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I see you’re from Ireland so at least that decreases the medical cost for hospitalization or medical care. Cost for medical evacuation remains but would be less than getting to the US or AustraliaIf you’re on a very tight budget perhaps wait, save, plan, train, and go later. No one knows what the covid situation will be, but it’s potential to increase costs should be noted: less albergues open mean you may need to stay in hotels. $. Potential for you to catch covid, even fully vaccinated now that delta is going around, could mean two weeks isolation in hotel with room service. $$ Potential to need to pay for medical care, hospitalization, and medical evacuation home. $$$$$. Need to buy equipment and tickets last minute $$$. Potential for cancelled flight (probably pretty slim) meaning more hotel costs $
the physical getting ready you can easily do, but the potential for bills that could be difficult for you can’t be ignored. Consider using the next few months to plan, save, and dream while seeing where COVID variants are going. If you press anyway Buen Camino!
Hi Sarah1111,Hi everyone, I'm Sarah, 37, leaving my very stressful job at the end of August to reassess my life! I would love to do the camino frances in mid September. Any advice? Do you think it's realistic /advisable with covid situation? I am worried re distance as haven't been training. I plan to take it easy the first week and build up to 20-25km days. I am.very flexible on time as won't be rushing back to work or anything but I will need to be very strict with budget.
Hi there, thanks for the advice that sounds very achievable! I had been very fit up to December last year but damaged a tendon. Its healed now but I need to start building my fitness from scratch. I started with my first 1 hour walk last night and slept greatIf you start with short (10 -15km) days you can walk your way into shape. Just increase your distance gradually as you grow more confident.
Sorry...I would hesitate to guess what the Covid-19 situation will be in Spain a few months from now.
Good luck and I hope you are able to walk in September.
Thankyou! Yes i feel it is long overdue and what better way than to walkNo advice, but in accord with you-some life reassessment is needed every so often. Good luck!
Yes this is definitely a strong consideration! As i will not be working I need to be very careful with not wasting any money. Maybe i can do some long walks/ adventures in Ireland first for a couple of months. I do have a strong urge to jump on a plane and experience the real camino but I will need to consider this logically and carefully. I am doubly vaccinated but delta is a concernIf you’re on a very tight budget perhaps wait, save, plan, train, and go later. No one knows what the covid situation will be, but it’s potential to increase costs should be noted: less albergues open mean you may need to stay in hotels. $. Potential for you to catch covid, even fully vaccinated now that delta is going around, could mean two weeks isolation in hotel with room service. $$ Potential to need to pay for medical care, hospitalization, and medical evacuation home. $$$$$. Need to buy equipment and tickets last minute $$$. Potential for cancelled flight (probably pretty slim) meaning more hotel costs $
the physical getting ready you can easily do, but the potential for bills that could be difficult for you can’t be ignored. Consider using the next few months to plan, save, and dream while seeing where COVID variants are going. If you press anyway Buen Camino!
Hi Jim, thanks for the response. Yes that is definitely a consideration- leaving out the pyrrenees start and that is definitely an option if I felt I could not reach a fitness level. That rest sounds exactly like what I need listening, being open and meeting great people! im getting excited for whenever it may be. If i make it in September i will let you knowSarah… this is a great personal trek. One that can change you or settle you. I would suggest if you are not in walking shape to start your Camino in Roncelleves or Pamplona. The Camino is about you, your journey, and what you hope to get out of it. From my experience… you will meet a lot of kind, listening mentors. People with wisdom and great listening skills. Be open, share your life and dreams. Be open to voices. Pray if that fits with you. I wish you
well, be safe, and hope to see you there. I should be in Leon on Sept 10/12, if our paths should cross. Peace be with you and Buen Camino
Yes me too getting excited even to start planning!I just booked my flight today for mid September for my first Camino. I'm a little apprehensive, of course, too.
"Obstacles are what you see when you take your eyes off your goal".
If I'm unable to finish for whatever reason, I'll still have been there. I'm in reasonable shape and am working on getting my feet in shape. Blisters are my biggest 'fear' and each day gets better as I spend more time in my boots.
Maybe I'll see you out there. I'm thrilled for the opportunity.
Thanks for the inspiration!! That is good to hear. I am definitely not going to overthink itHi Sarah1111,
My first Camino was from SJPdP to Santiago at the ripe age of 50. I completed in 34 days without much training before I set out. Bonus, I lost 20 pounds. I’m not saying it was all easy but if I can make it up and over the Pyrenees on day one, surely you’re up for the challenge.
I know planning and waiting can consume every cell in your brain. Try not to over think it. The Camino provides.
I’ll echo the others where COVID is concerned. Who knows.
Buen Camino!!
Ive bought the plane ticket a week agoYour Camino has already begun. Deciding to go is the pivotal moment, the only thing left is to pick a day. Given that your travel distance is short 'n easy, you have time here. The concerns others have brought up concerning covid costing you more money potentially are very valid. You have time. Start by walking near home, slowly at first. Gradually build up your distances, and buy yourself a pack. Start planning your stages, and research all the million questions you will have on the forum. You have time. When the covid situation looks a little clearer, and the waiting is killing you, buy a plane ticket.
Buen Camino
I felt the same way.. “ a strong urge to jump on a plane…” so when I saw a plane ticket for $230 one way, I jumped on it. I had a one way plane ticket from the US to Madrid leaving July 21, but with all the Covid developments, I chose to postpone until next spring. I lost $230 that it cost me but did not break the bank. I also didn’t train, and am on a strict budget and am solo so navigating all the unpredictable logistics seemed overwhelming especially since I only allotted 2 weeks walking because of work. So here I am at home. I feel a combo of relief and regret. It certainly is an easier choice physically to postpone and plan more carefully for walking early next June. For now, I am reading this forum daily and enjoying a great book about a woman and her father walking the Camino. I wish you the best in your decision making. Burn CaminoYes this is definitely a strong consideration! As i will not be working I need to be very careful with not wasting any money. Maybe i can do some long walks/ adventures in Ireland first for a couple of months. I do have a strong urge to jump on a plane and experience the real camino but I will need to consider this logically and carefully. I am doubly vaccinated but delta is a concern
Looking at the posts you have already received a great deal of very wise advice. My 6 pence worth would be skip Roncevalles and the Pyranees and start in Pamplona. The 10 days to Burgos are physically demanding but not outrageously so -it will break you in gently. I live in Spain and I can tell you that the current Covid situation in the north is very bad. If you can put your trip off until next year I think that it would be easier. However if you do go - buen camino - the Camino is an incredible experience where you can meet yourself and really clear your head. One of the great experiences however is the interaction you can enjoy with other peregrinos, and there will be more next year than now.Hi everyone, I'm Sarah, 37, leaving my very stressful job at the end of August to reassess my life! I would love to do the camino frances in mid September. Any advice? Do you think it's realistic /advisable with covid situation? I am worried re distance as haven't been training. I plan to take it easy the first week and build up to 20-25km days. I am.very flexible on time as won't be rushing back to work or anything but I will need to be very strict with budget.
I think someone posted a while ago about “the shortest Camino” in England and I’m sure there are plenty of walks associated with Catholic shrines in Ireland.Yes this is definitely a strong consideration! As i will not be working I need to be very careful with not wasting any money. Maybe i can do some long walks/ adventures in Ireland first for a couple of months. I do have a strong urge to jump on a plane and experience the real camino but I will need to consider this logically and carefully. I am doubly vaccinated but delta is a concern
For the third time I think it’s a good alternative planYes this is definitely a strong consideration! As i will not be working I need to be very careful with not wasting any money. Maybe i can do some long walks/ adventures in Ireland first for a couple of months. I do have a strong urge to jump on a plane and experience the real camino but I will need to consider this logically and carefully. I am doubly vaccinated but delta is a concern
Sarah (or anyone else) - do you fly to Biarritz and then take the train to SJPdP ?Ive bought the plane ticket a week ago- but luckily it was only €35 so it doesn't matter if i have to change the date or buy a new one. That is the great thing that i am in Europe and close by and have my EU health insurance card. I would have about 8 weeks to train based on today so lets see how the research goes and the covid situation. Thanks for reply!
Yes that's what I was advised. I've just booked the flight to Biarritz at this stage though. Haven't got to the train partSarah (or anyone else) - do you fly to Biarritz and then take the train to SJPdP ?
That's a great idea. My dad walked it 10 years ago and I have had some really nice chats about his experience recently. He has been sending me his previous packing lists etc im really enjoying reading this blog aswell.Sarah one more thought for if you do delay—there are many in England and Ireland who have walked and/or plan to again. You could probably meet up with some of them for training walks, for meals to share plans and stories, etc. people who’ve walked love to reminisce (as this site proves) and share tips and it helps make the waiting time fly. Before I went someone on here (@Arn i recall) invited me to a gathering in VA. It made me even more excited about my upcoming trip (and I won the prize for next person after the dinner to start)
Thankyou I will look into starting from pamplona. Thanks for update re covid on the ground also! Lots to think about if I postpone until next yearLooking at the posts you have already received a great deal of very wise advice. My 6 pence worth would be skip Roncevalles and the Pyranees and start in Pamplona. The 10 days to Burgos are physically demanding but not outrageously so -it will break you in gently. I live in Spain and I can tell you that the current Covid situation in the north is very bad. If you can put your trip off until next year I think that it would be easier. However if you do go - buen camino - the Camino is an incredible experience where you can meet yourself and really clear your head. One of the great experiences however is the interaction you can enjoy with other peregrinos, and there will be more next year than now.
That was a lot to consider so I can see you would have a mix of regret and relief. Lucky you didn't lose alot of money. Next June will fly im aswell and you will be fitter and more prepped. Could you recommend the book your reading? What's the title ?I felt the same way.. “ a strong urge to jump on a plane…” so when I saw a plane ticket for $230 one way, I jumped on it. I had a one way plane ticket from the US to Madrid leaving July 21, but with all the Covid developments, I chose to postpone until next spring. I lost $230 that it cost me but did not break the bank. I also didn’t train, and am on a strict budget and am solo so navigating all the unpredictable logistics seemed overwhelming especially since I only allotted 2 weeks walking because of work. So here I am at home. I feel a combo of relief and regret. It certainly is an easier choice physically to postpone and plan more carefully for walking early next June. For now, I am reading this forum daily and enjoying a great book about a woman and her father walking the Camino. I wish you the best in your decision making. Burn Camino
Thanks gmag for the updates!Hello Sarah,
My advice, from a town on the plateau in the middle of the Camino, and living in a albergue here among pilgrims for almost three years, including every day since the beginning of the Covid, is not to be afraid.
There have been no known cases among pilgrims or in albergues in the last 17 months. Only once in Galicia, a group of 12 and all were cured without problems, they were infected by a pilgrim from Madrid from their group.
It seems that the government of Spain has closed more than 9,000 hospital places this summer, which suggests that no big problems are expected.
Use common sense, take logical measures, simply logical, analyze situations and information, do not get carried away by the general panic that exists in Spain, and enjoy your Camino de Santiago. Everything is well controlled, and if there is a healthy place in Spain, this is the Camino de Santiago, all those who do it are healthy people to the maximum, and the air and food are also very healthy.
Thanks Chris. Enjoy every second. Please post how you are getting on. Buen CaminoHi Sarah
I’m leaving London on the 5th August. Walking from SLPdP on my own and a first timer too. Nervous but so excited to be finally going. I’ve done some moderate training and I’ve booked my accommodation for the first three days so I know my distance and hopefully will be able to gauge my capabilities too.
Good luck
Bananarama, go toSarah (or anyone else) - do you fly to Biarritz and then take the train to SJPdP ?
Sarah, walk at your own pace and pay attention to your body especially your feet. If you feel any possible soreness stop. Remove your shoes and socks and rest your feet. Let them air out and apply paper tape over any possible sore spots to prevent any further irritation. I have used this method on both of my Camino Frances and had no issues. Also, don’t feel pressure to stay at suggested towns or villages, but rather where you feel like. You will have a wonderful and enriching experience. There will be moments that you are feeling overwhelmed by the path you are on but this feeling will pass and each step will come easier. I will walk the Camino Frances again some day but for now I am planning on walking the Portuguese Camino June of 2022. Buen Camino!!Hi everyone, I'm Sarah, 37, leaving my very stressful job at the end of August to reassess my life! I would love to do the camino frances in mid September. Any advice? Do you think it's realistic /advisable with covid situation? I am worried re distance as haven't been training. I plan to take it easy the first week and build up to 20-25km days. I am.very flexible on time as won't be rushing back to work or anything but I will need to be very strict with budget.
Hello Sarah!Hi everyone, I'm Sarah, 37, leaving my very stressful job at the end of August to reassess my life! I would love to do the camino frances in mid September. Any advice? Do you think it's realistic /advisable with covid situation? I am worried re distance as haven't been training. I plan to take it easy the first week and build up to 20-25km days. I am.very flexible on time as won't be rushing back to work or anything but I will need to be very strict with budget.
Hi, I too flew to Biarritz twice. The first time I hopped in a taxi just outside the airport to get me to the Bayonne train station. It’s not far from the airport. The second time I walked to the bus stop just outside the airport and took the bus to Bayonne train station. Purchased my train ticket then off I went to SJPdP with all the other eager and excited pilgrims. Moments to cherish.Yes that's what I was advised. I've just booked the flight to Biarritz at this stage though. Haven't got to the train part
You should ask him to show you pictures of his favorite spots (preferably with him in the picture). When you walk, get some in those places with you in the picture and send them to him as a surprise.That's a great idea. My dad walked it 10 years ago and I have had some really nice chats about his experience recently. He has been sending me his previous packing lists etc im really enjoying reading this blog aswell.
I am worried re distance as haven't been training.
I got it from my local library.. it’s called “leaving behind the place where I’m going” by Kristin Sunday.. it may be self-published as I don’t see a nameThat was a lot to consider so I can see you would have a mix of regret and relief. Lucky you didn't lose alot of money. Next June will fly im aswell and you will be fitter and more prepped. Could you recommend the book your reading? What's the title ?
I'm flying in to Bilbao. If you have a minute, please share your experience getting to Saint Jean.Hello Sarah!
I left My very Stressful job just a few weeks ago and I took a ferry From Rosslare To Bilbao and doing my first Camino Frances. Not much training before coming here but hiking before and walking at least last few weekends 5-8km.
The budget for a day it's 25-40€ a day. It's depends if you are staying in albuergue or private rooms, if you drink/eat in pubs/restaurants or you shopping in local shops etc.. Anyway, my tenth day of walking and I feel better than ever! Body and mind are slowly but surely recovering from all that stressful time in work.
Hope you get here and enjoy yourself! Buen Camino!
Awesome, you're going to love it! My two pence: take it easy on the first week, and keep a close eye on your feet, the second you see the possibility of a blister, add a pea-size amount of Bepanthen to the area (lubrication), and cover it with a makeup cotton pad (protection and cushioning).Yes that's what I was advised. I've just booked the flight to Biarritz at this stage though. Haven't got to the train part
I fly in September 8. I’m in training now…BIG benefit of doing walking now is get your footwear / socks combo dialed in…. Critical! Methinks.
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