Felt called to book and so I have...

[RobLondon26]

Hello all,

Following a busy few years I have had my calling to do the Camino de Santiago. Spontaneously on Monday I booked my flight to Biarritz for 24/10 and my train to SJPP for the following morning when I plan to begin my journey.

I’ve just ordered my pilgrims passport and am beginning to write a list of bits to buy in advance.

Tomorrow I am going shopping for the all important walking boots and will be progressively gathering my gear over the next few weeks.

Any advice would be hugely appreciated on any aspect of the Camino from those more experienced. One particular question I have is when I arrive at the pilgrim office on the 25th, will they point me in the right direction?

Thank you all.

 

[Bella2017]

Yes they give u a map and tell you if napoleons route is open. They are very helpful

 

[domigee]

Hi and welcome! Very exciting!
Do a search on the forum if you have any specific questions and if you still need answers, please ask away
And yes, the Pilgrims’ Office are really helpful, your first port of call
Happy preparations!

 

[Bradypus]

My suggestion is that you wear your shiny new boots while you are getting the rest of your gear together. Take a few walks in them - ideally for the sort of distance that you plan to walk per day on the Camino but basically as much as you can manage. Much easier to diagnose and sort out any problems with footwear before you leave home than when on a dirt track through the Pyrenees.

 

[domigee]

My suggestion is that you wear your shiny new boots while you are getting the rest of your gear together. Take a few walks in them - ideally for the sort of distance that you plan to walk per day on the Camino but basically as much as you can manage. Much easier to diagnose and sort out any problems with footwear before you leave home than when on a dirt track through the Pyrenees.

Good call!

 

[RobLondon26]

Thank you all very much for responding so quickly! Is the Napoleon route often closed? Will definitely be wearing the new boots at every possible opportunity before hand. Very excited!

 

[RobLondon26]

Also, I do have one specific question, I’ve read on a few sites that €30 a day budget should be sufficient for a bed and food. Would you guys agree?

 

[domigee]

Thank you all very much for responding so quickly! Is the Napoleon route often closed? Will definitely be wearing the new boots at every possible opportunity before hand. Very excited!

I think it is closed for the Winter from 1st November. Too many pilgrims put themselves at risk so they had to do it.
Just go to the Pilgrims office and they’ll tell you. And head their advice, they know!
Btw: Even if the midst of Summer it can be very foggy and you see NOTHING, so don’t feel you miss out if you can’t go this way. It is just part and parcel of the whole experience.

 

[nycwalking]

Buen camino.

 

[David Tallan]

The main piece of advice is to follow the yellow arrows.

If you are okay with bringing a smart phone, there are some excellent and inexpensive apps that can help prevent you from getting lost and give you good information about accommodations. Wise Pilgrim apps (and the companion Wisely apps) are often recommended. I also liked the Camino Pilgrim app.

You may also want to check out the "Camino de Santiago: Pilgrim Tips and Packing List" ebook by S Yates and similar ebooks aimed at the person preparing for their first Camino.

Buen Camino!

 

[Albertagirl]

Also, I do have one specific question, I’ve read on a few sites that €30 a day budget should be sufficient for a bed and food. Would you guys agree?

@RobLondon26
For my first camino, which was in 2015, I budgeted 35 euros a day for bed and food and found that I only spent 25. I bought a pilgrim meal every evening (10 euros most places at that time), but bought food for a very simple lunch (cheese and apple most days). With inflation, the base cost may be closer to 30 euros a day now. You will have to watch your food budget, maybe cook sometimes, and only stay in lower cost albergues: municipal, church and Xunta albergues are generally cheapest, but please be as generous as you can when the cost is donativo.

 

[dfox]

#1 - Have the new boots broken-in as much as possible, e.g., wear them daily even going for grocery!
#2 - If your ankle(s) is not easily "twisted" when walking on un-even surface, a pair of waterproof trail running shoes may be more appropriate than boots, high-cut boots in particular.

 

[Former member 49149]

Also, I do have one specific question, I’ve read on a few sites that €30 a day budget should be sufficient for a bed and food. Would you guys agree?

I would say yes. It has gone up over the years, but with caution, and yet still devil may care, you should be well inside the €30.00 mark overall. Such a wonderful time awaits you! Be sure to report when you have time...
Having said that, we never stayed anywhere except in municipal or parochial albergue apart from Santiago.

 

[t2andreo]

Also, I do have one specific question, I’ve read on a few sites that €30 a day budget should be sufficient for a bed and food. Would you guys agree?

A Camino budget of €30 is a bare minimum. You should have addition funds, perhaps accessible through a bank ATM, just in case. Having a credit card is also a good idea, just on case.

The range of average costs varies according to your lodging preferences, eating, and drinking costs. Personally, I spend my money mostly on accommodations, staying mostly exclusively in private accommodations; hostals, hotels, and some private albergues if needs must. My daily average over six camino is about €57 daily. I do not drink a lot, nor can I eat a full menu del dia or peregrino meal.

However, your experience, preferences and comfort level will drive this average budget number. Everyone is different.

I would not advise doing this at less than €30 daily. I would recommend having access to replenishment funds. Other than that, have at it...

Hope this helps.

 

[RobLondon26]

Thank you all for your wonderful advice!

I seem to have stopped receiving email notifications when there are replies otherwise I would have messaged back sooner.


I’ll definitely follow all of the above advice. Very happy to hear also that I won’t be needing mid ankle boots as after trying on a few pairs they didn’t seem very comfortable.

One, quite probably stupid, question, I’ve started compiling thin layered clothing for the Camino. For trousers, would it be apt to bring a base layer, some sports leggings, tracksuit bottoms and a waterproof covering for the wet days?

 

[domigee]

One, quite probably stupid, question, I’ve started compiling thin layered clothing for the Camino. For trousers, would it be apt to bring a base layer, some sports leggings, tracksuit bottoms and a waterproof covering for the wet days?

The best way to find out what suits you is to start going on walks wearing what you intend to bring on the Camino. Preferably in all weathers, if you can