Planning My First Camino Journey: Seeking Advice

[SamButtigieg]

I have booked my flight thru Biarritz arriving on 24th April 2024. Based on recommendations and suggestions, I have booked accommodations in SJPdP, Roncesvalles, Zubiri and Pamplona. Unfortunately, I could not get accommodations in Orison (so I'll have to walk to Roncesvalles on Day 1. Should I book additional accommodations past Pamplona or can I do it once I'm on the Camino? This is my first Camino so I would like to have some flexibility as to how far to walk each day and where to stop. Also when should I book my return flight as I don't know how long it will take me to get to Santiago. If I have time I would also like to go to Finesterra or Muxia after Santiago, which adds more uncertainty to my finish. I appreciate your comments and feedback. Thank you. Buen Camino

 

[davejsy]

I don't think you need to worry about booking past Pamplona.

How long entirely depends on you really, but if the rest of your Camino is based on the first stages you mention then it is going to be 33ish days, then Finisterre is going to add another 3-4 days.

 

[Peterexpatkiwi]

Hi Sam, welcome. You've already taken the hardest steps - making the decision, and booking your flights. It all just gets easier from there.
The most common advice is to book the first couple of days; or for the busy periods up until Pamplona - which you've already done. So no, don't book any further at this stage. Once you're on the trail and know the type of distances your comfortable with and how you feel walking every day, you can then figure out if and when you want to take rest days etc.

You're off to a great start!

 

[SamButtigieg]

I don't think you need to worry about booking past Pamplona.

How long entirely depends on you really, but if the rest of your Camino is based on the first stages you mention then it is going to be 33ish days, then Finisterre is going to add another 3-4 days.

Thank you. I appreciate the feedback as I have learned a lot from this forum and the many helpful participants.

 

[SamButtigieg]

Hi Sam, welcome. You've already taken the hardest steps - making the decision, and booking your flights. It all just gets easier from there.
The most common advice is to book the first couple of days; or for the busy periods up until Pamplona - which you've already done. Say no don't book any further at this stage. Once you're on the trail and know the type of distances your comfortable with and how you feel walking every day, you can then figure out if and when you want to take rest days etc.

You're off to a great start!

Thank you. Your feedback is much appreciated. Looking forward to a once in a lifetime adventure.

 

[Anniesantiago]

I have booked my flight thru Biarritz arriving on 24th April 2024. Based on recommendations and suggestions, I have booked accommodations in SJPdP, Roncesvalles, Zubiri and Pamplona. Unfortunately, I could not get accommodations in Orison (so I'll have to walk to Roncesvalles on Day 1. Should I book additional accommodations past Pamplona or can I do it once I'm on the Camino? This is my first Camino so I would like to have some flexibility as to how far to walk each day and where to stop. Also when should I book my return flight as I don't know how long it will take me to get to Santiago. If I have time I would also like to go to Finesterra or Muxia after Santiago, which adds more uncertainty to my finish. I appreciate your comments and feedback. Thank you. Buen Camino

I wouldn't worry past Pamplona (or even IN Pamplona).
However, you don't have to walk all the way to Roncesvalles the first day.
There is a shuttle.
You can walk to Orisson, then take the shuttle back down to SJPP around 2pm.
Book an extra night in SJPP.
Next morning, shuttle up to Orisson and continue on.

By the way, have you checked to see if BORDA has a bed your 2nd night?
It's only 1k past Orisson and it's a wonderful place to stay!

 

[SamButtigieg]

I wouldn't worry past Pamplona (or even IN Pamplona).
However, you don't have to walk all the way to Roncesvalles the first day.
There is a shuttle.
You can walk to Orisson, then take the shuttle back down to SJPP around 2pm.
Book an extra night in SJPP.
Next morning, shuttle up to Orisson and continue on.

By the way, have you checked to see if BORDA has a bed your 2nd night?
It's only 1k past Orisson and it's a wonderful place to stay!

I checked Borda first as that was my first choice. Unfortunately they are booked for the night I was looking for along with Orisson Refuge. I'm not worried about making it all the way to Roncesvalles, but if I get in trouble, good to know there is a shuttle (and I have only heard that you can make taxi arrangements to do the same). Thank you for your feedback.

 

[Anniesantiago]

I checked Borda first as that was my first choice. Unfortunately they are booked for the night I was looking for along with Orisson Refuge. I'm not worried about making it all the way to Roncesvalles, but if I get in trouble, good to know there is a shuttle (and I have only heard that you can make taxi arrangements to do the same). Thank you for your feedback.

You will need to book the shuttle ahead of time.
Express Bourricot runs it (or has in the past)

 

[trecile]

Here's the link for Express Bourricot

Passengers transport - Express Bourricot

www.expressbourricot.com