Walking As A Minor

[ACarroll]

Hi! I'm a 16 year old girl who'll be 17 by early July of 2017, when I hope to be walking the CF. My initial question: is this a good idea, considering I'll be alone? My parents trust me to take care of myself and manage the hike well, but I'm worried about the minor-friendliness of the Camino. Are there specific issues I'll come across, or problems to look out for? I'm looking forward to the increased independence of the trail, and would love to meet new people, but I want to double check.
Thanks!

 

[Smallest_Sparrow]

Hi! I'm a 16 year old girl who'll be 17 by early July of 2017, when I hope to be walking the CF. My initial question: is this a good idea, considering I'll be alone? My parents trust me to take care of myself and manage the hike well, but I'm worried about the minor-friendliness of the Camino. Are there specific issues I'll come across, or problems to look out for? I'm looking forward to the increased independence of the trail, and would love to meet new people, but I want to double check.
Thanks!

I'm glad you are asking this, you seem like a responsible young woman. If you would like to PM me, I will give you my opinion
best wishes
Colleen

 

[Alan Pearce]

Hi! I'm a 16 year old girl who'll be 17 by early July of 2017, when I hope to be walking the CF. My initial question: is this a good idea, considering I'll be alone? My parents trust me to take care of myself and manage the hike well, but I'm worried about the minor-friendliness of the Camino. Are there specific issues I'll come across, or problems to look out for? I'm looking forward to the increased independence of the trail, and would love to meet new people, but I want to double check.
Thanks!

You will be fine!

Buen Camino

Alan

Be brave. Life is joyous.

 

[SYates]

I would wait until you are 18 (of legal age) or walk with somebody that can act legally as your next of kin. The problem I see, and perhaps I am overcautious, is "what happens if something happens?". For example, if you need medical treatment even for a minor injury the doctor will need the agreement of a legal guardian/parent for that.

Also, if I would be a hospitalera in an albergue where you stay as a minor, I would be very nervous, because I would feel like the responsibility for your wellbeing lies with me.

Buen Camino de la Vida, SY

 

[frida1]

I did meet a couple of 16 year old girls walking alone on the Camino. By the time I saw them they had joined Camino families. I met them again Santago. They had done fine. I think it's a personal decision.

 

[Felipe]

I think that besides practical things, there will be some legal and documentation aspects involved. I suggest your parents check this with the nearest Spain's embassy or consulate.

 

[Rick of Rick and Peg]

I'm looking forward to the increased independence of the trail

And Spain is looking after your safety.

10 Things to Know about Drinking Age in Spain
Hannah Meneses Jun 18, 2016
http://trip-n-travel.com/listicle/14940/

 

[Smallest_Sparrow]

having now read all the way through the drinking link, please note that drinking, youth, and not-from-around-here are three things that make a person stand out as a potential target for those will ill intent. It mentions it is ok to drink underage if someone buys you a drink. If I were a young lady today I would be very cautious about accepting a drink from someone that wasn't an old and close friend, especially if I was in an unfamiliar place ...if you don't know why, please ask your parents, you can say I said to ask