Out of depth pilgrim :(

[dMiller]

Hey guys.. I am pretty young but I am looking to book a kind of last minute pilgrimage! Is there a possibility all the accommodation will be full in July and August already? I was thinking of just booking for the larger cities and sort of winging the rest.

If pro-pilgrims are reading this and shaking their head's in despair please arrow me on the right path. Any feedback would be appreciated. Also any Irish people that have tips for flights to and from?

Thanks a lot .

Darragh.

 

[Deleted member 3000]

You cannot book ahead in most albergues (some private albergues will accept reservations, though). July and August will be busy, so you might not get your first choice in some places, particularly in the last 100km of the pilgrimage. The later you walk, the greater the chance that the beds will be full. If you stop in the smaller places, your chances for a bed are better because most pilgrims head for the big cities. On occasion, the only beds may be in hostales, where the cost will be about 25-30 Euro for a single. A double is only a bit more, so finding a roommate will reduce the cost.

Buen camin.!

 

[tyrrek]

Hi Darragh!

I assume you're planning to start in St Jean PP? In that case you can get Ryanair from Dublin to Biarritz, local bus from the airport to Bayonne station and then the train to SJPP. Unless the timetables have changed since last year the flight from London arrives around the same time, so there will probably be several English speaking pilgrims at the bus stop and train station. You'll have some time before the train leaves, so it's a great chance to get to know people over a coffee/beer before you even get to the start!

Back from Santiago I think Aer Lingus do a seasonal service to Dublin, but I don't know about dates and prices. Otherwise it might be a case of bus/train to Madrid.

Buen Camino!

 

[dMiller]

Thanks a lot guys. I will start in Biaritz!! That sounds great. Very helpfull. I look forward to meeting plenty of fellow pilgrims. Now to start preparing my feet

 

[mspath]

Hello,

In order to stay in any pilgrim albergue you will need a Pilgrim Passport or Credential. In Saint-Jean Pied de Port the office for the Amies du Chemin de Saint Jacques at 39 rue de la Citadelle usually stays open for the arrival of the last train each day. They can provide you with a Credential as well as lodging assistance. Their volunteers help run the albergue at 55 rue de la Citadelle. Recently renovated this is a fine place to stay, but they do NOT take reservations. If their albergue is full they will help you find lodgings when you are on site.

Buen Camino,

Margaret