If you'll be walking soon..

[sjf]

are you booking ahead or not? I'm just curious what folks on the Frances are doing? I had planned not to book ahead, but am now reconsidering that option with all the stories about pilgrims being turned away, places being full, etc. I'd love to hear from others about plans for those walking in the next few weeks.

 

[C clearly]

Book your first night, and then you can assess the situation when you are on the ground. In October, I very much doubt that there would be a situation where you need to book days in advance.

 

[Peter Fransiscus]

I would say book the first night and after that first day you will see soon enough how busy it is .
Than you can decide iff you book ahead or not.
Wish you a wonderful time and a Buen Camino,Peter.

 

[Juspassinthru]

If this is your first Camino, maybe even your second until you figure it out. We walked in May-June this year and booking ahead was almost mandatory unfortunately. Buen Camino.

 

[SYates]

are you booking ahead or not? I'm just curious what folks on the Frances are doing? I had planned not to book ahead, but am now reconsidering that option with all the stories about pilgrims being turned away, places being full, etc. I'd love to hear from others about plans for those walking in the next few weeks.

Assuming you are starting from SJPdP: The first days up to Pamplona are always a bottleneck. Depending where you come from/when you arrive book at least Saint Jean and Huntto/Orisson if you plan to stay there, after that and especially after Pamplona things will have calmed down. Buen Camino, SY

 

[Thornley]

A few nights "within" the first week , you be the judge,
The mad September rush should now be over if commencing in STJPP

 

[long trails]

I think it's actually nice to book somewhere occasionally, even if there is no apparent bed rush. Some albergues are particularly nice and tend to be the first ones to fill.

It also means you can have a relaxing day and not feel the need to rush. Having to rush and stressing over bed availability is the worst aspect of the Camino for me, even more than bag rustlers and snorers.

 

[Julie C Thacker]

If this is your first Camino, maybe even your second until you figure it out. We walked in May-June this year and booking ahead was almost mandatory unfortunately. Buen Camino.

 

[Julie C Thacker]

are you booking ahead or not? I'm just curious what folks on the Frances are doing? I had planned not to book ahead, but am now reconsidering that option with all the stories about pilgrims being turned away, places being full, etc. I'd love to hear from others about plans for those walking in the next few weeks.

In Casanova now. Walking very short days. Beyween 6 and 15 k due to sore feet. Lots of space in alburgees. Ot last four nights only one was full nu closinhg. Last nigjt only three of us and space for 20.

 

[josephmcclain]

are you booking ahead or not? I'm just curious what folks on the Frances are doing? I had planned not to book ahead, but am now reconsidering that option with all the stories about pilgrims being turned away, places being full, etc. I'd love to hear from others about plans for those walking in the next few weeks.

I am on the Camino Frances right now. I promised to myself that I would not worry about where to sleep. I did have initial reservations for Saint Jean, Orisson and Roncevalles. After that I wanted to take it like it happens and NOT plan ahead. IT WORKS. I also just can´t be part of the rat race to the next albergue. I leave at 7 after some coffee. It´s not yet dawn, but there is enough light to see the way marking and then the day comes. It´s almost too cold to walk with my warm jacket, but ok once I get moving. I sort of plan where to land next, but am open to other options. It works. Don´t fret. Just do it. There are always other accommodation options if something is full. Sometimes right now I read what is being posted and think I must be living in an alternative universe! Everything is fine.

 

[Jen Fawkes]

On Camino Francis now in Terradillos. We haven't booked ahead anywhere except for our rest day where we book a private room in a hostel or pension. Unless you are very slow or very late you won't have a problem finding a bed.

 

[Juspassinthru]

I plan to return to do the Ingles to Santiago and then on to Finisterre/Muxia in 18 or 19. While May/June were great, I think Fall sounds very appealing. SJF, enjoy your Camino.

 

[MaryLynn]

I just finished my hospitalera posting at wonderful Granon with a maximum of 50, but we did not have to turn anyone away although we were full twice. Now I am in Redecilla and had no problem finding a place for tonight. Hoping to walk the meseta, my favourite part, if temperatures permit.

 

[NomadBoomer]

At La Faba now just before o'cebreiro. I was mostly booking the first week. I am very rarely booking now there as I like the flexibility on the day to decide how far to walk. Lots of great albergues don't take bookings anyhow.
Just be wary if you are getting into a big town like León on a Saturday afternoon.

 

[Juspassinthru]

At La Faba now just before o'cebreiro. I was mostly booking the first week. I am very rarely booking now there as I like the flexibility on the day to decide how far to walk. Lots of great albergues don't take bookings anyhow.
Just be wary if you are getting into a big town like León on a Saturday afternoon.

Loved the walk up to O'C, it was a very hot day. Just after the boundary marker for Galicia, a cool breeze occasionally came over the top so I knew I was close. Just before I arrived, the clouds came over much as they do in San Francisco, it was glorious. Buen Camino!