CaminoKate0214
Member
- Time of past OR future Camino
- June/July 2015 (CF, 100 miles), June/July 2018 (CP, ~40 miles, too hot!)
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No part of the world is safe from Covid at the moment. You will find lots of thoughts on planning ahead versus waiting, here on the forum, but there is no consensus and no guarantees.Is it safe?... Any thoughts on planning ahead, or wait?
I don't think that @CaminoKate0214 said that this trip would take place that soon.Then again, there's the weather, have you checked out what it is likely to be in North Spain in January - February?
Flight insurance would be beneficial.No part of the world is safe from Covid at the moment. You will find lots of thoughts on planning ahead versus waiting, here on the forum, but there is no consensus and no guarantees.
Personally, I think planning is a great idea, but it is too soon to book flights. The possibility to save a few hundred dollars is not worth the uncertainty and possible complications to me.
You need a crystal ball.....I walked 100 miles of the Camino summer of 2015, and now have the opportunity to do it again. My 91 year old father passed August of 2021, so now no more caregiving. I found a fantastic flight from my local airport to Spain for $539, round trip, for three months. I know I'd need a long time to complete the Camino since I'm a slow stroller. Is it safe? I know Covid is now part of the landscape; I'm fully vaxed, and plan on getting the third shot if at all possible. I've gotten J&J, then Pfizer, so I'd like to get Moderna for optimal coverage. Any thoughts on planning ahead, or wait? Thanks.
I am from Canada and they don't recommend us travelling at this time. Hopefully in 2022.I walked 100 miles of the Camino summer of 2015, and now have the opportunity to do it again. My 91 year old father passed August of 2021, so now no more caregiving. I found a fantastic flight from my local airport to Spain for $539, round trip, for three months. I know I'd need a long time to complete the Camino since I'm a slow stroller. Is it safe? I know Covid is now part of the landscape; I'm fully vaxed, and plan on getting the third shot if at all possible. I've gotten J&J, then Pfizer, so I'd like to get Moderna for optimal coverage. Any thoughts on planning ahead, or wait? Thanks.
Book but buy cancellation insurance as well as medical insurance. Covid insurance may not yet be availble. The booster helps prevent serious illness from Omicron. It does not guarantee you won’t get it. A fourth shot may be available by next Fall.I walked 100 miles of the Camino summer of 2015, and now have the opportunity to do it again. My 91 year old father passed August of 2021, so now no more caregiving. I found a fantastic flight from my local airport to Spain for $539, round trip, for three months. I know I'd need a long time to complete the Camino since I'm a slow stroller. Is it safe? I know Covid is now part of the landscape; I'm fully vaxed, and plan on getting the third shot if at all possible. I've gotten J&J, then Pfizer, so I'd like to get Moderna for optimal coverage. Any thoughts on planning ahead, or wait? Thanks.
Like @trecile, I have flights booked to Lisbon in April. So clearly I am in favour of not just planning it, but starting to put that plan into action. My wife and I will be doing some travel to Europe to visit family sooner than that, and our approach has been to keep doing everything necessary to make that happen, and not to back out until it becomes clear that the trip cannot proceed. That has included making flight and accommodation bookings, scheduling activities, arranging insurance, and now arranging COVID19 testing.Any thoughts on planning ahead, or wait?
I bought a ticket in 2019 to travel in the April of 2020. The COVID happened. With the value of that ticket in 2019, I was able to buy 2 tickets that can be changed and/or returned for travel vouchers. I used one in October of 2021, and now I have another one to travel in March of 2022. If you are buying a refundable ticket (even if in a form of travel voucher), I recommend buying it. If COVID makes a trip impossible, you will still have the value of the ticket intact for a future purchase assuming you want to do the Camino eventually when it's possible. I check ticket prices often. The trend is that the prices were pretty high the last several months (higher than the pre-COVID level) but started coming down a little last couple week.I walked 100 miles of the Camino summer of 2015, and now have the opportunity to do it again. My 91 year old father passed August of 2021, so now no more caregiving. I found a fantastic flight from my local airport to Spain for $539, round trip, for three months. I know I'd need a long time to complete the Camino since I'm a slow stroller. Is it safe? I know Covid is now part of the landscape; I'm fully vaxed, and plan on getting the third shot if at all possible. I've gotten J&J, then Pfizer, so I'd like to get Moderna for optimal coverage. Any thoughts on planning ahead, or wait? Thanks.
Condolences -- though I am happy you provided that care, which is its own reward, and a beautiful means of gratitude for the care given to us in childhood.I walked 100 miles of the Camino summer of 2015, and now have the opportunity to do it again. My 91 year old father passed August of 2021, so now no more caregiving.
Generally speaking yes.I found a fantastic flight from my local airport to Spain for $539, round trip, for three months. I know I'd need a long time to complete the Camino since I'm a slow stroller. Is it safe?
Great! My turn now to get online!Merry Christmas to me! Just scored a ticket to Lisbon 3/28/22. Dreaming of lemons
Dreaming of lemons
But make sure the COVID-19 coverage would be includedFlight insurance would be beneficial.
Hello, and sorry for the loss of your dad. It is a lot taking care of anyone, but you'll be blessed for taking care of your father!I walked 100 miles of the Camino summer of 2015, and now have the opportunity to do it again. My 91 year old father passed August of 2021, so now no more caregiving. I found a fantastic flight from my local airport to Spain for $539, round trip, for three months. I know I'd need a long time to complete the Camino since I'm a slow stroller. Is it safe? I know Covid is now part of the landscape; I'm fully vaxed, and plan on getting the third shot if at all possible. I've gotten J&J, then Pfizer, so I'd like to get Moderna for optimal coverage. Any thoughts on planning ahead, or wait? Thanks.
Somewhat perversely, if we keep surviving, our life expectancy grows as we age. Unfortunately, someone else our age doesn't survive so we can achieve that!Life is getting shorter by the year, don't wait too long
Flight insurance would be beneficial.
But make sure the COVID-19 coverage would be included
If you can purchase an airline ticket that allows a free change of trip dates, many insurance plans will offer a change of dates for the trip within a year or more for a nominal change fee.As I searched for travel insurance last spring, I found that most, if not alll, major travel insurance policies cover medical expenses from covid, though not quarantine costs. But flight insurance/trip cancellation coverage for covid is another story. So research that carefully if that’s what you want.
As others have said, since most tickets now have no change fees, if you are willing to re-schedule instead of cancel when you decide not to go for whatever reason, you are pretty well covered and won’t lose the money. You can’t get a refund, but you can reschedule.
One thing that a good friend found when trying to get covid-based trip cancellation insurance for an expensive package kind of trip was that there are always very specific requirements about what justifies cancellation because of covid. If you test positive two weeks before the flight and are likely to be deemed recovered but don’t feel like going, is that covered? If you see a huge spike in the destination’s rate of covid and you think it’s too risky, are you covered if you cancel? If a dear family member gets covid and you don’t want to leave him/her alone, can you cancel for that reason? I’m just making up scenarios here, but you get the point — if you want ”covid trip cancellationcoverage,” make sure you know exactly what is and isn’t covered.
I was touched to read your opening words and condolences, JabbaPapa.Condolences -- though I am happy you provided that care, which is its own reward, and a beautiful means of gratitude for the care given to us in childhood.
Generally speaking yes.
There was exactly *one* case of symptomatic covid among pilgrims in 2021 AFAIK.
If you're particularly vulnerable for whatever reason, then apart from precautions suggested by your doctor, fill yourself with vitamins D & K, and C. And walk outside of the respiratory diseases season, i.e. wait until April or May.
Otherwise, yeah, deffo go for it !!
Aloha From Kauai Thanks for your post. I’ve been planning my first Camino (Portuguese Central) since April. I’ve been compiling my equipment, learning Spanish and doing a lot of training. My plan was to fly out of Boston on April 15th, start from Porto on April 17th, be in Spain for my 58th birthday and finally do something for myself instead of everyone else. Due to Omnicron I have recently put it on hold because I’m nervous about getting stuck in Spain alone. I’ve been really down about it and stopped training until I read your post! Others may feel differently, but every singe sentence you wrote resonates with me, especially the last one! “There are no guarantees in our futures” but if I get on that plane on April 15th I will have you to thank!!! Headed out for a walk in the wood now…it’s been about a month since I laced up my boots. Starting 2022 with a new attitude. Happy and healthy 2022 to you and everyone.Don't stop moving forward even if it's in tiny increments. I'm coming in April, have ticket insurance and will buy med-i-vac insurance closer to the time. I reserve the right however to change my mind up until the time I literally board the plane. Since I'm not until April I know much could happen; Omnicron could peak and peter-out, someone in my family or me myself could get sick, borders could close. I'd say buy your ticket and remain flexible. If however, the cost of potential changes could harm you financially, then I'd say wait. But to my opening sentence, keep compiling your equipment, take Spanish classes if need, research alburgues, or whatever you need to keep taking tiny steps forward!
There are no guarantees in our futures...but then again, there never has been. Buen Camino
Fortunately, Galicia is offering free Covid insurance for travelers, so even though you may be alone you would have some support.Due to Omnicron I have recently put it on hold because I’m nervous about getting stuck in Spain alone
Thank you so much! Great news.Fortunately, Galicia is offering free Covid insurance for travelers, so even though you may be alone you would have some support.
Here's a thread about this program
Good for you! Yes, everyone has to find their own path (pun intended). If being stuck in Spain scares you, look unto medivac insurance for Covid.Aloha From Kauai Thanks for your post. I’ve been planning my first Camino (Portuguese Central) since April. I’ve been compiling my equipment, learning Spanish and doing a lot of training. My plan was to fly out of Boston on April 15th, start from Porto on April 17th, be in Spain for my 58th birthday and finally do something for myself instead of everyone else. Due to Omnicron I have recently put it on hold because I’m nervous about getting stuck in Spain alone. I’ve been really down about it and stopped training until I read your post! Others may feel differently, but every singe sentence you wrote resonates with me, especially the last one! “There are no guarantees in our futures” but if I get on that plane on April 15th I will have you to thank!!! Headed out for a walk in the wood now…it’s been about a month since I laced up my boots. Starting 2022 with a new attitude. Happy and healthy 2022 to you and everyone.
It's as safe as it can be. I went with a friend to France last September to walk the Podiensis. No real problems. We did get the Covid pass QR code while we were there after applying online but only a very few lodgings checked it. I think it's a mixed bag but good to have proof of vaccination card and neg Covid test within 24 to 48 hrs prior to landing just in case. That's what we did. I'm very proactive. Bring your masks and go for it.I walked 100 miles of the Camino summer of 2015, and now have the opportunity to do it again. My 91 year old father passed August of 2021, so now no more caregiving. I found a fantastic flight from my local airport to Spain for $539, round trip, for three months. I know I'd need a long time to complete the Camino since I'm a slow stroller. Is it safe? I know Covid is now part of the landscape; I'm fully vaxed, and plan on getting the third shot if at all possible. I've gotten J&J, then Pfizer, so I'd like to get Moderna for optimal coverage. Any thoughts on planning ahead, or wait? Thanks.
Avoid non-essential travel outside Canada With this advisory, if you travel outsideI am from Canada and they don't recommend us travelling at this time. Hopefully in 2022.
I think it is a different choice for all people. Personally, I went in Sept. 2021 from Canada but I made adjustments in sleeping, eating. They were more expensive and truthfully, I missed the carefree aspect of the Camino. I am not sure I would (my own personal choice) do it again until things die down abit. I want the experience I had in 2018 which was much more carefree and serendipitous. I am going to wait and I know it’s a gamble with fares but I don’t want to be holding tickets and be constantly thinking about whether I will go. Just me.I walked 100 miles of the Camino summer of 2015, and now have the opportunity to do it again. My 91 year old father passed August of 2021, so now no more caregiving. I found a fantastic flight from my local airport to Spain for $539, round trip, for three months. I know I'd need a long time to complete the Camino since I'm a slow stroller. Is it safe? I know Covid is now part of the landscape; I'm fully vaxed, and plan on getting the third shot if at all possible. I've gotten J&J, then Pfizer, so I'd like to get Moderna for optimal coverage. Any thoughts on planning ahead, or wait? Thanks.
You need a booster anyway as many eu countries now won’t let u in without it. Keep an eye on the Spanish government site.I walked 100 miles of the Camino summer of 2015, and now have the opportunity to do it again. My 91 year old father passed August of 2021, so now no more caregiving. I found a fantastic flight from my local airport to Spain for $539, round trip, for three months. I know I'd need a long time to complete the Camino since I'm a slow stroller. Is it safe? I know Covid is now part of the landscape; I'm fully vaxed, and plan on getting the third shot if at all possible. I've gotten J&J, then Pfizer, so I'd like to get Moderna for optimal coverage. Any thoughts on planning ahead, or wait? Thanks.
Really? I have not heard or experienced this. . Can you provide link/source please? Thank you.You need a booster anyway as many eu countries now won’t let u in without it. Keep an eye on the Spanish government site.
I can only give you my personal view.I walked 100 miles of the Camino summer of 2015, and now have the opportunity to do it again. My 91 year old father passed August of 2021, so now no more caregiving. I found a fantastic flight from my local airport to Spain for $539, round trip, for three months. I know I'd need a long time to complete the Camino since I'm a slow stroller. Is it safe? I know Covid is now part of the landscape; I'm fully vaxed, and plan on getting the third shot if at all possible. I've gotten J&J, then Pfizer, so I'd like to get Moderna for optimal coverage. Any thoughts on planning ahead, or wait? Thanks.
I am thinking the same from Canada.I can only give you my personal view.
As I write this, Spain's coronaproblem is at its worst. Yesterday (New Year eve 2021) 112 new persons were contaminated in Spain each minute. The region of Navarra (where Pamplona is) is the hardest hit of all Spanish regions.
I have been waiting and waiting in order to go, for more than one year (almost 2), but I have realized; I will not have a Camino in Spain this side of summer. I can only hope for an autumn Camino.
I live in Europe (Norway). A one-way ticket to Spain will only cost me 70-80 USD. But I will not place any order right now. Things have to calm down first; the pandemic must slow down. At the time of writing this there are so many hurdles in Europe: You need to be fully vaccinated to enter a country, and some also demand a 3rd booster. In addition, you need to have a negative PCR test (even if booster vaccinated), you need to have filled out a valid SPTH form, and have a (EU standard) Corona certificate to get into restaurants and many other places, and you must keep your travel schedule, bc if not, all your papers etc. may be invalid.
Bc of this, I keep calm, realistic, and stay at home for now, hoping for an autumn Camino.
On another note: Since you worry if it is save to travel now/May, well it says something.
At sea (I am a sea captain) we have a saying:
If you are in doubt, act as if there is no doubt. It has saved many lives.
Hello. I feel I should offer an alternative view as I am in Spain right now travelling across the country. I am EU and British national so not sure how things vary by nationality! Things here are very straightforward. You need the SPTH to enter the country, and a COVID pass to enter bars but that’s about it for me. Oh and you have to wear a mask The bars, restaurant and shops are packed and everyone is largely getting on with life as normal.I can only give you my personal view.
As I write this, Spain's coronaproblem is at its worst. Yesterday (New Year eve 2021) 112 new persons were contaminated in Spain each minute. The region of Navarra (where Pamplona is) is the hardest hit of all Spanish regions.
I have been waiting and waiting in order to go, for more than one year (almost 2), but I have realized; I will not have a Camino in Spain this side of summer. I can only hope for an autumn Camino.
I live in Europe (Norway). A one-way ticket to Spain will only cost me 70-80 USD. But I will not place any order right now. Things have to calm down first; the pandemic must slow down. At the time of writing this there are so many hurdles in Europe: You need to be fully vaccinated to enter a country, and some also demand a 3rd booster. In addition, you need to have a negative PCR test (even if booster vaccinated), you need to have filled out a valid SPTH form, and have a (EU standard) Corona certificate to get into restaurants and many other places, and you must keep your travel schedule, bc if not, all your papers etc. may be invalid.
Bc of this, I keep calm, realistic, and stay at home for now, hoping for an autumn Camino.
On another note: Since you worry if it is save to travel now/May, well it says something.
At sea (I am a sea captain) we have a saying:
If you are in doubt, act as if there is no doubt. It has saved many lives.
These are definitely not normal times, but it's good to hear that you are doing fine. Buen Camino! I suspect that I, as fully + booster vaccinated person could go there and survive, but I can get contaminated without symptoms, and thus bring the virus on to others less fortunate. That's where my solidarity and protection instincts turn on.Hello. I feel I should offer an alternative view as I am in Spain right now travelling across the country. I am EU and British national so not sure how things vary by nationality! Things here are very straightforward. You need the SPTH to enter the country, and a COVID pass to enter bars but that’s about it for me. Oh and you have to wear a mask The bars, restaurant and shops are packed and everyone is largely getting on with life as normal.
...and effect?The bars, restaurant and shops are packed and everyone is largely getting on with life as normal.
As I write this, Spain's coronaproblem is at its worst. Yesterday (New Year eve 2021) 112 new persons were contaminated in Spain each minute.
That’s fine Alex. Each person must do what they feel comfortable with. I just wanted to highlight that life can be pretty normal both here in Spain and across most of Europe to avoid folks thinking things are still as they were in Summer 2020. I am travelling around Europe at moment on a rail pass and have visited lots of countries and the ‘covid pass’ required in many countries has led to a very different feeling across the continent, and I haven’t really felt any restrictions! Well apart from Football stadium capacities being reduced by 25%!These are definitely not normal times, but it's good to hear that you are doing fine. Buen Camino! I suspect that I, as fully + booster vaccinated person could go there and survive, but I can get contaminated without symptoms, and thus bring the virus on to others less fortunate. That's where my solidarity and protection instincts turn on.
Thanks, Trecile. Very helpful info for me also. On the verge of purchasing a round trip fare to and from Madrid/Barajas from deep South TX early May for CF, Finisterre and Muxia. I am planning slow and enjoyable 45 days total.The major airlines are offering date changes with no change fees, so I'd say go for it. But be aware that they will charge you the difference in fares if you book for new dates that are more expensive.
I've got tickets for Lisbon in April.
I'm curious if you stayed in communal albergues or hotels when you went this fall?When were you thinking of going?
If this is for next week, too risky for my blood. Omicron is in full bloom at the moment, and for me, I don't think its a great idea to be travelling at the moment. For reference, I walked in September-October this year (it was a GREAT time to walk!) and I am planning again for this coming April. But right now? Not in my way of balancing risk versus reward versus what is right for our Spanish hosts. Its true that everything is more or less open, but that could change any day. Its also winter, another significant consideration.
If you are talking about Spring/Summer though, by all means, buy some tickets and start planning. You may have your Camino wiped out by another significant Covid wave or closures, but it won't be this one. The future is very tough to predict here. Take your chances, but be flexible when the date gets closer, and the current situation is clearer.
I'm curious if you stayed in communal albergues or hotels when you went this fall?
Not necessarily…a huge amount of variables as we all know!Cause...
...and effect?
I was thinking April to June. Cool, not snowy, and we'll know more about omicron by then.When were you thinking of going?
If this is for next week, too risky for my blood. Omicron is in full bloom at the moment, and for me, I don't think its a great idea to be travelling at the moment. For reference, I walked in September-October this year (it was a GREAT time to walk!) and I am planning again for this coming April. But right now? Not in my way of balancing risk versus reward versus what is right for our Spanish hosts. Its true that everything is more or less open, but that could change any day. Its also winter, another significant consideration.
If you are talking about Spring/Summer though, by all means, buy some tickets and start planning. You may have your Camino wiped out by another significant Covid wave or closures, but it won't be this one. The future is very tough to predict here. Take your chances, but be flexible when the date gets closer, and the current situation is clearer.
Is it safe to go to Spain? No one can say what it will be like in a few months. But you can also ask yourself how is it in my own country, can I travel and am I welcome in the country I want to go to and what do I have to do for that.I walked 100 miles of the Camino summer of 2015, and now have the opportunity to do it again. My 91 year old father passed August of 2021, so now no more caregiving. I found a fantastic flight from my local airport to Spain for $539, round trip, for three months. I know I'd need a long time to complete the Camino since I'm a slow stroller. Is it safe? I know Covid is now part of the landscape; I'm fully vaxed, and plan on getting the third shot if at all possible. I've gotten J&J, then Pfizer, so I'd like to get Moderna for optimal coverage. Any thoughts on planning ahead, or wait? Thanks.
I am thinking exactly the same thing. My plans are in place. If there is a new wave of a new covid, or restrictions look onerous in the weeks leading up to departure, I will do what I did in the spring of 2020.....cancel everything, save my flight credit for better times, and stay home. It will be obvious what the right thing to do will be, when the time comes. The last two years have taught us that Covid comes in waves, and an element of luck is essential for those trying to travel. The fall was a good time. Right now is a bad time. Nobody knows about April 2022. Unfortunately, certainty is in short supply these days, and we have to live with that by planning for success, while being prepared for failure.I was thinking April to June. Cool, not snowy, and we'll know more about omicron by then.
Bear in mind that Spain has a high vax rate. I guess the main concern is the highish obesity level.My husband and I had to cancel our 2019 fall Camino for health reasons. When covid seemed like it settled down we booked direct tickets to Madrid. Two weeks later this new varient was announced.
Our tickets are for the end of March, and returning the beginning of May. In hindsight we probably should have waited but we did book in the off season hoping for less people. We are doing some planning and prepping as if things are a go but we are prepared to cancel and possibly lose money.
Prepare for the worst but expect the best.
Concern of whom?Bear in mind that Spain has a high vax rate. I guess the main concern is the highish obesity level.
Concern to the government that high case number will lead to serious illness given obesity levels!Concern of whom?
Same as in many countries, then. There are many factors of concern.Concern to the government that high case number will lead to serious illness given obesity levels!
Yes of course!Same as in many countries, then. There are many factors of concern.
In 62nd place (out of 191 countries), Spain is doing much better than most of the English-speaking countries that most forum members call home, so I wouldn’t factor that in very high on my list of concerns.Concern to the government that high case number will lead to serious illness given obesity levels!
Thank you! Interesting chart!In 62nd place (out of 191 countries), Spain is doing much better than most of the English-speaking countries that most forum members call home, so I wouldn’t factor that in very high on my list of concerns.
Most Obese Countries in the World | ProCon.org
Get global obesity levels broken down by the percentage of adult population that is obese in map, table, and chart format. Nauru tops the list at 61%.obesity.procon.org
This is a valid concern whether one is vaccinated or not.the more significant risk that you might transmit it to someone more vulnerable, e.g. an elderly Spanish villager.
Very high vaccination rate in Spain and tiny number of people in intensive care.This is a valid concern whether one is vaccinated or not.
My feelings exactly. IMHO, since it is impossible to know what the situation will be a few months down the line, the most sensible thing to do is to purchase a ticket when the price is right for the dates you hope to go. On the theory that anyone booking a ticket to walk a camino is going to go to walk a camino when it is safe, your investment will not go to waste since I believe all airlines are letting you reschedule without change fees.The restrictions on the airlines as well as France and Spain are a "moveable" target, much like Hemingway's feast. I have an inexpensive ticket on TAP which I purchased for travel in 2020, I have changed it 4 times with out paying lots of fees. My latest plans are August/September 2022. Fingers crossed and I will not be checking the newest restrictions until June or July. Why worry about something you have no control over?
Yesterday there where around 2200 people in IC.tiny number of people in intensive care.
Sure sorry! Agree labels aren’t useful!! That said I do feel that numbers are useful to determine degree of risk I.e 2k dividing by 50 million and then factoring in your vax status and general health gives me a number that I can assess my risks versus other risks!Let's not debate the significance of various numbers.
Of course COVID will impact size of airlines summer schedules
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