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Days Off

Michael McGlynn

Mike Mc
Time of past OR future Camino
Camino Frances (May 2020)
When taking a day off from walking, can you stay in the same albergue as you were the night before? And if you want to walk around the town, is it safe to leave your backpack on your bed in the albergue?
 
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Michael McGlynn said:
When taking a day off from walking, can you stay in the same albergue as you were the night before? And if you want to walk around the town, is it safe to leave your backpack on your bed in the albergue?
Click to expand...

Often it is easier to stay 2 nights in a private albergue than in a municipal one. However in winter when fewer pilgrims are seeking a bunk municipal albergues will also allow you to stay. You often can leave your backpack in a storage room out of view of everyone. Never leave your national passport, camera or money in the pack but take them with you for the day.
During bad winter storms when walking would be dangerous I have stayed with no problem for several nights in the same albergue.
 
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Some albergue's will let you stay a second night, especially the private ones, but the municipals ones usually won't ... and especially not during the busy season. Ask on arrival.

And never, ever put your backpack on the bed. Your backpack has been to filthy places ... you've set it on the ground while resting, you've set it on the floor in a wide variety of places ... and you increase the chances of transporting bedbugs.

You'll notice that everyone leaves their backpacks in the albergue while wandering around town. Don't leave valuables in it.
 
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Michael McGlynn said:
When taking a day off from walking, can you stay in the same albergue as you were the night before? And if you want to walk around the town, is it safe to leave your backpack on your bed in the albergue?
Click to expand...
Private albergues seemed OK with a extra night. Bring important things（cash, credit card, passport and credential ）with You Then will be all fine. I Don't think anyone wants to carry your backpack for you Buen Camino
 
Michael McGlynn said:
When taking a day off from walking, can you stay in the same albergue as you were the night before? And if you want to walk around the town, is it safe to leave your backpack on your bed in the albergue?
Click to expand...

Michael:

Never understood days off, unless injured. If you need a little break, get a leisurely start and just walk a short day. This is easily done on the Frances and eliminates the need to stay in the same Albergue.

I recommend you never leave pack on your bed.

Ultreya,
Joe
 
Some will let you stay, some won't. Some have storage, some don't.
In the big Burgos Municipal, for example, they let you put your pack in a storage place, but you must be out and stay out until the doors open as usual in the afternoon - and then just queue up for a place with everyone else. So in a case like that, take all your remotely valuable stuff with you for the day, and before a late lunch, come back to claim your new place, and leave your pack as usual. Then enjoy the afternoon.
 
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NorthernLight said:
And never, ever put your backpack on the bed. Your backpack has been to filthy places ... you've set it on the ground while resting, you've set it on the floor in a wide variety of places ... and you increase the chances of transporting bedbugs.
Click to expand...
- In fact, if you bring a short strap or piece of cord, tie rucksack to one of the posts in either end of the bed, so as to lift it from the floor. In this way it is also out of the way so as no one trips over it in the night ...
 
But Joe, some of us like to explore and see the beautiful wonders in some cities. One must stop and smell the roses.
 
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Please no pack on your bed. If I know I will take a day off I will go to a private Albergue and ask about storage. Take my money belt and relax. Someone else suggested a short day. I have done Teo short days, about 15k each and that works great too.
 

There are many good reasons for taking days off. Burgos is a good example. There is no way you can see the Cathedral and visit the site by bus at Atapuerca in one day. Leon is another example. Pamplona is a third. All of those places are great times to spend 2-3 days exploring. Don't rush. There's no reason to rush along the Camino. Everyplace before the last 100 kilometers is not required anyway. If you spend the time to go to Spain, SEE it.
 
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