Camino April/May 2018

[Daniel A Rodriguez]

Been wanting to do the French way Camino any advice if I should book it with a tour?

 

[Deleted member 43985]

Been wanting to do the French way Camino any advice if I should book it with a tour?

Hi Daniel - Tour/Camino planning companies exist if you need one but the CF is extremely easy to navigate from end to end and LOTS of accommodations available for DIY'ers. Guess in the end it comes down to what kind of experience you're looking for - have you had time to consider that? Once you know what you're wanting the answer will probably be answered
Good luck!

 

[AcrossTheWater3008]

Hi Daniel

Welcome to the Forum! I walked my first camino last year after mulling about it for a few years. When I finally decided to walk, I debated whether to use a group too. being female and walking solo and a shy Oriental too (sticks out a mile!!). Am so glad I did not, and I have walked a few since my maiden Camino in August.

The Camino is well signedposted (waymarked) with yellow arrows and if I can follow it, anybody can! My kids think I am the worst navigator ever! I walked solo and I learned so much! I also realise that I love the Camino despite not being a Catholic or a Christian. And you are never lonely - you make a lot of friends and you can walk with them or walk alone, which I usually do and meet up in the albergues in the evening for a social time. And, I did not even open my Brierley book which I brought with me, just in case

Happy planning and Buen Camino!

 

[MTtoCamino]

No you will find travel to your starting point may be the most time consuming prep. Once you find the yellow arrows follow them. the rest you will figure out quick. The guide books will help you see how easy it is to follow.
I think from my conversation with a group that was touring it was the unknown & physical concern for each person.
No matter what you decide
Buen Camino
Keith

 

[HedaP]

Almost every person I met who was travelling in a tour group, at some stage in our conversation, said they were not “real pilgrims”. Always made me feel a bit sad because IMO being a real pilgrim is a state of mind but hasten to add I do not want to get into any debate about what does or does not make a real pilgrim.
I have no problem with people doing tours because each of them has their own reason for doing so. It might health or time or even being anxious about the unknown. All valid reasons. But if your health is good and you have the time then I would recommend walking the camino independently.
Buen camino peregrino.

 

[Bagman7540]

I am planning my first Camino (CF) April 23, 2018 as well, maybe we will meet up at some point. Good Luck and Buen Camino

 

[caminoagogo]

I am planning my first Camino (CF) April 23, 2018 as well, maybe we will meet up at some point. Good Luck and Buen Camino

I'm starting the same day, Bagman, so I'll see you on the road! Buen Camino

As for going with a tour, Daniel, I don't think you need one. Between the arrows, your guide book and friendly pilgrims pointing you in the right direction you'll do just fine.

 

[Diane Booth]

My Camino begins April 25 from Roncesvalles , already starting to organize my pack, spend a lot of time just thinking about equipment, I think April is going to get here very quickly. How many more sleeps? Appears to me that just planning the flights, and getting to the start is most of the work, once I arrive I will let the camino decide the rest. A life time of getting up and going to work each day, of meetings, of schedules, of places I had to be, kids to pick up, drop off, all of it. For the first time in my life I don't have to be anywhere, just get up and start walking, listening, thinking, embracing. Some people get it, some people just look horrified..lol.

 

[Robo]

My Camino begins April 25 from Roncesvalles , already starting to organize my pack, spend a lot of time just thinking about equipment, I think April is going to get here very quickly. How many more sleeps? Appears to me that just planning the flights, and getting to the start is most of the work, once I arrive I will let the camino decide the rest. A life time of getting up and going to work each day, of meetings, of schedules, of places I had to be, kids to pick up, drop off, all of it. For the first time in my life I don't have to be anywhere, just get up and start walking, listening, thinking, embracing. Some people get it, some people just look horrified..lol.

We'll be a day behind you Diane. We might see you along the way

 

[Poppy-Pete]

Hi Daniel, I start my first Camino from SJPDP on Friday 11 May 18. I initially looked at a tour but after speaking to people who had completed one and watching videos, there are heaps on youtube if you search Camino, I decided to go it alone.

Buen Camino

 

[howlsthunder]

Hi! I'll be starting around the 7th of April! Maybe I'll run into you on the Way.

 

[mvanert]

I'm leaving Estella on the 19th of April and being a slow walker there is a very good chance you'll pass me along the way LOL.

 

[Diane Booth]

Hi Mvanert, I am a slow walker as well, wouldn't be surprised if you passed me at some point. I only have a start date, the finish date is when I get there. I have a one way ticket to Paris, and a connecting flight to Biarritz, will figure out my return details when I have some. Supposed to visit family in the UK after, but now thinking I don't want to give anyone arrival dates or stress out about having to be somewhere at a certain time, decided to opt out and finish when I'm finished, or should I say when the Camino is finished with me.

 

[mvanert]

Hi Mvanert, I am a slow walker as well, wouldn't be surprised if you passed me at some point. I only have a start date, the finish date is when I get there. I have a one way ticket to Paris, and a connecting flight to Biarritz, will figure out my return details when I have some. Supposed to visit family in the UK after, but now thinking I don't want to give anyone arrival dates or stress out about having to be somewhere at a certain time, decided to opt out and finish when I'm finished, or should I say when the Camino is finished with me.

I like your attitude, it mirrors mine I will go as far as I go as long as I am there, hopefully to Muxia by May 28th. I'll be looking out for you.

 

[Ingibjorg Petursdottir]

Looking forward to mine....will start april 2.

 

[bluebhoy]

Looking forward to mine....will start april 2.

Where are you starting from ?

 

[Ingibjorg Petursdottir]

Where are you starting from ?

SJPP

 

[bluebhoy]

I fly into biarritz april 1st but cant find a onward connection that day. Is it the same for you or are you getting to SJPP a different way ?

 

[Ingibjorg Petursdottir]

Hi I am going with a transport company.
www.expressbourricot.com
I have booking at 18:00 or there about with them.
My flight comes in at 17:40 and they promise a pick up about 30 min after.

 

[bluebhoy]

yes they emailed me saying they didn't do transfers in winter when I asked about april1st. Must be a crossed wire so will attempt to contact again. Thanks for your help

 

[Deleted member 76633]

@Daniel A Rodriguez

To answer your question, I deliberately took a tour package for the first 100km so I could understand the route. Advantages were that all the accommodation was booked and available, there was a guide available for the Napoleon Route, and the luggage was taken care of. It was expensive at €150/night but it was a personal choice.

I would also add that the group I travelled with, about a dozen Irish, were fantastic fun and a mix of tourists and pilgrims.

Having now experienced part of the route and understand how the signposting, luggage transfer, internal transfers in Spain, language and culture all come together, I'm doing the rest solo and will pick up accomodation / transfers as I go along.

You'll also pick up company as you go along too, if you engage with fellow pilgrims. It depends on whether you need company or not. Suspect with your name, you'll not have a problem in conversing.

 

[Rowena]

I’m starting from Pamplona April 10, not my first Camiño, but my first solo. Planning on reaching Santiago May 12. Trying to get the flights set up now. Can anyone tell me whether collapsible poles are allowed in carry-on luggage? I would much rather not check anything.

 

[caminoagogo]

Can anyone tell me whether collapsible poles are allowed in carry-on luggage?

No, @Rowena, poles aren't allowed as carry-on. I'm leaving mine at home and picking up a pair when I get to SJPdP.

 

[Kanga]

@Rowena I have found not had any problem with taking onboard my collapsed Black Diamond carbon fibre poles inside my pack. The tips on mine I have covered with thick rubber ferrules. Carbon fibre is not metal and very light. But be warned - it is up to airline security as to what is allowed onboard so have a contingency in place - a friend standing by who can take them home for you (buy cheap replacements in Spain), or a cardboard cylinder to pack them in for transit via the luggage hold.

 

[Lance Chambers]

I'm leaving Estella on the 19th of April and being a slow walker there is a very good chance you'll pass me along the way LOL.

I really liked Estella. First albergue on the left as you enter town - it was brilliant. Right next to the little square and then the bridge going into town.