Second Camino but where to go

[Forestgirl]

Hi everyone,
I am flying into Gatwick on March 15. From Gatwick I have many affordable choices flying into Spain (or Lisbon). I haven't decided where to walk and it's driving me crazy. I had planned to walk the Portuguese Camino, but recently saw that albergues etc are quite expensive so now I'm considering the VdlP? Any opinions/recommendations would be gratefully accepted. My budget is on the lower end so I have to follow those limits. I am trying to spend 30-40€ a day. I will be walking for 82 days. Maybe this crazy. Looking for a push or prod towards a decision. If I find it's not a good fit when I arrive then a train ride can take me elsewhere. It's nothing that cannot be undone. On the other hand, I feel wherever my boots land will be the right place as I know the magic of this experience and feel strongly that you get what's needed when you need on the Camino... no matter where you are or what you need. I comfortable exploring the outer edges of my comfort zones admitting this is often what offers the most profound experiences.
Blessings
Jennifer

 

[MileHighPair]

We did the VdlP beginning last March 31. Highly recommended. It is a great Camino if you are a strong walker. Some of the stages are a bit long, and we did get many days of rain. It is beautiful country, and you can easily manage on the budget you mentioned. You could look at our blog listed below. I tried to give a "pilgrim tip" each day concerning the route or albergues, etc. (We walked Merida to Astorga, then on to Santiago on the Frances). Buen Camino!

 

[gerardcarey]

Don't go getting your toga in a twist just yet cobber.
But it is exciting isn't it! Woohoo!
You'll be absolutely fine in Spain or Portugal on 30-40 euro per day staying in albergues. France is a different matter.
You don't have to plan the 82 days. You just have to plan the first day of your first Camino. Then plan how to get there from Gatwick.
After deciding on the first Camino you will do, and there's no great hurry, try using the site rometorio for some initial 'getting there from Gatwick' ideas.
Regards and good travelling,
I'm looking forward to April in Portugal,
Gerard

 

[naplesdon]

Flying into Gatwick with 82 days makes it sounds like you're coming from the US, so make sure your get in and get out in less than 90 days. 30 to 40 euros will get you anywhere. Lisbon to Ferrol with lots of time left for Muxia and Finisterre.

 

[Anemone del Camino]

Albergues from Porto to Santiago are the same price as albergues on the Frances. I don't know where you got the information that they are more expensive.

 

[SYates]

With that time allowance, and with that budget, you could just start walking from where you have landed ;-) Buen Camino, SY

 

[Kanga]

@Forestgirl with that amount of time, starting mid-March and with a limited budget, the Via de la Plata seems ideal. Over 1000 km, good municipal albergue infrastructure (so not too expensive, many are donativo) and enough other pilgrims for social connections.

 

[Anemone del Camino]

@Forestgirl with that amount of time, starting mid-March and with a limited budget, the Via de la Plata seems ideal. Over 1000 km, good municipal albergue infrastructure (so not too expensive, many are donativo) and enough other pilgrims for social connections.

Kanga, is that when you are heading out?

 

[Kanga]

I'm starting about 20 April, and probably from Salamanca. Although considering further south. I'm with other people (started by myself; we are now up to four, I'm going to have to stop spruiking !) and don't want to push them.

 

[Forestgirl]

Thanks Kanga,
That's exactly what I needed to hear. I'm so happy that to have finally made my last big choice. Soon it'll be eat, sleep, walk. Time is a slow delicious unwinding of life. I cannot wait to get back.
What is your favorite city on the VdLP? Is the change in terrain? I really like the Camino Frances because all the various landscapes which for me felt like the four seasons... would you say the VdLP is more flat than mountainous? I feel stupid awaking. It's just difficult to find a proper satellite map with each of the Camino routes. If I do find something it's either shown smaller "stage/day" and I'm unable to see the whole thing in proper detail. Now, I'm sure I could find a helpful map somewhere, but haven't had time. I'm just curious for planning purposes. I am not looking for an incredibly in-depth description. Any little thoughts you'd care to share would be great. Thanks so much. Jennifer.

Flying into Gatwick with 82 days makes it sounds like you're coming from the US, so make sure your get in and get out in less than 90 days. 30 to 40 euros will get you anywhere. Lisbon to Ferrol with lots of time left for Muxia and Finisterre.

 

[Anemone del Camino]

What is your favorite city on the VdLP? Is the change in terrain? I really like the Camino Frances because all the various landscapes which for me felt like the four seasons... would you say the VdLP is more flat than mountainous? I feel stupid awaking.
.

Jennifer, take a look at Nalod's blog and his beautiful pictures of VDLP. Looked at them last night and decided this was for me this March.

http://dermotdolan.blogspot.ca/2016/03/via-de-la-plata-february-1-to-february.html

 

[Forestgirl]

With that time allowance, and with that budget, you could just start walking from where you have landed ;-) Buen Camino, SY

Just a side note. I bought your book for my first Camino and found it unbelievably useful. Thank you for answering pretty much every question I had about more than just my packing list. It is invaluable wealth of information.

 

[Forestgirl]

Don't go getting your toga in a twist just yet cobber.
But it is exciting isn't it! Woohoo!
You'll be absolutely fine in Spain or Portugal on 30-40 euro per day staying in albergues. France is a different matter.
You don't have to plan the 82 days. You just have to plan the first day of your first Camino. Then plan how to get there from Gatwick.
After deciding on the first Camino you will do, and there's no great hurry, try using the site rometorio for some initial 'getting there from Gatwick' ideas.
Regards and good travelling,
I'm looking forward to April in Portugal,
Gerard

Gerald,
I've walked the Camino Frances so I know what you say is true. The first day is the only day to plan. However knowledge is power. I don't want to approach this Camino without common sense planning. Running out of money without knowing what I'm getting myself into would make little good of my time. With that in mind, I will be adding the site rometoria to my go to list. And thank for telling me about the site rometoria. I always welcome any info or advices. Thank you and blessings
Jennifer

 

[Forestgirl]

We did the VdlP beginning last March 31. Highly recommended. It is a great Camino if you are a strong walker. Some of the stages are a bit long, and we did get many days of rain. It is beautiful country, and you can easily manage on the budget you mentioned. You could look at our blog listed below. I tried to give a "pilgrim tip" each day concerning the route or albergues, etc. (We walked Merida to Astorga, then on to Santiago on the Frances). Buen Camino!

Wow. Your blog is great. Very helpful. Thanks for sharing.