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Those are great tips, thank you!In cold weather never choose a bunk placed against an exterior wall since such old walls are often uninsulated and thus frigid. Be prepared! Make a cozy 'sandwich' for sleeping by folding a blanket in half the long way, place your sleeping bag on top of the bottom half and pull the top half over all. If there are no blankets put your poncho beneath the sleeping bag to block the cold from rising.
I have done this, pasting the colour copy inside my credencial. Most places were happy with this , however a few insisted in seeing the actual passport. One hospitalero even went so far as to accuse me of presenting a fake passport.I'm in planning overdrive and collecting a varied assortment of fabulous tips and tricks which I've never considered and I'm curious to know what your favourite Camino hack is?
A couple of creative examples I've come across that I love:
- sleep with your circular buff/neck warmer on to keep your ear plugs in. So simple!
- use a dry bag to chuck your clothes in when in the shower, add water from the shower head while it's warming up, throw in a detergent strip, let it soak while you're showering then rinse in the basin when you're done. Thanks @trecile for that laundry hack, I love it!
- laminate a colour copy of your passport to use at albergue check ins save over handling your passport. I like this idea but not sure if it's realistic, I'm guessing most places would insist on seeing the real thing?
What is your favourite Camino hack?
Awesome to hear that most places were ok with it. I figure the fewer times I have to handle my passport the smaller the risk of losing it. I will definitely be giving this one a go, it can't harm. Thank you for your feedback.I have done this, pasting the colour copy inside my credencial. Most places were happy with this , however a few insisted in seeing the actual passport. One hospitalero even went so far as to accuse me of presenting a fake passport.In spite of this I reckon it's still a good idea, allowing you to keep your passport safely tucked away.
Great tip, I hear they're treacherous!Eat your bocadillo upside down. Not you, you stay right side up. But flip the bocadillo so that the top bread if facing down and the bottom bread if facing up.
And make sure you know the difference between a bocadillos (on a baguette) and sándwich (white bread), expecting the former and getting the latter will always disappoint.
I always do. My Spanish is good enough to explain why I need the newspaper. I also only ask when I see a big stack of papers sitting on the floor or the end of the bar.Be sure to ask the barkeeper if its ok to take a newspaper. Buen Camino
Great idea w/dry bag to wash clothes in shower. However, may not work at some albergues if pilgrims need to use basin. I’d rinse clothes before exiting shower. Thanks!I'm in planning overdrive and collecting a varied assortment of fabulous tips and tricks which I've never considered and I'm curious to know what your favourite Camino hack is?
A couple of creative examples I've come across that I love:
- sleep with your circular buff/neck warmer on to keep your ear plugs in. So simple!
- use a dry bag to chuck your clothes in when in the shower, add water from the shower head while it's warming up, throw in a detergent strip, let it soak while you're showering then rinse in the basin when you're done. Thanks @trecile for that laundry hack, I love it!
- laminate a colour copy of your passport to use at albergue check ins save over handling your passport. I like this idea but not sure if it's realistic, I'm guessing most places would insist on seeing the real thing?
What is your favourite Camino hack?
I used the laundry hack in Albergues with no sink plugs.I'm in planning overdrive and collecting a varied assortment of fabulous tips and tricks which I've never considered and I'm curious to know what your favourite Camino hack is?
A couple of creative examples I've come across that I love:
- sleep with your circular buff/neck warmer on to keep your ear plugs in. So simple!
- use a dry bag to chuck your clothes in when in the shower, add water from the shower head while it's warming up, throw in a detergent strip, let it soak while you're showering then rinse in the basin when you're done. Thanks @trecile for that laundry hack, I love it!
- laminate a colour copy of your passport to use at albergue check ins save over handling your passport. I like this idea but not sure if it's realistic, I'm guessing most places would insist on seeing the real thing?
What is your favourite Camino hack?
I don't rinse the clothes on the shower for a few reasons:Great idea w/dry bag to wash clothes in shower. However, may not work at some albergues if pilgrims need to use basin. I’d rinse clothes before exiting shower. Thanks!
I showed my laminated color copy at every hotel/casa rural/hostal from SJPP to Muxia and it was always accepted.Awesome to hear that most places were ok with it. I figure the fewer times I have to handle my passport the smaller the risk of losing it. I will definitely be giving this one a go, it can't harm. Thank you for your feedback.
Yep, they can be treacherous! I always eat my bocadillas upside down. No more cutting the roof of my mouth on a sandwich.Great tip, I hear they're treacherous!
Wow, what a great idea!Hiking poles work great to massage sore thigh/calf/hamstring muscles at the end of the day.
The Nalgene as a roller is a tip I got from an avid hiker friend. Not the most fun thing to do but man does it make a difference.I also have a small 14oz nalgene bottle that’s now serving double duty as a massager for my calves.
Plus you use up precious hot water by rinsing clothes in the shower. Not good.I don't rinse the clothes on the shower for a few reasons:
I don't want to monopolize the shower.
I want them to soak longer, then before I rinse I shake the bag for awhile to agitate the clothes.
The laundry sinks are there for pilgrims to do their laundry. A quick rinse doesn't take much time.
Another tip when you use the dry bag wash method - if your socks are particularly dirty/dusty rinse them before putting in the dry bag.
Such a simple idea, I will definitely do this one, thank you! And Buen Camino Peregrino certainly does have a nice ring to it!On the calendar on your phone, type in the names of the towns you are planning on staying in on the dates you will be there, put the address of the albergue/posada in the address line, when you get close to your stopping point for the day, tap the address and the map will direct you to your front door.
Buen Camino, Peregrino is fun to say because it rhymes.
Wow, who knew! As with anything I will test first. I love multi purposing. Thanks for the tip.Sensitive skin anti-perspirant cream deodorant containing aluminium hydroxide doubles as an anti-chaffing agent and foot cream. Triple purpose!
Another great idea, thank you! As with the Nalgene bottle. Sounds painful but necessary!Hiking poles work great to massage sore thigh/calf/hamstring muscles at the end of the day.
If you roll tape around your poles, check to make sure that it's still usable after say, four years. I had never used the duct tape that I had rolled around my poles in 2018, and when I did try to use some recently it was almost impossible to roll off a section, and was basically unusable.Hiking poles are great to do stretches, message calves, and to roll any tape you need (athletic tape, foot bandaging tape, etc.) for transport.
I always wrap some duct tape around an empty plastic pen casing. I've used it only once for a hot spot and toss the whole thing out each time I return home.If you roll tape around your poles, check to make sure that it's still usable after say, four years. I had never used the duct tape that I had rolled around my poles in 2018, and when I did try to use some recently it was almost impossible to roll off a section, and was basically unusable.
Been there. Done that!If you roll tape around your poles, check to make sure that it's still usable after say, four years. I had never used the duct tape that I had rolled around my poles in 2018, and when I did try to use some recently it was almost impossible to roll off a section, and was basically unusable.
Or, a less labor intensive option - download them as ebooks if they are available. I think that with the exception of Brierly, most are.If you want to carry a Guidebook (I often carry 2 or 3) scan them and put them on your phone.
(You may need to cut the spine off the book)
Or, a less labor intensive option - download them as ebooks if they are available. I think that with the exception of Brierly, most are.
Yes I swear they get harder and sharper as you goYep, they can be treacherous! I always eat my bocadillas upside down. No more cutting the roof of my mouth on a sandwich.
Great ideas. Thank you.A buff wrapped around one wrist makes a great, always accessible way to wipe sweat from your brow. Jumbo safety pins are great for pinning socks together on windy days or to the back of your pack if they didn't dry overnight. If you ask nicely they will add a drizzle of olive oil and/or grated tomato to your bocadillo. Some private accommodations will have a towel warmer in the bathroom - turn the heat up and hang your clothes on the pipes to dry. On the calendar on your phone, type in the names of the towns you are planning on staying in on the dates you will be there, put the address of the albergue/posada in the address line, when you get close to your stopping point for the day, tap the address and the map will direct you to your front door. ALWAYS have some sort of food in your pack, cheese/nuts/fruit/whatever there will be times when you are flagging or starving and still 5-10km to the closest cafe. If you ask nicely at a cafe they will refill your water bottle with ice and water. It all becomes a blur after the first few days, take pictures and make notes on your phone for things/places you want to remember - having your route on your calendar will also help here so you can match the photo dates to your locations (if you have disabled location trackers on your photos).
Buen Camino, Peregrino is fun to say because it rhymes.
I've used the laminated passport copy. Was always accepted. Never needed to use the actual passport except at border crossings. Use this technique wherever I travel now.I'm in planning overdrive and collecting a varied assortment of fabulous tips and tricks which I've never considered and I'm curious to know what your favourite Camino hack is?
A couple of creative examples I've come across that I love:
- sleep with your circular buff/neck warmer on to keep your ear plugs in. So simple!
- use a dry bag to chuck your clothes in when in the shower, add water from the shower head while it's warming up, throw in a detergent strip, let it soak while you're showering then rinse in the basin when you're done. Thanks @trecile for that laundry hack, I love it!
- laminate a colour copy of your passport to use at albergue check ins save over handling your passport. I like this idea but not sure if it's realistic, I'm guessing most places would insist on seeing the real thing?
What is your favourite Camino hack?
I used a copy of my passport to check in on both CF and CP, no problem. I use the copy when checking in anywhere in Europe, never been asked to see the real thing. I think they just need your name and passport number for their records?I'm in planning overdrive and collecting a varied assortment of fabulous tips and tricks which I've never considered and I'm curious to know what your favourite Camino hack is?
A couple of creative examples I've come across that I love:
- sleep with your circular buff/neck warmer on to keep your ear plugs in. So simple!
- use a dry bag to chuck your clothes in when in the shower, add water from the shower head while it's warming up, throw in a detergent strip, let it soak while you're showering then rinse in the basin when you're done. Thanks @trecile for that laundry hack, I love it!
- laminate a colour copy of your passport to use at albergue check ins save over handling your passport. I like this idea but not sure if it's realistic, I'm guessing most places would insist on seeing the real thing?
What is your favourite Camino hack?
Just checked, and Amazon shows a Kindle version, but then says "The Kindle title is not currently available for purchase."brierly is on kindle (download app to phone)
brierly is on kindle (download app to phone)
The reviews for the Kindle versions are not good though. Apparently the formatting is bad.Ahh. Finally. He's been against it for years.
I found CF 2021 on Kindle.
and CP 2021.
Invierno 2021
Ingles 2021
So looks like from 2021 they are on Kindle.
Yippee!
The reviews for the Kindle versions are not good though. Apparently the formatting is bad.
You can download a sample instead of buying the entire book.Oh. I might get one and check it out..........
Great idea w/dry bag to wash clothes in shower. However, may not work at some albergues if pilgrims need to use basin. I’d rinse clothes before exiting shower. Thanks!
I wrap some duct tapeI'm in planning overdrive and collecting a varied assortment of fabulous tips and tricks which I've never considered and I'm curious to know what your favourite Camino hack is?
A couple of creative examples I've come across that I love:
- sleep with your circular buff/neck warmer on to keep your ear plugs in. So simple!
- use a dry bag to chuck your clothes in when in the shower, add water from the shower head while it's warming up, throw in a detergent strip, let it soak while you're showering then rinse in the basin when you're done. Thanks @trecile for that laundry hack, I love it!
- laminate a colour copy of your passport to use at albergue check ins save over handling your passport. I like this idea but not sure if it's realistic, I'm guessing most places would insist on seeing the real thing?
What is your favourite Camino hack?
I wrap some duct tape around the bottom of a walking stick and my ibuprofen container - you never know when you’ll need some tape.I'm in planning overdrive and collecting a varied assortment of fabulous tips and tricks which I've never considered and I'm curious to know what your favourite Camino hack is?
A couple of creative examples I've come across that I love:
- sleep with your circular buff/neck warmer on to keep your ear plugs in. So simple!
- use a dry bag to chuck your clothes in when in the shower, add water from the shower head while it's warming up, throw in a detergent strip, let it soak while you're showering then rinse in the basin when you're done. Thanks @trecile for that laundry hack, I love it!
- laminate a colour copy of your passport to use at albergue check ins save over handling your passport. I like this idea but not sure if it's realistic, I'm guessing most places would insist on seeing the real thing?
What is your favourite Camino hack?
You can download a sample instead of buying the entire book.
Maybe it's different on the Australian site, but under the "buy now" option there is a "send a free sample" option. You choose which of your devices to send it to from a drop down menu.Really, even for a Kindle version?
Learn something every day.
I wanted that one anyway.
For next year touch wood
Just checking.
I think you can 'view a sample' on the Amazon site.
More to see the contents.
Can't see where you can download a sample though.
i.e. to test it on your device.
But I'm no Kindle expert!
Maybe it's different on the Australian site, but under the "buy now" option there is a "send a free sample" option. You choose which of your devices to send it to from a drop down menu.
View attachment 130702
It is easily missed!Oh OK. Maybe we don't have that 'down under'..........
Or I simply missed it.......
Some great tips here! I have taken on board the extra bag for bedbugs and the laundry hack - both so clever. And the security one is great info to have and research further. Do you know if it's easily cut if someone has scissors? I definitely want to take something as I will be travelling alone and I'm overly trusting. Best if I don't rely on anyone and take matters into my own hands.I am most grateful for several suggestions here that worked wonders on my recent less-travelled Camino with multiple days of rain. EG Kanga’s suggestion of a large Osprey drybag to place pack inside at night to avoid bedbugs; Trecile’s suggestion of a laundry strip in drybag with dirty clothes for efficient washing
2. Hiplok reusable tie (20 grams).
a) Security for pack by tying to pole or table (or a friend’s pack) when leaving a pack outside small bar/shop/restaurant and its crowded (eg. Train station or major town or city)
b) Hang pack off floor to avoid critters hitching a ride; and sometimes an alternative to S hook
Z LOK - Lightweight, Multi-Use Security Tie & Bike Lock | Hiplok
Award-Winning Bike Lock. Steel Core Security Tie with 400mm Locking Length. 1 x Lock Key Included. Deter Thieves & Enhance Existing Locks. Fast Shippinghiplok.com
It has ‘steel core’ so can’t be cut with scissors. It would require a serious piece of equipment - unlikely a petty thief would carry, let alone be prepared to use in public. The link I shared has more info.Do you know if it's easily cut if someone has scissors?
A cheap pair of aviation snips will cut through one of those like a hot knife through butter.It has ‘steel core’ so can’t be cut with scissors. It would require a serious piece of equipment - unlikely a petty thief would carry, let alone be prepared to use in public. The link I shared has more info.
Love the calendar map one. Will use thatA buff wrapped around one wrist makes a great, always accessible way to wipe sweat from your brow. Jumbo safety pins are great for pinning socks together on windy days or to the back of your pack if they didn't dry overnight. If you ask nicely they will add a drizzle of olive oil and/or grated tomato to your bocadillo. Some private accommodations will have a towel warmer in the bathroom - turn the heat up and hang your clothes on the pipes to dry. On the calendar on your phone, type in the names of the towns you are planning on staying in on the dates you will be there, put the address of the albergue/posada in the address line, when you get close to your stopping point for the day, tap the address and the map will direct you to your front door. ALWAYS have some sort of food in your pack, cheese/nuts/fruit/whatever there will be times when you are flagging or starving and still 5-10km to the closest cafe. If you ask nicely at a cafe they will refill your water bottle with ice and water. It all becomes a blur after the first few days, take pictures and make notes on your phone for things/places you want to remember - having your route on your calendar will also help here so you can match the photo dates to your locations (if you have disabled location trackers on your photos).
Buen Camino, Peregrino is fun to say because it rhymes.
Rather than use my calendar I have a spreadsheet for each Camino I do. I record my daily kms, where I slept, how much it cost, and notes about the day. I can then refer to the spreadsheet to see where I was on a particular day and find photos from that day on my Google Photos account.having your route on your calendar will also help here so you can match the photo dates to your locations (if you have disabled location trackers on your photos)
When my hospitalera said she didn’t have any newspaper, I explained to her what I needed it for. She came back with a stack of old invoices from the pensionI endorse what has been said about using newspaper in wet shoes. Unfortunately these days there's not so much of it around
All good suggestions - but what’s the sticky-back Velcro for?Some great new tips here. S Yates of this forum wrote a book about 10 years ago 'Pilgrim Tips and Packing List'. Perhaps it's time for an update..
FWIW I always carry small amount of vaseline to rub on toes before socks go on in the morning. Mains adapter has 2 USB outlets. I always take a 6 inch strip of sticky backed velcro - but haven't used it yet! Also some sticky-backed reflective tape - very useful for sticking on pack, poles, clothes, shoes etc if you suddenly get fazed by walking along roads at dawn or dusk (less important for CF). And don't forget to re-proof your waterproof kit before you leave, as Galicia will test it.
I endorse what has been said about using newspaper in wet shoes. Unfortunately these days there's not so much of it around - I've received some suspicious looks from the locals when checking the top of waste bins for a discarded newspaper...
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