i need to ask...

heavenlee200 · Jul 16, 2012

I just came across Santiago pilgrimage few weeks ago, and thinking about making a plan to take this trip by 8/19 this year. I have heard many people have plan for this for a year or so. I am just now gathering information little by little. do any one think this is too short for to plan for trip like this?

also i am a 24yr old girl who have never traveled alone or backpacking in my life. but planning to do this alone. What does other people think?

Anniesantiago · Jul 16, 2012

Fly, bus, or train to SJPP and start walking.
It's that simple.
The only planning you need is buying your equipment and there are a lot of threads on here about that.
Buen Camino!

David · Jul 16, 2012

HeavenLee - dive in, just dive in. When you come up for air you will find yourself swimming along.

All is well - go for it!

Buen Camino :wink:

Deleted member 3000 · Jul 16, 2012

i am a 24yr old girl who have never traveled alone or backpacking in my life. but planning to do this alone

Enthusiasm is great, but as a practical matter, walking a pilgrimage is not easy, though the Portugues is not as demanding as some others. The information on your background is too sketchy to get customized advice. If you want something more than encouragement, perhaps you can provide more information on your health, physical fitness, etc.

Buen camino!

fraluchi · Jul 17, 2012

heavenlee200 said:
...i am a 24yr old girl who have never traveled alone or backpacking in my life. but planning to do this alone. What does other people think?

It will be difficult to be alone on your journey! But to tranquilize you, you should check the search option of our Forum "travelling alone" or the key words which are appropriate for your queries, and you'll find a host of answers.
We have some members who say "just do it", but adequate preparation is a wise advice.

richie_a · Jul 17, 2012

Hi heavenlee,
It's an amazing journey to make. Although I haven't yet done Camino Portuguese, I'm sure it will be equally satisfying experience, but I'm sure quite different. Just watch your packing weight, and have some quality shoes . . . get them soon and wear them in

I'll be starting Camino Portuguese on August 12, staying at Dixo's Oporto Hostel the night before. You're welcome to walk a few days with me until you get used to it.

Whatever / whenever you decide, you will have an amazing experience. Stop by http://www.csj.org.uk and pick up one of Johns guides, they are well worth the small cost!

Take care, best wishes

Richie

sulu · Jul 17, 2012

Hi Heavenlee!
You don't say where you plan to start??
I have only done the Portugues from Oporto, which is fairly uncomplicated, if you are thinking of starting from Lisbon I think it is a little more difficult.

also i am a 24yr old girl who have never traveled alone or backpacking in my life. but planning to do this alone. What does other people think?

Now I am well over 24 and had frequently travelled alone but I had never back-packed or slept in hostels/albergues. This is a real experience but not difficult, the first night gave me some anxiety, mostly about how the bathroom space would work on my first morning

Surprisingly enough it does

I would suggest spending your first night in Lisbon/Oporto in a hostel, something like hostalbookerscom. will give you something, it is a gentle break in to the larger style dormitories that you will come across on the way.
Even if you walk alone you will soon find that you are meeting the same people every night and that you make friends with the group, especially on the Portugues, where you are restricted with albergues. It is a lovely walk, look at the different threads, there is loads of information here.
Bom caminho
Sue

heavenlee200 · Jul 20, 2012

thank you guys all! i am going back to school in September so although i would like to travel longer,I think i might be just travel for 13days starting at Oporto. I am some what athletic... but building up doing crossfit. as time comes closer to jump in plane to spain, I feel mentally ready for this trip, not saying i have complete information on it, but not-knowing what and who i will meet excites me more than being anxious. Thanks you for all the good advise!