- Time of past OR future Camino
- Frances/Finestere 2023, 2024 ?
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Thank you for good adviceThat's a very reasonable question. There are usually as many lower as upper bunks, not many places now with three tiers. A polite request to exchange if only uppers remain should work if you explain. Also mostly there is a safety rail. You can also send a message in advance asking if your Spanish isn't up to phoning, or ask today's hospi to phone tomorrow's hospi.
It might be uncommon but it happens. And falling from that height can have serious consequences.While it seems scary, it’s the same as sleeping in the bottom bunk space wise. So ask yourself, how often do you fall out of bed usually?!?! My guess is never, so the fact that you are elevated five feet up does not increase that risk. It’s purely in one’s mind.
Which doesn't make it any less scary. In fact, one's mind is generally far scarier than reality. And there's no escaping it.It’s purely in one’s mind.
Been confronted with your fears is part of a camino. But I never seen a top bunkbed without railing!I have a confession. I am terrified of - and yes now feel free to laugh - the top bed in bunks with no railing/fence (something to stop you falling out).
So basically, the most dangerous stages on the Camino are the bunk ladders and slick floors at the train stations.It might be a very short walk but the ladders nearly were my end twice.
Please don't do this.Don’t be
Get a head lamp Aldi/Lidl sell them cheaply and means you’ve got light that you can direct without holding hit and blinding others on way to the facilities.
Please don't do this.
I’ve seen this in many hostels without much impact+1
Headlamps and bike lights are designed to light up meters ahead when outdoors and to be seen by traffic. They should not be used where people are sleeping regardless of brightness setting or colour (red/white)
Our first night in Roncevalles we heard a large thump which woke us up. A big Irish lad had fallen. My wife did some stitching of his bleeding forehead. This scared the wits out of many of us. Since then, I have been very leary of top bunks with no fences and have used every possible means to find a lower bunk. That works most of the time. If all efforts failed, I decided to use my backpack as my fence. It left me little room to wiggle around but it did give me peace of mind and restful sleep.I have a confession. I am terrified of - and yes now feel free to laugh - the top bed in bunks with no railing/fence (something to stop you falling out). I've managed to get away with it except once. Arrived late and asked nicely if I could put the mattress on the floor somewhere. It was not ok for hygienic reasons, which I can understand. So then I went on, and thank God I found a hotel, expensive but I escaped and survived. What worries me now is that on Salvador and Primitivo I see places, which I might want to stop, where there are no pictures of the beds at Gronze, only the facade of the house, and the only option is hotels. (Those who have pictures where there are fences are no problem). So then I don't know. Those of you who are/have been hospitaleros, will they answer me (or just laugh, as they probably will anyway) if I send a request in advance about this? I'm neither very old or disabled, so I feel wanting the lowest bed is kind of inappropriate. But I would very much like to have the "real" pilgrim social feeling of staying in albergues. So stupid/idiotic this is so important to me, I know, it's just the way it is.
Yes, that's right if ones mind is used to 75cm. But my mind is used to much bigger on my own, and often end up on the other side of the bed, it goes without saying that I can roll out at 75cm. Bottom bunk is scary enough.While it seems scary, it’s the same as sleeping in the bottom bunk space wise. So ask yourself, how often do you fall out of bed usually?!?! My guess is never, so the fact that you are elevated five feet up does not increase that risk. It’s purely in one’s mind.
Been confronted with your fears is part of a camino. But I never seen a top bunkbed without railing!
Tell more.
It might be uncommon but it happens. And falling from that height can have serious c
It happens, herself fell off the top bunk in Roncesvalles. First thing that hit the floor was her heel. She spent the next six month's in a boot. She the only one I know that fell out of bed.While it seems scary, it’s the same as sleeping in the bottom bunk space wise. So ask yourself, how often do you fall out of bed usually?!?! My guess is never, so the fact that you are elevated five feet up does not increase that risk. It’s purely in one’s mind.
Backpacks on beds are definitely a no-no due to bedbugs!Our first night in Roncevalles we heard a large thump which woke us up. A big Irish lad had fallen. My wife did some stitching of his bleeding forehead. This scared the wits out of many of us. Since then, I have been very leary of top bunks with no fences and have used every possible means to find a lower bunk. That works most of the time. If all efforts failed, I decided to use my backpack as my fence. It left me little room to wiggle around but it did give me peace of mind and restful sleep.
Backpacks on beds are definitely a no-no due to bedbugs!
I agree. Backpacks are often placed on the ground and can be dirty.By that logic sleeping bags wouldn't be allowed on beds.
I'd say it's likely broader hygiene reasons why backpacks shouldn't be put on beds
Good question!Hm - how do you say railing in Spanish? Or how to specify the safety measures we would like on the top bunk? Maybe before I pay I could find out. Thanks!
My translation app tells me that barandilla de litera means bunk bed railhow do you say railing in Spanish?
HahWhile it seems scary, it’s the same as sleeping in the bottom bunk space wise. So ask yourself, how often do you fall out of bed usually?!?! My guess is never, so the fact that you are elevated five feet up does not increase that risk. It’s purely in one’s mind.
So it is not cerca, as I get when translating from my language.. ?My translation app tells me that barandilla de litera means bunk bed rail
That would be more for an outdoor fence in a field or garden.So it is not cerca, as I get when translating from my language.. ?
I’m assuming that the OP has a form of phobia regarding the top bunk. As such it is unlikely to be affected by rational argument. We all have our forms of “unreason.” I hope she manages to resolve the issue. I’m sure most people, presented with a reasonable request, would accommodate her by swapping should that be necessary.While it seems scary, it’s the same as sleeping in the bottom bunk space wise. So ask yourself, how often do you fall out of bed usually?!?! My guess is never, so the fact that you are elevated five feet up does not increase that risk. It’s purely in one’s mind.
I understand, thanksThat would be more for an outdoor fence in a field or garden.
So it is not cerca, as I get when translating from my language.. ?
Use a head torch!My issue with top bunks is that I often have to urinate during the night and getting up and down the ladder, in the dark, while trying not to disturb anyone else usually causes me to stumble or slip.
Counselling!I had only one bunk without a rail on the French Camino. If you book on the Booking app, then request a lower bunk in the notes. If just turning up, I suggest you try to arrive early and ask for a lower bunk then. Another option is to practice before you go - and/or have some counseling to give some effective techniques to deal with your anxiety about this.
I wonder if it would help to stretch a cord across (like one of those portable clotheslines) from the head to the foot of the bed like a railing. It won't be wood or steel, but will provide some resistance.I have a confession. I am terrified of - and yes now feel free to laugh - the top bed in bunks with no railing/fence (something to stop you falling out). I've managed to get away with it except once. Arrived late and asked nicely if I could put the mattress on the floor somewhere. It was not ok for hygienic reasons, which I can understand. So then I went on, and thank God I found a hotel, expensive but I escaped and survived. What worries me now is that on Salvador and Primitivo I see places, which I might want to stop, where there are no pictures of the beds at Gronze, only the facade of the house, and the only option is hotels. (Those who have pictures where there are fences are no problem). So then I don't know. Those of you who are/have been hospitaleros, will they answer me (or just laugh, as they probably will anyway) if I send a request in advance about this? I'm neither very old or disabled, so I feel wanting the lowest bed is kind of inappropriate. But I would very much like to have the "real" pilgrim social feeling of staying in albergues. So stupid/idiotic this is so important to me, I know, it's just the way it is.
I get it. I hate top bunks anyway. I checked in somewhere once (non Camino), and there was no rail and the whole structure was unsafe. I asked them to do something to to no avail so just put the mattress on the floor and slept there! Not ideal but only thing I could think of. Alway an option!I have a confession. I am terrified of - and yes now feel free to laugh - the top bed in bunks with no railing/fence (something to stop you falling out). I've managed to get away with it except once. Arrived late and asked nicely if I could put the mattress on the floor somewhere. It was not ok for hygienic reasons, which I can understand. So then I went on, and thank God I found a hotel, expensive but I escaped and survived. What worries me now is that on Salvador and Primitivo I see places, which I might want to stop, where there are no pictures of the beds at Gronze, only the facade of the house, and the only option is hotels. (Those who have pictures where there are fences are no problem). So then I don't know. Those of you who are/have been hospitaleros, will they answer me (or just laugh, as they probably will anyway) if I send a request in advance about this? I'm neither very old or disabled, so I feel wanting the lowest bed is kind of inappropriate. But I would very much like to have the "real" pilgrim social feeling of staying in albergues. So stupid/idiotic this is so important to me, I know, it's just the way it is.
That’s incorrect. Decent headlamps will have a brightness setting. I have one of those. Also good headlamps will have a red light that lights the way without blinding anyone.+1
Headlamps and bike lights are designed to light up meters ahead when outdoors and to be seen by traffic. They should not be used where people are sleeping regardless of brightness setting or colour (red/white)
Get one with a red "night light" feature, works great for navigating the bunk-dorm-corridor-bathroom route without disturbing the massesDon’t be
Get a head lamp Aldi/Lidl sell them cheaply and means you’ve got light that you can direct without holding hit and blinding others on way to the facilities.
I have seen people come close to a physical altercation because a selfish pilgrim with a headlamp on was moving around an albergue in the dark and carelessly shining the headlamp into the eyes of sleeping people.I’ve seen this in many hostels without much impact
Stop being selfish!Use a head torch!
I did once, after being woken twice by the same person with head torch threaten to rip it off her head, jump up and down on it, and make her eat the pieces. It didn't happen a third time. I'm not proud of what I said but after a long hard day I really needed my sleep. At least I would have jumped on the torch and not her head.I have seen people come close to a physical altercation because a selfish pilgrim with a headlamp on was moving around an albergue in the dark and carelessly shining the headlamp into the eyes of sleeping people.
Please think outside of your own requirements.
Stop being selfish!
Read the post prior to yours.What would your advice be to someone who has balance problems and needs light to stop falling over? Not everyone is blessed with perfect health and balance. At home I use a UV (a.k.a black light) as crashing around in the dark would not be appreciated by Mrs CB.
Black light is as good a the red/green option and is usually more readily available to purchase. It doesn't disturb but I wouldn't advise its use it in a public space like a dorm. It tends to show up all the organic splashes that would otherwise be invisible in daylight. Hotel inspectors use them.
Hello, not irrational fear at all. I have the same fear, particularly if inside a sleeping bag! I’m walking the Camino in October and am praying that there will be bottom bunks available. Buen Camino and good luck finding bottom bunksI have a confession. I am terrified of - and yes now feel free to laugh - the top bed in bunks with no railing/fence (something to stop you falling out). I've managed to get away with it except once. Arrived late and asked nicely if I could put the mattress on the floor somewhere. It was not ok for hygienic reasons, which I can understand. So then I went on, and thank God I found a hotel, expensive but I escaped and survived. What worries me now is that on Salvador and Primitivo I see places, which I might want to stop, where there are no pictures of the beds at Gronze, only the facade of the house, and the only option is hotels. (Those who have pictures where there are fences are no problem). So then I don't know. Those of you who are/have been hospitaleros, will they answer me (or just laugh, as they probably will anyway) if I send a request in advance about this? I'm neither very old or disabled, so I feel wanting the lowest bed is kind of inappropriate. But I would very much like to have the "real" pilgrim social feeling of staying in albergues. So stupid/idiotic this is so important to me, I know, it's just the way it is.
Only happened once to me, in Italy on the VF. Bunk beds in the middle of the room, I was on the upper bunk, no wall or rails and I knew I couldn't risk it.I have a confession. I am terrified of - and yes now feel free to laugh - the top bed in bunks with no railing/fence (something to stop you falling out). I've managed to get away with it except once. Arrived late and asked nicely if I could put the mattress on the floor somewhere. It was not ok for hygienic reasons, which I can understand. So then I went on, and thank God I found a hotel, expensive but I escaped and survived. What worries me now is that on Salvador and Primitivo I see places, which I might want to stop, where there are no pictures of the beds at Gronze, only the facade of the house, and the only option is hotels. (Those who have pictures where there are fences are no problem). So then I don't know. Those of you who are/have been hospitaleros, will they answer me (or just laugh, as they probably will anyway) if I send a request in advance about this? I'm neither very old or disabled, so I feel wanting the lowest bed is kind of inappropriate. But I would very much like to have the "real" pilgrim social feeling of staying in albergues. So stupid/idiotic this is so important to me, I know, it's just the way it is.
Hi Kariann I am late to this thread -- but I want to offer my support. I don't see any reason for people to tell you that your fear is irrational or that it's all in your mind. I too have avoided those beds and we are clearly not the only ones. Another post commented that you are unlikely to fall out of bed at home so there is no greater risk on the camino. I don't agree. Adjusting position and / or getting out of bed is something often done on 'auto pilot'. Sleeping in a different bed, different environment every night - let alone a metre or more higher above the floor - can be disorientating. While walking caminos, I've often woken up - both in the middle of the night and in the morning - not initially knowing where I am.No, the fear is not rational, does not help me.
Thank you! 50+ comments and this is the first time that someone mentions this.Another post commented that you are unlikely to fall out of bed at home so there is no greater risk on the camino. I don't agree. Adjusting position and / or getting out of bed is something often done on 'auto pilot'. Sleeping in a different bed, different environment every night - let alone a metre or more higher above the floor - can be disorientating. While walking caminos, I've often woken up - both in the middle of the night and in the morning - not initially knowing where I am.
Great point! I think also many walkers are maybe older with the need to visit the bathroom more, on shortish trips so harder to acclimatize, and have come from far afield! I stay in many hostels (non Camino) and it can be very disorientating being on different beds all the time!Hi Kariann I am late to this thread -- but I want to offer my support. I don't see any reason for people to tell you that your fear is irrational or that it's all in your mind. I too have avoided those beds and we are clearly not the only ones. Another post commented that you are unlikely to fall out of bed at home so there is no greater risk on the camino. I don't agree. Adjusting position and / or getting out of bed is something often done on 'auto pilot'. Sleeping in a different bed, different environment every night - let alone a metre or more higher above the floor - can be disorientating. While walking caminos, I've often woken up - both in the middle of the night and in the morning - not initially knowing where I am.
On the second night of my first camino a young pilgrim took a fall from just such a top bunk in the municipal albergue in Larrassoana. He was left with a problem with his shoulder and nasty facial injuries. On my second camino 18 months later, I met another pilgrim who had a similar fall in a different albergue. I mention this not to add to your fears - these instances are RARE. But that does not mean your desire to avoid them is irrational.
The good news is that 1) you are informing yourself to avoid the situation as best you can; and 2) it is highly likely that your hosts and / or fellow pilgrims will accommodate your request for a low bunk.
Wishing you all the best.
This is so true. When we visit overnight at a relative's home, the guest room has a very high bed with extremely thick mattresses. There is a small two step stool to climb into the bed. Being disoriented as @Pelerina mentioned when waking up, I have occasionally slipped, slithered, and slid out of bed onto the floor, falling down, thankfully on carpet.it can be very disorientating being on different beds all the time!
To those of you who say they are rare. These are 3 of 4 albergues in Tineo
You mean we can actually request our preference for a bottom bunk at albergues that allow online or Whatsapp reservations?...good to know....I guess I've been living in the dark ages, thinking you get what you get; didn't know we had a choice.It's also a place that you can reserve, so you should be able to request a bottom bunk.
Sure, why not? Of course, they can always say no to your request.You mean we can actually request our preference for a bottom bunk at albergues that allow online or Whatsapp reservations?
Have you ever been told no?Sure, why not? Of course, they can always say no to your request.
I've probably only asked a couple of times, and don't recall being turned down.Have you ever been told no?
I’ve been told it’s first come first served.I've probably only asked a couple of times, and don't recall being turned down.
I would think that is usually the case, although if private albergues are listed on booking.com there is a message box. I have requested rooms with views or balconies occasionally on guest houses/hotels and have sometimes gotten them, although usually I have paid extra when it is offered as an option...never tried it though on an albergue using Whatsapp,but am not surprised at what you say.I’ve been told it’s first come first served.
I’ve been told it’s first come first served.
I travel alone, try to arrive well before 7, and am 72 years old. I can usually climb UP but DOWN, in the middle of the night—now that’s another story.It is and it's not.
For people who can't climb a ladder, I'm sure they'll be accommodated.
However, "i know you don't permit reservations but me and the gals are arriving around 7pm and we want bottom bunks" won't get you very far.
Lucky you...be glad. Possibly St. Christopher was looking out for you.Last time I used St Christopher's Inn they swapped me to a bottom bunk before I asked. Was using a stick for a knee problem but I didn't think I looked that decrepit.
I’m with you Jill. I’ve seen the triple bunks twice from memory. Can’t recall where but think it was on my first Camino, the Frances in 2011. You couldn’t pay me to sleep up there, ‘safety’ rail or not.… if I HAD to take the top bunk, because all the other beds were taken, I would pull the mattress off and take it outside to sleep on. Put my poncho on the ground underneath it, so it didn't get dirty.
What albergue was this at?
Thankfully I got the last bottom bunk:
View attachment 167959
I think if I HAD to take the top bunk, because all the other beds were taken, I would pull the mattress off and take it outside to sleep on. Put my poncho on the ground underneath it, so it didn't get dirty.
Hi KariannNor: fears are fears; we ALL , every single solitary one of us, have them - just not the same as others' . I won't sleep in top bunk; fear of falling out; also needing to get up in the night. If at all possible I would check out if there is a cheap/affordable other hotel/hostal etc option locally; then check with hospitalera/o re rails; then if no rails, I would definitely ask if a bottom-dweller could swap (I would be really surprised if no-one would); might the hospitalera/o allow someone to sleep on the floor/sofa etc? Then if all that fails, I would high-tail it to my back-up - assuming there was one.View attachment 167918View attachment 167919View attachment 167920
To those of you who say they are rare. These are 3 of 4 albergues in Tineo. The fourth has no pictures, so I don't dare there either (well, will send them a questions about how the beds are). And there are other places too with several like this. Yes, one of them has a curtain, but I don't think that helps. Must be hotel or no stop there. No, the fear is not rational, does not help me.
Not seen one on Camino, but I have seen one in Perugia, Italy! It was sooooo high! Scary!I’m with you Jill. I’ve seen the triple bunks twice from memory. Can’t recall where but think it was on my first Camino, the Frances in 2011. You couldn’t pay me to sleep up there, ‘safety’ rail or not.
I also need to get up at night, sometimes twice. How about using Depends adult diapers and drink a lot of water late afternoon and no water say after 7 pm ? I am going to practice the intake of water late afternoon to avoid the nightly bathroom breaks. Those ladders at night in the dark, is a huge fear of mine also.I travel alone, try to arrive well before 7, and am 72 years old. I can usually climb UP but DOWN, in the middle of the night—now that’s another story.
I guess you haven’t done much overnight back country hiking? Headlamps with a red lamp setting are very common and they do not disturb others or ‘blind’ them.I have seen people come close to a physical altercation because a selfish pilgrim with a headlamp on was moving around an albergue in the dark and carelessly shining the headlamp into the eyes of sleeping people.
Please think outside of your own requirements.
As a fellow Kiwi (I assume) I’m surprised you haven’t encountered head torches as they are really commonly used by NZ trampers. And it’s easy to get one with a dimmer and/or a red lamp setting. These are specifically designed not to disturb other people or wild life.Stop being selfish!
If I was faced with a top bunk with no railing, I would definitely use my pack as a fence. Way more scared of falling out than bedbugs.Backpacks on beds are definitely a no-no due to bedbugs!
Outside hiking you will probably not disturb many people who are tired and would like their sleep. We are discussing what happens in a dorm, admittedly a bit off the original topic. Believe me, your red light will disturb me.I guess you haven’t done much overnight back country hiking? Headlamps with a red lamp setting are very common and they do not disturb others or ‘blind’ them.
It doesn't work very well, then.As a fellow Kiwi (I assume) I’m surprised you haven’t encountered head torches as they are really commonly used by NZ trampers. And it’s easy to get one with a dimmer and/or a red lamp setting. These are specifically designed not to disturb other people or wild life.
I like it! Seems like it would "do the trick" without being as invasive as a torch headlamp.View attachment 168104 It makes a little "click" then, hopefully not arrested for that ;-)
You use a small discreet light held in your hand. How hard can that be? The screensaver on a phone works nicely. I didn't say it was wrong to go off topic, but hey, start a new thread if you want.So how do you think people who go to the bathroom at night should find their way in total darkness? It's completely natural to need it at night, and I think everyone should be confident that it's perfectly okay and of course understandable. If you can't tolerate it, you have to find accommodation for yourself.
And why is it wrong to go off topic? It is clear that many have thoughts, but maybe this tread should be called "surviving nights in albergues".
That would work nicelyView attachment 168104 It makes a little "click" then, hopefully not arrested for that ;-)
Hola peregrina. I had similar worries about falling off the top bunk when I walked the Camino Frances. When the top bunks were the only choice, I was usually too tired to look elsewhere so just had faith I wouldn’t fall. I remember thinking at the time that if this was a problem there would be side rails. However I certainly preferred the bunks that did.I have a confession. I am terrified of - and yes now feel free to laugh - the top bed in bunks with no railing/fence (something to stop you falling out). I've managed to get away with it except once. Arrived late and asked nicely if I could put the mattress on the floor somewhere. It was not ok for hygienic reasons, which I can understand. So then I went on, and thank God I found a hotel, expensive but I escaped and survived. What worries me now is that on Salvador and Primitivo I see places, which I might want to stop, where there are no pictures of the beds at Gronze, only the facade of the house, and the only option is hotels. (Those who have pictures where there are fences are no problem). So then I don't know. Those of you who are/have been hospitaleros, will they answer me (or just laugh, as they probably will anyway) if I send a request in advance about this? I'm neither very old or disabled, so I feel wanting the lowest bed is kind of inappropriate. But I would very much like to have the "real" pilgrim social feeling of staying in albergues. So stupid/idiotic this is so important to me, I know, it's just the way it is.
Ask for a litera inferior. Lower bunk. Say “tengo miedo de caer “. I am afraid of falling.I have a confession. I am terrified of - and yes now feel free to laugh - the top bed in bunks with no railing/fence (something to stop you falling out). I've managed to get away with it except once. Arrived late and asked nicely if I could put the mattress on the floor somewhere. It was not ok for hygienic reasons, which I can understand. So then I went on, and thank God I found a hotel, expensive but I escaped and survived. What worries me now is that on Salvador and Primitivo I see places, which I might want to stop, where there are no pictures of the beds at Gronze, only the facade of the house, and the only option is hotels. (Those who have pictures where there are fences are no problem). So then I don't know. Those of you who are/have been hospitaleros, will they answer me (or just laugh, as they probably will anyway) if I send a request in advance about this? I'm neither very old or disabled, so I feel wanting the lowest bed is kind of inappropriate. But I would very much like to have the "real" pilgrim social feeling of staying in albergues. So stupid/idiotic this is so important to me, I know, it's just the way it is.
Just ask a lower bunk user if you can trade telling him or her that you are afraid. A true pilgrim wouldn’t hesitate to help you outI have a confession. I am terrified of - and yes now feel free to laugh - the top bed in bunks with no railing/fence (something to stop you falling out). I've managed to get away with it except once. Arrived late and asked nicely if I could put the mattress on the floor somewhere. It was not ok for hygienic reasons, which I can understand. So then I went on, and thank God I found a hotel, expensive but I escaped and survived. What worries me now is that on Salvador and Primitivo I see places, which I might want to stop, where there are no pictures of the beds at Gronze, only the facade of the house, and the only option is hotels. (Those who have pictures where there are fences are no problem). So then I don't know. Those of you who are/have been hospitaleros, will they answer me (or just laugh, as they probably will anyway) if I send a request in advance about this? I'm neither very old or disabled, so I feel wanting the lowest bed is kind of inappropriate. But I would very much like to have the "real" pilgrim social feeling of staying in albergues. So stupid/idiotic this is so important to me, I know, it's just the way it is.
Just ask a lower bunk user if you can trade telling him or her that you are afraid. A true pilgrim wouldn’t hesitate to help you out
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