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Absolutely yes.Will the Camino really provide if I just go???
You posed your question with two extremes - either have a travel company take care of everything, or go with no reservations and "let the Camino provide." There is a lot of room in between!I am trying to decide if I should use a travel company to make hotel reservations... Will the Camino really provide if I just go???
Hello, @maryloufrommadison,Another resource is finding a local group of prior pilgrims, either via neighborhood apps like Nextdoor or here:
Local Chapters - American Pilgrims on the Camino
If you are seeking information about COVID-19 or the situation in Spain, please see the COVID-19: What You Should Know page. Our local chapter coordinators continue to consult state and local public health authorities for current guidance and recommended COVID-19 precautions in their area...americanpilgrims.org
Sometimes local groups have get togethers or local walks and everyone who’s ever walked wants to talk about
@maryloufrommadison if you don’t already know you can PM Camino Chrissy by clicking on her name then “start conversation” ….not that it took me a while to figure out or anythingHello, @maryloufrommadison,
I live about 65 miles from Madison. I would be happy to meet you at a halfway point for coffee somewhere and have a nice chat about the Camino.
You can PM me if interested.
@maryloufrommadison if you don’t already know you can PM Camino Chrissy by clicking on her name then “start conversation” ….not that it took me a while to figure out or anything
Wow. Questions. Are you ready for all these answers?You posed your question with two extremes - either have a travel company take care of everything, or go with no reservations and "let the Camino provide." There is a lot of room in between!
Here on the forum, you can ask any question that concerns you, and we can help you through the process. You will get some conflicting opinions, of course, but there is enough common sense here on the forum that you should be able to determine which approach will suit you best. In fact, I'd guess that you would get more personalized advice and help right here than you would from a travel company.
However, if you are really anxious about the whole endeavour, or you simply need someone else to take the planning load off your mind, then maybe a "package" from a travel company will suit you better.
By the way, I dislike the expression and I distrust the sentiment behind "the camino provides." I would never go halfway around the world to a foreign country, expecting any nebulous non-entity to provide me with my needs or wants. But that doesn't mean that I need to go to the other extreme, whereby "the travel agency provides."
I do my best to be prepared and safe, without being a burden on others, but I still have lots of room to make spontaneous decisions and experience surprises, along the way.
If you want to try out the "the forum provides" service, fasten your seatbelt for the onslaught of advice, and tell us a bit more about your situation. You've already indicated that you would generally prefer private accommodation. Other factors would include, fo example:
As @trecile pointed out, we'd love to help!
- How much time do you have for the Camino? Do you have an idea of where you want to start?
- Have you traveled much, at home or internationally?
- What is your physical condition? Do you walk regularly?
- Do you speak any Spanish?
- Do you want to walk with others, usually, or do you prefer just your own company?
- Can you carry a 12 pound backpack comfortable all day?
- What has motivated you to walk the Camino?
Well, from those answers, I have no doubt that you have no need for the travel company.Wow. Questions. Are you ready for all these answers?
I did just learn about a Madison group, and have asked to join their Facebook group. Thanks for the suggestion!Another resource is finding a local group of prior pilgrims, either via neighborhood apps like Nextdoor or here:
Local Chapters - American Pilgrims on the Camino
If you are seeking information about COVID-19 or the situation in Spain, please see the COVID-19: What You Should Know page. Our local chapter coordinators continue to consult state and local public health authorities for current guidance and recommended COVID-19 precautions in their area...americanpilgrims.org
Sometimes local groups have get togethers or local walks and everyone who’s ever walked wants to talk about
First, I’m sorry for your loss and hope your journey on the Camino next year is all you could want.Wow. Questions. Are you ready for all these answers?
The Camino has been a dream of mine for many years, but more seriously since 2016, when my husband and I started training for a spring, 2017 start. Even though we never made it together (he died last January), I haven't been able to give up the dream. I read about it, talk with others who have gone, watch video blogs, etc., and am determined to finally get there myself.
I have lots of time, as I am retired. I have always thought I would start in SJPDP, but may decide that in April it would be better to start in Zubiri or Pamplona, and would like to finish in Finesterre, with several 2-night stops in interesting towns. I'd like to keep the walks at 12-15 miles per day, but could do more if necessary. I walk a lot, usually 5-7 miles at a time, but did 13 the other day with no bad effects. I travel a lot, here and in Europe. I am learning Spanish, but don't believe I'll be anywhere near fluent by then. I don't mind being alone, but would like a mixture of time with people and time with myself. Ideally, I will splurge to have my pack driven from place to place, so I only have to carry a day pack. (advice on that would also be appreciated!) The preference for a private room is mainly because I think it would mean Covid is less of a risk (though I've already had it and recovered quite well--not the Delta variant), and I don't know how much rest I would get in a room with a lot of beds. But I'm open to a mixture of albergue and hotel accommodations.
I am so grateful to have found this forum, and look forward to all the answers. Thank you!
I am also very sorry to hear of the rather recent loss of your husband, having just read of it. I look forward to our meet-up in the next week. You are fortunate to find a FB group in your area. Possibly they host outings/walks in Madison on occasion. I love that city!I did just learn about a Madison group, and have asked to join their Facebook group. Thanks for the suggestion!
I agree...to each their own. If I had not had my adult son with me who had done long distance backpacking trips, I would have been "shaking in my trailrunners" had I gone alone the first time. If a person prefers the comfort of a travel company and the means to afford it, so be it...why not.When I walked the CF in 2019, I used Walk the Camino to plan the trip, book hotels and transfer bag. At no time did I feel constricted by the schedule I agreed to. I set up parameters of 15-18 miles a day, a rest day every 7th day (Logrono, Burgos, Leon, Villa Franco de Bierzo) and carrying only a day pack. As a 60 yr old, solo female, it was nice to know at the end of the day I had a clean private room and shower waiting for me. Working with WTC did not hinder me from meeting new people or did I miss out on the Pilgrim experience. To each their own.
I too love a physical guidebook. I treasure all of mine...they are a Camino bible to me.When I walked the CF in 2019, I used Walk the Camino to plan the trip, book hotels and transfer bag. At no time did I feel constricted by the schedule I agreed to. I set up parameters of 15-18 miles a day, a rest day every 7th day (Logrono, Burgos, Leon, Villa Franco de Bierzo) and carrying only a day pack. As a 60 yr old, solo female, it was nice to know at the end of the day I had a clean private room and shower waiting for me. Working with WTC did not hinder me from meeting new people or did I miss out on the Pilgrim experience. To each their own.
... I will splurge to have my pack driven from place to place, so I only have to carry a day pack. (advice on that would also be appreciated!)...
My preference has always (5x) to do it alone b/c really you are never alone.I plan to start my first Camino (Frances) next April, at age 72. I am female, and will be traveling alone at this point. I am trying to decide if I should use a travel company to make hotel reservations (better sleep, assured of a bed, lessen the risk of Covid) vs. staying in albergues (camaraderie, less expensive, much more flexibility). My fear, of course, is that if I get sick or am injured, I will have to take a taxi/bus/whatever to the next hotel or essentially lose my money. But my other fear is that it will be very crowded next year with all of us who have put off our Caminos, and getting a bed will be even more difficult. I would appreciate your thoughts. Will the Camino really provide if I just go???
Or a backpack that's big enough to carry everything, if necessary - 30 to 40 liters. The bag that is shipped ahead can be a lightweight duffel bag with the heavier items. I have this one that weighs about 4 ounces.Even with having a support bag transported, your carry load could be 5, 6, 7, 8 lbs on any given day, depending on your personal preference to have things close at hand: wet weather gear, perhaps walking sandals, extra socks, a jacket, a fleece, sunscreen, sun umbrella, a few meds, your phone, water and snacks - it can add up, so a day pack that fits well and allows you to carry your load without undue strain is very important. I suggest that you go and try some out at a REI or similar store, where they will take your measurements for torso and hip. Some smaller day packs have torso adjustment and trekking pole attachment capability, such as the Gregory Maya 16. It's a fabulous pack, but there are others as well. Best to go and try them on, check out their features and their fit, and walk around the store with some load. Packs under 20 litres should be amply sufficient.
Gregory Maya 16 Backpack - Real Review
Yes, very true that the "day pack" should be comfortable and supportive, with sternum strap and hip belt. However, I agree with @trecilea day pack that fits well and allows you to carry your load without undue strain is very important.
That gives you the most flexibility of all. There is no need to have the extra bulk and weight of two backpacks with sternum strap and hip and hip belt. You can wear the one good backpack every day, and transport items in a dry bag or lightweight duffel. (People have done it with plastic garbage bags, but I don't recommend that.) I take a 31 L backpack for all of my needs, including sleeping bag, for 3 seasons.Or a backpack that's big enough to carry everything, if necessary - 30 to 40 liters. The bag that is shipped ahead can be a lightweight duffel bag with the heavier items.
pilgrims are always happy to talk with you– indeed, stopping them will be a challenge.
Thanks for your suggestions! I didn't know about the "peregrination memorial"--what a lovely idea.If I were to use a company, I would choose one which provides added value, perhaps in terms of having staff well-versed in the history and culture of the Camino. The advantage of a tour group– and I would choose very carefully– is that they take care of the details, and all you have to do is walk. The real disadvantage in my opinion is that they tie you to a schedule and if, say, you wanted to stay in Estella and check out a gallery and play billiards in a local bar, this takes away from those opportunities. As well, much of the delight of the Camino is in the coincidences and happenstances which bring you wonderful friendships.
On the other hand, bother is bother, and I find myself as I mature (!!) more and more disinclined to deal with hassles. A good tour company could save one these negative distractions.
Some have suggested that you meet with returned pilgrims who will happily give you their advice— having begun without chapters, APOC now has a comprehensive network throughout the US and pilgrims are always happy to talk with you– indeed, stopping them will be a challenge. If you go for a private company, ask them for references with whom you can confer. Remember that you are paying a very substantial premium for their services, so do not be shy with your questions.
Pack transfer is easily arranged on the Francese, other through your inkeeper or hospitalero, or by using the very pilgrim-friendly service of Correos Peregrino, so you need carry no more than a day pack with water and a snack. And whether or not you stay in albergues (some of which have private rooms) or commercial accommodation (which are very reasonable-- I love the casas rurales/BnBs and the family-run inns), you will easily be able to meet up with the pilgrims you met along the way. This is one of the few places on the planet where people of all ages mix and enjoy each other’s company.
But as you can see, there’s no shortage of useful advice in these posts. You might not be aware that the Cathedral’s Pilgrimage Office in Santiago will, upon request, put your late husband’s name on your compostela. There is a mediæval custom of performing the pilgrimage for a deceased person or one who is too ill to do the Camino. Just have the name written out for the clerk, and tell them that it was a “peregrinacion memorial.”
Did you find the restriction of having to be at a certain place on a certain day bothersome?I’ve always done the travel company route, just so I don’t have to worry every day about finding a bed. It’s also nice to hike with a daypack. A fellow traveler once referred it to me as the “Glamino.” And don’t let purists shame you. You’re walking as much as they are.
I am self employed but have collaborated alot with the specialist Camino travel agencies. They normally can get you a room for a really competitive price (better rates than you can get).They can transfer your luggage every day for each stage which elderly people love. They provide you with maps and information so you can appreciate the heritage and local gastronomy. They take away some of the stress of worrying about accommodation. While I agree for many of us me included we arrange everything ourselves there are actually benefits of using an agency.Normally you will be really prepared for your Camino if you use one as they vast resources about all the different caminos.I plan to start my first Camino (Frances) next April, at age 72. I am female, and will be traveling alone at this point. I am trying to decide if I should use a travel company to make hotel reservations (better sleep, assured of a bed, lessen the risk of Covid) vs. staying in albergues (camaraderie, less expensive, much more flexibility). My fear, of course, is that if I get sick or am injured, I will have to take a taxi/bus/whatever to the next hotel or essentially lose my money. But my other fear is that it will be very crowded next year with all of us who have put off our Caminos, and getting a bed will be even more difficult. I would appreciate your thoughts. Will the Camino really provide if I just go???
I reccomend that reservations be set up until you have left Ronchavelles, assuming that you are going on the Camino Francis. After that askmyout hosts to make reservations for another day or two. On my trips that worked out well. If as you travel you find an interesting place then you can spend a day or two exploring it. I liked Pamploma and spent a couple of days there. Even if you are a dedicated single minded pilgrim, zero days are nice. There is a special problem with Pamploma and that is near the "Days of the Running the Bulls" when it gets a bit crowed.
I like to be assured of some place to stay when I get off an airplane so reservations are nice to have. Because airplanes, and other public, transportation services sometimes "miss" connections, I recommend planning a " spare" day in Saint Jean. I needed it when my hiking poles didn't make it and I found that wandering around the town was nice and that helped me find new poles in an unstressed atmosphere.
There is a Facebook group CAMIGAS that is for female travelers only. I have no idea if it would be useful for you as a single female on a trip.
Have a great trip!
I plan to start my first Camino (Frances) next April, at age 72. I am female, and will be traveling alone at this point. I am trying to decide if I should use a travel company to make hotel reservations (better sleep, assured of a bed, lessen the risk of Covid) vs. staying in albergues (camaraderie, less expensive, much more flexibility). My fear, of course, is that if I get sick or am injured, I will have to take a taxi/bus/whatever to the next hotel or essentially lose my money. But my other fear is that it will be very crowded next year with all of us who have put off our Caminos, and getting a bed will be even more difficult. I would appreciate your thoughts. Will the Camino really provide if I just go???
I plan to start my first Camino (Frances) next April, at age 72. I am female, and will be traveling alone at this point. I am trying to decide if I should use a travel company to make hotel reservations (better sleep, assured of a bed, lessen the
I am female and hiked the Frances alone at 76 in 2019. I didn't find any of these to be a special consideration . I knew I was going to be a slow hiker (short legs, hip replacements) but ran into many people at my pace and had as much company as I wished. I got in the habit of booking a day ahead as I decided how ambitious a distance I wanted to do. I planned special booking for Burgos, Leon and Santiago as I wanted to spend 2-3 days for sight seeing and rest and these cities tend need a little more planning. Of course Covid brings more considerations as to dorm or separate room - that will have to be your choiceI plan to start my first Camino (Frances) next April, at age 72. I am female, and will be traveling alone at this point. I am trying to decide if I should use a travel company to make hotel reservations (better sleep, assured of a bed, lessen the risk of Covid) vs. staying in albergues (camaraderie, less expensive, much more flexibility). My fear, of course, is that if I get sick or am injured, I will have to take a taxi/bus/whatever to the next hotel or essentially lose my money. But my other fear is that it will be very crowded next year with all of us who have put off our Caminos, and getting a bed will be even more difficult. I would appreciate your thoughts. Will the Camino really provide if I just go???
risk of Covid) vs. staying in albergues (camaraderie, less expensive, much more flexibility). My fear, of course, is that if I get sick or am injured, I will have to take a taxi/bus/whatever to the next hotel or essentially lose my money. But my other fear is that it will be very crowded next year with all of us who have put off our Caminos, and getting a bed will be even more difficult. I would appreciate your thoughts. Will the Camino really provide if I just go???
Hi Marylou I am also a "senior" woman who often travels and walks alone. For me, part of the enjoyment, challenge, and ultimate accomplishment of a trip is my own planning and execution of it. A tour company would likely give you a more secure, predictable, and easier trip, but, for me, at least, it would not be an adventure or an achievement. It really depends on what you want. Perhaps use a company for the first week or two, then try it on your own, once you see how it goes? The Frances has great infrastructure, and because it is so popular you will probably not be alone for long. Many pilgrims start off alone and then fall in with others, and there are taxis and buses and medical help all along the way. Get a phone or chip for your phone, take a list of accommodations and their phone numbers, and call ahead whenever possible, that would help you be both secure and flexibleI plan to start my first Camino (Frances) next April, at age 72. I am female, and will be traveling alone at this point. I am trying to decide if I should use a travel company to make hotel reservations (better sleep, assured of a bed, lessen the risk of Covid) vs. staying in albergues (camaraderie, less expensive, much more flexibility). My fear, of course, is that if I get sick or am injured, I will have to take a taxi/bus/whatever to the next hotel or essentially lose my money. But my other fear is that it will be very crowded next year with all of us who have put off our Caminos, and getting a bed will be even more difficult. I would appreciate your thoughts. Will the Camino really provide if I just go???
No, I’m familiar with the distances that make me comfortable, so I can’t remember being frustrated with the notion, “Oh, I wish I walked further.” It’s all quite customizable, especially on the CF where you have more options, and those options are offered to you before you book.Did you find the restriction of having to be at a certain place on a certain day bothersome?
The Camino is not a forced march in the wilderness. There are hotels, taxi service, bag transfers, bars, restaurants, shops, pharmacies, etc. it is easy to book ahead as much as you like and help is always available from other peregrinos and the locals. There is no need at all for a travel company for any of your arrangements. Buen Camino. (I was 75 when I did my first Camino— wonderfully rewarding!I plan to start my first Camino (Frances) next April, at age 72. I am female, and will be traveling alone at this point. I am trying to decide if I should use a travel company to make hotel reservations (better sleep, assured of a bed, lessen the risk of Covid) vs. staying in albergues (camaraderie, less expensive, much more flexibility). My fear, of course, is that if I get sick or am injured, I will have to take a taxi/bus/whatever to the next hotel or essentially lose my money. But my other fear is that it will be very crowded next year with all of us who have put off our Caminos, and getting a bed will be even more difficult. I would appreciate your thoughts. Will the Camino really provide if I just go???
Do it yourselfI plan to start my first Camino (Frances) next April, at age 72. I am female, and will be traveling alone at this point. I am trying to decide if I should use a travel company to make hotel reservations (better sleep, assured of a bed, lessen the risk of Covid) vs. staying in albergues (camaraderie, less expensive, much more flexibility). My fear, of course, is that if I get sick or am injured, I will have to take a taxi/bus/whatever to the next hotel or essentially lose my money. But my other fear is that it will be very crowded next year with all of us who have put off our Caminos, and getting a bed will be even more difficult. I would appreciate your thoughts. Will the Camino really provide if I just go???
When I did my fist Camino I came across several walkers in your position.I plan to start my first Camino (Frances) next April, at age 72. I am female, and will be traveling alone at this point. I am trying to decide if I should use a travel company to make hotel reservations (better sleep, assured of a bed, lessen the risk of Covid) vs. staying in albergues (camaraderie, less expensive, much more flexibility). My fear, of course, is that if I get sick or am injured, I will have to take a taxi/bus/whatever to the next hotel or essentially lose my money. But my other fear is that it will be very crowded next year with all of us who have put off our Caminos, and getting a bed will be even more difficult. I would appreciate your thoughts. Will the Camino really provide if I just go???
No, I’m familiar with the distances that make me comfortable, so I can’t remember being frustrated with the notion, “Oh, I wish I walked further.” It’s all quite customizable, especially on the CF where you have more options, and those options are offered to you before you book.
I'm going to be the minority opinion here, but we use a travel company and have had a good experience. This all started for us on our honeymoon in 2013. We decided to do three days of the Camino, then continue with our travels in Spain. It was not a Camino-focused vacation, and we had a lot of luggage we didn't want to carry with us. So we booked the Camino portion through Camino Ways in Ireland (camino ways.com). After that trip, we decided to return to Spain every fall and walk another segment of the Camino. (We were both working at the time -- we just retired last year -- and could never find a time when we could take the same 4-5 weeks off to do a full Camino.) We use Camino Ways every year, and the Camino is always just a part of a two-week Spanish vacation.I plan to start my first Camino (Frances) next April, at age 72. I am female, and will be traveling alone at this point. I am trying to decide if I should use a travel company to make hotel reservations (better sleep, assured of a bed, lessen the risk of Covid) vs. staying in albergues (camaraderie, less expensive, much more flexibility). My fear, of course, is that if I get sick or am injured, I will have to take a taxi/bus/whatever to the next hotel or essentially lose my money. But my other fear is that it will be very crowded next year with all of us who have put off our Caminos, and getting a bed will be even more difficult. I would appreciate your thoughts. Will the Camino really provide if I just go???
It is such a deeper, richer experience to do it alone. Alone does not mean you will be by yourself all or even most of the time but it does mean you can independently call your shots. I used the think that “the camino will provide” was a trite mantra. By the time I made it to Santiago I understood the wisdom and accuracy of this saying. I’d advise going it alone. It was certainly best for me.I plan to start my first Camino (Frances) next April, at age 72. I am female, and will be traveling alone at this point. I am trying to decide if I should use a travel company to make hotel reservations (better sleep, assured of a bed, lessen the risk of Covid) vs. staying in albergues (camaraderie, less expensive, much more flexibility). My fear, of course, is that if I get sick or am injured, I will have to take a taxi/bus/whatever to the next hotel or essentially lose my money. But my other fear is that it will be very crowded next year with all of us who have put off our Caminos, and getting a bed will be even more difficult. I would appreciate your thoughts. Will the Camino really provide if I just go???
Hello. I have walked part of the Camino and am leaving tomorrow for my second Camino. I am 61. Travelling alone. Truthfully, I think you can do this without a company. I am booking a couple days out and staying in places where I can stay alone. Taxis are easy to come by and the distances between cities are not that far most of the time, should you need one. It wouldn’t be a huge expense. Another option is Spanish buses which are amazing. I would save the $ by not paying for someone to do a very easy thing. Download a booking.com app and you can book directly from there. You will be fine.I plan to start my first Camino (Frances) next April, at age 72. I am female, and will be traveling alone at this point. I am trying to decide if I should use a travel company to make hotel reservations (better sleep, assured of a bed, lessen the risk of Covid) vs. staying in albergues (camaraderie, less expensive, much more flexibility). My fear, of course, is that if I get sick or am injured, I will have to take a taxi/bus/whatever to the next hotel or essentially lose my money. But my other fear is that it will be very crowded next year with all of us who have put off our Caminos, and getting a bed will be even more difficult. I would appreciate your thoughts. Will the Camino really provide if I just go???
You are completely correct that the albergue option is so much more Camino so I would agree with the responses which you have already received, i.e. pre-book your first week's accommodation and then take it day to day. The Camino Frances is the economic lifeblood of the areas which it passes through and so everything is set up to support peregrinos in sickness and in health. If you have a bad day on the Camino there are a lot of back-up services, baggage transport service, bus services and reasonably priced taxis. In addition when you get inj your peregrino bubble you will be walking with friends who will rally around in an instant to help you overcome whichever hurdle you encounter. Buen Camino.I plan to start my first Camino (Frances) next April, at age 72. I am female, and will be traveling alone at this point. I am trying to decide if I should use a travel company to make hotel reservations (better sleep, assured of a bed, lessen the risk of Covid) vs. staying in albergues (camaraderie, less expensive, much more flexibility). My fear, of course, is that if I get sick or am injured, I will have to take a taxi/bus/whatever to the next hotel or essentially lose my money. But my other fear is that it will be very crowded next year with all of us who have put off our Caminos, and getting a bed will be even more difficult. I would appreciate your thoughts. Will the Camino really provide if I just go???
Welcome to the world of the Camino....!I plan to start my first Camino (Frances) next April, at age 72. I am female, and will be traveling alone at this point. I am trying to decide if I should use a travel company to make hotel reservations (better sleep, assured of a bed, lessen the risk of Covid) vs. staying in albergues (camaraderie, less expensive, much more flexibility). My fear, of course, is that if I get sick or am injured, I will have to take a taxi/bus/whatever to the next hotel or essentially lose my money. But my other fear is that it will be very crowded next year with all of us who have put off our Caminos, and getting a bed will be even more difficult. I would appreciate your thoughts. Will the Camino really provide if I just go???
Since you are a bit apprehensive why not book the first three days then decide. I don't understand losing money by taking available transportation when needed. A group of us arrived late to one alburge with no vacancies. They called a cab, and the driver counted heads and made a phone call. We ended up in a excellent alburge with great food. It was a hotel that reserved a floor for groups of pilgrims. Cab ride was 2€ each. On another occasion I needed to add minutes to my phone plan. I was 20k from Leon but wanted to get to Leon early incase I had problems. 3€ bus ride and skipped an industrial area, no brainer.I plan to start my first Camino (Frances) next April, at age 72. I am female, and will be traveling alone at this point. I am trying to decide if I should use a travel company to make hotel reservations (better sleep, assured of a bed, lessen the risk of Covid) vs. staying in albergues (camaraderie, less expensive, much more flexibility). My fear, of course, is that if I get sick or am injured, I will have to take a taxi/bus/whatever to the next hotel or essentially lose my money. But my other fear is that it will be very crowded next year with all of us who have put off our Caminos, and getting a bed will be even more difficult. I would appreciate your thoughts. Will the Camino really provide if I just go???
It just occurred to me, re-reading the original post because there have been so many interesting comments, that that this sentence unintentionally sets up kind of a false choice.I am trying to decide if I should use a travel company to make hotel reservations (better sleep, assured of a bed, lessen the risk of Covid) vs. staying in albergues (camaraderie, less expensive, much more flexibility).
Hi MarylouI plan to start my first Camino (Frances) next April, at age 72. I am female, and will be traveling alone at this point. I am trying to decide if I should use a travel company to make hotel reservations (better sleep, assured of a bed, lessen the risk of Covid) vs. staying in albergues (camaraderie, less expensive, much more flexibility). My fear, of course, is that if I get sick or am injured, I will have to take a taxi/bus/whatever to the next hotel or essentially lose my money. But my other fear is that it will be very crowded next year with all of us who have put off our Caminos, and getting a bed will be even more difficult. I would appreciate your thoughts. Will the Camino really provide if I just go???
Marylou: I am Canadian & am planning on doing my first Camino mext May/June when I will be 70. If you would like a Camino buddy, perhaps we could walk the CF together. I know many people do the Camino alone and enjoy it......... I prefer to share the wonder of my experiences. Let me know if that is something you'd consider.I plan to start my first Camino (Frances) next April, at age 72. I am female, and will be traveling alone at this point. I am trying to decide if I should use a travel company to make hotel reservations (better sleep, assured of a bed, lessen the risk of Covid) vs. staying in albergues (camaraderie, less expensive, much more flexibility). My fear, of course, is that if I get sick or am injured, I will have to take a taxi/bus/whatever to the next hotel or essentially lose my money. But my other fear is that it will be very crowded next year with all of us who have put off our Caminos, and getting a bed will be even more difficult. I would appreciate your thoughts. Will the Camino really provide if I just go???
plan to start my first Camino (Frances) next April, at age 72. I am female, and will be traveling alone at this point. I am trying to decide if I should use a travel company to make hotel reservations (better sleep, assured of a bed, lessen the risk of Covid) vs. staying in albergues (camaraderie, less expensive, much more flexibility). My fear, of course, is that if I get sick or am injured, I will have to take a taxi/bus/whatever to the next hotel or essentially lose my money. But my other fear is that it will be very crowded next year with all of us who have put off our Caminos, and getting a bed will be even more difficult. I would appreciate your thoughts. Will the Camino really provide if I just go???
Yes. Very good advice. It's a good idea to cross reference any accommodation that you are thinking of booking on Gronze, which will tell you if it's on or near the Camino. Gronze even has links to booking.com for those accommodations that accept bookings that way.If you do decide to book as you go, before booking make sure that you are absolutely certain of the location and name of the town that you are intending to book.
Sometimes the app you use for booking will recommend a place and on further investigation you might discover that particular place is far from where you indended to stay or it might even be a different place altogether.
I need to look into this for the future, @trecile. They possibly have added some additional features since 2018, when I last used it.Yes. Very good advice. It's a good idea to cross reference any accommodation that you are thinking of booking on Gronze, which will tell you if it's on or near the Camino. Gronze even has links to booking.com for those accommodations that accept bookings that way.
Although Gronze is only in Spanish, if you use the Chrome browser you can set it to automatically translate to English or the language of your choice.
El Camino de Santiago | Gronze.com
Bienvenido a Gronze, tu Guía del Camino de Santiago: Información práctica, actualizada y participativa de los principales Caminos de Santiago.www.gronze.com
Here are a few examples of what I mean.I need to look into this for the future, @trecile. They possibly have added some additional features since 2018, when I last used it.
As much as I normally would advocate doing it by yourself this year and probably next year you may be better off booking your stays in advance. You will lose the spontaneity but you will not have any stress as far as finding a room.I plan to start my first Camino (Frances) next April, at age 72. I am female, and will be traveling alone at this point. I am trying to decide if I should use a travel company to make hotel reservations (better sleep, assured of a bed, lessen the risk of Covid) vs. staying in albergues (camaraderie, less expensive, much more flexibility). My fear, of course, is that if I get sick or am injured, I will have to take a taxi/bus/whatever to the next hotel or essentially lose my money. But my other fear is that it will be very crowded next year with all of us who have put off our Caminos, and getting a bed will be even more difficult. I would appreciate your thoughts. Will the Camino really provide if I just go???
Hi marylou I'm sue from Australia and I travelled 1st camino at age 69 in 2019 starting from sarria and I only booked my 3 nights in Santiago ,, I met lovely pilgrims the first day and after met others who popped up along the way, was very enjoyable and we're still in touch. I used the Brierly book for finding accommodation and looking on the forum alot before. i left loved it and was all booked to go last year for the Portuguese Camino have fun and look forward to hearing of your travels we can't get out of Australia due to Mr covidI plan to start my first Camino (Frances) next April, at age 72. I am female, and will be traveling alone at this point. I am trying to decide if I should use a travel company to make hotel reservations (better sleep, assured of a bed, lessen the risk of Covid) vs. staying in albergues (camaraderie, less expensive, much more flexibility). My fear, of course, is that if I get sick or am injured, I will have to take a taxi/bus/whatever to the next hotel or essentially lose my money. But my other fear is that it will be very crowded next year with all of us who have put off our Caminos, and getting a bed will be even more difficult. I would appreciate your thoughts. Will the Camino really provide if I just go???
Whether or not one is a pilgrim has nothing to do with where you sleep or who made the arrangements. It's the intention that one has that makes them a pilgrim.If you want to be a tourist, then hire someone.
If you want to be a pilgrim then make sensible preparation and go.
What a lovely description of your experience! I long to be on the Camino--it has been in my heart for many years, and is on my mind daily. I feel as if this time is part of the journey--I have been walking the Camino for years, and hopefully, soon, I will be able to continue the journey on the actual trail.Hi @maryloufrommadison
There is a lot of advice from other members before this, most of it really good advice. I would like to offer something slightly different. I want to let you know about an opportunity that, really, you only ever get once because you only ever do a First Camino once. After you have done your First Camino you will be an expert on doing Caminos and you will probably be tempted to post advice on this forum like the rest of us.
I think that the best way to let you know about this opportunity is to briefly tell you what happened on and before my First Camino. I am male and I turned 66 while on my First Camino. Like many (most) of the people who hang out on this forum I like to be in control, I have had a reasonably successful life and I am comfortable in my dotage. I still like to have fun but, generally, I don't do the high risk activities that I did in my youth such as racing a motorcycle. Nothing special about me, just an average old guy much like many others out there.
After I retired from work (involuntarily) I spent some time coming to grips with what my role in the world might be now that I wasn't telling other people what to do (as a manager) and without an identity that came from my job and job title. As part of that I joined the local hiking club because hiking was something that I very much enjoyed in my late teens and twenties. I wasn't very fit and I was a bit overweight but after a couple of months and through walking during the week around my local streets I got fit enough that I could keep up with the other slow hikers but not the really fit and keen ones. I was comfortable walking 5-10 kilometres (around 3-6 miles) daily.
One Sunday in late March 2019 I was in the hiking club's bus on my way to a hike when two younger women (sisters) sitting in front of me started talking between themselves about this walk that they were planning in Spain. They called it the Camino and at that time I would have had trouble spelling it as I knew nothing about it. I did have some vague memories of reading a newspaper or magazine article some years prior about walking through fabulous old villages in Spain but that was it. However, something in their conversation caught my attention. As they talked, something called to me and in that moment I knew that I had to do this walk.
After the hike I caught up with the two women and asked them about their planned trip. For some (unknown) reason they didn't want to share much about their trip (which was part of the Frances combined with the Primitivo) but they did tell me that if I was interested then I should look into walking the Camino Frances. When I got home that night that is what I did and discovered that it was an 800klm walk from St. Jean Pied de Port (I know, I know it doesn't start there) to Santiago de Compostela.
The magnitude of this walk both excited me and terrified me. The doubts started immediately, "How could 'I' imagine that I would be able to walk 800klms. What's more in a foreign country that I had never been to before and where they spoke a language that I didn't understand".
I immediately dropped into "planning mode" and started thinking about all the things that I would need to get organised before I could even contemplate doing this walk. I would need to get much fitter, I would need a backpack and special hiking/walking clothes and boots, a sleeping bag, what about vaccinations/water purification tablets, I would need a map ......... on and on.
After a couple of days of this I realised that these things were all Buts. You know, I am going to do X but after I have done Z, because I need to have done Z in order to do X. Then I made the mistake/brilliant step of telling my family that I wanted to head off to Spain to walk 800klms. While no one actually said it, I could see that they were thinking "he will never be able to walk 800klms". This helped to spur me on. I started preparing, I bought a backpack, filled it with cans of food to weight it down and started doing increased distances around my neighbourhood. I started to prepare a training schedule that had me being "fit enough" in about six months time.
I was now into April. About a week later I got an advertising email from Emirates offering really cheap flights to Europe (including Madrid) during May with returns before August. I sat thinking about that email overnight, without much sleep. By the morning I had realised that I could stay on my current track of making sure that I was completely prepared before I committed to going by buying a plane ticket or, instead, I could buy a plane ticket now and use that as a stake in the ground to make sure that I was prepared enough by the time that I left. Before I could talk myself out of it, I went onto the Internet and bought a return ticket to Madrid, leaving on the 12th May and returning on the 28th July. This gave me five weeks to prepare.
Five weeks might have been enough but then at about 2:00 am one night I woke up with severe pain in my side that had me rolling around on the floor and then recognising that I had a Kidney Stone and I needed urgent medical treatment. The surgery and recovery took ten precious days out of my schedule and I was only given medical clearance to fly three days before I flew out.
The time between deciding and going was a blur. I was not then the Camino expert that I am nowand so I didn't find this forum until the week before I left and I had problems finding any real information about the Camino before I left. This meant that, on the 14th May I arrived in St. Jean to start my walk with a reservation for one night in St. Jean. I had been unable to get a booking in Orisson or Roncesvalles. I had a pilgrim passport, my backpack, my smartphone, about 150 Euros in cash and a credit card. I knew that I needed to walk across the Pyrenees to Pamplona via some place called Roncesvalles and then generally westward until I got to Santiago de Compostela. That was it! I had no map, no real detailed idea about how I would get to Santiago, no accommodation booked, no idea of where I would stay the next night, no emergency food, nothing else. However, I had read that the year before over 300,000 other people had walked to Santiago (I didn't realise that not all of them started in St. Jean) and so I figured that if all these other people could do it then so could I.
After checking into my gite in St. Jean and leaving my backpack I headed up to the Pilgrim centre in St. Jean, stood in the queue for 30 minutes outside and then "chatted" to one of the volunteer helpers who's stilted English was a thousand percent better than my ill-remembered high school French. Based on that chat I booked a pickup from the Snow Virgen the next day by Express Bourricot and went looking for somewhere to spend a second night in St. Jean. I couldn't find anything through booking.com, my gite or any other internet searches and so I tried AirBnB and scored a bed for the morrow. With that settled I headed off to bed.
Apart from those two nights at the start, I never again made a reservation for accommodation even into Santiago de Compostela (not recommended). I never missed out on getting a bed although I got the second to last bed in Zubiri and the last bed somewhere else (I forget where). Nor did I know ahead of time in which village/town or city I would spend the next night. Usually I didn't even know the name of the next town or village that I would walk through. I had no map of the Camino or even a guide of any sort. I threw away the list of albergues given to me in the Pilgrim Centre in St. Jean on about the third day because the font was too small for me to read.
The next day I slept in and so by the time I headed out of St. Jean most of the other hordes of people had left before me and I almost made a wrong turning leaving St. Jean but I figured it out and headed up the mountain. Across the entire 800klms I only ever needed to use Google Maps on my smartphone a couple of times to find a particular albergue in the larger towns and cities and I was only ever lost once (it was great and I found my own way back onto the Camino) and at only two other points was I a little bit unsure about which way to go and in both cases the people around me, locals and other pilgrims, soon put me right.
Spain is a modern, highly civilised country and there are lots of resources such as places to stay, places to eat and drink, public and private transport, medical facilities, shops and the Camino Frances is incredibly well marked. Spaniards and other pilgrims are extremely hospitable and friendly. Even if someone that you meet can't speak the same language as you they will almost always be willing to communicate as best that they can.
Okay, so what you might be saying, what is that great opportunity that you talked about at the beginning? Well, after a few days (the day I left Pamplona from memory) I started to feel this incredible sense of freedom. My days were simple and uncomplicated. I had nothing to worry about planning or anything else. I got up, washed and dressed and started walking, usually well after everyone else had left and so for the start of the morning I had glorious solitude. I have a habit of walking without stopping and so by about 10 am I would start catching up with other pilgrims who had stopped for breakfast and/or a coffee and by about 1 pm I would be ahead of most of the others. At that point, when I passed through a village or town I would look for and find somewhere to stay, check in, shower, wash my clothes and then sleep until dinner time. Have dinner, explore a little and then head to bed for the night. The next day would be a repeat. Never did I have to be some place that someone else expected me to be. Life was simple and the simplicity and walking enabled me to clear my head and make decisions about the rest of my life.
Oh, and one more thing, that opportunity. The opportunity that you only get on your first Camino is to walk (metaphorically) into an almost complete unknown relying only on yourself to bring you to the other side. The self confidence that you gain when you do that has incomparable value along with the freedom that you will get from not being tied to anyone else's timetable or expectations.
Is it "better" to walk the Camino this way? Not necessarily, we each walk our own path in life and on the Camino and so what ever you choose will be right for you. You will not be a "truer" pilgrim if you walk it the way that I did. All pilgrimages done with a Pilgrim's intent are perfectly valid however they are done.
The only catch is, you only get one chance to do a First Camino because after doing one you will be an expert. After the first you will never again get quite that same opportunity to walk into the unknown with a huge goal and to show yourself that you can do that and come out the other side.
Buen Camino!
After the first you will never again get quite that same opportunity to walk into the unknown with a huge goal and to show yourself that you can do that and come out the other side.
So was I grateful, @Kanga.But I do think that I was lucky to make that first journey in the simple way that I did. I am so grateful.
I love your story! @Doughnut NZ The story of ’’your first Camino’’ is for me, always so interesting to hear. I will never forget my first Camino. It will live in my heart forever! Whichever way you choose @maryloufrommadison, I wish you the same and more. Live it to the fullest and take the time to smell the flowers!Hi @maryloufrommadison
There is a lot of advice from other members before this, most of it really good advice. I would like to offer something slightly different. I want to let you know about an opportunity that, really, you only ever get once because you only ever do a First Camino once. After you have done your First Camino you will be an expert on doing Caminos and you will probably be tempted to post advice on this forum like the rest of us.
I think that the best way to let you know about this opportunity is to briefly tell you what happened on and before my First Camino. I am male and I turned 66 while on my First Camino. Like many (most) of the people who hang out on this forum I like to be in control, I have had a reasonably successful life and I am comfortable in my dotage. I still like to have fun but, generally, I don't do the high risk activities that I did in my youth such as racing a motorcycle. Nothing special about me, just an average old guy much like many others out there.
After I retired from work (involuntarily) I spent some time coming to grips with what my role in the world might be now that I wasn't telling other people what to do (as a manager) and without an identity that came from my job and job title. As part of that I joined the local hiking club because hiking was something that I very much enjoyed in my late teens and twenties. I wasn't very fit and I was a bit overweight but after a couple of months and through walking during the week around my local streets I got fit enough that I could keep up with the other slow hikers but not the really fit and keen ones. I was comfortable walking 5-10 kilometres (around 3-6 miles) daily.
One Sunday in late March 2019 I was in the hiking club's bus on my way to a hike when two younger women (sisters) sitting in front of me started talking between themselves about this walk that they were planning in Spain. They called it the Camino and at that time I would have had trouble spelling it as I knew nothing about it. I did have some vague memories of reading a newspaper or magazine article some years prior about walking through fabulous old villages in Spain but that was it. However, something in their conversation caught my attention. As they talked, something called to me and in that moment I knew that I had to do this walk.
After the hike I caught up with the two women and asked them about their planned trip. For some (unknown) reason they didn't want to share much about their trip (which was part of the Frances combined with the Primitivo) but they did tell me that if I was interested then I should look into walking the Camino Frances. When I got home that night that is what I did and discovered that it was an 800klm walk from St. Jean Pied de Port (I know, I know it doesn't start there) to Santiago de Compostela.
The magnitude of this walk both excited me and terrified me. The doubts started immediately, "How could 'I' imagine that I would be able to walk 800klms. What's more in a foreign country that I had never been to before and where they spoke a language that I didn't understand".
I immediately dropped into "planning mode" and started thinking about all the things that I would need to get organised before I could even contemplate doing this walk. I would need to get much fitter, I would need a backpack and special hiking/walking clothes and boots, a sleeping bag, what about vaccinations/water purification tablets, I would need a map ......... on and on.
After a couple of days of this I realised that these things were all Buts. You know, I am going to do X but after I have done Z, because I need to have done Z in order to do X. Then I made the mistake/brilliant step of telling my family that I wanted to head off to Spain to walk 800klms. While no one actually said it, I could see that they were thinking "he will never be able to walk 800klms". This helped to spur me on. I started preparing, I bought a backpack, filled it with cans of food to weight it down and started doing increased distances around my neighbourhood. I started to prepare a training schedule that had me being "fit enough" in about six months time.
I was now into April. About a week later I got an advertising email from Emirates offering really cheap flights to Europe (including Madrid) during May with returns before August. I sat thinking about that email overnight, without much sleep. By the morning I had realised that I could stay on my current track of making sure that I was completely prepared before I committed to going by buying a plane ticket or, instead, I could buy a plane ticket now and use that as a stake in the ground to make sure that I was prepared enough by the time that I left. Before I could talk myself out of it, I went onto the Internet and bought a return ticket to Madrid, leaving on the 12th May and returning on the 28th July. This gave me five weeks to prepare.
Five weeks might have been enough but then at about 2:00 am one night I woke up with severe pain in my side that had me rolling around on the floor and then recognising that I had a Kidney Stone and I needed urgent medical treatment. The surgery and recovery took ten precious days out of my schedule and I was only given medical clearance to fly three days before I flew out.
The time between deciding and going was a blur. I was not then the Camino expert that I am nowand so I didn't find this forum until the week before I left and I had problems finding any real information about the Camino before I left. This meant that, on the 14th May I arrived in St. Jean to start my walk with a reservation for one night in St. Jean. I had been unable to get a booking in Orisson or Roncesvalles. I had a pilgrim passport, my backpack, my smartphone, about 150 Euros in cash and a credit card. I knew that I needed to walk across the Pyrenees to Pamplona via some place called Roncesvalles and then generally westward until I got to Santiago de Compostela. That was it! I had no map, no real detailed idea about how I would get to Santiago, no accommodation booked, no idea of where I would stay the next night, no emergency food, nothing else. However, I had read that the year before over 300,000 other people had walked to Santiago (I didn't realise that not all of them started in St. Jean) and so I figured that if all these other people could do it then so could I.
After checking into my gite in St. Jean and leaving my backpack I headed up to the Pilgrim centre in St. Jean, stood in the queue for 30 minutes outside and then "chatted" to one of the volunteer helpers who's stilted English was a thousand percent better than my ill-remembered high school French. Based on that chat I booked a pickup from the Snow Virgen the next day by Express Bourricot and went looking for somewhere to spend a second night in St. Jean. I couldn't find anything through booking.com, my gite or any other internet searches and so I tried AirBnB and scored a bed for the morrow. With that settled I headed off to bed.
Apart from those two nights at the start, I never again made a reservation for accommodation even into Santiago de Compostela (not recommended). I never missed out on getting a bed although I got the second to last bed in Zubiri and the last bed somewhere else (I forget where). Nor did I know ahead of time in which village/town or city I would spend the next night. Usually I didn't even know the name of the next town or village that I would walk through. I had no map of the Camino or even a guide of any sort. I threw away the list of albergues given to me in the Pilgrim Centre in St. Jean on about the third day because the font was too small for me to read.
The next day I slept in and so by the time I headed out of St. Jean most of the other hordes of people had left before me and I almost made a wrong turning leaving St. Jean but I figured it out and headed up the mountain. Across the entire 800klms I only ever needed to use Google Maps on my smartphone a couple of times to find a particular albergue in the larger towns and cities and I was only ever lost once (it was great and I found my own way back onto the Camino) and at only two other points was I a little bit unsure about which way to go and in both cases the people around me, locals and other pilgrims, soon put me right.
Spain is a modern, highly civilised country and there are lots of resources such as places to stay, places to eat and drink, public and private transport, medical facilities, shops and the Camino Frances is incredibly well marked. Spaniards and other pilgrims are extremely hospitable and friendly. Even if someone that you meet can't speak the same language as you they will almost always be willing to communicate as best that they can.
Okay, so what you might be saying, what is that great opportunity that you talked about at the beginning? Well, after a few days (the day I left Pamplona from memory) I started to feel this incredible sense of freedom. My days were simple and uncomplicated. I had nothing to worry about planning or anything else. I got up, washed and dressed and started walking, usually well after everyone else had left and so for the start of the morning I had glorious solitude. I have a habit of walking without stopping and so by about 10 am I would start catching up with other pilgrims who had stopped for breakfast and/or a coffee and by about 1 pm I would be ahead of most of the others. At that point, when I passed through a village or town I would look for and find somewhere to stay, check in, shower, wash my clothes and then sleep until dinner time. Have dinner, explore a little and then head to bed for the night. The next day would be a repeat. Never did I have to be some place that someone else expected me to be. Life was simple and the simplicity and walking enabled me to clear my head and make decisions about the rest of my life.
Oh, and one more thing, that opportunity. The opportunity that you only get on your first Camino is to walk (metaphorically) into an almost complete unknown relying only on yourself to bring you to the other side. The self confidence that you gain when you do that has incomparable value along with the freedom that you will get from not being tied to anyone else's timetable or expectations.
Is it "better" to walk the Camino this way? Not necessarily, we each walk our own path in life and on the Camino and so what ever you choose will be right for you. You will not be a "truer" pilgrim if you walk it the way that I did. All pilgrimages done with a Pilgrim's intent are perfectly valid however they are done.
The only catch is, you only get one chance to do a First Camino because after doing one you will be an expert. After the first you will never again get quite that same opportunity to walk into the unknown with a huge goal and to show yourself that you can do that and come out the other side.
Buen Camino!
Everyone is entitled to their opinion. Thank you for sharing yours. Just to help me out, could you give me some examples of intentions that qualify and don’t qualify for making one a Pilgrim?It's the intention that one has that makes them a pilgrim.
Simple. If one's intention is to be a pilgrim, then they are a pilgrim. Mode of transportation or sleeping accommodation makes no difference. If someone tells me that they are a pilgrim I take them at their word.Everyone is entitled to their opinion. Thank you for sharing yours. Just to help me out, could you give me some examples of intentions that qualify and don’t qualify for making one a Pilgrim?
I'm looking forward to it too, Chrissy! Can't wait to meet you.I look forward to meeting Mary Lou for lunch on Friday. We will not be debating anything. I am good with both trains of thought, and will not try to sway her thinking one way or another.
I remember how much I enjoyed meeting a seasoned walker (pilgrim or not) in person before my first camino. I think she and I will have a great time together...period!
Absolutely! Before my first Camino I didn't know anyone who had done the Camino, so I searched the name of my hometown here on the forum and found a woman who lives here. We got together for coffee a couple of times before I left, and I now count her as one of my friends.I remember how much I enjoyed meeting a seasoned walker (pilgrim or not) in person before my first camino. I think she and I will have a great time together...period!
Marylou: I tried to send you an email twice now to the address you provided but it isn't going thru.Marylou: I am Canadian & am planning on doing my first Camino mext May/June when I will be 70. If you would like a Camino buddy, perhaps we could walk the CF together. I know many people do the Camino alone and enjoy it......... I prefer to share the wonder of my experiences. Let me know if that is something you'd consider.
Have you sent her a private "Conversation"?Marylou: I tried to send you an email twice now to the address you provided but it isn't going thru.
Once you have walked, you will become a believer.I plan to start my first Camino (Frances) next April, at age 72. I am female, and will be traveling alone at this point. I am trying to decide if I should use a travel company to make hotel reservations (better sleep, assured of a bed, lessen the risk of Covid) vs. staying in albergues (camaraderie, less expensive, much more flexibility). My fear, of course, is that if I get sick or am injured, I will have to take a taxi/bus/whatever to the next hotel or essentially lose my money. But my other fear is that it will be very crowded next year with all of us who have put off our Caminos, and getting a bed will be even more difficult. I would appreciate your thoughts. Will the Camino really provide if I just go???
Just to add to what MisterH said, the full name of the Facebook group is 'CAMIGAS ~ A Buddy System for Women on the Camino' (you can do a search for it on FB). It's a great resource for any woman doing a camino. I'm a member of it and highly recommend it.There is a Facebook group CAMIGAS that is for female travelers only. I have no idea if it would be useful for you as a single female on a trip.
My sister and I started our Camino September of 2019. We took the advice of well meaning people and waited to book till we arrived.I plan to start my first Camino (Frances) next April, at age 72. I am female, and will be traveling alone at this point. I am trying to decide if I should use a travel company to make hotel reservations (better sleep, assured of a bed, lessen the risk of Covid) vs. staying in albergues (camaraderie, less expensive, much more flexibility). My fear, of course, is that if I get sick or am injured, I will have to take a taxi/bus/whatever to the next hotel or essentially lose my money. But my other fear is that it will be very crowded next year with all of us who have put off our Caminos, and getting a bed will be even more difficult. I would appreciate your thoughts. Will the Camino really provide if I just go???
I meant Buen Camino!!! (Auto correct)My sister and I started our Camino September of 2019. We took the advice of well meaning people and waited to book till we arrived.
After 8 days of trying all combination of efforts, we gave up! We returned home. Everything was booked… everything!
We deemed it unsafe to have to end up sleeping out in a plaza.
When we started at SJSP, , we were told it was so bad that 40 people slept on cots in the local gym. That should have served as a sign to us!
Everyone meant well advising us to just go with the flow… just, that year, that time was too crowded.
I still am thinking about doing it again, but this time I will have reservations…
Burn Camino!!!
Marylou,I plan to start my first Camino (Frances) next April, at age 72. I am female, and will be traveling alone at this point. I am trying to decide if I should use a travel company to make hotel reservations (better sleep, assured of a bed, lessen the risk of Covid) vs. staying in albergues (camaraderie, less expensive, much more flexibility). My fear, of course, is that if I get sick or am injured, I will have to take a taxi/bus/whatever to the next hotel or essentially lose my money. But my other fear is that it will be very crowded next year with all of us who have put off our Caminos, and getting a bed will be even more difficult. I would appreciate your thoughts. Will the Camino really provide if I just go???
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