We flew into Vigo (using Delta skymiles) and had planned to walk the Camino starting in Valenca Portugal, across the river from Tui, Spain. Somehow we changed our plans, took the bus to Santiago and walked to Finisterra.
However we met friends in Santiago after returning from our walk and...
Used mine for two Caminos. I carried two sleeping bags (my wife's) so if you are only carrying one or none, you will have plenty of room. Very comfortable.
We live in Georgia near the beginning of the AT and know a little about hiking it.
I just want to say that the Camino needs to be thought of as a series of easy to moderate day hikes with places to stop for lunch on most days. Even carrying sleeping bags is optional for many people. My...
Besides carrying copies of your passport, scan it in to your computer, then attach it to an email and email it to yourself. That way, even if you lose all documents, you can get a copy...especially useful until you get to an embassy or consulate for a replacement.
Rates are high here in USA to exchange before we leave and out bank charges 3.5% plus $5 per transaction. Any ideas to get a better exchange rate?
Change banks! The larger the bank, the more they eat you up with fees. Smaller, local banks and credit unions usually have fewer, smaller fees...
We finished SDC to Finisterra last month and felt it was much more hilly than Sarria to SDC. I don't understand if one is walking to the ocean, how it could be up hill all the way!
Each device has a small transformer that plugs into the wall. In the US the prongs that fit into the wall are flat. Go to Radio Shack or Walmart Etc. to buy an adapter with round plugs. Should cost around $5 or so. I wouln't buy a smart phone just to save weight on the Camino. The cameras...
In regard to returning...we were flying Delta and had a good connection out of the Vigo airport on Air Europa to Madrid, then back to the USA. We were able to book the ticket on the Delta website. If you can use frequent flyer miles, it may be just as cheap or cheaper sometimes to fly back...
It seems to me that meals in Spain cost slightly more than in the US but the quality is better. We are going to New Zealand later this Summer and it appears from our research that food costs are much higher...as you would expect from a remote island where a many things are imported.
Tourism...
We did this two weeks ago. Catch the bus at the station next to the alburge in Finisterra. If it is one of the two level buses go up for great views. Trip is almost three hours (12 euro? ). At the bus station in Santiago you can get the bus to Vigo...an hour and half trip or so (8 euro).
We...
Sunglasses can be a personal preference. However UV rays may have some contributing effect to cataracts. Most sunglasses today have a UV filter but cheap ones may not.
Wrapping bags is common for travel in South America and, I would think for certain other areas of the world where baggage is not secure. I went to a thrift store and bought a nylon bag for $2. Attached luggage tags to both it and my backpack. Leaving today.
Never heard of Teton, use an Osprey myself. But the Teton may be great. The important thing is for you to try them on with weight and walk aroun the store or even buy take home and try it out for a couple of days. An informed clerk can be a great help. I wanted a Deuter until I went into REI and...
Euro Taxi Luis. Luis is the driver, a very nice man, with a very nice van took our group of 4 for 90€. Not a lot of English but I would highly recommend. xacotrans@gmail.com or 608 581 206
Loved the fresh healthy food that was wonderfully cooked. Resturants are great places to meet and socialize Can't imagine eating freeze dried reconstituted processed food when there are such great options. I wonder how much all that food you are bringing costs...compared to buying local fresh.
Stopped sort of late at an Alburge outside of Sarria. My wife and I found bottom bunks next to each other with about 2' in between...the top bunks were taken. After dinner we came back, my wife went to sleep and I was reading the Book of James on my iPod. A little later a group of young...
You can find small zip lock bags at drug stores...just big enough to fit a few pills in. I always carry a selection of meds with me because you don't want to have to go to the pharmacy if you are tired and sick...especially when you have vomiting and diarrhea. And sometimes, you may be staying...
I really applaud you wanting to do a meaningful trip with your daughters. Children that age usually respond well to trips with a specific goal or focus. Also camping trips where they have responsibility for certain chores really work well.
My concerns would be physical...are your girls real...
Regarding ATMs and exchange commission fees...check your local bank or credit union. I have had two different banks in the last couple of years and neither charged an ATM fee or exchange fee for me to use ATMs in other countries including Spain.
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