BROWNCOUNTYBOB
Active Member
- Time of past OR future Camino
- Camino Frances: 2015, 2017, 2019, 2021
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It’s worth dropping $700 - if you’re fortunate enough to have it - simply to have something in the diary to look forward to. There are reports in the UK of significant demand for holidays for September and beyond by the 50+ age group who are clearly of the view that, once vaccinated, they’ll be OK.There will be plenty of naysayers...... Even the hope is great to have.....
It’s worth dropping $700 - if you’re fortunate enough to have it - simply to have something in the diary to look forward to. There are reports in the UK of significant demand for holidays for September and beyond by the 50+ age group who are clearly of the view that, once vaccinated, they’ll be OK.
it’s reasonable to think that - for example - Spain and Greece, for whom tourist income is significant - will open up as soon as they can, but the financial and mental cost of the pandemic, in addition to the mortality, is such that they may err on the side of caution IMHO.
I’m staying flexible, sitting on the cash and hoping the vaccination rolls out ASAP.
I think it’s good to look forwards, and I do so with increasing optimism. If your plans are flexible you’ve got all the benefit of having something to anticipate without any risk. Good luck.@henrythedog I booked for Sept 1st. True it is a gestimate. But my reasoning is threefold. First, that it is still summer and that by summer the warm weather virus threat may be less as more folks will be outdoors; second, the vast majority of folks should be vaccinated (in USA and Spain) 7.5 months from now; and third, tourism supports Spains economy and she would likely be open for business.
Nevertheless, we will not go, if we perceive we would be placing others, or ourselves, in harms way. We booked accommodations that can be cancelled free of charge,. We did so because we anticipated even more folks wanting to walk then! Insurance and airfare can be moved without penalty. Therefore, we saw no real downside to booking now and taking advantage of the great fares.
I do not believe one will be able to fly, by then, without proof of vaccination, and people will stll be required to use PPE..so pack those masks!
Possibly a cheap way to maintain cash flow. On looking up a few websites it seems that by buying such tickets you can only exchange to other flights, no refunds. Seems a sensible way to go, especially as they are discounting prices. Here's hoping the companies are still in business when the actual day arrivesI notice a few here mentioned having free cancellations on their airline tickets and I am curious whether this is un upcharge at the time of booking, or if this is being offered as an incentive to customers in order to sell tickets, knowing that booking early is a gamble due to covid...any comments?
I've been checking round trip air fares periodically from our home in Indianapolis to Madrid, departing mid Sept and returning late October (2021). The rate has consistently been $1,100 to $1,200 per person which is the rate we paid for our cancelled 2020 camino (fortunately we received cash refunds). It's been awhile since I checked rates, so I did today and was surprised and pleased to see that rates have dropped. The lowest rate per person was $662, but this does not allow seat selection and costs for checked in bags. We will check on at least one bag since we have trekking poles, scissors, and a knife. For $130 / person more ($792 total), we can make seat assignments and each have a checked bag and there is no fee for schedule changes. So I pulled the trigger and am very pleased with this rate!
Of course, we are taking a chance that travel restrictions may still exist this fall. However, vaccines are now available to citizens in our city age 70 and above, and we'll be next in line for COVID vaccine (we're both age 63). Crossing our fingers that all will go well. Bob
I notice a few here mentioned having free cancellations on their airline tickets and I am curious whether this is un upcharge at the time of booking, or if this is being offered as an incentive to customers in order to sell tickets, knowing that booking early is a gamble due to covid...any comments?
Why pay for a luggage charge? If I may suggest you could buy a perfectly good pair of poles for 30 euros or even a little less and l bought a really good knife for 8 euros in Pamplona. I paid 30 euros total for both. I used my poles every day and they held up just fine. Same for my knife. Just a suggestionI've been checking round trip air fares periodically from our home in Indianapolis to Madrid, departing mid Sept and returning late October (2021). The rate has consistently been $1,100 to $1,200 per person which is the rate we paid for our cancelled 2020 camino (fortunately we received cash refunds). It's been awhile since I checked rates, so I did today and was surprised and pleased to see that rates have dropped. The lowest rate per person was $662, but this does not allow seat selection and costs for checked in bags. We will check on at least one bag since we have trekking poles, scissors, and a knife. For $130 / person more ($792 total), we can make seat assignments and each have a checked bag and there is no fee for schedule changes. So I pulled the trigger and am very pleased with this rate!
Of course, we are taking a chance that travel restrictions may still exist this fall. However, vaccines are now available to citizens in our city age 70 and above, and we'll be next in line for COVID vaccine (we're both age 63). Crossing our fingers that all will go well. Bob
The current flights, as I understand it, are only with Iberia.My tip is to look into the fares that Level Airlines offers at https://flylevel.com
From North America you can fly from Boston, NY and San Francisco to Barcelona (also to other cities on caminos but you still have to connect in Barcelona). A check I just made showed a number of SF outbound flights in September at $187 and returns in October at $145.
P.S. Last year I was looking for cheap Boston to Argentina fares. Covid stopped my looking really hard. Before quitting though the cheapest fare I found was through Level. By buying a ticket for a short stay in Barcelona (because we like spending time there) and then flying from there to Buenos Aires.
Why pay for a luggage charge? If I may suggest you could buy a perfectly good pair of poles for 30 euros or even a little less and l bought a really good knife for 8 euros in Pamplona. I paid 30 euros total for both
I completely agree. And it's pretty rare to actually find a third party selling a ticket that's substantially lower priced than directly from the airline.In my older years, I only book directly with an airline...even if it is slightly more expensive. My experience has been if one uses mega search engines like Skyscanner, or Kayak, on a regular basis, one can find fares that are as competitive to major hubs as discounters. And when your flight needs to be changed or a flight is cancelled when one is overseas, it is much easier to deal directly with the airline rather than a discounter. In addition, many discounters add on charges for notifications, and changes beyond what airlines do.
Regarding polesI always check a bag for a couple of reasons. One is for my poles. I have Pacer Poles, which I love, so I wouldn't want to use a different kind. And secondly,
I always do a bit of pre and post Camino traveling so I send my suitcase to Santiago with my extra clothes.
I've been lucky enough to be able to pay for my tickets using my air miles. Standard fares on most carriers include one checked bag. I usually fly on United, and since I have their credit card it gives me one free checked bag even on its discounted "basic" fare. I haven't flown on any discount airlines to Europe, but I would pay the extra to check my bag.
I completely agree. And it's pretty rare to actually find a third party selling a ticket that's substantially lower priced than directly from the airline.
Many times the low fares advertised by third parties don't even exist because they don't have "live" pricing. Oftentimes you think that you are purchasing a ticket, but if you read carefully you are making a "booking request" at that price. This means that the 3rd party can contact you after you have made payment and say "we're sorry, we couldn't purchase your ticket at that price, it's now XXX dollars, pounds or euros more. They then quote you a price that's the same or more as the airline.
Given any thought to merely delaying it until Summer? Fall?We are deciding this week, but it is looking like we'll put off our 2021 trip to 2022.
Seem as though there was some sort of financial collapse.
They still haven't ascertained if those vaccinated can still be carriers or not
That is a possibility. It just depends on how it goes. Right now, there's no issue with our walkers getting Covid test results 3 days BEFORE the trip, but getting them 3 days before leaving Spain could be an issue. It's very possible I could go in the Autumn just to scope out things for the Spring group. I'm curious if all the albergues have made it through, or if some will be closed. Hoping you and others can report back?Given any thought to merely delaying it until Summer? Fall?
That is a possibility. It just depends on how it goes. Right now, there's no issue with our walkers getting Covid test results 3 days BEFORE the trip, but getting them 3 days before leaving Spain could be an issue. It's very possible I could go in the Autumn just to scope out things for the Spring group. I'm curious if all the albergues have made it through, or if some will be closed. Hoping you and others can report back?
If you watch any airline on Skyscanner ot Kayak, you will find fares can change hourly or daily. Iberia would soon be out of business trying to consistently sell airline tickets from LA to MAD... for the price you quoted.I pulled up Fly Level and found a near USD 465 economy fare from San Francisco to Barcelona for November 2021 (as far ahead as their timetable goes at present). This included meals and one checked bag.
From their schedule I noted flights are in alternate months and are on the same day of the week in months they do operate.
Iberia wanted USD 2,994 economy for the same route in May 2021 with premium economy being more..
The Wikipedia entry shows many routes have been cancelled and also indicates a handful of long-haul and several short-haul routes still being operated.
You are so lucky in a way in the northern hemisphere. Not much chance of international travel out of Australia this year, Australian health authorities are paranoid about international arrivals, so there are also no departures without a very good reason. The Camino is my top must do when our Government lifts these restrictions, and I wish and hope that might be September. We will probably be price gouged unfortunately. I hope that it works out for you, and everyone else here.I've been checking round trip air fares periodically from our home in Indianapolis to Madrid, departing mid Sept and returning late October (2021). The rate has consistently been $1,100 to $1,200 per person which is the rate we paid for our cancelled 2020 camino (fortunately we received cash refunds). It's been awhile since I checked rates, so I did today and was surprised and pleased to see that rates have dropped. The lowest rate per person was $662, but this does not allow seat selection and costs for checked in bags. We will check on at least one bag since we have trekking poles, scissors, and a knife. For $130 / person more ($792 total), we can make seat assignments and each have a checked bag and there is no fee for schedule changes. So I pulled the trigger and am very pleased with this rate!
Of course, we are taking a chance that travel restrictions may still exist this fall. However, vaccines are now available to citizens in our city age 70 and above, and we'll be next in line for COVID vaccine (we're both age 63). Crossing our fingers that all will go well. Bob
Hi everyone. I dont want to put a dark omen out there and like everyone else I'm mad to get back on the Camino. It is worth pointing out that the WHO have repeatedly stated that this year will probably be worse than last year and vaccines will not prevent a person spreading the Virus. This will affect our travel plans in terms of quarantining etc. Hopefully things will start to get better before years end so fingers crossedTruly hope it works out for you.
Did you consider the cost of buying those items in Spain vs the $130, before you start walking?
I think the question will be about the number of Spaniards vaccinated across the regions you want to walk. They still haven't ascertained if those vaccinated can still be carriers or not. If that has not been solved by the date of your flights, then it will depend on the local population carrying the protection offered by the vaccine. So here's hoping that they get enough shots into arms in Spain.
Unqualified endorsement of Scott’s Cheap Flights (https://scottscheapflights.com/) for people flying from the US. The free email newsletter gives you a sense of the deals they find, the $$$ version (currently on half-price sale) sends the same information out to paying customers first.
Here’s how it works: https://scottscheapflights.com/how-it-works
Basically, actual human beings scour travel airlines for steep price drops and the occasional “mistake fare” and send you an email when they find them. You tell them the airport(s) you’d like to fly from (and broadly to), so you only receive info pertinent to you.
I’ve used their finds to book trips to Europe and South America (and last year, a COVID-19 canceled trip) and their info is solid.
Last week, for example, there was a business-class mistake fare for Boston to Madrid for $627 round trip, a flight that’s normally $2,000+, for June through August (it’s expired).
What I’ve typically seen on deals to Europe is $800 economy flights for $400ish.
Just a warning. After you give them your email address there is a fee to join... You can get the same info elsewhere....
In the next year, I sincerely doubt airlines will begin to allow those without vaccines on planes. Will Spain let us in without proof of a vaccine? Not likely. And we still might need a test as well. Spain, like all countries will have to get about 80 percent of its population to be vaccinated....at least yearly for some time for all of us to move on.Serious question- if the general consensus is that the vaccines all have a rate of 90+% effectiveness, at what point do we move on? There has got to come a point where personal decision to get or not get a vaccine is the decision rather than holding up everyone else who did/will get a vaccine because of an off chance they might perhaps still pass it on. If we get the vaccine and then have a statistical margin of error that we might pass it along to someone who chose (for whatever reason) to not get the vaccine, do we hold up the world's progress of recovering from this virus due to people who choose not to get one? I am hoping we hit the point where proof of vaccine is enough and we can all go places again.
Delta/Air France/KLM currently has a sale running to Barcelona, Madrid, Bilbao, Malaga, and Valencia from June to December for under $600 from most of the US.
Henry will be taking his vacation in ‘Happy Hounds’ the local luxury dog-boarding facility. If he didn’t live entirely in the moment (I can but dream of that ..) he would be as excited as I am!I love dreaming and hope by fall it works for all of us who want to GO!
I just have to ask...do you think Henry booked a ticket for you as well as himself?
HAPPY Hounds...mine goes to K9 Kampus! Obviously the names Kennels pick are to make us feel better about leaving our family/friends. My dog is neither happy or studying, or at Camp( Camp bow, bow) learning dog language but he is well taken care of!Henry will be taking his vacation in ‘Happy Hounds’ the local luxury dog-boarding facility. If he didn’t live entirely in the moment (I can but dream of that ..) he would be as excited as I am!
Did you consider the cost of buying those items in Spain vs the $130, before you start walking?
I've been checking round trip air fares periodically from our home in Indianapolis to Madrid, departing mid Sept and returning late October (2021). The rate has consistently been $1,100 to $1,200 per person which is the rate we paid for our cancelled 2020 camino (fortunately we received cash refunds). It's been awhile since I checked rates, so I did today and was surprised and pleased to see that rates have dropped. The lowest rate per person was $662, but this does not allow seat selection and costs for checked in bags. We will check on at least one bag since we have trekking poles, scissors, and a knife. For $130 / person more ($792 total), we can make seat assignments and each have a checked bag and there is no fee for schedule changes. So I pulled the trigger and am very pleased with this rate!
Of course, we are taking a chance that travel restrictions may still exist this fall. However, vaccines are now available to citizens in our city age 70 and above, and we'll be next in line for COVID vaccine (we're both age 63). Crossing our fingers that all will go well. B
Hey Bob you sound like a glass half full kinda bloke- I like it!!! Buen CaminoI've been checking round trip air fares periodically from our home in Indianapolis to Madrid, departing mid Sept and returning late October (2021). The rate has consistently been $1,100 to $1,200 per person which is the rate we paid for our cancelled 2020 camino (fortunately we received cash refunds). It's been awhile since I checked rates, so I did today and was surprised and pleased to see that rates have dropped. The lowest rate per person was $662, but this does not allow seat selection and costs for checked in bags. We will check on at least one bag since we have trekking poles, scissors, and a knife. For $130 / person more ($792 total), we can make seat assignments and each have a checked bag and there is no fee for schedule changes. So I pulled the trigger and am very pleased with this rate!
Of course, we are taking a chance that travel restrictions may still exist this fall. However, vaccines are now available to citizens in our city age 70 and above, and we'll be next in line for COVID vaccine (we're both age 63). Crossing our fingers that all will go well. Bob
Hi Buffy,Of course that is on top of all the cursed-COVID things that can throw a monkey wrench into any plans at any time
What is the date of your trip?Soo.... just got notification that my PHL-->DUB Aer Lingus flight was cancelledso needless to say the 2nd leg (DUB -->CDG) is now useless
weirdly enough... they offer another for the same date (?) but its 2 stopovers
PHL --> BOS (2h15m l\o) --> DUB (1h50m l\o) -->CDG arriving 9:30 am (which is 10 mins earlier than pervious flight, hence if all goes well slightly more time to get to Gare Montparnasse)
However... I am not too comfy with 2 stopovers, if anything because I plan to check the bag (due to bringing my poles and some cutlery.... yes I know... and my choice so asking why does not help - cause I want to!)
and I worry that all my Camino equipment just may get, shall we say, "mis-handled"
Has anyone flown with 2 stopovers and if so - any thoughts?
Of course that is on top of all the cursed-COVID things that can throw a monkey wrench into any plans at any time
thanks
We flew South Island, NZ - Auckland - Sydney - Los Angeles - Minneapolis - Boston. 47 hours in either an airport or an airplane. Arrived at 11PM to pickup two packs. We spent an hour with the luggage manager looking for a missing one. Went home finally with a neighbor. Early in the morning I got a call from the airline "Why didn't you pick up your bag last night?"Has anyone flown with 2 stopovers and if so - any thoughts?
Hi @AnniesantiagoWhat is the date of your trip?
I understand many albergues are closed and I'm wondering if you're planning this trip for 2021?
It sounds like it was a real nightmare Rick. Those situations always make for great stories...in hindsight. At last you had traveled to a beautiful place. Not all bad.We flew South Island, NZ - Auckland - Sydney - Los Angeles - Minneapolis - Boston. 47 hours in either an airport or an airplane. Arrived at 11PM to pickup two packs. We spent an hour with the luggage manager looking for a missing one. Went home finally with a neighbor. Early in the morning I got a call from the airline "Why didn't you pick up your bag last night?"
believe it or not that flight DUB --> CDG is still showing up as activeIf they already cancelled one flight...what is the odds of the second flight....
. What I do know is that I am in my early 70 ‘s in PA and there is no sense of when we, over 70, will get any vaccines. So realistically, if I were you, I would be considering another time....
Flying from a small city on the west coast I always have at least two stops. In 2018 I had three stops on my way to walk the Norte - I could have found an itinerary with fewer stops, but I was using a mileage award ticket, and that was the best I could get.Has anyone flown with 2 stopovers and if so - any thoughts?
My award points are with United, and usually I fly from my hometown to San Francisco, then onto Europe, usually in two more flights, sometimes with a stop in Newark.@trecile....I used to fly out of Seattle (usually on award tickets). I could get non stop to Europe (Madrid or Lisbon or Frankfurt) and then another flight or train to my starting point. I would guess that Seattle may often be one of your stops. I usually fly United which includes Lufthansa and Aer Lingus out of Seattle.
May I suggest checking the poles and cutlery, etc in an inexpensive bag picked up at the Goodwill or some such and carrying on your backpack? If it makes it thru, you can trash the Goodwill bag at your arrival airport. if it doesn't, you're only out your poles and not your whole kit.
Good advice, but I think faced with 2 stop overs I'll explore other options even if it may cost me some more moneyMay I suggest checking the poles and cutlery, etc in an inexpensive bag picked up at the Goodwill or some such and carrying on your backpack? If it makes it thru, you can trash the Goodwill bag at your arrival airport. if it doesn't, you're only out your poles and not your whole kit.
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