Cam' from Toronto starting from SJPdP on April 16, 2013

[Cam1952]

I will be starting my Camino on April 16 with a plan to arrive in Santiago on Pentacost Sunday. I am hoping this time of the year isn't too crowded. Is this time of year very wet? After reading many personal accounts I am thinking great rain gear is a worthwhile investment. If anyone has gear suggestions I am appreciative of your efforts to share with me.
My plan is to add a couple of days in Santiago as a "buffer" in case I am delayed for any reason. Is this a good plan or can I get an open ticket? (book the return flight when I arrive in Santiago)
I will be setting out alone with my ukulele in hopes I can make many friends with music. If we share the Trail together please say hello.
Buen Camino.
As Always..... Cam'.

 

[Deleted member 3000]

April is a good time. The weather is decent, though it may rain. The Pyrenees can do anything! The crowds are not large, but there are plenty of people.

A ticket without a return date may be a lot more expensive than one with it. Adding a couple of days is a good strategy. There is plenty to do if you are on schedule, or ahead of schedule. However, even without the extra days, you can catch up quickly with a bus, train, or taxi ride, so it is not critical to have extra time. A rest day has amazing restorative powers, so you can use an extra day any time you feel like it.

Buen camino.

 

[Cam1952]

Thank you Falcon. Your reply means a great deal to me. The return trip was a bit of a concern. I will follow your advice and start the process of booking (and paying) for my transportation.
Is a budget of 40 Eros a day on the high side? As I still have time to save I would like to be better prepared if possible.(without going over board)
I appreciate everyone who reads and especially those who reply to this posting.
Buen Camino all.
As Always.... Cam'.

 

[Deleted member 3000]

Unless you stay in hostales, 30E per day probably will be sufficient. You can beat that budget with self-catering.

 

[linaka]

Cam, I'm also from Toronto and walked the Camino this summer. If you would like to have coffee and talk about what I learned and experienced on The Camino, let me know! Linda

 

[Cam1952]

Hello Linda;
Your offer is generous and I would be very happy to accept. I have so many questions and first hand information is "golden". Please let me know how you would like to arrange to meet. I live in the York Mills/Don Mills area but am extremely mobile.
As Always.....Cam'.

 

[Cam1952]

Much appreciated Falcon.
Understanding your comment I think I will plan for 40E a day and stay in the Albergues for the most part. I imagine every now-and-again it might be very nice to park myself in a Hostel for a night.
Be well.
As Always.....Cam'.

 

[Cam1952]

At this stage of my planning I am looking for inexpensive air flights. Has anyone found a reasonable price from Toronto to Biarritz and then back from Santiago to Toronto? Using the typical online tools I am shocked to see prices like $5,000.
If you know an inexpensive route though the UK or via another European centre I would appreciate your input.

 

[Deleted member 3000]

From http://www.iberia.com $927.71

Flight details

JOURNEY1 - Tuesday, April 16, 2013

Toronto › London
Departure
20:50 / Toronto , Pearson International , Terminal 3
Arrival
8:45 Day 17 / London , Heathrow , Terminal 5

London › Madrid
Departure
10:10 / London , Heathrow , Terminal 5
Arrival
13:30 / Madrid , Barajas , Terminal 4S

Madrid › Pamplona
Departure
16:00 / Madrid , Barajas , Terminal 4
Arrival
16:55 / Pamplona

Duration
14h: 5m

JOURNEY2 - Wednesday, May 22, 2013

Santiago de Compostela › Madrid
Departure
9:35 / Santiago de Compostela
Arrival
10:45 / Madrid , Barajas , Terminal 4


Madrid › Chicago
Departure
11:55 / Madrid , Barajas , Terminal 4S
Arrival
14:15 / Chicago , O'Hare International , Terminal 5

Chicago › Toronto
Departure
16:05 / Chicago , O'Hare International , Terminal 3
Arrival
18:45 / Toronto , Pearson International , Terminal 3

Duration
15h: 10m

 

[Cam1952]

Thank you again Falcon.
I am booking this.
As Always..... Cam'.

 

[Sharonstavroff]

I went on iberia to book from toronto and it was not an option...any suggestions??

 

[Marlie83]

Greetings Cam',

I'm flying into Paris from Victoria on Apr 12 then taking the night train down to SJPP. I intend to spend the day wandering the town and regaining my bearings before setting off on Apr 14th. Sound's like I'll be a couple days ahead of you but I thought I'd say hi in the off chance we meet on The Way

Some advice to cut down on your airfare (if you haven't already bought your tickets): don't prebook your return flight from Santiago. I booked my return flight from Madrid because RyanAir has daily flights SCQ - MAD starting at just €22. Booking this way has saved me ~$300!

Buen Camino!
- Mar

 

[Sharonstavroff]

Greetings Cam',

I'm flying into Paris from Victoria on Apr 12 then taking the night train down to SJPP. I intend to spend the day wandering the town and regaining my bearings before setting off on Apr 14th. Sound's like I'll be a couple days ahead of you but I thought I'd say hi in the off chance we meet on The Way

Some advice to cut down on your airfare (if you haven't already bought your tickets): don't prebook your return flight from Santiago. I booked my return flight from Madrid because RyanAir has daily flights SCQ - MAD starting at just €22. Booking this way has saved me ~$300!

Buen Camino!
- Mar

Which company did you use for the train and how much did it cost you? I will be arriving may and would like to do the same but there are no schedules posted I can see. Thanks so much. Sharon

 

[Sharonstavroff]

Thank you again Falcon.
I am booking this.
As Always..... Cam'.

Did you book your flight already and if so what are the details. I'm planning on a may departure and the best rates I have found are with Airtransat Toronto to Paris, then for the return Madrid to toronto ($1135) Paris to Biarritz is about 40E, and Santiago to madrid is about 32E both with easyjet.

Would appreciate your input as well. Buen Camino.

 

[fallow]

Hi there Sharon - I have just looked at Easyjet flights out of Santiago and it seems they only fly to London, Basel and Geneva. Maybe something has changed?

 

[Marlie83]

Which company did you use for the train and how much did it cost you? I will be arriving may and would like to do the same but there are no schedules posted I can see. Thanks so much. Sharon

Hi sharontejada,

Sorry for the late reply! I haven't booked my train tickets yet; SNCF.com only allows you to book 3 months in advance. The best deals (from €17!) seem to be around the 6 week mark so I won't be booking for awhile yet but there appears to be an overnight train on Friday nights leaving Paris Austerlitz @ 21:54, arriving Bayonne @ 08:09 Saturday. The connecting train to SJPP leaves Bayonne @ 10:48, arriving SJPP @ 12:07 - this seems to be €9,40 no matter when you book.

I had also mentioned that I was planning to fly SCQ - MAD on RyanAir but I've since found a better deal on renfe.com: another overnight train, starting at €15, leaves Santiago @ 22:50 and arrives in Madrid @ 08:02 - perfect timing for getting to the airport and checking in for my early afternoon flight home! But again, Renfe won't allow bookings more than 3 months in advance, so this is all theoretical still

Hope this helps you!

Cheers,
Mar