Rodney Kent
Member
- Time of past OR future Camino
- Oct 2023
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I used to look for the quickest connection in Dubai when flying with Emirates but then I remembered that if the connection time is longer than 6 hours Emirates give you a free hotel room in Dubai.I’m planning ahead for a 2022 Camino. While I’ve walked four times before along different Camino routes, I’m always looking for ways to make the walk easier. One of the big strains for me is the toll that very long distance flights take on my body.
I would love to hear from other people who have to travel a long way to get to the start of the actual Camino, how you manage the travel to minimise the impact on you and your body. I’m curious about things like what you carry on board, sleep assistance, exercise, minimising jet-lag, and so on.
The back story: I now live in Dunedin, New Zealand, so I’m just about as far from Spain as it’s possible to be. I’m originally from Brisbane, Australia, which isn’t much closer to Spain. It can take the better part of 3 days some trips to reach the starting point of the Camino, when factoring in flight times, transits, getting to and from airports, check-in times etc, and travelling within Spain after arriving in either Madrid or Barcelona. I sleep badly on planes and sitting in an awkward position for such a long time means that by the time I get to the start of the walk, I’m physically feeling pretty exhausted. To make the flights easier, I’ve often carried devices like noise cancelling headphones, which then add weight to the pack. I really want to keep the weight of my pack down for my next Camino and arrive at the start of the walk feeling in decent condition. Any suggestions?
3. Eat nothing on the plane.
Fasting during the flight also works for me, when I've had the willpower to do it. It's a really tough proposition on a long-haul flight. Especially a super-long flight from NZ to Europe. But it really does work. Apparently, it's the approach that the CIA teaches its agents. The full CIA approach is quite involved, but simply avoiding booze and airline food is already a good start.
Wash your mouth out with soap!
A couple of times on Emirates or Thai Airways I have managed to get an upgrade.
There is no way on earth...........I am not eating
If these are the large, over-the-ear style headphones, you are short-changing yourself. The Bose Acoustic Comfort 20 noise-cancelling headphones are in-the-ear style earbuds, and work quite well. (Other models by other makers are possibly available.) The weight is negligible, as is the volume required in the pack. I wouldn't travel anywhere without mine.To make the flights easier, I’ve often carried devices like noise cancelling headphones, which then add weight to the pack.
I completely agree on the Dubai connection and Emirates. The point, I believe, you are making is that, if you do your own research and not turn over your trip to a travel agency (they make money by getting you out of their que of travel requests the quickest and with the most profit) you can find some interesting deals to make your long trip less onerous.I used to look for the quickest connection in Dubai when flying with Emirates but then I remembered that if the connection time is longer than 6 hours Emirates give you a free hotel room in Dubai.
So now I look for a connection that is about 8 to 10 hours after landing in Dubai and have a sleep at the hotel. The trick is that you (or your travel agent) have to request the free hotel room before you leave ANZ because if you wait until you land in Dubai to ask for it they ALWAYS tell you that they have no rooms left.
The other trick is to ensure that they have your email address. The last time I flew back from Spain they emailed me a couple of days before leaving offering me an upgrade to Business Class for $120 and so I accepted and ate decent food and was able to sleep in the bigger seats that go completely flat.
Good luck
There are some great suggestions here. I once read a book on avoiding jetlag and most of the suggestions made in the book are listed in these posts: staying hydrated, regulating when you sleep, etc. What we have found helps more than anything is upgrading to business class, however. Laying down flat is the only way I can sleep. As someone once told me, "when you fly business class your vacation starts when you get to the airport. It makes flying part of the fun adventure and not something to merely endure".I’m planning ahead for a 2022 Camino. While I’ve walked four times before along different Camino routes, I’m always looking for ways to make the walk easier. One of the big strains for me is the toll that very long distance flights take on my body.
I would love to hear from other people who have to travel a long way to get to the start of the actual Camino, how you manage the travel to minimise the impact on you and your body. I’m curious about things like what you carry on board, sleep assistance, exercise, minimising jet-lag, and so on.
The back story: I now live in Dunedin, New Zealand, so I’m just about as far from Spain as it’s possible to be. I’m originally from Brisbane, Australia, which isn’t much closer to Spain. It can take the better part of 3 days some trips to reach the starting point of the Camino, when factoring in flight times, transits, getting to and from airports, check-in times etc, and travelling within Spain after arriving in either Madrid or Barcelona. I sleep badly on planes and sitting in an awkward position for such a long time means that by the time I get to the start of the walk, I’m physically feeling pretty exhausted. To make the flights easier, I’ve often carried devices like noise cancelling headphones, which then add weight to the pack. I really want to keep the weight of my pack down for my next Camino and arrive at the start of the walk feeling in decent condition. Any suggestions?
Credit card mileage earning opportunities are better in the US than pretty much anywhere else.. In the US, if you search for sign-up and spending bonuses, you can accumulate 100,000 miles very quickly:Now the question of affording it: in the US we get mileage points from credit cards. Do they have something similar in Australia? I buy a credit card that initially will give me TONS of miles ( like 100,000) then I put Everything on that card. It may take 2-3 years but I eventually have enough miles to fly business class for free.
Arn, for as long as I can remember, Icelandair has allowed a stopover in Iceland. Even if this fare does include a free hotel stay as well (?) I don’t see $1429 as much of a bargain given many of us have been able to get fares from the east cost for between $500-600RT no-stops to Madrid. Going to Iceland adds about two hours to flight time each way going USA to Spain, plus changing planes in the middle of the night as I recall?I completely agree on the Dubai connection and Emirates. The point, I believe, you are making is that, if you do your own research and not turn over your trip to a travel agency (they make money by getting you out of their que of travel requests the quickest and with the most profit) you can find some interesting deals to make your long trip less onerous.
Their are similar options available from airlines such as Iceland Air. When you travel with them you'll go through Reykjavik. Iceland Air offers a Stop Over option where, at no extra charge, you can stay over night.
This is just another option that can be found if you do your own research. Oh, cost BTW is about $1,429 as of today departing mid-week August (4th) returning September 28th O'hare Chicago to Madrid RTN.
I’m planning ahead for a 2022 Camino. While I’ve walked four times before along different Camino routes, I’m always looking for ways to make the walk easier. One of the big strains for me is the toll that very long distance flights take on my body.
I would love to hear from other people who have to travel a long way to get to the start of the actual Camino, how you manage the travel to minimise the impact on you and your body. I’m curious about things like what you carry on board, sleep assistance, exercise, minimising jet-lag, and so on.
The back story: I now live in Dunedin, New Zealand, so I’m just about as far from Spain as it’s possible to be. I’m originally from Brisbane, Australia, which isn’t much closer to Spain. It can take the better part of 3 days some trips to reach the starting point of the Camino, when factoring in flight times, transits, getting to and from airports, check-in times etc, and travelling within Spain after arriving in either Madrid or Barcelona. I sleep badly on planes and sitting in an awkward position for such a long time means that by the time I get to the start of the walk, I’m physically feeling pretty exhausted. To make the flights easier, I’ve often carried devices like noise cancelling headphones, which then add weight to the pack. I really want to keep the weight of my pack down for my next Camino and arrive at the start of the walk feeling in decent condition. Any suggestions?
Really great suggestions, everyone! Most I have successfully used, and some I'm now eager to try.I’m planning ahead for a 2022 Camino. While I’ve walked four times before along different Camino routes, I’m always looking for ways to make the walk easier. One of the big strains for me is the toll that very long distance flights take on my body.
I would love to hear from other people who have to travel a long way to get to the start of the actual Camino, how you manage the travel to minimise the impact on you and your body. I’m curious about things like what you carry on board, sleep assistance, exercise, minimising jet-lag, and so on.
The back story: I now live in Dunedin, New Zealand, so I’m just about as far from Spain as it’s possible to be. I’m originally from Brisbane, Australia, which isn’t much closer to Spain. It can take the better part of 3 days some trips to reach the starting point of the Camino, when factoring in flight times, transits, getting to and from airports, check-in times etc, and travelling within Spain after arriving in either Madrid or Barcelona. I sleep badly on planes and sitting in an awkward position for such a long time means that by the time I get to the start of the walk, I’m physically feeling pretty exhausted. To make the flights easier, I’ve often carried devices like noise cancelling headphones, which then add weight to the pack. I really want to keep the weight of my pack down for my next Camino and arrive at the start of the walk feeling in decent condition. Any suggestions?
Ouch...this is almost twice what I paid in the past, but I'll take what I can get when the "friendly skies" finally open up to USofA citizens.I completely agree on the Dubai connection and Emirates. The point, I believe, you are making is that, if you do your own research and not turn over your trip to a travel agency (they make money by getting you out of their que of travel requests the quickest and with the most profit) you can find some interesting deals to make your long trip less onerous.
Their are similar options available from airlines such as Iceland Air. When you travel with them you'll go through Reykjavik. Iceland Air offers a Stop Over option where, at no extra charge, you can stay over night.
This is just another option that can be found if you do your own research. Oh, cost BTW is about $1,429 as of today departing mid-week August (4th) returning September 28th O'hare Chicago to Madrid RTN.
I have been to Rhinelander, Wisconsin a few times in the summer. What would ever bring a UK citizen to little 'ole Rhinelander in the summer, let alone winter? I am curious...I only got bumped once when flying out of Rhinelander, Wisconsin in the winter.
Yes I find that too. Last Camino when we returned to NZ, I think we arrived at 4 or 6am. I wasnt due to start work until the next day. Looked at my messages and found 2 other team members sick, and them asking me if I would go in, so I showered, changed and headed in. I was fine. I expected to crash later, but no I was fine all week.When I travelled to NZ (taking 24 hours with a 2 hour stop over in Dubai) and arrived at 7:30 am, I remember mentally deciding that it was 7:30 am and to get with the program. It didn't matter what time my body thought it was or what time it was at home. I was in the here and now and needed to mentally accept it. Yes I was tired and I went to bed early in the evening, but I never suffered from jet lag at all. Same on the way home. May not work for everyone but it worked for me.
Length of layovers has nothing to do with who you buy your tickets from. I always book directly with the airline in case any problems occur after I buy the ticket. I don't want to have to deal with a middleman.For me, I love booking through cheap sites like Cheap O Air.
One reason is because often the flights have several layovers of an hour or more.
That gives me the opportunity to get OFF the plane, walk around, get food.
It makes the trip longer, but easier on me.
Be careful with these though. For 2 years I used the Bose sleep buds without difficulty, but I developed an allergic reaction over time though that did not become apparent until this past summer when I ended up in constant WFH meetings. I have over the ear Bose 700 NC/AC and switched to 2 different kinds of "pro" level in-ear noise-cancellers and got nasty swimmer's ear type reactions to both of them. It took 5 full months to recover.If these are the large, over-the-ear style headphones, you are short-changing yourself. The Bose Acoustic Comfort 20 noise-cancelling headphones are in-the-ear style earbuds, and work quite well. (Other models by other makers are possibly available.) The weight is negligible, as is the volume required in the pack. I wouldn't travel anywhere without mine.
My family usually drove toward Rhinelander when we had friends on Tomahawk Lake. Later it was easier to fly in. Rhinelander beer was a local hit and I’m sure it was evident at many clubsOnce upon a time I was chief spear-carrier to the head of agriculture for a major international food business. ‘We’ used to buy (literally) millions of tonnes of potatoes for snack foods across the globe (Lays in the US).
Anyway, out in the woods near Rheinlander is (or was) their top-secret potato-breeding facility where new varieties were developed (without GM!) and trialled. There was a facility which experimented with daylight shortening and other techniques. Very advanced for its day.
That took me to Rheinlander.
My memories were of a small town, lots of snow, some Native American waymarks in the woods and an absolutely massive strip club where (somebody told me, OK?) potential performers for the Chicago circuit were sent to learn their trade.
To arrive feeling less beaten up is ultimately a time saver - You get more "quality time," to enjoy the company of the folks that you haven't seen last Christmas (or to work with your valued client), and you need less "recovery time" feeling stiff-necked, sleep-starved, and half-zombified. Time is the most finite resource, the most precious currency of all. To exchange it for calories and alcohol that sap your energy and aren't really all that special, is the real "waste," of a business or first class ticket.
You know I'm right.
Come to think of it, I know I'm right. But I still find myself making the same mistakes - allowing the charming cabin attendant who observes that I can't choose between two options on the menu to persuade me to "Why not have both?" Why do I fall into the trap? Because everyone loves "free stuff." Because I'm distracted from the bigger picture by the shiny things that the airline puts in front of me. Because I'm bored and there's "nothing else to do." And because "when else will I get to see all three films in that trilogy back-to-back?" Silly mistakes. When I manage to avoid making them, I feel much better.
@Raggy the OP doesn't really care what is available or not in Australia as they are from Aotearoa New ZealandCredit card mileage earning opportunities are better in the US than pretty much anywhere else.. In the US, if you search for sign-up and spending bonuses, you can accumulate 100,000 miles very quickly:
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Travel can be an expensive endeavor, so now is the ideal time to open one of the best travel credit cards to take advantage of all the perks and benefits.thepointsguy.com
Card companies don't make such generous offers in Europe or Asia, and (I guess) Australia.
Per your suggestion for a neck brace, I just stuffed my down jacket into a pair of long compression socks. It feels like it might work as a pillow.Really great suggestions, everyone! Most I have successfully used, and some I'm now eager to try.
One thing I've done is assemble a temporary neck pillow to make it easier to sleep sitting up in flight. One version (the blue, if I manage to attach a pic) is my homemade travel towel wrapped like a sausage around my jacket (though it could be any large clothing item) safety pinned to stay rolled up, and tied to close. The towel is a rectangle cut from a large cotton t-shirt with two extensions (resulting in a sort of T shape) to allow it to tie easily. Everything was already a part of my travel kit.
Another year, for a fall camino, I sewed a hollow, u-shaped gaiter or scarf (the very fetching flame print in the photo) and stuffed it with my sleeping quilt. My belt is inside it to form the attachment. I later realized if I didn't want to use the gaiter for warmth, I could have just zipped the cover off any manufactured neck pillow and stuffed it with the quilt. The cover would be extra weight, but extremely little.
Making a neck pillow has two benefits: most importantly, it allows more comfortable travel rest without adding anything (much) to my gear, and secondly, it temporarily removes some bulky items from my pack to allow me space to stuff in my little crossbody bag and keep the one luggage item rule, as well as carry on a healthy meal and snacks for the journey that would otherwise not easily fit in my 29 liter pack.
You are correct. I, though, have a soft spot in my heart for Iceland. Now, don't get carried away here, my dad was stationed here in WWII. Likely his last “peaceful” stop before Normandy.Arn, for as long as I can remember, Icelandair has allowed a stopover in Iceland. Even if this fare does include a free hotel stay as well (?) I don’t see $1429 as much of a bargain given many of us have been able to get fares from the east cost for between $500-600RT no-stops to Madrid. Going to Iceland adds about two hours to flight time each way going USA to Spain, plus changing planes in the middle of the night as I recall?
Wash your mouth out with soap!
A couple of times on Emirates or Thai Airways I have managed to get an upgrade.
There is no way on earth...........I am not eating
But would they let you string up a washing line so that they dried?You could even wash your socks in the shower
But would they let you string up a washing line so that they dried?
Annie, years ago, I used Cheap-0-Air. Fortunately, I never had a problem with a flight I booked with them and no crisis occurred that required my contacting them and changing flights.For me, I love booking through cheap sites like Cheap O Air.
One reason is because often the flights have several layovers of an hour or more.
That gives me the opportunity to get OFF the plane, walk around, get food.
It makes the trip longer, but easier on me.
I only flew 1st class once, nearly 25 years ago on United, heading to Hawaii. We were flying on "stand by" tickets from my cousin, who was a pilot and our seats upgraded at the lsst minute. Of course the aircraft was not nearly as posh as today, but my best memory was the delicious food served in fine restaurant quality dishes, real silverwear, and the coffee/tea served from beautiful silver teapots, fit for the Queen of England...those were the days.Once in my business travelling, Pat and I managed to get a 1st Class Upgrade. (Emirates)
Now that..........was nice.
I have to say the home sized fully equipped bathroom was impressive.
"What time would you like to book your shower in the morning" was not something I had experienced on a plane before!
That would be a nice way to travel to a Camino
You could even wash your socks in the shower
I did have that issue, but only once over the years.Annie, years ago, I used Cheap-0-Air. Fortunately, I never had a problem with a flight I booked with them and no crisis occurred that required my contacting them and changing flights.
I do understand about the need to stretch. Sometimes when we fly home, rather than going directly from Madrid to NY, we fly, MAD to Dublin, overnight or spend a day or two, and then fly to EWR.
My only concern for you, is the ability to get your ticket changed if you suddenly must change plans. However, you are a very seasoned traveler and know that as well!
My youngest brother booked his return flight from the Philippines on Cheap-O-Air last year. Of course, with the pandemic, the flight did not go, and he spent many hours over a period of months trying to sort this out. I could not, personally, bear the stress. So I generally search my flights on Kayak, then book with whatever airline is offering the flights that I prefer at a price that I am able to pay.I did have that issue, but only once over the years.
In the long run, I've had good luck with their tickets.
Oh, that sounds like heaven. Shocking for the environment, but a luxurious way to travel.Once in my business travelling, Pat and I managed to get a 1st Class Upgrade. (Emirates)
Now that..........was nice.
I have to say the home sized fully equipped bathroom was impressive.
"What time would you like to book your shower in the morning" was not something I had experienced on a plane before!
That would be a nice way to travel to a Camino
You could even wash your socks in the shower
All recycled water etc, so I'm told. With an ingenious shower head that minimises water usage.Oh, that sounds like heaven. Shocking for the environment, but a luxurious way to travel.
Interesting. I had no trouble getting my airfare refunded.My youngest brother booked his return flight from the Philippines on Cheap-O-Air last year. Of course, with the pandemic, the flight did not go, and he spent many hours over a period of months trying to sort this out. I could not, personally, bear the stress. So I generally search my flights on Kayak, then book with whatever airline is offering the flights that I prefer at a price that I am able to pay.
People have given some great tips here in this conversation. I don't have much to add, but agree that it is very helpful to take a rest day when you arrive in Europe, or even 2 or 3 rest days, if you can swing it. Travel is tough on the body, and the older I get, the harder it is. I am learning to be kinder to myself because of this. I do what I can to get a seat on the plane that will lie flatter and have more leg room, since I am tall. This can make a big difference for me. We typically choose the shortest flying time, but the one time we had to stop, it actually did provide a nice break, allowing us to walk around a lot and stretch before the next leg of the flight.I’m planning ahead for a 2022 Camino. While I’ve walked four times before along different Camino routes, I’m always looking for ways to make the walk easier. One of the big strains for me is the toll that very long distance flights take on my body.
I would love to hear from other people who have to travel a long way to get to the start of the actual Camino, how you manage the travel to minimise the impact on you and your body. I’m curious about things like what you carry on board, sleep assistance, exercise, minimising jet-lag, and so on.
The back story: I now live in Dunedin, New Zealand, so I’m just about as far from Spain as it’s possible to be. I’m originally from Brisbane, Australia, which isn’t much closer to Spain. It can take the better part of 3 days some trips to reach the starting point of the Camino, when factoring in flight times, transits, getting to and from airports, check-in times etc, and travelling within Spain after arriving in either Madrid or Barcelona. I sleep badly on planes and sitting in an awkward position for such a long time means that by the time I get to the start of the walk, I’m physically feeling pretty exhausted. To make the flights easier, I’ve often carried devices like noise cancelling headphones, which then add weight to the pack. I really want to keep the weight of my pack down for my next Camino and arrive at the start of the walk feeling in decent condition. Any suggestions?
I started using the same Bose noise cancelling earbuds 5 or 6 years ago. Now I would not travel without them. They also work as a headset with my phone. When you are in an airplane, your brain is reacting to and processing all of the noise, and there is constant noise. I first used them on a flight from Los Angeles to Seoul (Incheon) then to Chiang Mai, Thailand. I arrived after 20+ hours of traveling feeling noticeably more rested, even though I hardly slept on the planes. The difference was really dramatic, so I now use them on every flight.The Bose Acoustic Comfort 20 noise-cancelling headphones are in-the-ear style earbuds, and work quite well. (Other models by other makers are possibly available.) The weight is negligible, as is the volume required in the pack. I wouldn't travel anywhere without mine.
Good for you. In a couple of years, God willing, I shall have reached that ripe age, and maybe even have a little spare cash to spend on comfort during overseas flights. It may be more challenging to persuade myself to spend it. So far, I don't even pay to choose my seat. And I don't have anyone awaiting an inheritance.At the ripe old age of 75, therefore with more money left than time on earth (though not much of either), my wife and I have decided to squander the kids' inheritance on business class flights. We suffered enough through many, many years of economy class transpacific flights usually taking 24 hours or more with connections. Lying flat is the closest thing to a painless flight experience you can have --- I don't even dread it now, while before I'd fret for weeks before the trip just thinking about the abject misery about to ensue. Another tip to make layovers less painful if you are not in business class is get get a lounge membership like Priority Pass. If you are going to be stuck for a couple of hours waiting for a connecting flight you might as well spend it in a comfortable chair eating snacks (or sometimes full meals) and drinking expensive wine. Some lounges have showers as well and that REALLY makes difference on long itineraries. And we still plan a day or two of easy going at destination before hitting full tourist stride. You young whippersnappers may not need that.
First of all i go first or business class so i can lie fown to sleep ir take a sleeping pill. I spend the night at hotel at Madrid airport. Then take a train to Camino and stay in another hotel at starting point. Then i pack my backpack and ship my suitcase to Santiago. If i am Europe i visit other places so i take regular clothes. I don’t fo jet lag but i only come from Central America, not as farI’m planning ahead for a 2022 Camino. While I’ve walked four times before along different Camino routes, I’m always looking for ways to make the walk easier. One of the big strains for me is the toll that very long distance flights take on my body.
I would love to hear from other people who have to travel a long way to get to the start of the actual Camino, how you manage the travel to minimise the impact on you and your body. I’m curious about things like what you carry on board, sleep assistance, exercise, minimising jet-lag, and so on.
The back story: I now live in Dunedin, New Zealand, so I’m just about as far from Spain as it’s possible to be. I’m originally from Brisbane, Australia, which isn’t much closer to Spain. It can take the better part of 3 days some trips to reach the starting point of the Camino, when factoring in flight times, transits, getting to and from airports, check-in times etc, and travelling within Spain after arriving in either Madrid or Barcelona. I sleep badly on planes and sitting in an awkward position for such a long time means that by the time I get to the start of the walk, I’m physically feeling pretty exhausted. To make the flights easier, I’ve often carried devices like noise cancelling headphones, which then add weight to the pack. I really want to keep the weight of my pack down for my next Camino and arrive at the start of the walk feeling in decent condition. Any suggestions?
I have followed your present practice for two of my four caminos, the two where I was not serving as a hospitalera before starting my walk. I have figured that, as a hospitalera, I owe it to the pilgrims to get familiar with the town where I shall be serving and to get over my travel exhaustion in a hotel. I don't sleep at all in airplanes. This year, if I can travel, I shall be spending a few days in Valencia before beginning my walk. The city has a wonderful reputation and I am unlikely to return, so it seems like a good idea to take the time.Wow, what a bunch of optimists we are thinking about how to reduce the pains of international airplane travel. What I would give for some of those pains!
A tip I learned from @jpflavin1, who is perhaps a few years younger than I, but not a youngster by any means,is to just power through.
His method is a bit more extreme than mine — he lands in Madrid, gets a flight to the starting point, and starts walking. Maybe a short 10-15 km day, but walking. I follow his plan of getting to the starting point as soon as possible upon arrival in Madrid. Since it’s an Iberia flight, there are usually good connections and I arrive in early afternoon. I will have inevitably dozed some between leaving US and arriving Valencia, Almería, wherever. Check into the hotel, and then I force myself to get outside and get daylight on my skin. Usually there is a castle, a historic center, or something to occupy me, along with all the pre-camino details like buying food for the pack, getting the SIM card, etc. Then the next day I start walking.
For me, the key is being outside in daylight when I arrive. That seems to make the body adjust better. For many years, I had always taken a rest day upon arrival but find that it leaves me feeling groggier than if I just take the plunge and start walking.
Like shoes, packs, hydration system, etc, this is a very personal decision. But for me it was truly an epiphany from @jpflavin to try something new, much as I had my @davebugg ”give trail runners a try” epiphany. Both of these happened after more than 15 years walking caminos, so I guess you can teach old dogs new tricks.
I always start walking the next morning too. In the past I had to fit my Camino within the leave I could get which never gave me additional days, and I like to take a rest day a couple of weeks in at Leon or Burgos. I has always worked for me, I have slept well on the second night, but seem to cope just fine.Wow, what a bunch of optimists we are thinking about how to reduce the pains of international airplane travel. What I would give for some of those pains!
A tip I learned from @jpflavin1, who is perhaps a few years younger than I, but not a youngster by any means,is to just power through.
His method is a bit more extreme than mine — he lands in Madrid, gets a flight to the starting point, and starts walking. Maybe a short 10-15 km day, but walking. I follow his plan of getting to the starting point as soon as possible upon arrival in Madrid. Since it’s an Iberia flight, there are usually good connections and I arrive in early afternoon. I will have inevitably dozed some between leaving US and arriving Valencia, Almería, wherever. Check into the hotel, and then I force myself to get outside and get daylight on my skin. Usually there is a castle, a historic center, or something to occupy me, along with all the pre-camino details like buying food for the pack, getting the SIM card, etc. Then the next day I start walking.
For me, the key is being outside in daylight when I arrive. That seems to make the body adjust better. For many years, I had always taken a rest day upon arrival but find that it leaves me feeling groggier than if I just take the plunge and start walking.
Like shoes, packs, hydration system, etc, this is a very personal decision. But for me it was truly an epiphany from @jpflavin to try something new, much as I had my @davebugg ”give trail runners a try” epiphany. Both of these happened after more than 15 years walking caminos, so I guess you can teach old dogs new tricks.
Physical comfort:I’m planning ahead for a 2022 Camino. While I’ve walked four times before along different Camino routes, I’m always looking for ways to make the walk easier. One of the big strains for me is the toll that very long distance flights take on my body.
I would love to hear from other people who have to travel a long way to get to the start of the actual Camino, how you manage the travel to minimise the impact on you and your body. I’m curious about things like what you carry on board, sleep assistance, exercise, minimising jet-lag, and so on.
The back story: I now live in Dunedin, New Zealand, so I’m just about as far from Spain as it’s possible to be. I’m originally from Brisbane, Australia, which isn’t much closer to Spain. It can take the better part of 3 days some trips to reach the starting point of the Camino, when factoring in flight times, transits, getting to and from airports, check-in times etc, and travelling within Spain after arriving in either Madrid or Barcelona. I sleep badly on planes and sitting in an awkward position for such a long time means that by the time I get to the start of the walk, I’m physically feeling pretty exhausted. To make the flights easier, I’ve often carried devices like noise cancelling headphones, which then add weight to the pack. I really want to keep the weight of my pack down for my next Camino and arrive at the start of the walk feeling in decent condition. Any suggestions?
I agree. I would happily endure all the discomforts of a long haul flight now and cannot wait until our Australian international travel restrictions end.Wow, what a bunch of optimists we are thinking about how to reduce the pains of international airplane travel. What I would give for some of those pains!
A tip I learned from @jpflavin1, who is perhaps a few years younger than I, but not a youngster by any means,is to just power through.
His method is a bit more extreme than mine — he lands in Madrid, gets a flight to the starting point, and starts walking. Maybe a short 10-15 km day, but walking. I follow his plan of getting to the starting point as soon as possible upon arrival in Madrid. Since it’s an Iberia flight, there are usually good connections and I arrive in early afternoon. I will have inevitably dozed some between leaving US and arriving Valencia, Almería, wherever. Check into the hotel, and then I force myself to get outside and get daylight on my skin. Usually there is a castle, a historic center, or something to occupy me, along with all the pre-camino details like buying food for the pack, getting the SIM card, etc. Then the next day I start walking.
For me, the key is being outside in daylight when I arrive. That seems to make the body adjust better. For many years, I had always taken a rest day upon arrival but find that it leaves me feeling groggier than if I just take the plunge and start walking.
Like shoes, packs, hydration system, etc, this is a very personal decision. But for me it was truly an epiphany from @jpflavin to try something new, much as I had my @davebugg ”give trail runners a try” epiphany. Both of these happened after more than 15 years walking caminos, so I guess you can teach old dogs new tricks.
Hi Rodney. I too am planning on doing the CF later next year and live just north of Wellington NZ. Ive lived in the UK ( pre family years! ) and used to travel back and forth. bet UK and NZ many times. And yes, got tired but I was a lot younger then and coped ok ish with the jetlag. For memory it always seemed to be worse going 'backwards' and so being fresh and awake will be my number one priority for my Camino. Im thinking of probably flying to the UK and staying there for a few days to get over the jet lag as nothing has ever worked for me really. This means having to use more AL to ensure Im not too tired but for me this is worth it. I did consider briefly having a stopover but that incurs more cost and Id still be tired. I too dont sleep well on flights so really...... having a few days downtime beforehand seems to be the only option.I’m planning ahead for a 2022 Camino. While I’ve walked four times before along different Camino routes, I’m always looking for ways to make the walk easier. One of the big strains for me is the toll that very long distance flights take on my body.
I would love to hear from other people who have to travel a long way to get to the start of the actual Camino, how you manage the travel to minimise the impact on you and your body. I’m curious about things like what you carry on board, sleep assistance, exercise, minimising jet-lag, and so on.
The back story: I now live in Dunedin, New Zealand, so I’m just about as far from Spain as it’s possible to be. I’m originally from Brisbane, Australia, which isn’t much closer to Spain. It can take the better part of 3 days some trips to reach the starting point of the Camino, when factoring in flight times, transits, getting to and from airports, check-in times etc, and travelling within Spain after arriving in either Madrid or Barcelona. I sleep badly on planes and sitting in an awkward position for such a long time means that by the time I get to the start of the walk, I’m physically feeling pretty exhausted. To make the flights easier, I’ve often carried devices like noise cancelling headphones, which then add weight to the pack. I really want to keep the weight of my pack down for my next Camino and arrive at the start of the walk feeling in decent condition. Any suggestions?
Thanks for the comments. Jet-lag for me is worse after the eastbound flight, but heading to Europe of course is when I need to be most awake on arrival. I’d love to fly business class, but I don’t think the budget will stretch that far. I will research a stopover, though. I thought maybe that could work out cheaper than business class and let me sleep if the stop is long enough. It’s a balancing act - cost in dollars versus cost in time, plus overall comfort. Such fun!Hi Rodney. I too am planning on doing the CF later next year and live just north of Wellington NZ. Ive lived in the UK ( pre family years! ) and used to travel back and forth. bet UK and NZ many times. And yes, got tired but I was a lot younger then and coped ok ish with the jetlag. For memory it always seemed to be worse going 'backwards' and so being fresh and awake will be my number one priority for my Camino. Im thinking of probably flying to the UK and staying there for a few days to get over the jet lag as nothing has ever worked for me really. This means having to use more AL to ensure Im not too tired but for me this is worth it. I did consider briefly having a stopover but that incurs more cost and Id still be tired. I too dont sleep well on flights so really...... having a few days downtime beforehand seems to be the only option.
We come from Sydney and as the years mount up the trip get harder. I agree with all the folk saying not to sleep - just get into the new time zone and start moving. Sightseeing or starting the Camino doesn't really matter, as long as you stay awake during your first daylight hours in the new timezoneI’m planning ahead for a 2022 Camino. While I’ve walked four times before along different Camino routes, I’m always looking for ways to make the walk easier. One of the big strains for me is the toll that very long distance flights take on my body.
I would love to hear from other people who have to travel a long way to get to the start of the actual Camino, how you manage the travel to minimise the impact on you and your body. I’m curious about things like what you carry on board, sleep assistance, exercise, minimising jet-lag, and so on.
The back story: I now live in Dunedin, New Zealand, so I’m just about as far from Spain as it’s possible to be. I’m originally from Brisbane, Australia, which isn’t much closer to Spain. It can take the better part of 3 days some trips to reach the starting point of the Camino, when factoring in flight times, transits, getting to and from airports, check-in times etc, and travelling within Spain after arriving in either Madrid or Barcelona. I sleep badly on planes and sitting in an awkward position for such a long time means that by the time I get to the start of the walk, I’m physically feeling pretty exhausted. To make the flights easier, I’ve often carried devices like noise cancelling headphones, which then add weight to the pack. I really want to keep the weight of my pack down for my next Camino and arrive at the start of the walk feeling in decent condition. Any suggestions?
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