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Then again, I don't want to book everything in advance to try and really lean into the experience; nor would I like to have to rely on my smartphone.
Please read what I wrote re smartphones in this earlier post.
Your carrying one my help save another pilgrim's life.
I first started Camino 2003/2004. I did not have a phone. I used pay phones in bars etc. Very few people had them. Now I cant go for a pee in the middle of the night ( I will be 84 in July) without consulting the bloody thing.. We pilgrims actually talked to each otherWe did both the CF and CP without phones. We did have an older apple iPod , just so we had the ability to send/ receive email and perhaps a little music. We enjoyed the lack of immediate communication that seems to be so normal nowadays. Allowed us to focus on being together and in the ‘now’. The email was mostly as a ‘in case of emergency’, though I remember when you could communicate with post cards or letters only.
But the world is smaller now I guess.
But I was pleased to share the Camino in ‘real time’ with my wife beside me.
I have done eleven Caminos without a cell phone, I will be doing the Norte for the third time and again without a phone. If it is necessary I get a phone card from the Tabaco shop and use a payphone which has happened only once. All those cell phones at night in hostels are a disturbance. Buen Camino hermanos/ hermanas.Thrust in Allah but tether your camels.
Bring your smartphone but use it for emergency and photos.
Passive aggressive criticism of present-day pilgrims is not necessary. In the old days (when I walked to school - both ways uphill, of course), more than once I walked into a telephone pole or parked car while reading a book. I would never have traveled without a book to put my nose into when I didn't feel like socializing.We pilgrims actually talked to each other
Exactly right. And some of us who are looking at our phones aren't posting on Twitter and Facebook but are reading a guidebook or other book using the Kindle app on the phone. Of course some of us could be posting on the forum...Passive aggressive criticism of present-day pilgrims is not necessary. In the old days (when I walked to school - both ways uphill, of course), more than once I walked into a telephone pole or parked car while reading a book. I would never have traveled without a book to put my nose into when I didn't feel like socializing
2022 to spell official adiós for Spain's public payphonesIf it is necessary I get a phone card from the Tabaco shop and use a payphone which has happened only once.
I did the same but barefoot in "the old days"To the OP - you don't need a smart phone, unless you want the convenience, which comes with its drawbacks.
In the old days (when I walked to school - both ways uphill, of course),
The first time I walked I used my phone only to contact my husband back home every day or so, and to take photos. I also didnt take a guide book.Hello pilgrims!
I will soon be walking my first ever camino - I should be arriving in Biarritz on the 3rd of May.
I would like to rely only on a "dumb phone" (think Nokia 3310) for the majority of the trip and only pack my smartphone for emergencies.
To give you some context on how I plan on walking the route: I would like to not make any sleeping arrangements in advance and I am fine with any type of accommodation that doesn't require sleeping bad / bedding because I would like to pack as light as possible. I read that most recommend to book a couple of days in advance and I wonder whether relying only on the accommodation options that I can find in my book guides will be sufficient for this kind of approach.
I am leaning towards camino del Norte because I would prefer a quieter walk, but I wonder whether it will be easier to find sleeping arrangements last-minute along the camino Frances.
Bear in mind that I've never done a multi-day hike before, let alone without having accommodation planned in advance - so I'm a bit anxious about the idea of not having anything booked in advance. Then again, I don't want to book everything in advance to try and really lean into the experience; nor would I like to have to rely on my smartphone.
What do you think?
I was using my Camino Apps and Camino guidebooks (on my phone kindle). I checked Gronze . com regularly for open albergues and for looking up albergue phone numbers and emails. I did log onto facebook once a day - and posted about my day (instead of journaling). Didn't do anything else on facebook - but my family at home was following my journey on facebook! I had my camera - but did also use my phone for pictures sometimes. And on rare occasion - I turned on my music (on days when I saw no one - on the Meseta). But my favorite feature was the GPS for when I couldn't find the arrows/shells or knew I had l lost the path. Even with all of that - I didn't spend anywhere near as much time on my phone as I would have had I stayed home. I kept my phone on airplane mode most of the time. It was quite lovely - but when I did use it - it only enhanced my experience.Exactly right. And some of us who are looking at our phones aren't posting on Twitter and Facebook but are reading a guidebook or other book using the Kindle app on the phone. Of course some of us could be posting on the forum...
I don't plan on the Norte, I throw caution to the wind, that's what the Camino is for me whatever happens. Oh, and I am seventy-seven and just take day by day.One additional note: THE Norte is NOT the Frances in terms of pilgrim support. Long distances and remote areas make advance planning a bit more important especially since you’ve never done a multi-day walk.
Hello pilgrims!
I will soon be walking my first ever camino - I should be arriving in Biarritz on the 3rd of May.
I would like to rely only on a "dumb phone" (think Nokia 3310) for the majority of the trip and only pack my smartphone for emergencies.
To give you some context on how I plan on walking the route: I would like to not make any sleeping arrangements in advance and I am fine with any type of accommodation that doesn't require sleeping bad / bedding because I would like to pack as light as possible. I read that most recommend to book a couple of days in advance and I wonder whether relying only on the accommodation options that I can find in my book guides will be sufficient for this kind of approach.
I am leaning towards camino del Norte because I would prefer a quieter walk, but I wonder whether it will be easier to find sleeping arrangements last-minute along the camino Frances.
Bear in mind that I've never done a multi-day hike before, let alone without having accommodation planned in advance - so I'm a bit anxious about the idea of not having anything booked in advance. Then again, I don't want to book everything in advance to try and really lean into the experience; nor would I like to have to rely on my smartphone.
What do you think?
Aside from personal choices - mine is to be connected even after deathHello pilgrims!
I will soon be walking my first ever camino - I should be arriving in Biarritz on the 3rd of May.
I would like to rely only on a "dumb phone" (think Nokia 3310) for the majority of the trip and only pack my smartphone for emergencies.
To give you some context on how I plan on walking the route: I would like to not make any sleeping arrangements in advance and I am fine with any type of accommodation that doesn't require sleeping bad / bedding because I would like to pack as light as possible. I read that most recommend to book a couple of days in advance and I wonder whether relying only on the accommodation options that I can find in my book guides will be sufficient for this kind of approach.
I am leaning towards camino del Norte because I would prefer a quieter walk, but I wonder whether it will be easier to find sleeping arrangements last-minute along the camino Frances.
Bear in mind that I've never done a multi-day hike before, let alone without having accommodation planned in advance - so I'm a bit anxious about the idea of not having anything booked in advance. Then again, I don't want to book everything in advance to try and really lean into the experience; nor would I like to have to rely on my smartphone.
What do you think?
You don't NEED any kind of phone. If you want one, then take one. Not two. I've done Camino Santiago without, and with. If your phone will take dual SIM, then that's useful.
I once sailed with a friend from La Rochelle to Brazil. You know what? No cell phone reception at all. Sometimes there could have been radio contact with a tanker. We didn't bother trying. Our husbands just had to wait until we arrived to get our news. They survived.
whilst one can be out of reception easily -- that doesn't knock out all the benefits of a smart phone though - not at all - some thoughts
1. you have a gps - it will work offline
2. there's great offline maps and mapping apps
3. there's apps like .what3words' - which work offline
4. you might not be able to get data - but, sometimes, you can get voice - otherwise - you can type up a text and send -- text needs only a blink to operate - send coordinates or a 3 word
5. it's a camera - and, modern ones - good cameras
6. you can have a saved emergency/first aid plan for ref. if needed
each person has their own decision and preference - but, what I say is that - wait until the poop hits the fan and you are out in the boondocks, don't know exactly where you are, you or partner can't walk and along comes someone with a phone ----
the question ------- are you going to use their offer of aid - using their preference for being prepared - or are you going to make up a stick bush stretcher and drag your partner to safety??
for me - in the modern world -------- to think about not taking a smart phone ---- pffffffffft
One week into my boating from Calais to south of Paris - I found a body in a canal - a main canal. I can't speak french - luckily - I have a mate who speaks both french perfectly and English - I rang him - I sent him a what3word position - he called police
within 10 minutes, canal traffic was stopped, at about 20 minutes, an army of police and emergency vehicles arrived --- and, not one of them could speak French
I had an interview with police on my boat - a 3 way interview on speaker with my mate translating
it's 2022 -- we have smartphones ----------- others can feel differently - but, I tell you what - the day that I'm the one that needs help and I'm injured - I hope madly that the person who comes along has the technology with them to help -------------- end of story
Not dumb at all! Smart to have a phone for emergencies which do happen.Hello pilgrims!
I will soon be walking my first ever camino - I should be arriving in Biarritz on the 3rd of May.
I would like to rely only on a "dumb phone" (think Nokia 3310) for the majority of the trip and only pack my smartphone for emergencies.
To give you some context on how I plan on walking the route: I would like to not make any sleeping arrangements in advance and I am fine with any type of accommodation that doesn't require sleeping bad / bedding because I would like to pack as light as possible. I read that most recommend to book a couple of days in advance and I wonder whether relying only on the accommodation options that I can find in my book guides will be sufficient for this kind of approach.
I am leaning towards camino del Norte because I would prefer a quieter walk, but I wonder whether it will be easier to find sleeping arrangements last-minute along the camino Frances.
Bear in mind that I've never done a multi-day hike before, let alone without having accommodation planned in advance - so I'm a bit anxious about the idea of not having anything booked in advance. Then again, I don't want to book everything in advance to try and really lean into the experience; nor would I like to have to rely on my smartphone.
What do you think?
I understand thatThe primary reason I walk is to disconnect from the daily noise of regular life. It is not because I have problems with my life. I utilize the Camino as an introspective journey. A place where I can think through things without the daily distractions of regular life. I have found it to be an ideal environment to identify changes I want to make in myself. Something I find more difficult to do at home.
That said, I would adjust my original post by saying it depends on why you are walking the Camino. If you are on an introspective journey a non-smart phone is adequate. If you are on an outward journey, blogging, an influencer etc. etc. you will need a smart phone.
There are Caminos, imo, that can provide an environment that meets both needs.
I would still recommend the Frances over the Norte for a first time, inexperienced walker.
I would like to rely only on a "dumb phone" (think Nokia 3310) for the majority of the trip and only pack my smartphone for emergencies.
of course one can do it ------------ but, why would one do it?I had no phone at all on my first two caminos. My second camino was from Le Puy to Santiago and i just had a skinny little Michelin guide for the Le Puy Camino. No one spoke English and I speak no French. I had the Brierley book for both Caminos. I am still walking so I am living proof you can do it!!!!
As a first time pilgrim a guidebook would help. The Norte has pretty good infrastructure but nothing like the Frances. The norte in my mind is a more beautiful camino. I would think to calm your nerves and since you have no experience with a long camino I would recommend doing the Camino Frances first.
I take my smartphone now also. I didn't say she should walk without one I just said she could.of course one can do it ------------ but, why would one do it?
I may not have walked a Camino - but, I've walked thousands of kilometres in strange lands and thousands more in my very large homeland - at night, in deserts, in dark streets and alleys, - on oceans (didn't walk there - used a boat, tried the walking - didn't work), mountains - etc.
of course I could have done it without a phone - I used to teach navigation, well before m phones were invented. I can still chart and plot with basic tools --
why would I??? -- there's a very good chance that my first Camino will be from Auxerre - I know how I operate - there'll be many places that I stray off the direct routes or planned routes --
I use a phone all the time - even here - yesterday - I wanted a supermarket - ok - which ones were open on a sunday and which aren't -? - big mystery? ----------- nope - google maps - check the opening hours - all done, all dusted.
wanna check if your bus is on time - open the app - yep - it's on time - or it's 15 minutes late -
see how one feels standing in a strange town at 4 am at what is supposed to be a bus stop - it's dark, it's cold, there's no one else there - there's a tiny sign saying bus stop --
3.59 - no bus - 4.00, no bus - 4.10 - no bus -------------- thoughts??
arrrh, am I at the right place ---
ta da -- open the bus app ----------- the bus is 16 minutes late
4.16 and 20 seconds --------- magically - the bus appears
I'll take my smart phone- I'll also take my Apple watch which hasn't left my wrist since I got the first one except for charging - it monitors my heart 24/7 - the new model can do an ECG - etc etc.
can I live without them? -------------yeah, of course --
would I??? -------------- why would I?
Well your question has been well and truly answered at this stage and if you are any closer to a decision then its a miracle.Hello pilgrims!
I will soon be walking my first ever camino - I should be arriving in Biarritz on the 3rd of May.
I would like to rely only on a "dumb phone" (think Nokia 3310) for the majority of the trip and only pack my smartphone for emergencies.
To give you some context on how I plan on walking the route: I would like to not make any sleeping arrangements in advance and I am fine with any type of accommodation that doesn't require sleeping bad / bedding because I would like to pack as light as possible. I read that most recommend to book a couple of days in advance and I wonder whether relying only on the accommodation options that I can find in my book guides will be sufficient for this kind of approach.
I am leaning towards camino del Norte because I would prefer a quieter walk, but I wonder whether it will be easier to find sleeping arrangements last-minute along the camino Frances.
Bear in mind that I've never done a multi-day hike before, let alone without having accommodation planned in advance - so I'm a bit anxious about the idea of not having anything booked in advance. Then again, I don't want to book everything in advance to try and really lean into the experience; nor would I like to have to rely on my smartphone.
What do you think?
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