Return Flight and International Trains Questions

HallOfFreedom said:

If this is a repeated question, I apologize. I tried searching for "return flight" but got no relevant posts.

I have never booked a flight before, and I'm trying to figure out how I would book the return flight. I've never gone on Camino before, so I don't know exactly how long it will take me. Don't I need a specific date to book my flight home in advance?


Second question. I am thinking about landing in Germany to visit friends before starting the Camino Frances route. Can anyone suggest a good website to check the cost and travel distances for doing so?

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don't know where you are flying/booking from. in most instances, you book the return flight with the outgoing flight - which is usually cheaper. One way tickets can be more costly. if you only book a one-way ticket, then your ticket booked in germany would be just another one-way ticket, and not a return ticket. again, potentially a more costly version.

there is an option called: open-jaw ticket - meaning that your initial destination is a different airport/city then the one you return from. (for e.g. leaving from A to B and departing from C back to A)

from germany you can choose overland buses/coaches or trains (sleeper car perhaps, depending from where you'll travel) or get an inexpensive flight (watch out for those hidden fees regarding baggage fee etc) -
there are even 'Mitfahrerzentralen' (ask you german friends about that one) where you can hitch a ride with another driver who happens to travel in your general direction. - charges are insurance and petrol-contribution.

if you have booked an international flight - you might consider using a trust worthy travel agent?!?
good luck and welcome to the adventure of international travel AND the camino.
buen camino.

HallOfFreedom said:

Thanks, but I'm still trying to find out how you book a return flight when you don't know the date you'll be returning...

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Check out the options at an airline site. Expedia.com is an online airline ticket vendor that allows you to compare flight costs and options.

You can buy tickets with fixed dates no flexibility to change ... or you can pay more for flexible dates.

Regardless, remember to check out visa requirements before you buy a ticket so you don't end up overstaying.

If you want to have a leisurely Camino, I'd book your return about 6 weeks after your arrival.

whariwharangi said:

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Regardless, remember to check out visa requirements before you buy a ticket so you don't end up overstaying.

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Both Germany and Spain are part of the European Schengen area, If you hold a US passport you are only allowed to stay in Europe as a tourist for a maximum of 90 days. See more info here http://travel.state.gov/content/passports/english/go/schengen-fact-sheet.html