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I think you can make it work for you if you want to.I'm doing my first Camino in August (Le Puy to Santiago). I'm considering planning a week or two vacation somewhere in Europe afterwards with my wife and some close friends. (We live in the United States.)
I've heard so much about the emotions one feels post-Camino, so I'm wondering if a vacation afterwards might be problematic. I love European travel, so usually a vacation like that would be a total joy, but will I regret not just going home after over two months on the Camino? Or will a week or two vacation afterwards with close friends be a nice transition before I head back home?
Since @BillW is planning to walk Le Puy to Santiago, definitely much more than 6 weeks walking.You will have spent 6 weeks or more walking in Europe
Good idea.If you walk into Santiago one day, and the next day rush to another city to meet non-pilgrim friends to socialize and sightsee, it might be disconcerting. Maybe you can build in a couple of deliberate transition days - either in Santiago or by getting to your meeting point a few days before the others arrive.
After two months on the camino I just want to go home. Going somewhere else with family or friends just wouldn’t work.I've heard so much about the emotions one feels post-Camino, so I'm wondering if a vacation afterwards might be problematic.
@BillWI'm doing my first Camino in August (Le Puy to Santiago). I'm considering planning a week or two vacation somewhere in Europe afterwards with my wife and some close friends. (We live in the United States.)
I've heard so much about the emotions one feels post-Camino, so I'm wondering if a vacation afterwards might be problematic. I love European travel, so usually a vacation like that would be a total joy, but will I regret not just going home after over two months on the Camino? Or will a week or two vacation afterwards with close friends be a nice transition before I head back home?
I'm doing my first Camino in August (Le Puy to Santiago). I'm considering planning a week or two vacation somewhere in Europe afterwards with my wife and some close friends. (We live in the United States.)
I've heard so much about the emotions one feels post-Camino, so I'm wondering if a vacation afterwards might be problematic. I love European travel, so usually a vacation like that would be a total joy, but will I regret not just going home after over two months on the Camino? Or will a week or two vacation afterwards with close friends be a nice transition before I head back home?
On our first Camino in 2017 (Frances), we spent an extra day in Santiago at the finish just to savour our accomplishment and take it all in then found our way back to Canada with a day stop in Madrid. We were supercharged and exhausted all in one and this felt right. In 2019, we walked the Portuguese way from Lisbon then at the end tacked 2 days on to visit Fisterre and Muxia (we will walk there next Camino) then flew to Lisbon where we spent a few days touring the city then met friends who flew in from a few places and rented a home in Sintra for 4 nights touring the area. This was magical, especially having friends from Barcelona, Aruba and Lisbon all gather for a special visit together. For this one, we brought an extra suitcase that we stored with friends in Lisbon while we walked the Camino.I'm doing my first Camino in August (Le Puy to Santiago). I'm considering planning a week or two vacation somewhere in Europe afterwards with my wife and some close friends. (We live in the United States.)
I've heard so much about the emotions one feels post-Camino, so I'm wondering if a vacation afterwards might be problematic. I love European travel, so usually a vacation like that would be a total joy, but will I regret not just going home after over two months on the Camino? Or will a week or two vacation afterwards with close friends be a nice transition before I head back home?
I transitioned out of pilgrim mode into tourist mode by doing touristy things in and around SJPP with my Camino friends (folks I met while walking). Spent 4 days there eating tapas, celebrating, shopping, and taking bus tours with different folks from all over the world who, like me, were waiting for flights or PCR tests or whatever. That four days was a nice way to change gears before heading off to become a tourist in Portugal for a week. I will admit that this activity did not stop the lump in my throat and an intense feeling of 'homesickness' for the Camino as I left SJPP. Keep things in perspective and don't overthink your choices is my advice. Stay positive but self-aware. It's okay to feel either or both sad or excited; either way you are extremely blessed to have this choice to make so above all, I wish you gratitude!I'm doing my first Camino in August (Le Puy to Santiago). I'm considering planning a week or two vacation somewhere in Europe afterwards with my wife and some close friends. (We live in the United States.)
I've heard so much about the emotions one feels post-Camino, so I'm wondering if a vacation afterwards might be problematic. I love European travel, so usually a vacation like that would be a total joy, but will I regret not just going home after over two months on the Camino? Or will a week or two vacation afterwards with close friends be a nice transition before I head back home?
Ater completing each of my Caminos I have spent at least a week in Santiago itself before returning home. I have hired a car and used public transport to get around the area. There is plenty to see and do and I found this to be a good wind down from the Camino and it was good to meet up again with others I had met along the way as they arrived to complete their journeys. Family and friends came out to be with me and they too enjoyed the experience of meeting other pilgrims as well as visiting the cathedral and taking in the sights and atmosphere of Santiago.I'm doing my first Camino in August (Le Puy to Santiago). I'm considering planning a week or two vacation somewhere in Europe afterwards with my wife and some close friends. (We live in the United States.)
I've heard so much about the emotions one feels post-Camino, so I'm wondering if a vacation afterwards might be problematic. I love European travel, so usually a vacation like that would be a total joy, but will I regret not just going home after over two months on the Camino? Or will a week or two vacation afterwards with close friends be a nice transition before I head back home?
Good Morning! I think planning a short vacation or "decompression" after completing the Camino is a good idea. Ive done four Caminos, and after each one I have taken some time "off" before returning to Canada. In 2009 I spent close to a week in Fintisterre, exploring the coast and just hanging out. In 2013, I took the train from Santiago to Irun, and spent a week doing day walks around San Sebastian, Hondarribia, Hendaye,....beautiful north coast towns and great climate. In 2016, took the bus from Finnisterre down to Noia on the west coast, and spent a week doing day trips around that area...charming coastal villages. In 2018, it was off to Lisbon for a week of great food, drink and exploration of that fabulous city. Bottom line is that extra week or so gives you a chance to reflect, to appreciate the experience of the Camino, and to relax back into a more "usual" pattern of life. However you choose to spend it, take some extra time at the end.I'm doing my first Camino in August (Le Puy to Santiago). I'm considering planning a week or two vacation somewhere in Europe afterwards with my wife and some close friends. (We live in the United States.)
I've heard so much about the emotions one feels post-Camino, so I'm wondering if a vacation afterwards might be problematic. I love European travel, so usually a vacation like that would be a total joy, but will I regret not just going home after over two months on the Camino? Or will a week or two vacation afterwards with close friends be a nice transition before I head back home?
2018, SJPDP to Santiago, Sep/Oct, 35 days walking. Had five days before my return flight back to USA. Used the extra days to return slowly to Madrid on busses. Overnight stays in Salamanca, Toledo, and Segovia. Two nights in Madrid. Wonderful, nice private rooms, hot shower, TV in the background with weather report. Sitting in a very comfortable seat on the bus watching the scenery. Saw the sights. Prado in Madrid is a must.. Madrid took adjustment, so many people! Madrid is pricey but metro allows for lodging away from city center that is more affordable.I'm doing my first Camino in August (Le Puy to Santiago). I'm considering planning a week or two vacation somewhere in Europe afterwards with my wife and some close friends. (We live in the United States.)
I've heard so much about the emotions one feels post-Camino, so I'm wondering if a vacation afterwards might be problematic. I love European travel, so usually a vacation like that would be a total joy, but will I regret not just going home after over two months on the Camino? Or will a week or two vacation afterwards with close friends be a nice transition before I head back home?
It is the most difficult thing to do post Camino. However the "problems" are all internal and personal which means that you are not going to be good company in the 2 weeks after. I found it best to fall back into "real life" which deflected the Camino obsession and for me definitely made it easier to readjust.I'm doing my first Camino in August (Le Puy to Santiago). I'm considering planning a week or two vacation somewhere in Europe afterwards with my wife and some close friends. (We live in the United States.)
I've heard so much about the emotions one feels post-Camino, so I'm wondering if a vacation afterwards might be problematic. I love European travel, so usually a vacation like that would be a total joy, but will I regret not just going home after over two months on the Camino? Or will a week or two vacation afterwards with close friends be a nice transition before I head back home?
All the way to Europe does not happen every day. I would say take advantage of any opportunities to meet friends and visit new places. My husband was not interested in doing the Camino but after my Santiago, he came over from Canada and we met up in Barcelona. It was a double disconnect: away from the Camino and with someone who had not done the trail, but all was well and I have wonderful memories of Barcelona that I shared with my guy.I'm doing my first Camino in August (Le Puy to Santiago). I'm considering planning a week or two vacation somewhere in Europe afterwards with my wife and some close friends. (We live in the United States.)
I've heard so much about the emotions one feels post-Camino, so I'm wondering if a vacation afterwards might be problematic. I love European travel, so usually a vacation like that would be a total joy, but will I regret not just going home after over two months on the Camino? Or will a week or two vacation afterwards with close friends be a nice transition before I head back home?
I would recommend a transition time from the completion of your Camino walk to returning to your home. You might consider giving yourself a few days in one location to just chill. After my first Camino I had scheduled a week with friends who live in Norway. It was a perfect transition for me. They gave me foot massages every day and although we did go out a bit for some site seeing, we mostly just hung out. At the least, give yourself a few days in Santiago. Buen Camino!I'm doing my first Camino in August (Le Puy to Santiago). I'm considering planning a week or two vacation somewhere in Europe afterwards with my wife and some close friends. (We live in the United States.)
I've heard so much about the emotions one feels post-Camino, so I'm wondering if a vacation afterwards might be problematic. I love European travel, so usually a vacation like that would be a total joy, but will I regret not just going home after over two months on the Camino? Or will a week or two vacation afterwards with close friends be a nice transition before I head back home?
I took about 3 weeks to tour Spain and revisit London after my Camino in 2019 - I've still got the glow. Don't worryI'm doing my first Camino in August (Le Puy to Santiago). I'm considering planning a week or two vacation somewhere in Europe afterwards with my wife and some close friends. (We live in the United States.)
I've heard so much about the emotions one feels post-Camino, so I'm wondering if a vacation afterwards might be problematic. I love European travel, so usually a vacation like that would be a total joy, but will I regret not just going home after over two months on the Camino? Or will a week or two vacation afterwards with close friends be a nice transition before I head back home?
This is a really great question. When my wife and I did our first Camino in 2016 (St Jean to Santiago) we spent 10 days traveling Spain afterwards. It was very weird. After spending 4 or 5 weeks in the Camino “bubble” we did not enjoy the tourist life as much as we thought. I suggest either doing the tourist thing before your Camino or just spend an extra night in Santiago. Perhaps an additional night in Muxia/Finisterre as well. Buen Camino!I took about 3 weeks to tour Spain and revisit London after my Camino in 2019 - I've still got the glow. Don't worry
I'm doing my first Camino in August (Le Puy to Santiago). I'm considering planning a week or two vacation somewhere in Europe afterwards with my wife and some close friends. (We live in the United States.)
I've heard so much about the emotions one feels post-Camino, so I'm wondering if a vacation afterwards might be problematic. I love European travel, so usually a vacation like that would be a total joy, but will I regret not just going home after over two months on the Camino? Or will a week or two vacation afterwards with close friends be a nice transition before I head back home?
Hi Bill I may see you - as I am starting at St Jean Pied De Port on 23 August... In 2019 I walked my fist Camino - and I found it helpful to return to the 'non Camino World' very slowly as did the friends I walked with. Best wishes Yorkshire TerryI'm doing my first Camino in August (Le Puy to Santiago). I'm considering planning a week or two vacation somewhere in Europe afterwards with my wife and some close friends. (We live in the United States.)
I've heard so much about the emotions one feels post-Camino, so I'm wondering if a vacation afterwards might be problematic. I love European travel, so usually a vacation like that would be a total joy, but will I regret not just going home after over two months on the Camino? Or will a week or two vacation afterwards with close friends be a nice transition before I head back home?
Along with building in some "flex time" post Camino, this sounds to me like the best option, especially since you need to coordinate with your friends, and your wife if she isn't Caminoing with you.your body will be ready for a good long rest. And if you're anything like me, you'll be more than ready to sleep in your own bed! Perhaps you should have your holiday BEFORE you start the camino?
I’ve waked three different Camino’s and each time took 1-3 weeks afterwards to sit on the Mediterranean or relax elsewhere. Best re-entry medicine. Couldn’t have imagined returning to the USA immediately afterwards. Also - think about spending extra time in Santiago… what a joy to sit sipping coffee mornings along the Way and watching pilgrims enter the heart of the city.I'm doing my first Camino in August (Le Puy to Santiago). I'm considering planning a week or two vacation somewhere in Europe afterwards with my wife and some close friends. (We live in the United States.)
I've heard so much about the emotions one feels post-Camino, so I'm wondering if a vacation afterwards might be problematic. I love European travel, so usually a vacation like that would be a total joy, but will I regret not just going home after over two months on the Camino? Or will a week or two vacation afterwards with close friends be a nice transition before I head back home?
Vacation or not, I don't know, but it is certainly a good idea to make your return home a journey rather than just a flight home, so it sounds like a good enough way to achieve that.I'm doing my first Camino in August (Le Puy to Santiago). I'm considering planning a week or two vacation somewhere in Europe afterwards with my wife and some close friends. (We live in the United States.)
I've heard so much about the emotions one feels post-Camino, so I'm wondering if a vacation afterwards might be problematic. I love European travel, so usually a vacation like that would be a total joy, but will I regret not just going home after over two months on the Camino? Or will a week or two vacation afterwards with close friends be a nice transition before I head back home?
Another option is to book a flight out of Santiago that gives you plenty of latitude for wandering. I've never done it but often considered going up to La Coruña - it's a nice but not huge seaside town.Just buy a ticket home from Paris (or whatever your gateway city is) for some future date before you leave. How exactly you will get to Paris and catch that flight is something to consider when you get to Santiago
On two of my Caminos, I rented a car in SdC together with two fellow pilgrims, and we drove along the CN in reverse to San Sebastian with 4 stops. Very recommendable and thoroughly enjoyable!I'm doing my first Camino in August (Le Puy to Santiago). I'm considering planning a week or two vacation somewhere in Europe afterwards with my wife and some close friends. (We live in the United States.)
I've heard so much about the emotions one feels post-Camino, so I'm wondering if a vacation afterwards might be problematic. I love European travel, so usually a vacation like that would be a total joy, but will I regret not just going home after over two months on the Camino? Or will a week or two vacation afterwards with close friends be a nice transition before I head back home?
On two of my Caminos, I rented a car in SdC together with two fellow pilgrims, and we drove along the CN in reverse to San Sebastian
It depends what one means by vacation. If your idea is a run through the capitals of Europe or a week of parties in Barcelona, I don't know if I would recommend it. If you want to sit in a seaside village to decompress and reflect, perhaps it can be a good idea.
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