Guide books and tourist offices

[Jim Michie]

I was recently reading fellow pilgrim Laura's response for a recomendaion on guide books. In her response she recommends using the local tourist office to augment the info in the guide books. This is the best navigation advise I've seen on the forum. I found that the tourist office will give you detailed maps and instructions on how to get back on the well marked Camino from major cities. The Camino is sometimes not well marked in cities and I've found getting back on the Camino to be difficult. You may be one block away from the Camino route and not have a clue if you are heading in the correct direction. I should note here I do not walk with a smart phone.

Another suggestion for using the tourist office is to assist with lodging. On the Camino Norte I found that many (most) of the albergue owners do not speak English, and having poor Spaanish language skills I found determing the availability of lodging to be worrisome. I personally do not usually call for reservations but noticed there were many days were albergues were filled. The days usually were on weekends and in coastal towns close to beaches.

Jim Michie

 

[Felipe]

Yes, it is a good idea. They are usually kind and well informed; they even may call to find if there are available beds, or make a reservation for you.
Just remember that there will not be tourism bureaus in non touristic places, and in villages, they may be open only in the mornings by Saturdays, and be closed in Sundays.