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It's because many people started during Easter week. They are traveling in a wave.Does anyone know if the numbers are up early and very high? My friends are near Santo Domingo having a hard time up til now getting lodging, but they say it is getting easier near Santo Domingo
Ah of course. I did know that about Holy Week, but I’m getting ready to start the CF and so am obsessing a bit about the details.It's because many people started during Easter week. They are traveling in a wave.
Once. Walked on after a nice salad, and 13km later found not only a lovely albergue, but the folks we had thought were miles ahead, plus an 80 something year old cyclist dad who was complaining that his daughter was not able to keep his preferred pace...Portomarin was packed to the gills.
This question is directed at those that walk the CF during the height of the summer rush.
How often have you not been able to find accommodations and what did you wind up doing in those instances?
It was busy during Easter week this year. One town opened their gymnasium and provided gym mats when there was an overflow. I haven’t encountered any problems since Easter Week. I’m currently in Ponferrada.It's because many people started during Easter week. They are traveling in a wave.
I have the same question, am walking my first CF in late June - July and will arrive (hopefully) in SdC on July 24. I'm not planning to reserve, but will just go where my feet lead me, and be prepared to keep walking on. I'm going solo and enjoy a good adventure. At least that's what I'm telling myself!Hi Geodoc, I just walked the extra 5 or 10 Km.
25 July is the day of the Fete de Santiago be prepared for huge crowds and few beds.I have the same question, am walking my first CF in late June - July and will arrive (hopefully) in SdC on July 24. I'm not planning to reserve, but will just go where my feet lead me, and be prepared to keep walking on. I'm going solo and enjoy a good adventure. At least that's what I'm telling myself!
I did already answer, but I see the thread is still active. It is 13 years since I walked the CF. Looks like yes, there are many more pilgrims now. I haven't got the kind of brain that keeps track of numbers. I used to hear of numbers like 400 or so in Roncesvalles. Then I would stand, in the mornings, at the fence in the garden in Zabaldika, and look over the field far below, and see pilgrims trotting along, either heading to Trinidad de Arres or Huarte. 400? Not so sure. Rarely did we have completo, but sometimes yes.This question is directed at those that walk the CF during the height of the summer rush.
How often have you not been able to find accommodations and what did you wind up doing in those instances?
How about a few days later?On 24 and 25 July, we ALWAYS end up referring people to the #6 bus from Plaza de Galicia to ride out of the city, east, to the large albuerge at Monte de Gozo. But that is about 5 km from the Cathedral.
Sounds amazing! I've booked for Santiago, and maybe I will consider booking ahead when I get near Sarria. i hear beds are hard to find! Hopefully, I will have figured out a system on the way from St. Jean, but as for now, I'm booked at St. Jean, and Santiago. The rest is in God's hands?!I second, third, and fourth what BiarritzDon states above. If you plan to be at Santiago on or about Thursday 25 July, and have not already booked in a hotel or private Albuerge, you will likely be out of luck.
This day is the single largest major national holiday, religious feast, and all around party. Everyone who is anyone in Spanish politics is usually here. The King of Spain does attend some years. Other times, a senior member of the government stands in for the King.
The ever-popular, world class fireworks and laser light show are at midnight on 24 July, to celebrate the Feast of Santiago, who is also the patron Saint of Spain, and of Galicia. Typically the several days bracketing the holiday see a couple of a MILLION people visiting the city. Pilgrims are a very small percentage of the overall party goers for those days, and have to compete for bed space.
So, if you plan to come to Santiago then, PLEASE make a reservation. The Pilgrim Office has no rooms and cannot make reservations for you.
On 24 and 25 July, we ALWAYS end up referring people to the #6 bus from Plaza de Galicia to ride out of the city, east, to the large albuerge at Monte de Gozo. But that is about 5 km from the Cathedral.
I have worked at the Pilgrim Office, this time each summer for five years. So, I have been there and seen that. I am planning to do be working again this coming July.
Hope this helps.
Yes, I would try and book some place. I always book ahead in Santiago, in Summer, it is very busy. I don’t know about albergues but try Hostal Hortas or Hospederia San Martin Pinario. (Ask for their pilgrim rooms).How about a few days later?
How long do the festivities last?
I will be entering SdC on 30th July, maybe 1st August. Should I really go for a reservation?
TiA
Buen Camino!
Roland
How about a few days later?
How long do the festivities last?
I will be entering SdC on 30th July, maybe 1st August. Should I really go for a reservation?
TiA
Buen Camino!
Roland
Sounds amazing! I've booked for Santiago, and maybe I will consider booking ahead when I get near Sarria. i hear beds are hard to find! Hopefully, I will have figured out a system on the way from St. Jean, but as for now, I'm booked at St. Jean, and Santiago. The rest is in God's hands?!
Thanks. I am trying to book a few failsafes for my hopeful Jun/Jul Camino, ending in Santiago on feast day Jul 25. I expect crowds. But esp around Deba, am unable to reserve anything right now, checked airbnb, Gronze and booking.com. Is this normal? Thinking I should bring a bivvy sac incase I have to sleep outdoors. Hoping there are alot more options once I start walking, than what I find online?Instead of strictly following the Brierely stages, seriously consider staying at the last albergue BEFORE entering the recommended stopping place, OR the first place, coming out from the recommended stopping place. Very often, these accommodations are overlooked and will have space available.
Hope this helps.
Uh, no, it is not normal.Thanks. I am trying to book a few fail safes for my hopeful Jun/Jul Camino, ending in Santiago on feast day Jul 25. I expect crowds. But esp around Deba, am unable to reserve anything right now, checked airbnb, Gronze and booking.com. Is this normal?
It is great to be researching the towns, likely stopping points, existing accommodations, studying the route on Google maps, etc. However, I would not be making any reservations until at least April (for a June start). It seems unlikely that we will have any clear idea at all, for many months, of what the walking and lodging logistics will be for next summer.Hoping there are a lot more options once I start walking
Thank you. Unfortunately there was only availability for $186 a night. Is this a standard rate? It will make for a very expensive Camino!Try Agroturisimo Donibane in Itziar, just before Deba. Great farmhouse there, good accomodations and the owner is over the top friendly....
TkuUh, no, it is not normal.
It is great to be researching the towns, likely stopping points, existing accommodations, studying the route on Google maps, etc. However, I would not be making any reservations until at least April (for a June start). It seems unlikely that we will have any clear idea at all, for many months, of what the walking and lodging logistics will be for next summer.
Thank you. Unfortunately there was only availability for $186 a night. Is this a standard rate? It will make for a very expensive Camino!
Dunno where you're looking but €45 seems closer to the going rate https://doniolaizola.wixsite.com/ingles/roomsrates . That said trying to book for 2021 in the middle of a global pandemic that is screwing over even the best of governments seems, to me, like an especial exercise in futility. If we get to 2021 with some mobility then try again - and avoid (like the plagueThank you. Unfortunately there was only availability for $186 a night. Is this a standard rate? It will make for a very expensive Camino!
It is great to be researching the towns, likely stopping points, existing accommodations, studying the route on Google maps, etc. However, I would not be making any reservations until at least April (for a June start). It seems unlikely that we will have any clear idea at all, for many months, of what the walking and lodging logistics will be for next summer.
That said trying to book for 2021 in the middle of a global pandemic that is screwing over even the best of governments seems, to me, like an especial exercise in futility.
Are you really planning on the basis of the hoards of pilgrims that might have come, if it were not for the huge matter of an ongoing pandemic? Any statistics and trends of the past are totally irrelevant. Even in a busy year at peak season, reservations would be possible just a week or two prior to your arrival!Yes it is a jubilee year in 2021 for patron St James, so I fear it is even more competitive than normal,
Just sleep outside with an inflatable mattress, a sleeping bag, and a traditional big black woollen Pilgrim's cape to keep you warm -- that's what I do.This question is directed at those that walk the CF during the height of the summer rush.
How often have you not been able to find accommodations and what did you wind up doing in those instances?
Whether or not it will be a busy year is anyone's guess. It all depends on what happens with Covid.Just another opinion to confuse the issue............................Since it is going to be a busy year, make the reservations as long as they are refundable. Nothing to lose by doing it this way and you would be secured a place to stay...........Now I know you are completely confused....
Yes it is a jubilee year in 2021 for patron St James, so I fear it is even more competitive than normal, and they probably have to make up for lost time from the covid. I am taking a bivvy sac And will sleep under a tree if I need to... God will provide. Cannot afford $200 a night for 30 nights
Thanks for your insight, it is greatly appreciated. But I think I have nothing to lose as no one is charging upfront [except for major hotels and airbnb] and there is free cancellation almost until the date. No time like the present, so I will keep on planning!Under 'normal' circumstances it can be fun to start planning many months ahead of your planned Camino.
Places you might like to stay, things to see. It's all part of the joy of planning.
But to book so far ahead, even under 'normal' circumstances, would be unusual, as prices and availability fluctuate so much, and many places only make beds 'available' to aggregation sites like 'Booking dot com', a couple of weeks ahead. So 'normally' 3-4 weeks ahead would be ample if you wanted to book ahead.
Now fold in the abnormal.........
Next year is a Holy Year, and who knows yet what will happen. There is talk of it being extended, so that might smooth out the large peak in Pilgrim numbers.
The big unknown of course is the Pandemic. Many accommodations are closed and therefore won't even be showing as having availability online. They don't know if they will be able to open or if they will still even be in business.
IMHO, by all means plan, it's fun. But I think to even consider booking anything at this stage would be rather pointless, hugely expensive (as fewer places are open), and will only end in dissappointment as the circumstances change and you have to unravel what you booked. The game will all change again next week.... it's a fluid situation.
Who knows what may transpire? We may have 3rd waves, 4th waves. There is talk of a vaccine when it comes, as probably only being 50% effective due to the necessary urgency of the development process. And many forecasts are saying we might get a vaccine by mid 2021 if we are lucky.
Put all that into the mixing pot, and I would think the thing we need most right now is faith and patience
I am dearly awaiting the chance to walk my 4th Camino, a mere Newbie compared to many here!
I hope to walk the VdlP. In 2022.
I had planned to skip the crowds of 2021 anyway.
But who knows, 2021 might be impacted and 2022 becomes the extended Holy year.
Maybe the vaccines or other measures aren't that effective even by then?
Too many maybes sadly.
So I'll keep my fingers crossed for 2022 and that prevailing conditions and health will allow me to go.
I'm doing lots of planning, dreaming, reading other Pilgrims accounts. Keeping my plans 'alive'.
But I also know, that for whatever reason. my 2022 VdlP, might end up being 2023, 2024......
I'll just wait patiently, and if I am meant to go, I'll be ready when the time comes.
Buen Camino and happy planning
Not confused at all, that is exactly my strategy!Whether or not it will be a busy year is anyone's guess. It all depends on what happens with Covid.
Awesome, I have been waiting for a fellow camper to tell me this is possible and occurs...no problem here finding a nice soft spot under a tree. It would be a welcome change from Colorado where I cannot due to cougars and bearsJust sleep outside with an inflatable mattress, a sleeping bag, and a traditional big black woollen Pilgrim's cape to keep you warm -- that's what I do.
Having to sleep in pens, barns, stables made for animals can happen from time to time, though not really on the Francès, at least not since the mid-90s when some Refugios were still converted establishments of that type, but even so it's quite unusual.
Better a dark but comfortable spot a little way off from the trail, unless it's raining too much for it in which case look for somewhere covered and yet preferably secluded in the pueblo. And you never know -- spontaneous villager hospitaleros do appear from time to time as Camino Angels
Awesome, I have been waiting for a fellow camper to tell me this is possible and occurs...no problem here finding a nice soft spot under a tree. It would be a welcome change from Colorado where I cannot due to cougars and bears
Wise & experienced words, worthy of paying attention to.Under 'normal' circumstances it can be fun to start planning many months ahead of your planned Camino.
Places you might like to stay, things to see. It's all part of the joy of planning.
But to book so far ahead, even under 'normal' circumstances, would be unusual, as prices and availability fluctuate so much, and many places only make beds 'available' to aggregation sites like 'Booking dot com', a couple of weeks ahead. So 'normally' 3-4 weeks ahead would be ample if you wanted to book ahead.
Now fold in the abnormal.........
Next year is a Holy Year, and who knows yet what will happen. There is talk of it being extended, so that might smooth out the large peak in Pilgrim numbers.
The big unknown of course is the Pandemic. Many accommodations are closed and therefore won't even be showing as having availability online. They don't know if they will be able to open or if they will still even be in business.
IMHO, by all means plan, it's fun. But I think to even consider booking anything at this stage would be rather pointless, hugely expensive (as fewer places are open), and will only end in dissappointment as the circumstances change and you have to unravel what you booked. The game will all change again next week.... it's a fluid situation.
Who knows what may transpire? We may have 3rd waves, 4th waves. There is talk of a vaccine when it comes, as probably only being 50% effective due to the necessary urgency of the development process. And many forecasts are saying we might get a vaccine by mid 2021 if we are lucky.
Put all that into the mixing pot, and I would think the thing we need most right now is faith and patience
I am dearly awaiting the chance to walk my 4th Camino, a mere Newbie compared to many here!
I hope to walk the VdlP. In 2022.
I had planned to skip the crowds of 2021 anyway.
But who knows, 2021 might be impacted and 2022 becomes the extended Holy year.
Maybe the vaccines or other measures aren't that effective even by then?
Too many maybes sadly.
So I'll keep my fingers crossed for 2022 and that prevailing conditions and health will allow me to go.
I'm doing lots of planning, dreaming, reading other Pilgrims accounts. Keeping my plans 'alive'.
But I also know, that for whatever reason. my 2022 VdlP, might end up being 2023, 2024......
I'll just wait patiently, and if I am meant to go, I'll be ready when the time comes.
Buen Camino and happy planning
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