CaidosPeter
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- Time of past OR future Camino
- May 23
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This was happening to my wife and I when we started walking in early May 2018, well before COVID, While it might be getting worse, and I haven't walked the CF since then, I wouldn't be blaming COVID for this. More, discussions about the 'bed race' were taking place from when I first joined the forum back in 2011, over a decade ago now, and that has been evident on the major routes that I have walked in Spain and Portugal at the end of spring and in early summer.Obtaining beds is now a nightmare even trying to obtain bed 3 days in advance. This did not be the case before covid.
I understand your frustration as I myself also prefer to walk as far as my feet and mind might carry me ... and decide on the fly where to stay for the night.The whole ethos of walking the Camino is being ruined by advance bookings of beds.
Obtaining beds is now a nightmare even trying to obtain bed 3 days in advance. This did not be the case before covid. Simply wanted to walk and stop wherever, now not possible. Not a pilgrimage anymore, simply a tourist trap !!
Well, this is just a wording, where you put in your frustration.[...] OK except your objection re tourist trap, but how else to describe ??
It really could be that this long weekend in Spain is the main cause of your frustration. Others have been reporting that April 29 to May 1 this year is crazy with every bed booked.Thank you dougfitz for the info. Hopefully situation will improve as you found when we get beyond Pamplona
Yes, maybe.The whole ethos of walking the Camino is being ruined by advance bookings of beds.
Obtaining beds is now a nightmare even trying to obtain bed 3 days in advance. This did not be the case before covid. Simply wanted to walk and stop wherever, now not possible. Not a pilgrimage anymore, simply a tourist trap !!
Personally I think that the destination is more important in defining your journey as a pilgrimage than how you choose to find a bed for the night.By the way, Is it about arriving at a “tomb”?
It’s the walking not the arriving.
Well said. Just to add - and if you're concerned about too many people, choose a less busy time - or path - if you're able to.Be flexible, be appreciative, and be grateful that you can safely walk a thousand kilometers across a foreign land.
Or even another Camino. After all, those other Camino routes are precisely what Peter is desperate for. I do wonder though, if Peter and others complaining about too may people, would actually appreciate a Camino with no facilities, no bars, no food outlets, no open churches etc etc between start and finish points.Well said. Just to add - if you're concerned about too many people, choose a less busy time if you're able to.
Yes, I'd edited my post to say 'a less busy time - or path'.Or even another Camino.
Yes, this for me as well.Yes, maybe.
I love booking everything in advance. As a slow pilgrim who loves to enjoy every step and every moment of the beautiful Camino, to know I have my next 65+ days already booked from when I arrive in St Jean gives me peace and adds to my Camino experience. Thank you.
Anecdotally (I’m in Burgos now, having prebooked almost all of this one before I left Australia to facilitate an intentional slowing down), I’m hearing folk are - in desperation - packing up and leaving at 5am to snag a muni bed. I heard that last night in Sam Juan de Ortega the muni was full ten minutes after opening.Everyone seems to be ingnoring the fact that there are still many municipal and parochial albergues that don't accept reservations.
I think it may be less of an issue in a few weeks time. In recent years there have usually been two peaks in numbers on the Frances - one in May/June and the other in September/October. Summer itself is less frantic. There may be a bit of a double blow working just now. Numbers are definitely up this year - both leaving SJPDP and arriving in Santiago. The pilgrim office is recording a 27% increase on last year's Compostela stats for the first quarter. And some albergues which closed during the long Covid lockdowns have not reopened. An unfortunate combination of factors.As someone said, there’s simply more demand than supply. It will self correct, but probably not this year.
This is very good to hear.What is upsetting to me is when I see "There are no beds!" post when I know that I have half my beds open at an albergue. Then I find out it isn't a bed someone wants--it is a room or an apartment or a booking.com reservation at a private albergue. Yes, sometimes our albergues do fill up, but more often then not, the beds are not full at our volunteer location albergues. Only a few days have I worked somewhere where we were completo.
Covid changed everything in all areas of ourThe whole ethos of walking the Camino is being ruined by advance bookings of beds.
Obtaining beds is now a nightmare even trying to obtain bed 3 days in advance. This did not be the case before covid. Simply wanted to walk and stop wherever, now not possible. Not a pilgrimage anymore, simply a tourist trap !!
I think Covid is only a partial explanation of the increased numbers and changing approach of pilgrims towards finding accommodation. There seems to be a significant rise in numbers so far this year which may be a rebound after a couple of years of travel restrictions. But the growth on the Caminos has been happening consistently for decades. I agree that everyone should have a chance to walk the Camino but they should also have realistic expectations and understand that it will not be the same experience as it was in 2015 or earlier - especially on the Camino Frances. I do not think it is "elitist" for someone who has known the Camino at a quieter and less "organized" time to state their preference for their earlier experience.Covid changed everything in all areas of our
lives. I did the CF in 2015 and had the time of my life. Getting ready to do the CF next week. I’m interested to see how it’s changed and how it’s stayed the same. To say it’s a tourist trap now sounds elitist, like you did it way before it was a cool thing to do. Everyone deserves their chance to walk the Camino.
Maybe I was being harsh calling you an “elitist.” Sorry. I’m hoping that the crowds will thin out after Pamplona. Time will tell. Buen Camino.I think Covid is only a partial explanation of the increased numbers and changing approach of pilgrims towards finding accommodation. There seems to be a significant rise in numbers so far this year which may be a rebound after a couple of years of travel restrictions. But the growth on the Caminos has been happening consistently for decades. I agree that everyone should have a chance to walk the Camino but they should also have realistic expectations and understand that it will not be the same experience as it was in 2015 or earlier - especially on the Camino Frances. I do not think it is "elitist" for someone who has known the Camino at a quieter and less "organized" time to state their preference for their earlier experience.
If you use Gronze.com you can see which albergues can be reserved and which ones cannot. It will list municipals, paroquials, federation, etc. albergues, the opening times and whether there is an established cost or whether it is a donativo.This is very good to hear.
May I ask where these albergues are? I'm having a hard time figuring out what the actual on the ground situation is here.
My gut says a lot of this is noise coming from new travellers who are over-reliant on Booking(dot)com. But I've also heard from experienced pilgrims saying that people are sleeping outside...
Thanks, but this I know. I was referring to your comment: "sometimes our albergues do fill up, but more often then not, the beds are not full at our volunteer location albergues."If you use Gronze.com you can see which albergues can be reserved and which ones cannot. It will list municipals, paroquials, federation, etc. albergues, the opening times and whether there is an established cost or whether it is a donativo.
It is probably true in some places rather more than others - there are always some pinch points where demand may exceed supply. I saw this very disgruntled post on Facebook yesterday for example.I'm trying to figure out if it's a reality right now that public/municipal/non-reservable beds are hard to come by post Pamplona. I'm getting conflicting reports...
Great rant!This will be my third time, but previously in March & late September. As stated better when you could just walk to the Albergue itself. This is the first time I have had to resort to using apps. Hate it! Brierleys book is my bible but now no use at all for booking. Brought my wife this time, but now it’s so stressful worrying about accommodation. Non private albergues should not take advanced bookings.
Yup, but this too is from a reservable place. My gut says that the non-reservable, not-on-Booking(dot)com places are probably being overlooked... but my gut can be wrong and that's what I'm trying to figure out.It is probably true in some places rather more than others - there are always some pinch points where demand may exceed supply. I saw this very disgruntled post on Facebook yesterday for example.
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But I do not see why this problem makes it "a turist trap"?
Did you try to reserve by phone? Or by booking.com?
To say it’s a tourist trap now sounds elitist, like you did it way before it was a cool thing to do. Everyone deserves their chance to walk the Camino.
There may be unspoken information, because there does seem a shift in numbers of suitcase tourist groups on the Frances. Bottom line is walk another camino if this will bother you...and before they get swamped.changing approach of pilgrims towards finding accommodation.
The sad post from Roncesvalles points to more than merely a wave. It points to too many people:See this post from Roncesvalles.
No nos gusta decirlo, pero el Camino está saturado y ya no es lo que era.
I am on my 10th Camino now and I have never seen so many people. Last night in Boadilla, they put down mats, the owner took a Japanese couple to his house and had to turn away many people. It’s more than just a wave. There are many groups, large suitcases everywhere and lots of people are reserved all the way through
It is hard to understand, based on what one reads online and on social media. Are there not enough bookable beds for those who want to book or are there not enough non-bookable beds for those who do do not want to book or are there simply not enough beds for all on some days in some towns? When there are not enough beds then there are not enough beds under any system - even when nobody is allowed to book.Yup, but this too is from a reservable place. My gut says that the non-reservable, not-on-Booking(dot)com places are probably being overlooked... but my gut can be wrong and that's what I'm trying to figure out.
I am sorry, I can't tell you the situation on the ground right now. We volunteer this year in early June on a less traveled route. I can only say to consider the smaller towns in-between stages and consider checking at the non-reservable albergues.Thanks, but this I know. I was referring to your comment: "sometimes our albergues do fill up, but more often then not, the beds are not full at our volunteer location albergues."
I'm trying to figure out if it's a reality right now that public/municipal/non-reservable beds are hard to come by post Pamplona. I'm getting conflicting reports...
Hopefully the picture becomes clearer in the coming week... my gut tells me that it's just social media panic, but it would be nice to have a solid idea of what's actually going on.I am sorry, I can't tell you the situation on the ground right now. We volunteer this year in early June on a less traveled route. I can only say to consider the smaller towns in-between stages and consider checking at the non-reservable albergues.
What is upsetting to me is when I see "There are no beds!" post when I know that I have half my beds open at an albergue. Then I find out it isn't a bed someone wants--it is a room or an apartment or a booking.com reservation at a private albergue. Yes, sometimes our albergues do fill up, but more often then not, the beds are not full at our volunteer location albergues.
Whoever wrote that sounds a bit strange. They had a place to sleep in the library, but they had to take a taxi to a hotel because other people also wanted to sleep in the library??It is probably true in some places rather more than others - there are always some pinch points where demand may exceed supply. I saw this very disgruntled post on Facebook yesterday for example.
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Ok so Im currently on the Camino Frances and getting really tired of people having ago because someone made the choice to make their personal pilgrimage easier by booking ALL accommodation.The whole ethos of walking the Camino is being ruined by advance bookings of beds.
Obtaining beds is now a nightmare even trying to obtain bed 3 days in advance. This did not be the case before covid. Simply wanted to walk and stop wherever, now not possible. Not a pilgrimage anymore, simply a tourist trap !!
but by what I can see, is their experience is less stressful, more engaging and quite the opposite to those rushing every morning to be first in line nights filled on their phones frantically trying to find somewhere
This however, is just the opinion of someone not yet there.I'm leaning towards the idea that this bed panic is coming from newbies over reliant on booking(dot)com and all trying to stay at the same stage end points.
The panic is then making it worse as this same group all start to mass reserve anything and everything they can with the intention of holding them "just in case" thereby making beds seem even more scarce.
This is, and has been a problem for a while. An obvious solution is for the albergues to require non-refundable payment in advance, but that creates more issues and work for places that have previously been cash only establishments.The panic is then making it worse as this same group all start to mass reserve anything and everything they can with the intention of holding them "just in case" thereby making beds seem even more scarce.
Or just don't take reservations is another solution.This is, and has been a problem for a while. An obvious solution is for the albergues to require non-refundable payment in advance, but that creates more issues and work for places that have previously been cash only establishments.
This comment makes me wonder why (privately owned) albergues take reservations or have started to take reservations in the first place - does anyone know what their motivation is? I can see why those owned by the regional government, or the parishes or the Camino associations don’t take bookings - they rely on volunteers and taxpayers‘ money for investment and costs … no big deal if they remain half empty or even empty on some nights …Or just don't take reservations is another solution.
There is obviously a market for reservations just as there is also a desire by some pilgrims to walk in somewhere that does not take reservations. I think it is just an adaptation to a segment of the pilgrim customers.This comment makes me wonder why (privately owned) albergues take reservations or have started to take reservations in the first place - does anyone know what their motivation is? I can see why those owned by the regional government, or the parishes or the Camino associations don’t do it - they can rely on volunteers and taxpayers‘ money for investment and costs …
At the simple donativo albergues where we work, there usually isn't a computer and sometimes not even a phone so it would be difficult to take reservations although some other albergues that use volunteers (Roncesvalles for example) have figured out a way to manage a reservation system.This comment makes me wonder why (privately owned) albergues take reservations or have started to take reservations in the first place - does anyone know what their motivation is? I can see why those owned by the regional government, or the parishes or the Camino associations don’t take bookings - they depend on volunteers and taxpayers‘ money for investment and costs … no big deal if they remain half empty or even empty on some nights …
As thé practice of making reservations has become more and more widespread - there seems to be a huge demand for it on the Frances - perhaps albergue owners fear losing business if they don’t take reservations. People looking to book will look elsewhereThis comment makes me wonder why (privately owned) albergues take reservations or have started to take reservations in the first place - does anyone know what their motivation is?
I agree, the importance of the pilgrimage is to walk to the tomb of Santiago not how you managed your accommodations.This was happening to my wife and I when we started walking in early May 2018, well before COVID, While it might be getting worse, and I haven't walked the CF since then, I wouldn't be blaming COVID for this. More, discussions about the 'bed race' were taking place from when I first joined the forum back in 2011, over a decade ago now, and that has been evident on the major routes that I have walked in Spain and Portugal at the end of spring and in early summer.
Quite deliberately, this year I did not book anything earlier than the previous evening, and most of the time I didn't start looking for somewhere to stay until around the middle of the day. This was on the CP walking from Tui. That worked, although looking at some of the commentary on the CF, it seems that sites like Booking.com don't have availability. My experience is that few places offer all their available spaces on such sites, and that it is always worth contacting the property directly to check if they have vacancies.
More, last year I stayed several times in municipal and Xunta albergues that always had space available until quite late in the evening. Were people avoiding them because they couldn't be booked? In one place, there were three of us for the 24 beds, and everything that could be booked in that town was. That indicates to me that there are probably sufficient beds available in most places.
Finally, I don't share your view that this stops the Camino being a pilgrimage. For me, the pilgrimage is to walk to the tomb of Santiago in the cathedral. It is far less important to me whether I have to book some place to stay to achieve that.
True, but if not taking reservations is the solution, as you suggested, then I wonder why every privately owned albergue does not opt for this solution? And shouldn’t we campaign for such a solution instead of lamenting about the good old times and about the suitcases now?At the simple donativo albergues where we work, there usually isn't a computer and sometimes not even a phone so it would be difficult to take reservations although some other albergues that use volunteers (Roncesvalles for example) have figured out a way to manage a reservation system.
There are advantages to knowing in advance how busy you're going to be. Many may have part-time staff who they call in to help at busy times. Accepting advance booking may (in some cases) mean they can take money in advance, too.This comment makes me wonder why (privately owned) albergues take reservations or have started to take reservations in the first place - does anyone know what their motivation is? I can see why those owned by the regional government, or the parishes or the Camino associations don’t take bookings - they rely on volunteers and taxpayers‘ money for investment and costs … no big deal if they remain half empty or even empty on some nights …
Ok, so these albergues offer the option of booking but peregrin@s should not make use of this option. I am just trying to find some logic in these repetitive threads about "Advance bookings!!!" I mean, killing the Spirit of the Camino, that's a serious accusation.There are advantages to knowing in advance how busy you're going to be. Many may have part-time staff who they call in to help at busy times. Accepting advance booking may (in some cases) mean they can take money in advance, too.
We each have our preferences. Some people feel comfort at reserving their journey. Others feel there is not enough flexibility in the idea that they must get to a certain place to sleep. I think the disheartening thing for me is that some people, especially new pilgrims, do not know that all beds cannot be reserved. They get anxious and that anxiety takes away from their pilgrimage experience. I just want them to know that there are other options. Non-reservable beds can and do go unfilled just like reservable ones.Ok, so these albergues offer the option of booking but peregrin@s should not make use of this option. I am just trying to find some logic in these repetitive threads about "Advance bookings!!!" I mean, killing the Spirit of the Camino, that's a serious accusation.
I book. I am a happy booker. I don't have to race, I know that the Camino has provided a bed for me that will wait for my arrival. I walk at 3 pm and sometimes still at 5 pm. Do you know how peaceful, empty and quiet the Camino Francés is at this time of the day? There is no bed race for me, the bed racers have overtaken me or started much earlier than me in the morning. I don't occupy a non-bookable bed. I leave these beds for the ones who don't want to book.
The overwhelming majority of the pilgrims with whom I have interacted will never know that I had booked a bed for the night. It is not written on my forehead. Only when I am walking with someone or in a loose group and we are about to approach the day's destination and the question of where we will stay comes up, I may say that I am staying at the Albergue al Peregrino Feliz. They may then ask whether I have booked or wonder whether they can stay there too. But really, that's all ....
E.X.A.C.T.L.Y.!We each have our preferences. Some people feel comfort at reserving their journey. Others feel there is not enough flexibility in the idea that they must get to a certain place to sleep. I think the disheartening thing for me is that some people, especially new pilgrims, do not know that all beds cannot be reserved. They get anxious and that anxiety takes away from their pilgrimage experience. I just want them to know that there are other options. Non-reservable beds can and do go unfilled just like reservable ones.
Yes. Agree. In pamplona right now having come much further than we wished. By taxi so will bus back to todays finish spot and walk from there. Hoping to time our stages our of the main flow for better conditions after pamplona.It really could be that this long weekend in Spain is the main cause of your frustration. Others have been reporting that April 29 to May 1 this year is crazy with every bed booked.
I prefer not to begrudge others from experiencing their own camino。 If the numbers ten times increased, I would rejoice. Multitudes doing a Camino speaks to a better world. If one needs to sleep, lie on the ground and rest. If it works for an animal, it works for a child of God.The whole ethos of walking the Camino is being ruined by advance bookings of beds.
Obtaining beds is now a nightmare even trying to obtain bed 3 days in advance. This did not be the case before covid. Simply wanted to walk and stop wherever, now not possible. Not a pilgrimage anymore, simply a tourist trap !!
You must have a far more generous nature than me. In the years since my first Camino numbers have increased ninety times and that looks set to be over 100x this year if the first four months are an accurate guide. I can still find much of what gave me joy on that first Camino when I walk to Santiago but it will no longer be in May on the Frances. Other routes, other times.If the numbers ten times increased, I would rejoice.
The lack of knowledge about the fact that beds in municipial albergues and similar albergues cannot be reserved surprises me, too. A recent thread made me think that a first time peregrin@ who had been a forum member for quite a while and had been preparing the trip for several years was not aware of this.We each have our preferences. Some people feel comfort at reserving their journey. Others feel there is not enough flexibility in the idea that they must get to a certain place to sleep. I think the disheartening thing for me is that some people, especially new pilgrims, do not know that all beds cannot be reserved
Well half of London seems to be in Seville right now! Bank Holiday weekend in UK with another one to come next week for the coronation of King Charles so the ‘holiday maximisation’ folks will be taking full advantage!May is simply a popular month for travelling to Spain for many Europeans. The weather is likely to be good, it is not yet unbearably hot compared to their concept of "hot" and there are the many public holidays. It varies from country to country but if you live and work in Germany for example, there is the 1st of May (a Monday this year) and Ascension (always a Thursday and on 18 May this year) and Whitsun Monday (always a Monday and on 29 May this year) - you save 3 of your annual holidays or even 4 if the Friday following Ascension is also an official holiday as agreed by your employer.
In France, the 1st of May, 8 May, 18 May and 29 May are public holidays. 8 May is the day of victory of the Allies/Armistice Day for WWII and it also falls on a Monday this year. Again, expect more people travelling because of this and especially around these dates.
In Spain, the 1st of May is a national holiday and the 2nd of May is a regional holiday for Madrid (Fiesta de la Communidad de Madrid). So, many people in employment have Saturday to Tuesday (2 May) off this year.
And so on ....
I would say it is about both. That's what makes it a pilgrimage. Otherwise, you might as well be on the Pacific Crest Trail or any other long distance hike.By the way, Is it about arriving at a “tomb”?
It’s the walking not the arriving.
Enough said, had my winge. Won’t be telling people they should come and do this anymore that’s for sure. Enjoy x
The whole ethos of walking the Camino is being ruined by advance bookings of beds.
Not just the door code, either. On the Via Podiensis, Gite owners need to be aware of dinner needs so they can purchase food. We became very sensitive to confirming reservations to not inconvenience the owners for meals/packed lunches.I would say it is about both. That's what makes it a pilgrimage. Otherwise, you might as well be on the Pacific Crest Trail or any other long distance hike.
I guess it depends on what you consider to be the "ethos of walking the Camino". For me, the whole ethos of walking the Camino is about how we treat the people we walk amongst and the land we walk through and not so much about how we find a bed. Your mileage may vary, of course.
As others have said, it's a simple question of supply and demand. When there are more pilgrims than beds, something has to give. One solution is to reserve in advance. That allows you to walk at your own pace and know there will be a bed waiting for you. But you sacrifice the ability to choose to stop where you will. Or we could say that no albergues will accept reservations (as has been suggested by some above). That preserves our ability to decide on the day where we stop (more or less) but creates the dreaded "bed race" where people have to rush to get to the albergue early in order to secure a bed, sacrificing their ability to walk at their own pace.
Personally, my preference is for a mix, with some albergues accepting reservations and others not. Then pilgrims can choose what they are ready to sacrifice and what they want to preserve. That's what we seem to have now with private albergues accepting reservations and municipal/association/parochial albergues not.
I think what the complainers want is the ability to have everything and sacrifice nothing in pursuit of a bed. But I don't think that can really happen where and when the number of pilgrims exceeds the number of beds.
As an additional note, those who are extremely disappointed with deciding ahead of time where they will sleep are often advised to choose less walked Camino routes. That may not be the solution they are looking for. Often, on the less walked Caminos, one is equally advised to notify the folks ahead of time where one will be staying. Not to secure a bed from competition, but to ensure the albergue is ready to receive visitors and/or get the door code that will let them into the albergue.
well said @Purple BackpackNot just the door code, either. On the Via Podiensis, Gite owners need to be aware of dinner needs so they can purchase food. We became very sensitive to confirming reservations to not inconvenience the owners for meals/packed lunches.
I love getting packed lunches every day. Makes me feel like I’m back in third grade.well said @Purple BackpackI will start re-confirming my reservations in a fortnight or so for the Via Podiensis ... come hell or high water I will turn up to claim my bed for the night and happily pay the appropriate tarif ...
Well, yes at least technically it is. But not many walkers see it that way, it is true.By the way, Is it about arriving at a “tomb”?
It’s the walking not the arriving.
Enough said, had my winge. Won’t be telling people they should come and do this anymore that’s for sure. Enjoy x
I see a clue here. Many people use Mr. Brierly's book, which is informative and useful, but they think that they have to stop at the towns he identifies as end of stages. One of the best things that happened on our first Camino walk, in 2014, was arriving at the end town of Belorado at about 11 in the morning, sitting down for a coffee, and deciding that we could walk another 7 km before stopping. After that we never stopped at the end point of a stage. It greatly improved our experience and I think it greatly improved our luck on accomodations. (We do like to wait until about 1 or 2 PM before finding a place.)Always use my Spanish, and telephone. This will be my third time, but previously in March & late September. As stated better when you could just walk to the Albergue itself. This is the first time I have had to resort to using apps. Hate it! Brierleys book is my bible but now no use at all for booking. Brought my wife this time, but now it’s so stressful worrying about accommodation. Non private albergues should not take advanced bookings. OK except your objection re tourist trap, but how else to describe ??
The albergue I was hospitalero at in Villamayor de Monjardín 2015-2018, i.e., pre-COVID, was often full by 17:00. Folks were expressing similar anxiety then. But in April 2016, I went from there to Viana → Navarrete → Cirueña → Villafranca Montes de Oca → Burgos → Hontanas. In each, I there was room at the first albergue I tried. No phone calls, no reservations, just show up and ask. Then after three nights at a friend’s apartment in Zamora, I went from there to Villar de Farfón → La Bañeza and by bus to Villamayor de Monjardín for another 67 days hosting. In August 2017, no booking, no problem in Santiago, Negreira, Mollón, Hospital, Cee, Muxia.The whole ethos of walking the Camino is being ruined by advance bookings of beds.
Obtaining beds is now a nightmare even trying to obtain bed 3 days in advance. This did not be the case before covid. Simply wanted to walk and stop wherever, now not possible. Not a pilgrimage anymore, simply a tourist trap !!
If you are trying to book a bed 3 days in advance you are de facto attempting to book in advance..?The whole ethos of walking the Camino is being ruined by advance bookings of beds.
Obtaining beds is now a nightmare even trying to obtain bed 3 days in advance. This did not be the case before covid. Simply wanted to walk and stop wherever, now not possible. Not a pilgrimage anymore, simply a tourist trap !!
To be fair, the OP seems to be booking in advance only because they feel it is now necessary, something they lament. My own thoughts on the subject can be found above.If you are trying to book a bed 3 days in advance you are de facto attempting to book in advance..?
I walked last year, too, and found places in between guidebook stages had beds. I booked some ahead, but when I didn't, still found a bed. Sometimes only 6-10 people in albergue.This was happening to my wife and I when we started walking in early May 2018, well before COVID, While it might be getting worse, and I haven't walked the CF since then, I wouldn't be blaming COVID for this. More, discussions about the 'bed race' were taking place from when I first joined the forum back in 2011, over a decade ago now, and that has been evident on the major routes that I have walked in Spain and Portugal at the end of spring and in early summer.
Quite deliberately, this year I did not book anything earlier than the previous evening, and most of the time I didn't start looking for somewhere to stay until around the middle of the day. This was on the CP walking from Tui. That worked, although looking at some of the commentary on the CF, it seems that sites like Booking.com don't have availability. My experience is that few places offer all their available spaces on such sites, and that it is always worth contacting the property directly to check if they have vacancies.
More, last year I stayed several times in municipal and Xunta albergues that always had space available until quite late in the evening. Were people avoiding them because they couldn't be booked? In one place, there were three of us for the 24 beds, and everything that could be booked in that town was. That indicates to me that there are probably sufficient beds available in most places.
Finally, I don't share your view that this stops the Camino being a pilgrimage. For me, the pilgrimage is to walk to the tomb of Santiago in the cathedral. It is far less important to me whether I have to book some place to stay to achieve that.
Have just finished the Camino Francis; started in SJPDP on April 4th.I walked last year, too, and found places in between guidebook stages had beds. I booked some ahead, but when I didn't, still found a bed. Sometimes only 6-10 people in albergue.
The whole ethos of walking the Camino is being ruined by advance bookings of beds.
Obtaining beds is now a nightmare even trying to obtain bed 3 days in advance. This did not be the case before covid. Simply wanted to walk and stop wherever, now not possible. Not a pilgrimage anymore, simply a tourist trap !!
Yes and the parochial albergue in Viana is closed for construction updates is what I understand.The muni in Viana reports they have not been busy. They ARE regularly getting people pushed back from Logroño.
The entrance is all barracked and I didn’t seen any signs directing pilgrims to a different entrance.Yes and the parochial albergue in Viana is closed for construction updates is what I understand.
Bad headline writers who don’t check their facts (are they ruining the Camino?)The whole ethos of walking the Camino is being ruined by advance bookings of beds.
Obtaining beds is now a nightmare even trying to obtain bed 3 days in advance. This did not be the case before covid. Simply wanted to walk and stop wherever, now not possible. Not a pilgrimage anymore, simply a tourist trap !!
I completed the CP just last week. On day 3, the place was full at Carreco. Looked like a nice place. After having had completed about 18 miles that day. I wasn't wanting to continue to the next town. Luckily, the owner of this place had a friend 200 meters away that helped him in these situations. From that night on, I'd book for the next night utilizing Gronze for the info of choices and booking.com for the most part or an email.The whole ethos of walking the Camino is being ruined by advance bookings of beds.
Obtaining beds is now a nightmare even trying to obtain bed 3 days in advance. This did not be the case before covid. Simply wanted to walk and stop wherever, now not possible. Not a pilgrimage anymore, simply a tourist trap !!
Crawling, limping or stumbling possibly.I'm surprised this thread is still running.
In 2008 we never booked one night ahead and made sure we had a good sleep by booking a pension every third night and took 34 days.The whole ethos of walking the Camino is being ruined by advance bookings of beds.
Obtaining beds is now a nightmare even trying to obtain bed 3 days in advance. This did not be the case before covid. Simply wanted to walk and stop wherever, now not possible. Not a pilgrimage anymore, simply a tourist trap !!
Or circumstances change .Listening to the conversations along the way about booking ahead, there seem to be two camps among those who book: those who are confident in their ability to walk the km required to get there, and those who are ever shifting their reservations because they’ve discovered walking that many km every day is hard.
Sadly, I suspect for most of those I’ve been listening to, none. Many are already planning what to skip down the road to make up lost time. I’ve seen all of one other person inside a church for reasons other than grabbing a stamp (judging by the speed of their visit and lack of even glancing around.) I see very little interaction with locals.Or circumstances change .
They might also realise that the slow path is very desirable.
The rest and relaxation for a few days in wonderful cities / towns shred a different light on how the locals live and enjoy life.
How many pilgrims attend the little chapels/ churches in the barrio's outside the main squares ?
How many pilgrims attend these same neighbourhoods and enjoy the village atmosphere and be told a few secrets for the days ahead , from families who have walked ?
What you describe … I find it … well, I would find it sad for myself. I was astonished at first when I noticed it but then accepted that this is what people do and want or it has not occurred to them yet that there are other ways. Some really want to walk and interact with other pilgrims and not much else; first timers on the Camino Frances have given themselves a limited amount of time and want to cover “the whole Camino“ within that timeframe, others simply don’t have much interest in learning first hand about regions and their people … it is what it is.Sadly, I suspect for most of those I’ve been listening to, none. Many are already planning what to skip down the road to make up lost time. I’ve seen all of one other person inside a church for reasons other than grabbing a stamp (judging by the speed of their visit and lack of even glancing around.) I see very little interaction with locals.
I’m sure there are some out there doing as you’ve said, I’ve just not met them yet.
Yes or those who start off maybe doing 20km, and find after a few days they can do more if they so wish. I started 20-25km a day and after a few days I found I could do a fair bit more, without too too much trouble, albeit much longer days.Listening to the conversations along the way about booking ahead, there seem to be two camps among those who book: those who are confident in their ability to walk the km required to get there, and those who are ever shifting their reservations because they’ve discovered walking that many km every day is hard.
I did. But then having a donkey along makes for a lot of interaction. Many stays in people's homes or fields, gifts of hay and grain not to mention packets of biscuits for the donkey (I stole some of those for me) a police escort through Bilbao and Lugo. We had fun.Sadly, I suspect for most of those I’ve been listening to, none. Many are already planning what to skip down the road to make up lost time. I’ve seen all of one other person inside a church for reasons other than grabbing a stamp (judging by the speed of their visit and lack of even glancing around.) I see very little interaction with locals.
I’m sure there are some out there doing as you’ve said, I’ve just not met them yet.
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