glorious, never been done before, perfect Camino. It was a piece of art work that rivaled the David or Mona Lisa.

Then his Camino started.

On the first day he fell in with a Camino family. He loved his Camino family and they loved him. But there was only one problem. His Camino family was being spontaneous. They were living in the moment. As a result, they would not decide on where to stop for the night until mid-afternoon each day. Rarely did his Camino family stop where he had a reservation.

His solution? He would stop where they stopped, have a beer with them, grab a taxi, rush forward/backward to the village where he had a room, check in, shower, change clothes, grab a taxi back to his Camino family, have dinner with them, grab a taxi back to his room, sleep, get up, grab a taxi back to his Camino family, and resume walking with them. I observed this odd behavior all the way from SJPP to Leon.

Finally one day I asked him, "Why don't you just cancel the remainder of your reservations and stay in the same town as your Camino family?" Before he responded, he look left, then right, and then leaned in toward me to make sure no one could over hear his answer. In a hushed voice he quietly said, "I don't want to admit that being a perfectionist about my Camino was a complete and total waste of time."
 
Life is a Lesson ..... do it your way and see what you learn from it ..... I have many observations on this topic from my own personal experience and also from watching others.
BUT in the end just do what you think and then see what you learn...
 
St James' Way - Self-guided 4-7 day Walking Packages, Reading to Southampton, 110 kms
I booked all the way from SJPP to Santiago and was glad I did since it was my first time. I might do it differently the next time but this worked out well for me. I was in the minority of people that did the walk but I would say about 30% booked the full trip ahead and no one I ran into complained about it. The downside is if you sustain an injury and you have to slow down or take a day off; but there are many ways to catch up if that happens.
i walked unbooked the whole way...freedom and circumstance be my guide....slept on the floor once...sept/oct...37 days including two rest days
 
We pre-book a few nights, but generally only at the beginning and end stages.
Hopefully your sense of direction is better than ours as often we spent considerable time actually finding the places we had pre-booked. Unless your Spanish is pretty good, it is hard to ask for directions.
One issue is that your flexibility is gone as you may find a place you wish to stay other than what you have booked and possibly in another town/village altogether.
We kind of like the adventure of finding a place most nights. Also, we always look at our rooms before laying our money down. This has allowed us to pass on a few real dives along the way.
Thanks for your comments. All the places I have booked are on the map in the guide book so I hope I will be able to find them. A few dives here and there make us appreciate the gems!
 
We have walked free of bookings; booking one night ahead on a daily basis and also booking right through. Each has been a different experience, but the 'booked' camino would not have been possible without the pre-booking. Peace of mind over a bed gave us freedom to experience the day's walking, and we had planned our 'stages' to suit our needs and ability. It worked :)
Buen Camino @Annalisa
Thank you
 
The 2024 Camino guides will be coming out little by little. Here is a collection of the ones that are out so far.
i walked unbooked the whole way...freedom and circumstance be my guide....slept on the floor once...sept/oct...37 days including two rest days[/QUOTE. I am glad you were able to do that. I would not be able to enjoy my day and get in my own head space. If I had to worry about were to sleep each night. Yes I also could sleep on the floor if I knew I was going to have my own space. I am a real loner not by choice but by comfort level.
 
Life is a Lesson ..... do it your way and see what you learn from it ..... I have many observations on this topic from my own personal experience and also from watching others.
BUT in the end just do what you think and then see what you learn...
Thank you - I have learned already that I am going to be fine. Also no one along the way needs to know your story unless you choose to share it. This is my journey to take by myself and there are deeper reasons behind why I needed a set plan. All in all it is going to be amazing.
 
I have told this story from time to time on this Forum and I think it worth repeating.

On my second Camino, I met a very skilled surgeon from the United States who was a complete and total perfectionist. In planning his Camino, he read hundreds of books, consulted maps, poured over elevation charts, and looked up historical weather data. He left nothing to chance. The invasion of Normandy in 1944 took less planning. He was so precise that he booked a room for every night along the way to Santiago--some 40 carefully planned out reservations. In all, he spent almost a thousand hours planning out the perfect Camino. The most absolutely glorious, never been done before, perfect Camino. It was a piece of art work that rivaled the David or Mona Lisa.

Then his Camino started.

On the first day he fell in with a Camino family. He loved his Camino family and they loved him. But there was only one problem. His Camino family was being spontaneous. They were living in the moment. As a result, they would not decide on where to stop for the night until mid-afternoon each day. Rarely did his Camino family stop where he had a reservation.

His solution? He would stop where they stopped, have a beer with them, grab a taxi, rush forward/backward to the village where he had a room, check in, shower, change clothes, grab a taxi back to his Camino family, have dinner with them, grab a taxi back to his room, sleep, get up, grab a taxi back to his Camino family, and resume walking with them. I observed this odd behavior all the way from SJPP to Leon.

Finally one day I asked him, "Why don't you just cancel the remainder of your reservations and stay in the same town as your Camino family?" Before he responded, he look left, then right, and then leaned in toward me to make sure no one could over hear his answer. In a hushed voice he quietly said, "I don't want to admit that being a perfectionist about my Camino was a complete and total waste of time."
Your story is cute and I am sure there are a lot almost like that one. There are several differences in my journey and that story. Here are a few. I am only going for two weeks. I have no intention on getting hooked up with a Camino family that is something that would cause me way to much anxiety. There has not been endless hours of planning and book reading. I also will be living in the moment since I have from sun up to down to travel each day if I want. Everyone has an unique story and it's their chapters that make it a book!
 
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i walked unbooked the whole way...freedom and circumstance be my guide....slept on the floor once...sept/oct...37 days including two rest days
I walked for 5 weeks on the Camino Frances in 2015. We only pre booked the first night at Corazon Puro and the final day in Santiago. It was a relaxing adventure as we walked daily until tired, and we always had a bed. In 2016 on the Norte/Primitivo we once again only booked the first and last nights, but did choose to call one day ahead several times to avoid "bottlenecking", as there are fewer options.
 
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Hi, just curious, but what is this thread actually about? Is the title a statement, or is it really a question?
The original post seems to be missing, so what is everyone responding to?
As I say, just curious :confused::)
Jill
 
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My husband and I will be hiking the last 100 km with our son and daughter in law the last week of June. Our son and daughter in law want to stay at hostels and we want a private room. Our question is are rooms readily available at this time of year.? We were hoping to not need to book ahead.
I suggest booking. A day or two in advance will work. Use a site like booking.com along the way. It will show what is available and the price.
 
I walked for 5 weeks on the Camino Frances in 2015. We only pre booked the first night at Corazon Puro and the final day in Santiago. It was a relaxing adventure as we walked daily until tired, and we always had a bed. In 2016 on the Norte/Primitivo we once again only booked the first and last nights, but did choose to call one day ahead several times to avoid "botylenecking", as there are fewer options.
would love to chat about norte/primitivo since i am trying to do it it august 1st... ******

Edited by Moderator to remove private email addresses
 
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would love to chat about norte/primitivo since i am trying to do it it august 1st... jwpiv2004@gmail.com
Do you prefer to chat via email instead of the personal conversation option on this forum? I am happy to share my experience and answer questions, however I started the Norte/Primivito on April 21st, 2016 and I see you plan to start in August. There will be quite a few differences in both weather and posibly number of hikers.
 
The focus is on reducing the risk of failure through being well prepared. 2nd ed.
Now I am totally confused. This is a Camino Francés thread and you two want to chat about the Norte now? :D:confused::eek:
 
Now I am totally confused. This is a Camino Francés thread and you two want to chat about the Norte now? :D:confused::eek:
Hi Jill,
I see why you are confused. Lol! Yes, I think it was about prebooking the Frances route, yet responders were commenting on their own experiences. Some had prebooked the whole route, some just each day at a time, and some had winged the whole thing. I chimed in then with what I had personally done on BOTH my different Camino routes. Then that gentleman asked to chat specifically about my Norte/Primivito trip as he was going in August for the first time. I did, however, suggest he send me a private conversation about it. That's how it veered off topic (as so often happens on these threads, right?) :D:)
 
Do you prefer to chat via email instead of the personal conversation option on this forum? I am happy to share my experience and answer questions, however I started the Norte/Primivito on April 21st, 2016 and I see you plan to start in August. There will be quite a few differences in both weather and posibly number of hikers.
how do we personally chat?
 
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€46,-
I find it funny how most of us have a tendency to want to impose our way of doing things on others. I did the CF on 2016 and one of the most important things I learned was ACCEPTANCE, yes accepting whatever it is people are doing and give them credit for doing it, NOT criticizing their methods or choices.

In my book if Annalisa wants to plan and prebook the entire route she is welcome to do that, I think our roll in providing assistance is First giving her the credit for having the courage to do the Camino. The fact that she wants to prebook it's HER choice and she'lllbe the one that will have to deal with everything that that entails, cancellations. due to weather, not reaching destination, etc. But it's her choice and her learning EXPERIENCE. ANNALISA you have my complete support in whatever and however you want to plan YOUR camino. Ultreia! and Buen Camino
 
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,-
I find it funny how most of us have a tendency to want to impose our way of doing things on others. I did the CF on 2016 and one of the most important things I learned was ACCEPTANCE, yes accepting whatever it is people are doing and give them credit for doing it, NOT criticizing their methods or choices.

In my book if Annalisa wants to plan and prebook the entire route she is welcome to do that, I think our roll in providing assistance is First giving her the credit for having the courage to do the Camino. The fact that she wants to prebook it's HER choice and she'lllbe the one that will have to deal with everything that that entails, cancellations. due to weather, not reaching destination, etc. But it's her choice and her learning EXPERIENCE. ANNALISA you have my complete support in whatever and however you want to plan YOUR camino. Ultreia! and Buen Camino
You make a very good point, Ignacio, and I agree with you in many ways. I do think all of us offering advice to someone contemplating their first Camino are really just trying to help, even when steering someone in a different direction. We are hoping to let them know there might be a simpler way to do things through our own experiences. Suggestions, however, should be done in a kind manner, not being pushy (as in "my way or the hiway") and showing respect to the OP.
 
I find it funny how most of us have a tendency to want to impose our way of doing things on others. I did the CF on 2016 and one of the most important things I learned was ACCEPTANCE, yes accepting whatever it is people are doing and give them credit for doing it, NOT criticizing their methods or choices.

In my book if Annalisa wants to plan and prebook the entire route she is welcome to do that, I think our roll in providing assistance is First giving her the credit for having the courage to do the Camino. The fact that she wants to prebook it's HER choice and she'lllbe the one that will have to deal with everything that that entails, cancellations. due to weather, not reaching destination, etc. But it's her choice and her learning EXPERIENCE. ANNALISA you have my complete support in whatever and however you want to plan YOUR camino. Ultreia! and Buen Camino
Thank you. I have had some very interesting comments on this and one that someone sent me in a conversation that was down right mean. Since I will only pre booked 2 weeks since that the time I have for this trip. Your comment of I will have to deal with all that entails did not have one thing positive listed.
 
I find it funny how most of us have a tendency to want to impose our way of doing things on others. I did the CF on 2016 and one of the most important things I learned was ACCEPTANCE, yes accepting whatever it is people are doing and give them credit for doing it, NOT criticizing their methods or choices.

In my book if Annalisa wants to plan and prebook the entire route she is welcome to do that, I think our roll in providing assistance is First giving her the credit for having the courage to do the Camino. The fact that she wants to prebook it's HER choice and she'lllbe the one that will have to deal with everything that that entails, cancellations. due to weather, not reaching destination, etc. But it's her choice and her learning EXPERIENCE. ANNALISA you have my complete support in whatever and however you want to plan YOUR camino. Ultreia! and Buen Camino
Thank you. I have had some very interesting comments on this and one that someone sent me in a conversation that was down right mean. Since I will only pre booked 2 weeks since that the time i
You make a very good point, Ignacio, and I agree with you in many ways. I do think all of us offering advice to someone contemplating their first Camino are really just trying to help, even when steering someone in a different direction. We are hoping to let them know there might be a simpler way to do things through our own experiences. Suggestions, however, should be done in a kind manner, not being pushy (as in "my way or the hiway") and showing respect to the OP.
thank you for seeing that taking one unknown out may just be what gets them out the door. I know I will be able to adjust my nights if I choose along the way ~ but this way is getting me there.
 
St James' Way - Self-guided 4-7 day Walking Packages, Reading to Southampton, 110 kms
Annalisa, I never book ahead, but that is my preference for many reasons. If you want to and feel better for that then go ahead! My way of doing things may not be yours and I do not think there is a correct way at all. So book ahead!

I am sorry (and appalled) that someone was mean to you.

One thing I am sure of is that you are going to enjoy every moment!

Buen Camino!

Davey
 
Annalisa, I never book ahead, but that is my preference for many reasons. If you want to and feel better for that then go ahead! My way of doing things may not be yours and I do not think there is a correct way at all. So book ahead!

I am sorry (and appalled) that someone was mean to you.

One thing I am sure of is that you are going to enjoy every moment!

Buen Camino!

Davey
With tears in my eyes I thank you!
 
Get a spanish phone number with Airalo. eSim, so no physical SIM card. Easy to use app to add more funds if needed.
I am sure you will have an amazing journey as I hope we all will. I hope you realized my comment was more of poking fun at how we are all different in how we approach this trek! I certainly never intended to be mean and shame on anyone who did.
Godspeed!
Also, My name is Lisa Ann. (Opposites again!)
 
I am sure you will have an amazing journey as I hope we all will. I hope you realized my comment was more of poking fun at how we are all different in how we approach this trek! I certainly never intended to be mean and shame on anyone who did.
Godspeed!
Also, My name is Lisa Ann. (Opposites again!)
No worries your comment was fine and welcomed. I want nothing more than everyone's journey to be amazing. The comments that hurt were someone that sent me private conversations. Love our backward/forward names!
 
Funny thing, the reason I am on this forum today is because I LOVE planning! For me the planning is part of the journey. I did not prebook any of our first Camino, and it all worked out just fine and, in fact, searching for places to stay made for some interesting memories (Casa Magica being one of the best - story and photo below - I also love reminiscing).

However, this time around I am planning more because I literally can't wait to be back on the Camino! :) Some people find the planning stressful, but one of my favorite activities is looking for places to stay by exploring villages by walking around on Google street view. People make some good points about distance, weather, blisters, etc., etc., but hey, that is where trusting it will all be just fine comes into play. And it will!

casa magica.JPG Buen Camino.
 
A selection of Camino Jewellery
Funny thing, the reason I am on this forum today is because I LOVE planning! For me the planning is part of the journey. I did not prebook any of our first Camino, and it all worked out just fine and, in fact, searching for places to stay made for some interesting memories (Casa Magica being one of the best - story and photo below - I also love reminiscing).

However, this time around I am planning more because I literally can't wait to be back on the Camino! :) Some people find the planning stressful, but one of my favorite activities is looking for places to stay by exploring villages by walking around on Google street view. People make some good points about distance, weather, blisters, etc., etc., but hey, that is where trusting it will all be just fine comes into play. And it will!

View attachment 32787 Buen Camino.
Thank you for sharing. Would you stay at Casa Magica again? That is one of the places I have booked!
 
I hope members are aware that Private Conversations can be reported, just as public posts can be. If you receive an email that is hurtful, rude, insulting or offensive, please use that facility.

I have checked the history of this thread. It seems that Annalisa edited her own first post. No-one else has had a post deleted. A couple of members made minor edits to their own posts.
 
I hope members are aware that Private Conversations can be reported, just as public posts can be. If you receive an email that is hurtful, rude, insulting or offensive, please use that facility.

I have checked the history of this thread. It seems that Annalisa edited her own first post. No-one else has had a post deleted. A couple of members made minor edits to their own posts.
Thank you I hope you don't think I did anything wrong. It was the a private conversation that was sent to me. I blocked that so I wouldn't get anymore from him.
 
St James' Way - Self-guided 4-7 day Walking Packages, Reading to Southampton, 110 kms
No, of course not @Annalisa! I often wish people would edit and delete their own posts more - especially if they contain obvious errors or typos.
 
Transport luggage-passengers.
From airports to SJPP
Luggage from SJPP to Roncevalles
The 2024 Camino guides will be coming out little by little. Here is a collection of the ones that are out so far.
Another major advantage in booking accommodation in a hotel/hostal as opposed to an albergue is the freedom it allows one to get up and get out on the trail very early in the morning.

I've been doing the Camino Francés in stages over the last few years and each time I've made sure to set out in the dark on one morning and walk through the countryside by the light of the moon and the stars (supplemented, as required, by my head-torch).

I'll be walking from Léon to Sarria in May this year and so, weather permitting (a clear sky is required) I'll be out the door around 5 am some morning. Once out of the town/village and into the countryside it is a wonderful, numinous experience to stop every now and then and view the moon and the stars, the lights of the countryside - distant towns and villages, the flashing lights of wind turbines on a hillside, the odd car or truck on a road, the firefly-like lights of other walkers (not a lot!) doing the same thing - and listen to the occasional sounds made by wildlife. In open country, in the light of a half to full moon, it is easy to walk without using the torch - one's eyes become attuned to the darkness very quickly - but it is obviously advisable to use it to identify the yellow directional arrows. And of course one is walking into the light of the dawn with all the added symbolism that that has for those on the Camino.

That is not something that can be done if staying in an albergue as one would be disturbing the other peregrinos by setting out so early.
 
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I booked tonight standing in front of the albergue. I am on the Camino.

THAT is a real fear of commitment, I am afraid! A month of bookings is far beyond my ken.

That is exactly how I plan to sort my accommodation out, I'll see how far I am good to walk in that day and stop accordingly. Some days will be short, others long but we'll see. If everywhere is full when I get to a town then I'll have my tent and sleeping bag so all will be well.
 
The 2024 Camino guides will be coming out little by little. Here is a collection of the ones that are out so far.
Another major advantage in booking accommodation in a hotel/hostal as opposed to an albergue is the freedom it allows one to get up and get out on the trail very early in the morning.

I've been doing the Camino Francés in stages over the last few years and each time I've made sure to set out in the dark on one morning and walk through the countryside by the light of the moon and the stars (supplemented, as required, by my head-torch).

I'll be walking from Léon to Sarria in May this year and so, weather permitting (a clear sky is required) I'll be out the door around 5 am some morning. Once out of the town/village and into the countryside it is a wonderful, numinous experience to stop every now and then and view the moon and the stars, the lights of the countryside - distant towns and villages, the flashing lights of wind turbines on a hillside, the odd car or truck on a road, the firefly-like lights of other walkers (not a lot!) doing the same thing - and listen to the occasional sounds made by wildlife. In open country, in the light of a half to full moon, it is easy to walk without using the torch - one's eyes become attuned to the darkness very quickly - but it is obviously advisable to use it to identify the yellow directional arrows. And of course one is walking into the light of the dawn with all the added symbolism that that has for those on the Camino.

That is not something that can be done if staying in an albergue as one would be disturbing the other peregrinos by setting out so early.
Thank you for sharing I hope to do that a few mornings.
 
@james walter purdum iv and @Camino Chris - I suggest that you delete or edit your posts with personal email addresses in them. Not a good idea on a public forum - unless you like spam. :confused:

Thanks @trecile - we will edit the posts. Members, please do not post your private email addresses - "bots" regularly trawl the forum and you will be inundated with spam.
 
One thing I think we are missing in the original post is the reference to migraines. Had them and carry Maxalt with me when away from home just in case. When one hits you need to be away from light, away from noise and away from stress. probably not easy in an alburgue. Everyones can be different; some daily, some less frequently but spontaneously hitting you when least expected. Having a known place to sleep where it will be quieter and darker will be a blessing if you are in the midst of blinding pain so bad you just want to curl up and die.

buen camino and keep your meds handy!
 
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One thing I think we are missing in the original post is the reference to migraines. Had them and carry Maxalt with me when away from home just in case. When one hits you need to be away from light, away from noise and away from stress. probably not easy in an alburgue. Everyones can be different; some daily, some less frequently but spontaneously hitting you when least expected. Having a known place to sleep where it will be quieter and darker will be a blessing if you are in the midst of blinding pain so bad you just want to curl up and die.

buen camino and keep your meds handy!
Thank you sharing. Yes I don't go anywhere without my Relpax for my migraines. This is going to be an adventure I can't wait.
 
No worries your comment was fine and welcomed. I want nothing more than everyone's journey to be amazing. The comments that hurt were someone that sent me private conversations. Love our backward/forward names!
My husband is officially freaking out that I haven't prebooked anything.
"What do you MEAN you are just going to WING IT??? You don't even speak Spanish!!!!"
Poor guy!
Buen Camino!
Your Opposite buddy, Lisa Ann
-Nervous? No way!
-Vainglorious? Absolutely!
 

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