Now I lay me down to sleep...

[Trekster]

With just a month to go before my camino I'm wondering about alternatives to the albergues that are "complet". Do the private accommodations fill up as quickly? Other options?

I'd appreciate it if the veterans would weigh in. My pack is whittled down to less than 13 pounds so I could add a sleeping mat if it's really necessary.

 

[zammy]

As suumer approaches the albegues will fill faster then now, just calculate your daily distance and reserve ahead, now.

 

[Kiwi-family]

We had only one night where the albergue filled up (and that was largely due to the previous one at Santa Irene being closed for renovations I think). Even then we managed to find eleven beds in a pension for 15 euros each. This was on a very wet day in September.

 

[Trekster]

Thanks for the suggestion to reserve ahead, Zammy. I think that's what I'll do.

 

[KinkyOne]

I walked CF in late May/June 2011 and never had any problems with finding free bed although I walked in quite late, 5PM or even later. Only in Carrion de los Condes I got the bed in third albergue I've asked. But it's also true that I (mostly) didn't do stages usually suggested by Brierley or other guidebooks. If there's a small tienda in the village or at least a bar/restaurant that's fine with me.

Under 500g sleeping bag (or kind of a liner) might come handy also in the albergues. It's not essential but I would recommend it.

Ultreia!

 

[scruffy1]

Try and plan your stages longer or better just a bit shorter shorter then those recommended in the guidebooks, the albergues located in those towns and villages mentioned in say the Brierely book are the first to fill and disappointed pilgrims go on to the next further stop. Once you establish a "not quite there" stage repetition it will be of about an equal distance and your timetable should you have one will not be affected. Coming out of say Burgos or Pamplona is more difficult since there are fewer options but give it a try.

 

[markss]

We may be of different opinion. Mine is that to even think about reserving overnight accomodations one month in advance of ever arriving at the start of the Camino is a terrible idea. Yes perhaps for the first night or two it may be prudent to make a reservation (I wouldn't even do that however) if it helps to get organized and arrive with some peace of mind. After that things will unfold in ways that cannot usually be preplanned. There are too many variables to consider. No need to start placing any unneeded restrictions from the get go.

Part of the benefit of the Camino is learning to let go, get over any feelings that you have of having to keep control or worry unnecessarily about future events that will in fact never occur.

To my knowledge no one along the Camino has met their death, or even any serious setback because an albergue or two was full when they sought a bed. In fact is such instances often a preferable alternative is discovered.

The less planning the better.

I do think this is a fabulous website that provides outstanding service in assisting for the preparation for the Camino. At the same time all of the warnings about all that can go wrong can be somewhat over emphasized causing more concern than is warranted.

 

[lynettefoo]

I think everyone's different. When I walked the Camino last year, I didnt plan and spent alot of time worried whether I would find a place to stay and less time enjoying the scenery around me. I was also constantly calculating how many kms I will walk and where the nearest place to stay is etc.

This year, when I return, I intend to do the opposite. I have booked all my accomodation so that I can just spend time walking from point to point and stop to have a coffee and eat whenever I want to and just enjoy the scenery.

As I have already planned the route, I feel like I have walked it once already and dont feel so anxious. For me, the element of surprise doesnt work. I rather be controlled than to just go with the wind.

But then different people are different and I think both will work out well.