HappyToBeBeBe
New Member
- Time of past OR future Camino
- April 2024
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My husband has been talking about walking this trail for over 35 years —- since he was 20 years old.
But, life’s problems alway seem to get in the way, don’t they?
andLots of people walk the Camino in a time of transition. He will fit right in.
andI hope your troubles get worked out and don't let him use them as an excuse to not go.
Perhaps it is a blessing in disguise that he suddenly has the time available to do this.He will never regret doing the Camino, but he may regret not doing it.
JET LAG: I was not bothered by jet lag when I arrived in Spain. I landed in Madrid, caught a flight to Pamplona the same day, and stayed 1 night in Pamplona as my flight was too late for me to be able to catch the bus to SJPDP the same day. The next morning I got the bus to SJPDP and stayed 1 night in SJPDP - then started walking. I had actually planned for a couple of jet lag recovery days in Spain but I didnt need them - I just wanted to walk asap. The return was a different matter- I was zoned out for days.I just don’t know how to get him there… where should he fly in? What trains or buses should I book ?!?? Any suggestions on where or how long to stay to recover from jet lag?
And, how do I do the return flight when I don’t even know when he’ll finish?
What is the best, least stressful way, to get him to the beginning of this forever dream all the way from the state of Texas?
Thank you all
Hello fellow Texan! We live about an hour south of Austin, outside of Seguin. I did my first full Camino-Frances this last fall. Using credit card miles with American, I flew the non-stop from Austin to Frankfurt, then down to Bilbao, Spain. A short four hour bus ride the next down put me in St. Jean Pied de Port. of course the flight to London on British Air would provide a good connection. Flying through London however can result in increased price due to UK taxes. I have flown before (with connections) to Madrid also. You will find the train system in Europe very nice, and quite efficient, heaven compared to our own Amtrak. I would be willing to chat with you via email, on the phone, or over coffee sometime. I am not sure how one safely provides contact info here. Let me know if you would like to chat, and we can figure it out.Hello everyone.
My husband has been talking about walking this trail for over 35 years —- since he was 20 years old.
But, life’s problems alway seem to get in the way, don’t they?
He’s been amazing through it all —-dirt poor newlyweds, raising children, life’s ups and downs, wins and loses, and then my unexpected devastating medical diagnosis …. so his beloved hike somehow became a “one day I’m going to” story he still tells new friends.
And now, another blow…
Just as we started to take a breath…. the youngest turning 20…I’m doing so much better health wise …..financial worries lessening……the job he’s given his life to just let him go due to “budget cuts.”
Just like that.
Welp, no more excuses!
He needs to do this.
He needs it.
There is no better time than right now.
He doesn’t see it yet, but I think what they did is actually a blessing in disguise.
Our troubles will still be waiting when he gets back.
I need to give this to him.
We live in Texas
I just don’t know how to get him there… where should he fly in? What trains or buses should I book ? Any suggestions on where or how long to stay to recover from jet lag?
And, how do I do the return flight when I don’t even know when he’ll finish?
Starting sometime early to mid April 2024 would be perfect.
Thank you all
Hi,Hello everyone.
My husband has been talking about walking this trail for over 35 years —- since he was 20 years old.
But, life’s problems alway seem to get in the way, don’t they?
He’s been amazing through it all —-dirt poor newlyweds, raising children, life’s ups and downs, wins and loses, and then my unexpected devastating medical diagnosis …. so his beloved hike somehow became a “one day I’m going to” story he still tells new friends.
And now, another blow…
Just as we started to take a breath…. the youngest turning 20…I’m doing so much better health wise …..financial worries lessening……the job he’s given his life to just let him go due to “budget cuts.”
Just like that.
Welp, no more excuses!
He needs to do this.
He needs it.
There is no better time than right now.
He doesn’t see it yet, but I think what they did is actually a blessing in disguise.
Our troubles will still be waiting when he gets back.
I need to give this to him.
We live in Texas
I just don’t know how to get him there… where should he fly in? What trains or buses should I book ? Any suggestions on where or how long to stay to recover from jet lag?
And, how do I do the return flight when I don’t even know when he’ll finish?
Starting sometime early to mid April 2024 would be perfect.
Thank you all
Daily non-stop flights are available from DFW to Madrid, Paris and a number of other European cities.Hello everyone.
My husband has been talking about walking this trail for over 35 years —- since he was 20 years old.
But, life’s problems alway seem to get in the way, don’t they?
He’s been amazing through it all —-dirt poor newlyweds, raising children, life’s ups and downs, wins and loses, and then my unexpected devastating medical diagnosis …. so his beloved hike somehow became a “one day I’m going to” story he still tells new friends.
And now, another blow…
Just as we started to take a breath…. the youngest turning 20…I’m doing so much better health wise …..financial worries lessening……the job he’s given his life to just let him go due to “budget cuts.”
Just like that.
Welp, no more excuses!
He needs to do this.
He needs it.
There is no better time than right now.
He doesn’t see it yet, but I think what they did is actually a blessing in disguise.
Our troubles will still be waiting when he gets back.
I need to give this to him.
We live in Texas
I just don’t know how to get him there… where should he fly in? What trains or buses should I book ? Any suggestions on where or how long to stay to recover from jet lag?
And, how do I do the return flight when I don’t even know when he’ll finish?
Starting sometime early to mid April 2024 would be perfect.
Thank you all
You have many helpful, encouraging suggestions in providing good information that will help you with decisions. What I don't quite understand from your questions is why you seem to be taking the full burden on yourself. I would think he would be excited to share a part in the planning.We live in Texas
I just don’t know how to get him there… where should he fly in? What trains or buses should I book ? Any suggestions on where or how long to stay to recover from jet lag?
And, how do I do the return flight when I don’t even know when he’ll finish?
Starting sometime early to mid April 2024 would be perfect.
I think it's also useful to know that you can leave by the bus from the airport if you're going to a place that bus goes. In 2021 we took the bus (made tickets beforehand) to Leon and began our Salvador. It's also on the Frances route and would make an easy trip to a start point for that. (About 4 hours on a bus, one stop, there is a facility on the bus. OH, and bus seats are assigned when you buy them, no just grabbing whatever on the intercity busses.)WOW! How wonderful! What a gift!!!!!!
There is a direct flight from DFW to Madrid on American - an overnight flight that leaves DFW in the evening and gets into MAD the next morning. He could then take a flight from MAD to Pamplona the same day he arrives in Madrid (on Iberia airlines - look at Skyscanner - a popular "goggle flights" type search engine that covers flights in Europe) - he doesnt even need to leave the airport in Madrid for the flight to Pamplona. There is also very good bus service from Madrid to Pamplona. He can start walking the camino in Pamplona or take the bus from Pamplona to wherever he wants to begin. Easy peasy.
There are plenty of other flights departing from the USA to Madrid (MAD). For me personally, departing from Nebraska, the easiest and least expensive routes had me flying into MAD. I also researched flying into Paris, Lisbon, Barcelona, and London. Someone suggested that I look into flying through Dublin - which I did - but still Madrid had the best schedule and the best prices. AND the easiest route from my destination airport to where I started my camino (St. Jean Pied de Port, France AKA SJPDP) Again - just my own personal findings. Yours may differ.
I, too, am sorry for the job loss. My husband and I have been through it more than once. You know you are not alone but it doesnt make it any easier.
People on this forum are very helpful so feel free to ask away as questions arise.
Hello, I like to buy a flexible ticket so I can change the return date if I wantHello everyone.
My husband has been talking about walking this trail for over 35 years —- since he was 20 years old.
But, life’s problems alway seem to get in the way, don’t they?
He’s been amazing through it all —-dirt poor newlyweds, raising children, life’s ups and downs, wins and loses, and then my unexpected devastating medical diagnosis …. so his beloved hike somehow became a “one day I’m going to” story he still tells new friends.
And now, another blow…
Just as we started to take a breath…. the youngest turning 20…I’m doing so much better health wise …..financial worries lessening……the job he’s given his life to just let him go due to “budget cuts.”
Just like that.
Welp, no more excuses!
He needs to do this.
He needs it.
There is no better time than right now.
He doesn’t see it yet, but I think what they did is actually a blessing in disguise.
Our troubles will still be waiting when he gets back.
I need to give this to him.
We live in Texas
I just don’t know how to get him there… where should he fly in? What trains or buses should I book ? Any suggestions on where or how long to stay to recover from jet lag?
And, how do I do the return flight when I don’t even know when he’ll finish?
Starting sometime early to mid April 2024 would be perfect.
Thank you all
I thought your Uncle John said "Life is what happens to you While you're busy making other plans" or was it your nephew?@HappyToBeBeBe “life’s a bitch and then we die” was my Uncle John’s view on it all. Happily I never took much notice of Uncle John. Grandma taught me that “tomorrow’s always gonna be another day”.
I wholeheartedly second getting in touch with a local chapter of APotC - you will make some friends and get good connections (and you can even get The Credenciale right off the bet)There is a group in the US called American Pilgrims on the Camino, and they have a chapter in Austin. I'm certain someone in that chapter would be happy to help you plan where to start your Camino and how best to get there. Good luck and Buen Camino!
I am traveling from Dallas for my first Camino beginning of May. My plan is to fly Dallas to CDG in Paris and connect to Biarritz. Train from Bayonne to St. Jean.Hello everyone.
My husband has been talking about walking this trail for over 35 years —- since he was 20 years old.
But, life’s problems alway seem to get in the way, don’t they?
He’s been amazing through it all —-dirt poor newlyweds, raising children, life’s ups and downs, wins and loses, and then my unexpected devastating medical diagnosis …. so his beloved hike somehow became a “one day I’m going to” story he still tells new friends.
And now, another blow…
Just as we started to take a breath…. the youngest turning 20…I’m doing so much better health wise …..financial worries lessening……the job he’s given his life to just let him go due to “budget cuts.”
Just like that.
Welp, no more excuses!
He needs to do this.
He needs it.
There is no better time than right now.
He doesn’t see it yet, but I think what they did is actually a blessing in disguise.
Our troubles will still be waiting when he gets back.
I need to give this to him.
We live in Texas
I just don’t know how to get him there… where should he fly in? What trains or buses should I book ? Any suggestions on where or how long to stay to recover from jet lag?
And, how do I do the return flight when I don’t even know when he’ll finish?
Starting sometime early to mid April 2024 would be perfect.
Thank you all
The best way.. the most direct..fly into Paris and then take a train to St. Jean.Hello everyone.
My husband has been talking about walking this trail for over 35 years —- since he was 20 years old.
But, life’s problems alway seem to get in the way, don’t they?
He’s been amazing through it all —-dirt poor newlyweds, raising children, life’s ups and downs, wins and loses, and then my unexpected devastating medical diagnosis …. so his beloved hike somehow became a “one day I’m going to” story he still tells new friends.
And now, another blow…
Just as we started to take a breath…. the youngest turning 20…I’m doing so much better health wise …..financial worries lessening……the job he’s given his life to just let him go due to “budget cuts.”
Just like that.
Welp, no more excuses!
He needs to do this.
He needs it.
There is no better time than right now.
He doesn’t see it yet, but I think what they did is actually a blessing in disguise.
Our troubles will still be waiting when he gets back.
I need to give this to him.
We live in Texas
I just don’t know how to get him there… where should he fly in? What trains or buses should I book ? Any suggestions on where or how long to stay to recover from jet lag?
And, how do I do the return flight when I don’t even know when he’ll finish?
Starting sometime early to mid April 2024 would be perfect.
Thank you all
I think you are absolutely looking at this the right way - a blessing in disguise. I was laid off last year and thought the same way. It was as if the universe was telling me it was time. I walked in Sept/Oct last year and am SO glad I did! It was good for my “wounded” soul. I’m from CA and arranged my flights through Expedia (multi city). I flew on American Airlines into DFW, then into Paris (CDG). Then flew into Biarritz (BIQ) and took a shuttle (Express Bourricot), which I arranged ahead of time for 19 euro, into St. Jean Pied de Port. I gave myself a rest day before walking to Orisson, it gave me time to rest and sight-see around SJPDP. It all worked out great for me! I flew back home from Santiago with a couple of layovers. I think what you’re doing is wonderful and I know he won’t regret it. Buen Camino to your hubby!Hello everyone.
My husband has been talking about walking this trail for over 35 years —- since he was 20 years old.
But, life’s problems alway seem to get in the way, don’t they?
He’s been amazing through it all —-dirt poor newlyweds, raising children, life’s ups and downs, wins and loses, and then my unexpected devastating medical diagnosis …. so his beloved hike somehow became a “one day I’m going to” story he still tells new friends.
And now, another blow…
Just as we started to take a breath…. the youngest turning 20…I’m doing so much better health wise …..financial worries lessening……the job he’s given his life to just let him go due to “budget cuts.”
Just like that.
Welp, no more excuses!
He needs to do this.
He needs it.
There is no better time than right now.
He doesn’t see it yet, but I think what they did is actually a blessing in disguise.
Our troubles will still be waiting when he gets back.
I need to give this to him.
We live in Texas
I just don’t know how to get him there… where should he fly in? What trains or buses should I book ? Any suggestions on where or how long to stay to recover from jet lag?
And, how do I do the return flight when I don’t even know when he’ll finish?
Starting sometime early to mid April 2024 would be perfect.
Thank you all
Rome2Rio is a good source for routing ideas, but it is often completely wrong about price and schedules. Also, if you put “europe” for destination, instead of looking all over Europe, it tells you how to get to Frankfurt, Germany. I assume it has a similar flaw with any other “flexible" destinatioon.Where do you want him to start? Try Rome2Rio.com for ideas.
As for flying from Texas, I fly in/out of IAH and have connected through 1) Paris 2) London and 3) Amsterdam. I have flown to Biarritz, Porto, and Madrid and have utilized privately hired cars, trains, and buses to get to starting locations.
Good luckwith your planning!!
My favorite agency is https://viajecaminodesantiago.com/en/ They have always given us the best price and excellent service.I'm flying from Houston (IAH) to Santiago de Compostela (SCQ) with stops and connections along the way. I'm doing the French route starting from Sarria at the end of June for 7 nights / 8 days.
It might be a good idea to hire a company that organizes everything including transfers from airport to start of the Camino, hotels or hostels, meals, luggage transfers, and more. They can even arrange extra days if he wants to arrive early to get settled. Some companies even have group tours, but more expensive.
The ones I've communicated with the most:
Self guided tour: https://tubuencamino.com/en/
Group tour: https://caminoways.com/camino-de-santiago-guided-tours
Group tour: https://www.gadventures.com/trips/walk-the-camino-de-santiago/ESCS/
PS - I also just got laid off and found it to be perfect time to do the Camino.
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