Planning your First Camino - 12 Camino de Santiago Planning Tips
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- Опубликовано: 2 июл 2024
- Planning your 1st Camino de Santiago?
Nervous? There is no need to worry.
Millions of Pilgrims have done this before you.
Here are 12 things to think about that might help you with your planning.
Oh, and my packing list video:
• What's in my Pack for ...
TIMESTAMPS (in case you want to skip) 👇
0:00 Intro
1:02 Why are you planning to walk the Camino?
2:00 Planning Process
3:10 Time of Year
6:10 Which Route
7:41 For How Long Will You Walk
11:00 Type of Accommodation
12:51 Communications
14:56 Money
17:38 Booking Accommodation
21:45 Gear
23:21 Getting there
26:29 Getting home
30:14 Insurance
32:56 Medications
35:12 Bonus Tip
36:07 Outro
🟨 Do please Subscribe, Comment, 🟨 and
🙋 Ask Questions
I love to talk and share about all aspects of the Camino!
And hear your tips too!
⚡ Camino Blog ⚡
For more details about each journey you can visit the detailed blogs at robscamino.com/
It includes daily videos, blogs and photos.
#caminodesantiago #caminovideo #caminoplanning
Oh, and my packing list video: ruclips.net/video/jWW7ihHr1vA/видео.html
If you have flexibility, add a lot of buffer days! There are plenty of things to do if you have time leftover (walk to Finisterre and/or Muxia, spend several days in Santiago and Madrid, etc.). It is much better to have extra days versus not enough! For me, researching and planning my Camino is a lot of fun! Pack light, most people should use a pack smaller than 40 Litres and not wear hiking boots! ¡Buen Camino!
Yes, all good tips.....
Why are you NOT recommending hiking boots? I am planning my first Camino.
@@junehitchcock170 They are overkill for the terrain; ATV sheep path, worst case. The weight of your pack isn't enuff to justify the support they give. And generally they're significantly heavier than other choices 100's have demonstrated work fine: trail runners. Check into Dixie's YT channel Homemade Wanderlust. My 1st will be this September- iBuen Camino!
I feel more comfortable in my hiking boots than regular shoes. My feet don’t hurt as much
So you would recommend these lower models that could be very light and comfortable ? @@mainerdmoose9242
I love your videos, very informative and yes, we don't need to stress but preparation and think about all possibilities is a must . You may have already mentioned it, or even done a video, on lightweight packing for us pilgrims-to-be also paranoid about weight because of bad knees. I was hoping to do the Camino in 2022 but I had given up due to all kinds of aches and pains in my knees. Until, I decided to take matters seriously and after six months of a health conscious diet, exercise and losing some 15+ lbs, I'm able to walk pain free up to 7 miles, or about 11 Km. I definitely wish to do the camino in the spring of 2025, I think I'll be ready by then.
I have walked a few Caminos since 2015, very overweight most of the time, with bad knees. Last year was my first injury free Camino. The most important factor........was weight loss! Not training, not pack weight, but body weight reduction. I was still overweight. but BMI 28 not 34! For my next Camino I want to be BMI 26. Actually I found weight loss easy, using Intermittent Fasting. I lost 18 kgs. It just takes a bit of will power. In fact it was so effective, I don't worry about my weight anymore, because I know I can take it off pre Camino 🙄 These two videos might help. Yes, you can walk overweight: ruclips.net/video/aVO0S45gbos/видео.html and how I lost weight: ruclips.net/video/rKlKsp2krwM/видео.html
Thank you for your perspective.
My pleasure!
Thank you so much for this valuable information. As I watch your videos one by one I am getting more excited about the possibility...
Glad you like them.
Pleased i found your channel,im walking my first camino May 2025 and find your down to earth keep it simple approach extremely helpful,some great info on youtube but sometimes it seems over complex,im hoping to keep my camino as simple as i can and enjoy the journey
Simplicity is the key I think....... and not having any expectations. 🙂
You are inspiring me with every video. I'm now checking out your blog. THANK YOU SO MUCH, ROB!!!!!! XO
There is quite a lot on the Blog. There is a drop down menu for each year. 2015, 2016, 2018, 2023.
Thank you so much for your channel. I have never walked the Camino but I am planning a trip next year and your channel is so helpful!
A first Camino is always exciting!
What really helped me and my Camino fellows is that I’ve got my sticky tapes with me so whenever I felt pain in my knees or ankles I would apply them and gave me a great support. You can just use RUclips to learn how to apply it in a proper way✌️
Yes I do the same. Or I go to a physio and have them tape my feet, shins whatever and get them to show me how to do it. Physios in Spain are really good.
Are you a Capricorn? 😂😂 I could relate so much to the "love planning" part 😂😂 I love too, but as much as I want to be prepared for my first one, it will also be the most "spontaneous" trip I'll ever have, since I won't really book much in advance and will just go with the flow.
Taurus. Stubborn and impulsive ! I love the planning, though it's more like research really. Once I start I just go with the flow.......
Thank you!
You're welcome!
Great info -- Thanks
Glad it helped..
thank you so much for these excellent, fun and informative videos, Rob! I feel so excited, and yet much calmer after listening to your tips and experiences. Wonderful!
Glad you enjoyed it and found it helpful. When are you planning to walk a Camino?
I’m hoping to leave Mexico as soon as my replacement backpack arrives, so likely mid-to late-september as a starting date. I’m going to do the Frances Way… just trying to magically foresee the weather, and keeping fingers crossed that it won’t be too wet! :) @@robscamino
Buen Camino!
Thank you.
You're welcome!
Agree with all that. Definitely book first 2 days accom, there are a couple of feast days in the first week. The start I am going from is already 86% sold out. I have 7 "spare days" for injuries or maybe a short 4 day camino at the end "Finisterre" . the local farmacias have lots of things ... but I will still take my nexium anda day or so of pain med/imodium. The long haul from Sydney is the only down side, at least it is through the night.
Btw I am taking a thermolite liner and might pick up a fleece throw there. Was tempted by the idea of the ultralight sleeping bag (the S2S spark 01) but for similar cost I can get a decent pension/hostal or casa rural.
Sounds like you are well organised! A also carry a few extra 'small' meds. Just in case LOL. Literally 4 tabs of Imodium, 4 tabs anti histamine. Stuff like that. Things that when you need them, you need them asap....
Each time I watch, I'm itching to do a camino again.
Good. Buen Camino! 🙂
I must admit, I did enjoy planning my Caminos. When to leave, reservations in St Jean and Santiago. Finding cheap flights etc. I do miss doing all that.
When we can't walk a Camino, we plan one 🙂
Tbh, if I had to get a taxi to the next village to find accommodation, I wouldn't go back. I'd just carry on from where I am and either have a shorter day to allow camino friends to catch up, or just carry on and get a little ahead to enjoy a down day somewhere.
I tend to agree, to a degree, but suppose it depends what route you are on and how close you are to Santiago, and if you want a Compostela. If you are within the last 100 kms you need to walk all of it to get your Compostela.
I'm hoping to finally do my 1st Camino this summer. I was assaulted 3 years ago and had my leg broken in 4 places and a metal cage put on it and as closure want to walk my way to closure. My best tip for myself is to have money for private rooms for a rest day. I have similar issues by the sounds of it as yourself. Oh and not to go cheap on socks and footwear.
I'm sure your Camino will be a healing journey in many ways Peter. My 'issues' are really just chronic injury. Arthritis and bursitis in the knees, torn meniscus, Achilles tendonitis. Much of it caused by walking my first Camino very overweight. (like 20 kgs overweight). So now I just go slow, and have learnt to 'manage' these minor injuries as I go. I now know that days of more than 25 kms, or hours of road walking will cause injuries to flare up. So I just plan accordingly, and allow a bit of extra time. And Yes. Socks and footwear are the most important items I reckon. Not a case of cheap or expensive though. More of being a really good fit. I'm just off to try some new trail runners. Still not happy with those I have.......... And I DO NOT want to wear boots again.
Hello again Rob! Yes--so excited to be planning my first Camino. Would do either Portugues or Frances but leaning toward Frances. I want to do mostly albergues with hostales, hoteles, casas sprinkled along the way. Looking at a fall walk--October? I am an avid backpacker/hiker but as you say I want to really drink in what the experience has in store for me, so I don't want to try to do too many miles every day. What you have recommended sounds very good: 12-15. You are also right in not even sticking to that if magical situations arise! I think I would take my mountaineering backpack (55 L) but just not put very much in it---or at least try to keep too much stuff from getting in there! It has a lot of conversation-starter patches on it.
I have seen a lot of debate in forums about "the big city question"--does one get past them as quickly as possible in order to get back into the countryside or does one drink in the big city (Leon, Pamplona, Burgos) and wrap yourself in the larger urban scene as part of your Camino experience? Knowing me, I would want to be back in the villages.
A somewhat personal question: what rock did you put on the pile during your various Caminos? and did you get a new scallop shell each time or keep the shell from your first Camino and re-use it?
You are going to have an amazing time! 🙂 Regarding the Cities, I find them a challenge. After the relative peace and isolation in the rural areas, I can find them a bit overwhelming. So I generally just stay one night and catch the main sites, unless I need a rest day. My mood always lifts as I leave a city and reach the open countryside. Is it a Camino 'thing' or just me? I'm not sure. My rocks I always bring from home. Stones really, rather than rocks! And I use my first scallop shell over and over.........
HI Rob. Thank you so much for the informative videos. Love them. Such great information.
You talk a lot about lighter equipment because of your bad knees etc. Just wondering about transporting your bag to reduce the stress on your back and knees while hiking?
I tried that in the early days, when I started with injuries. I much prefer to carry my bag. More flexible, easier logistics, I wouldn't recommend bag transport unless you have to through injury/ability.
well said Rob .... I travel a lot but can only take off 2 weeks at a time so from my research I read that Pamplona to Burgos was a pretty special section so I did that . It was my first solo holiday at age 55 so I was a bit nervous ...had a ball and have booked April 2022 for a another section . One thing I do laugh about is how cheap it was I mean you could not spend money if you tried. I never booked one nights accomodation and every town I arrived in the people that I was walking with had researched all of the accomodation and I just followed them ... worked like a charm ...just do it
So glad it was amazing for you! Yep. Just do it 🙂
Looking at solo walking this year. Did you feel safe in your own?
@@junehitchcock170 yes totally never had the slightest concern worry or care actually ... your walking in the countryside with lots of fellow walkers passing by all day and long and your generally at your accomodation by 3.00 ish drinking wine surroundered by fellow walkers from the days ..im going again in April 2023 -alone and cannt get there fast enough
@@georginasawyer6524 hi georgina..suddenly have an urge to do this.
I want to go alone - any tips or advice? Id like to do the longest version if that makes sense, (heard theres a few walks / routes etc)..not looking to be back in a week haha! I know virtually nothing about it, only that im meant to do it! Im in UK if that makes any difference. thx neil (PS drinking wine sounds good!)
@neilmac181 You'd better start researching.
There are lots of great routes! www.gronze.com/#todos
Well said, well done, pleasure to watch your videos Robert. I’m leaning towards START walking the Camino from SJPP last week of April/first week of May, God Willing,.. at age 72, and widower. Buen Camino. 🇨🇦.
Buen Camino! You'll love it.
woohoo Jagdev, hope you are having a buen camino, the first time I did, I met a 74 year old woman who was 4 foot nothing in height almost, and on reaching the albergue in Santiago almost jumped across a table to tell me her joy of reaching with NO injuries, she was so proud of herself, she filled me with joy, I also met an 84 year old woman walking with her daughter who was in better shape than I (68 years old)....so God spare you and enjoy!!
Hi, Did you do the Camino? You’ve said you’re 72 and I’m the same, planning on next Spring. If you did how was it? Very curious
I'll be travelling to Spain by ferry from Portsmouth, UK. I plan to start in early April, when the weather can still be cold, so I'm considering starting in Roncesvalles.
Sure, why not. Though the pass over the monutains from St Jean should be open.
All your videos ive watched so far have been really helpful. Making me less anxious. Ill be doing this on my own and for the first time. If is it okay could you share with us please how you walked the Camino Frances. Like day1 to this town, day 2 to this town and so on... i think ill just be doing 20kms a day too. 🙏🏻❤️
That would be a really long video 🙂 But I can do better than that. On my first Camino I made a day by day blog. It has lots of commentary, pictures and videos. Like this channel it's not just about walking from A to B and Sleeping in this place. Though there is quite a bit about the places and landscapes. Let me know if that is the kind of thing you are looking for. It's in day by day sequence starting here. robscamino.com/2015/blog/ You'll find tabs for other years and other things that might be of interest.
So enjoying your info! Have u done any of the French Camino?
Yes, 3 times. Twice from St Jean and once the last 200 kms or so.
Outstanding post-loads of info to prepare me for my 1st Camino. ❤❤
1 question: What type? Travel health insurance?
I've used different insurance over the years. This year I just used the Free Insurance available via my credit card company. There were conditions such as spending at least $600 on the trip on the card, prior to departure. Check the small print!
Planning your 1st Camino? Feel free to ask questions, or provide your own planning tips.
Good afternoon Rob,
Thanks for all the information you provide, really helpful.
I wondered if you could explain why you have not mentioned/attended the Camino Portuguese?
I have read it is the second most popular Camino, but is there a particular reason you don’t mention it much compared to the others? I’m planning my second Camino at the moment, first being the full CF, and can’t make my mind up!
Thanks
It's not that I don't like the routes in Portugal, but (1) I haven't walked in Portugal so it would be hard to comment. (2) I love Spain and now can 'manage' in Spanish. (2) I don't speak a word of Portuguese, so I would need/want to learn some. (3) From what I read there is a lot of road walking and my feet can't handle that. (4) The Portuguese routes are very popular. Whilst I like meeting and mixing with other Pilgrims, large numbers, every day for weeks, not so much. (5) THere are still many routes in Spain I haven't walked. Next year I will probably try Le Puy, (A) It's more remote, (B) I speak a bit of French, (C) I love the Mountains. Maybe someone who has walked the Portuguese routes could comment?
Dear Rob, Really enjoyed your video. But the biggest tip is you need to plan how and when you will get a covid test to fly home. At this time, it's three days prior to flying. thank you and Buen Camino
Good point Joe. I have not walked during Covid. What is the bet way to plan for that?
@@robscamino This is from research online. You have to find a testing center where you are flying out of and set an appointment. THEY MAY NOT BE OPEN ON A WEEKEND.
@@joeforeman8754 Good point, thanks
26.36 The camino extends all to Santiago airport so you could just walk to the airport.
Very true. The Camino passes the airport at the end of the runway. It would be a few kms from there to the Terminal building. But then you wouldn't reach Santiago. 🙄 Are are you thinking you might walk 'back out of Santiago' along the Camino to the Airport? I guess you would walk back to Lavacolla, and then branch off there to the Airport.
It is so kind of you to share. I have experiences like that and I have not walked the camino. I speak with God and I believe he/she speaks with me. I hear my spirit and that of the trees and wind and earth. It ddoes not matter what anyone thinks about your spiritual experiences or what I think about theirs. I am doing the camino in 3 weeks. I am not religious or Catholic and I am absolutely following your lead. Why am I walking it? Thanks for that question. 1. I saw the movie and decided to do it and finally the time has come. 2. I decided to do it because I want time to enjoy with God. Time that is definately set aside for that in a unfamiliar places where others have done the same. I have been waiting for this for about 20 years, and time has come and it makes me at peace and happy in my soul.
I suspect you will have an amazing journey 🙂 Buen Camino.
@@robscamino I will and thank you so much. Your posts have and will make a big mark in my experience and I appreciate it. Thank you from my soul.
Hi Rob, I'm planning my first Camino, but I'd like to do the North way, along the coast. Am I too daring? I like the scenery of the coastal way. Thank you for your videos, I find them very helpful in my early stages of planning.
I haven't walked the Norte, but have read a lot about it. I'd suggest you research it to make sure it's what you want. Whilst the scenery is stunning you should also be aware that there is quite a bit of road walking, and during the holiday season it can get very busy with regular tourists competing for accommodation. Others may have personal experience to share.
ATM: my buddy did the camino Potuguese last fall; ATMs in Portugal slap 12% surcharge. Of the two ATMS, EURONET and MULTIBANK, MULTIBANK has a better exchange rate than EURONET, for CANADIAN Dollars
Good to know! It might not just be the ATM though, it could be the 'home' bank as well. Everyone seems to take a slice of the pie 🙂
'Prior Preparation and Planning Prevents Piss Poor Performance' ( as my old Sgt Major used to say...)
LOL. Heard that a few times myself!
Thank you for your videos as I have found them to be very helpful and informative.
A couple of questions:
1.should I take my sleeping bag if I stay in private albergues ( as you did). Pardon me for asking this question twice as I couldn’t remember which video I had asked it under. I thought RUclips was answers were sent to my email address but I couldn’t find it in my email account.
2. Do I need a rain coat as I am taking my euroschreun umbrella. I will bring my puffy jacket. I am starting out about the 3rd or 4 th of May going on the Camino Frances.
Which brings me to another question, the hipster water bottle clips you love and use on your pack straps, how do you attach your euroscheurim umbrella hands free clips to the your backpack straps?
Lat question-what is a Fiso? You e mentioned it as a sort of medical person maybe?
Thank you,
Linda🇺🇸
Hi Linda. Here goes.
1. If in a 'private room' in an albergue, it's generally like a small Hotel room, with bed sheets etc. If in a dorm room in a 'private albergue' who'll need a sleeping bag or at least a 'liner'.
2. I find the Umbrella is more use for sun than rain. but that's just me. Sure it will help with rain, but I would also take rain gear. Easy option is a poncho. more expensive option is rain jacket and pants.
3. You can buy clips online for the Umbrella. I'm going to try these. www.backpackinglight.com.au/gossamer-gear-handsfree-umbrella-clip.html
In the past I just used velcro straps. see here. ruclips.net/video/nvvfPk4TPB0/видео.html
4. Physio. or in Spain Fisio. (physiotherapist)
Am loving your videos Rob - how do you get your pilgrim's passport ? Do you have to book anything other than flights and accommodation? Maps?
Hi Valerie. There are a few ways to get the Pilgrims Passport. (1) Depending where you live, you might have a Camino Group/Association nearby that can provide one. (2) Depending where you plan to start, you will often find a church/cathedral/pilgrim's office that supplies them. (3) You can buy them online, like from here. What part of the World are you in? I have a few spare.
Bookings things, depends a bit on time of year and route. You really don't even have to book accommodation, other than maybe the first few days. In fact it's better not to, so as to have more freedom and flexibility. What route, start point and time of year are you thinking of? Maps? You don't really need them. I find that whilst I have countless guide books, I just use this website. www.gronze.com/ All the routes I have walked were very clearly signposted. You just follow the arrows / signs. If you can wait a couple of weeks, I'll happily do a video on these questions, as they'll be in the minds of many first time pilgrims I'm sure
That was quick! Thanks. We are in New Zealand and are only just starting planning despite having wanted to for years. Thinking next European autumn so have plenty of time.@@robscamino
@@valerieschenk5311 Look around on the channel, use the playlists and search feature. You'll probably find most of the topics you need.
April 2023 (injuries permitting?) not booking anything till around mid January 2023. FLYING: Alberta Canada to Scotland (return), might end up doing 1 way flight each way?, drop off most of my luggage in Scotland with family. TRAIN: Scotland to St Jean (1 way?). Train: Santiago to Barcelona (Maybe?). Flying: Barcelona to Scotland (1 way) maybe, MAYBE’S depend on what state I’m in when I finish 😂, if I can’t do Maybes I will try fly from Santiago to London (1-2 days stop over with family) TRAIN; London to Scotland (2-3 weeks stopover with family, figure out return to Canada flight?). I’m thinking 2.5-3 months total if it works out. That’s my plan 😂 hoping it works out.
Sounds great. The train trip from Scotland to St Jean will be epic. I love long train journeys. Much better than flying 🙂
Very informative. Thanks. Just a couple of things (1) if travelling from afar, what do you do with your general luggage especially if you arrive in one place and leave from another (2) can you camp along the route?
1. I don't have any 'general' luggage. Only my Camino gear. I travel in it. It's what most people do. If I am traveling in Europe before or after the Camino I might send a bag to Casa Ivar in Santiago. casaivar.com/luggage-storage-in-santiago-de-compostela/
2. Wild camping is generally not allowed in Spain. But a few people do it.
@@robscamino Thanks
Choosing which route is actually quite difficult. My first 2 caminos were Frances (St Jean) and Portuguese (Lisbon then coastal) and then I was thinking Via De La Plata next year then changed my to Portuguese (Central) but now I think Camino de Madrid to Sahagun then the Frances when it meets. So tricky to pick one! My Spanish language is pretty good so that does provide options. The VDLP looks a bit miserable and must admit coffee breaks are often the highlight and so much of VLDP doesn’t have that.
Also Rob the Portuguese route from Porto does have great infrastructure- less so from Lisbon eg odd stay on a youth hostel / camp ground etc but it’s getting better. Walking from Lisbon outside of April - Oct would be a challenge accomodation wise.
Yes it's hard to choose. I think for a first time the Camino Frances is hard to beat. But I'm feeling like I want more solitude now. Hence the VdlP. I know it will be a challenge for me with daily distances, lack of facilities, lack of company and so on, but I think I want to take on the challenge.
Yeah!!! My Next caminos for me is the Madrid,(2 weeks)~ 2 days to Leon, the San Salvador,(5days) then the Primitivo to Santiago (2 weeks). Then find a albergue to be a hospitalerio at for 2 weeks. There is the plan God willing....Rob you'd make a great hospitalerio! What a font of info you provide. Love
@@michelemoran3267 Can you go from Leon to San Salvador route?>
Yes, from walking out of Leon the way forks. Right to Oviedo called San Salvador Camino or left continue the Francis ...
Camino Levante is good.
TIMESTAMPS (in case you want to skip) 👇
0:00 Intro
1:02 Why are you planning to walk the Camino?
2:00 Planning Process
3:10 Time of Year
6:10 Which Route
7:41 For How Long Will You Walk
11:00 Type of Accommodation
12:51 Communications
14:56 Money
17:38 Booking Accommodation
21:45 Gear
23:21 Getting there
26:29 Getting home
30:14 Insurance
32:56 Medications
35:12 Bonus Tip
36:07 Outro
You should pin this!
Thank you for this video, and several others. I am interested but given the current state with COVID here in Canada, and government advisories, I am looking at 2023, at age 79.I have walked two national trails in England, 160 km ea., so have some idea as to walking for several days.
Indeed so many planned Caminos are on hold. I have been waiting 2 years to go, and had hoped to go again this year. But that seems highly unlikely. maybe 2023? Who knows. I'll keep my fingers crossed for you. Which Camino are you planning to walk?
@@robscamino my first thought was to walk Portuguese route but now leaning to Frances. While I walk alone, in the past did not like the isolation. Often I would set out, and never see another person until reaching my bed for the night. The infrastructure on CF seems much better. Now, can I walk for 40 days.? Typing my reply after dealing with 39cm of new snow in Toronto.
I soo appreciate all your info and advice! You answered a lot of my questions.
I have a question about requirements to receive my Compostela. If it takes me 50-60 days to walk the France way, will I still qualify for a Compostela? I’m not sure I can do it in 30-40 days.
Don't panic 🙂 There is no requirement to walk any Camino Route in a specific time period. In fact some people who have limited holiday time, might walk 2 weeks a year, starting one year, where they finished last year. If doing that, it's best to use the same Pilgrim's passport (Credencial). BUT. To receive the Compostela, you must walk the final 100 kms of any recognised Camino Route, in one go. Or 200 kms if on a bike. You should double check the rules here: oficinadelperegrino.com/peregrinacion/la-compostela/ You can take a month for that last 100 kms if you like! Just do it in one uninterrupted journey. (2 stamps per day)
@@robscamino ok! Good news. Yay!
Thanks Rob, lots of great advice, Covid will be hard to insure for but have been looking into that also as well as flexibility/refundability in relation to airfares...did you undertake the Finisterre leg at the end of any of your trips and if so how long did you allow, I believe it is about 100 km so 3-4 days?
Re Finisterre, I have have always intended to! LOL But somehow when I reach Santiago my body knows it's the end and shuts down. 😊 I tend to struggle a bit with knee and tendon injuries and stagger into Santiago held together with tape... But one day I'll do it. I would love to. On my first Camino I took a bus out to Muxia. Just a day trip. Santiago just didn't feel like the end and I wanted to stand at the Ocean. It was the best thing I could have done. It gave me 'closure' if that makes sense. Maybe nest time, which hopefully will be the VdlP, I'll just pass right through Santiago, and keep going, not even stay the night. Make Finisterre my end point. Then come back and visit the Pilgrims office etc. It's a bit of a mindset thing for me after 40-50 days of walking......
Gronze will give you an idea of timing. I'd allow 5 days, but I'm very slow! www.gronze.com/etapa/corcubion/fisterra
@@robscamino thanks, I get your reluctance to walk on but hoping I can make it to the ocean also
@@johnturnbull2146 LOL. Not reluctance, Just inability so far..... Buen Camino!
Good question...I walked to Muxia then one day more to Finisterre on my 3 Rd Francis from SJPdP. My First Camino I took a bus there and felt the panic of being left behind....as the bus from Santiago is very popular with tourists as well. It took about 5 days all up to walk to Muxia/ Finisterre and it was a great time to reflect. All up in 2018 it took me 6 weeks 2 days of slow walking. Hope that helps. Love
For my first Camino I only ever booked about 4 nights and only 1 in far in advance which was the first night in Orisson.
This coming Camino, 2022 I have a few places booked:
1. Orisson
2. Santo Domingo de le Calzada (trying the Parador there)
3. Leon on my Birthday (Parador)
4. Booked an albergue in Ventosa (which is right before Najera). Najera was by far my worst accommodation experience in 2015 so this time out i'm booking 1 town back in a nice place.
I can understand booking Orisson. I just hope booking the others doesn't put too much pressure on you to stick to a schedule. I think all places probably have good and bad accommodation. Maybe not related to the town. I've stayed in a couple of OK places in Najera. But the options in Ventosa look nice too! And it's always nice to stay in different towns second time around 🙂
Hi I am starting following Your videos which I find great. Doing the Camino is something I know I will do once. I am lucky asI live in Portugal:) What still stop me is, as I listem many times and I would like Your opinion, is the luck of sleep during it due to prole snoring ...I could not walk 20 km after a sleepless night! I am in my 60, having knee problem ( had a fracture) but this is really what stop me to decide to pack and go. I would definetly do it alone, so I can have my time and stop whenever I want or need.
Maybe, if you can afford the additional expense, stay in private rooms. That is what I do. Many Albergues have private rooms.
@@robscamino good to know, may thanks!!!!
@@robscaminoThats great information about staying in private rooms in Albergues. What would you recommend I budget (on average) for a private room? Thank you for your very helpful video 😊
@@paulz6491 The cost of a private room can vary considerably. If you want a private bathroom that might be a bit more, a 'nicer' accomodation v very basic etc etc. It can vary a bit by route too. (Supply and Demand) THis year I had a private room with shared bathroom for 17 Euros once! But on average, you could maybe go as low as 25-35 Euros? But it all depends on how many places there are to stay in a particular location and what vacancies you can find. In one place on the VdlP this year for example, the only private room I could find was 60 Euros. But it was a 2 bedroom apartment! A few times I shared a place like that. On the Camino Frances, there are many more options. To work out your budget for rooms, you might find it useful to look at the accommodation listings on Gronze. www.gronze.com/camino-frances We all have different preferences so it's worth looking at a few to see what is available at what price. My overall 'budget' for private rooms for example is 45 euros. But that might include places from 17-60 euros. For an Albergue 'bed' my budget is 14 euros. The reality is a bit less.
@@robscamino Thank you so much for your detailed response which is very helpful. I appreciate the examples you gave me of the different rooms and the range of prices that I can expect. I’m so glad I found your videos and I’ve been binge watching them from rainy Vancouver 😊
Hi Rob. Thanks for your very informative video. I'd like to add comment about insurance. As a Registered Nurse I have personally encountered patients who have travelled from around the world to Australia (Perth- G'day) and they didn't have insurance. One lady fell on an escalator in Singapore airport. She managed to get to Perth to visit her son who had recently retired. At Perth the lady ended up in ICU for about 10 days due to complications. It was decided that she needed to be repatriated to her home country when stable enough. 2 rows of seats had to be removed on the plane to accommodate her on a stretcher. She needed a paid Registered Nurse escort for the journey who in turn had to be put up in accommodation for at least 1 night until he/ she was flown home to Australia. Can you imagine how much that all cost? I can tell you that the son had to give up retirement and return to work to pay off the bank re mortgage on his home to pay the bills as the hospital would not release the lady until ALL of her hospital bills had been paid. So in my opinion insurance is a MUST and a no brainer. Don't risk it. It's just not worth it. The peace of mind is priceless.
God forbid someone dies while on their holiday, repatriation of a body is also fraught with legal issues and great cost.
Been Cameno
Personally I would never travel without insurance. But I appreciate for many it can be expensive. As you say though, is it worth the risk? On one overseas trip my wife ended up in hospital getting emergency surgery.
@@robscamino What a worrying time for you both. Hope all turned out well.
@@auzzygirl8175 Yes, all good thanks. It was post Camino in Italy. She was complaining of stomach pains. I brushed it off as indigestion. After a couple of hours, she just said "take me to Hospital now" Next morning she had her gall bladder removed! Thankfully Italy and Australia have reciprocal health agreements, but we had insurance anyway. The Hospital said, you might get a bill you might not, we have to check. We didn't. (Australia and Spain do not have a reciprocal health agreement, at least back then)
@@robscamino Glad all worked out well. Good to know about reciprocal agreements too but probably best not to rely on them just in case.
@@auzzygirl8175 Absolutely! I always travel with insurance.
Hi Rob. I'm an Aussie senior male planning to do a Camino in April 2024. I've enjoyed your videos, especially your "What's in your pack". Two questions on that - 1/ you don't mention shaving - how do you keep your face fuzz neat. 2/ you pack a small pen knife in your pack/carry-on. How do you get that through security?
Finally - this video is extremely frustrating with the constant irritating adverts. You are a businessman, do you desperately need the income from these? If you must, why not try for adverts of Camino gear, or Spain facilities etc.? They would add to the value of the video.
Hi Geoff. I don't worry about the face fuzz. Everything gets trimmed short at the start and I find a barber at the end. I pack a small penknife along with my liquids and poles in a mailing tube and check it in. Adverts? No idea why you are seeing them! I hate them too. This is not a commercialised channel. They are turned off. Might be YT playing games again. They recently changed their Ts and Cs to allow adverts on any channel even if the channel owner doesn't want them. I guess I could just take the video down......
I am planning the portuguese route starting in Lisbon Feb 21. Thanks for the video. i have a question about electronics. charging your phone at night. access to wifi - I plan to communicate home using Whats App or Marco Polo. is wifi generally available? I will probably get a local sim card for Portugal - i suppose that is helpful in calling ahead for accommodations. What do you budget for food and stuff other than lodging? is water available along the way. If there are stops along the way every 8-12K then I suspect a liter bottle is okay, and I assume we can buy bottle water in the villages. did you ever worry about purifying water?
OK, let's take these one at a time. And I have not walked the Portuguese, but it is a popular route wit good infrastructure rather like the Frances in that regard. A lot of the answers will depend on what type of accommodation you are using. I will assume Albergues.(1) There are power outlets, but be sure to share. Maybe have a charger that can charge 2 phones, so someone else can use it too. (2) Most places these days have wifi, even cafes. (3) local SIM card is useful and as a backup if no wifi (4) Budgets are very personal, and are probably a bit higher since I last walked. You could manage on E10 per day if you had to. Preparing your own food etc. For my next Camino I have 3 levels of budget prepared. I enjoy planning! Low, Mid, Preferred. Low is the 'if I had to' level. Preferred is eating out all the time with nice meals. So those are 14, 19 and 25 Euros per day. 'Other' stuff again is very personal. I allow 5 Euro per day for toiletries, meds, physio etc. (5) Water is readily available. Just keep refilling your bottle rather than buying single use bottles. Most good guide books indicate water fountains, but you can top up at your accommodation, cafes etc. I never worry about 'tap water' purity. I do carry a couple of water purification tablets just in case. I used them once, when I topped up from a mountain run off, as I couldn't see what was upstream of me. I ended up not needing the water. Hope that helps. Think I did a budget video.
This is the budget planning video. ruclips.net/video/O2O8CGmKH2A/видео.html
It's funny talking about "gear"...I always think back to how they used to play Wimbledon wearing Dunlop Volleys, haha. God, we've got soft.....
Yes indeed, we are a bit soft. But good / appropriate gear can help make the whole experience a bit more comfortable I think.
Maybe not the best questiuon because there are so many possible answers depending on each one's situation; however, assuming we were all like you, how much does it cost to undertake an average hike? Airfairs will obviously differ, so take it from landing, say in Paris till getting back to Paris again for a return home. Also, assume we have all the same travel gear as you do and that we will all want to stay (at places) and eat as you do. This is important to me as cost is a real factor.
Tough question. This video might help. ruclips.net/video/O2O8CGmKH2A/видео.html
My 'budget' for planning purposes, is about 80 euros per day. That ensures I save enough for the trip. Obviously the day to day expenses vary a lot. I'm spending less than that currently, as I'm on a more remote Camino. No coffees and lunches along the way.... but a budget is a very personal thing. As highlighted in this video. ruclips.net/video/O2O8CGmKH2A/видео.html
I suppose there is a role for this information, but I found the tone here to be mostly negative. And in contrast, there is almost nothing negative about walking the Camino. I never found that I wanted to be back home, and yes, it was painful at the end of my first day. Did any mention that? Yes, of course.
Sorry if it appeared negative, that was not my intention.
Have you ever had issues with bedbugs at certain places, and which types should I avoid? ?
Never had a problem and never even seen one. But I always check the bed. Mattress seams.
I want to walk with you!!
Not a great idea! I walk too slowly, walk short days, stop a lot, and eat and drink too much along the way ! 😉
@@robscamino lol. Fine with me!
Maps, guidebooks and apps = digital. Rob, what do you use?
I have a few 'guidebooks' on my phone. And a few hard copies at home that I read prior to my Caminos. But I really don't find I need them. They are just a nice to have. And I find the print too hard to read these days! For general reserach about a route I read blogs and watch videos. On Camino... I use FOUR things/apps. (1) Gronze. The best of all. I plan out my Camino using this, looking at accomodation options. Though I only book my first 2-3 days. I use Gronze every evening to look at accomodation options that are coming up and for the contact details. Usually sending a booking via whatsapp. I also look at the Gronze stage profiles. (2) Whatsapp. For making bookings. I also have a local SIM on my phone for the occasional phone booking. (3) Google Maps! When planning where I'll stay in the next day or two I use this to see if there are shops, bars, cafes in the village/town. It also shows opening hours. (4) Maps.me. I download a GPS track from Gronze for the next couple of days, and open it on maps.me. Very easy to use. I tried wikiloc, but I had two issues with it. All the features were too complicated. It would beep at me saying I'm going the wrong way, when I wasn''t. And often tried to send me back the way I had just come. And there were just too many tracks to pick from, all different! Whose track to pick? Was it correct? The Gronze tracks were very good. They are made by a Camino Association I think. I had a few Camino apps/guides on my phone but found them A) Overly complicated to navigate and B) quite often out of date. So I don't really use them. I like to keep things very simple. OK (5). Google Translate. I download the Spanish database to my phone so I can use it offline.
When you say you're booking accommodation one night ahead, do you mean you always have tomorrow night booked, or do you mean that in the morning do you book tonight?
It's part of my daily routine to book the next night. Get to accommodation, do laundry, shower, relax and plan the next day (tomorrow). I'll look at how far I want to walk, then look at accommodation options and book one. I might book 2 days ahead if I'm comfortable with my speed/distance. But next time I'd like to do more 'free style'. So if there are a few accommodation options along the way I might just see how far I get and see what I like. If there is only one village in my 'target distance' and it has one or two places to stay, I'll definitely book ahead. I hope that makes sense. Depending on the route, time of year, popularity of the overnight stop, availability of accommodation..... things can vary of course. Last time on the Camino Frances for example, 2-3 days from O Cebreiro I called ahead to book. Not a single bed was available. I called all 8 places in the village! So we booked at Linares a few kms on. That was last week in May. A Peak period.
I have not hear of anyone talking about what it will cost. And yes I know everyone is different but I would like an average
An average is really impossible to provide, as it depends on so many factors. It could be 30-100+ euros per day. But this video will help you work it out. ruclips.net/video/O2O8CGmKH2A/видео.html
...and if you do forget something, you can buy it there!
Indeed you can! Good point.
It's not paranoid!!! I had my ATM card eaten in Europe and it was BAD!!!
Always have a Plan B and a Plan C for accessing cash. I carry three different cards. 🙂
In the US the card never goes all the way in. So that card eating is something we never think about. The train I was going on only used cash. I didn’t have the PIN numbers to my credit cards to get cash. Was a nightmare!!! 👀
@@NFTeve Sounds like it was a bit tricky. THings are a bit different all over aren't they? Here in Australia our cards go right into the machine too. Always good to have 3-4 days supply of cash on you as well as backup cards.
Hi Rob Do you speak Spanish when booking beds up front?
My Spanish is quite limited, so my preferences tend to be:
1. Use booking.com. That way I can book a day or two ahead and know I have a room/bed. I walk slowly so arrive at places last!
2. I email the place, in Spanish, using google translate and a few key phrases I have noted down.
3. I call them. Again I have a few phrases practiced.
If you don't speak Spanish, a couple of 1 on 1 lessons is a quick way to learn how to do this.
Hi. U mentioned a movie... Is there a movie about camino?
Movie? Yes, there is quite a popular one, though I've only watched it about 20 times myself 🙂 It's called the Way, starring Martin Sheen. Here is the trailer: ruclips.net/video/-q9PjBR8W74/видео.html
I made a video about the movie, here: ruclips.net/video/dsnDMY4YoQk/видео.html
@@robscamino thank you. I'll check it out.
How much physical preparation would one need to do the Camino?
As much as you think you need, but not too much, that you cause injury. 🙂 Not trying to be smart, but there are a lot of variables. Your age, health, weight, level of fitness already...... Whatever you can do beforehand will help.
This was my first attempt. I talk about training. ruclips.net/video/aVO0S45gbos/видео.html
Awesome! Thanks!
Regarding medicine, people from out of europe should keep in mind, that some medications that are prescription free in their country are not in europe.
Very good point!
Can u be specific please ? Like common cold, antiseptic ointments, painkillers etc.?
I'm planning my 1st Camino,
I have a lot of questions before I walk my 1st Camino,
I heard there's no ATM machines on the Camino, Where do I exchange money ?
Which Camino are you walking? If it's the Camino Frances, there are many ATMs. If you have a guidebook it should highlight ATMs. But you'll find one in most large villages. It's normal to carry enough cash to cover you for maybe 3-4 days, and then top up at ATMs along the way. Exchange money? I don't think people do that much any more. You would need to find a bank that can change foreign currency. I haven't done that in about 25 years. It's all ATMs these days. 🙂
I usually get my first stash of cash at my port of entry. Might be Madrid airport, Paris Airport etc. Of course if you really want to exchange cash, you can do that at an International Airport usually.
What you may have heard, is that credit/debit cards are not accepted in many places. A lot of small businesses like Albergues don't want the added expense of electronic payment card scanners and the costs associated with using those facilities. So for Albergues, small stores and the like, if you expect you'll need to pay with cash, then if they have card facilities, you might want to use them to preserve your cash. Then there is the whole thing about credit card fees and exchange rates! To be honest I just don't worry about it. I have a Euro bank account with a debit/ATM card, that I top up ready to use on Camino.
Get over your jet lag in one day??!!???? Please explain!!!!
Not sure if your comment implies one day is not enough or too much.
But it depends where you are travelling from and what direction you travel in. I find flying from Australia, staying a night in Paris or Madrid en route helps me get over the jetlag fairly well. I wouldn't for example fly into Paris, and then go direct to St Jean the same day. Travelling to St Jean the next day, and staying overnight there before walking, gives me in effect 2 days to get over any jetlag. (or at least one full day in France, before walking) It would be interesting to hear from someone flying in the from the US, as flying West to East often creates worse jetlag, though the flight time is not as long as from Australia. Hope that makes sense. Acclimating to the local time zone on landing is one of the best ways to reduce jetlag. So if I land at 7 am in Paris, I arrive having had some sleep on the plane, and try to stay awake until 9 pm. Walking in the sunlight helps. (sightseeing). Hope that helps answer your question.
Avoid ATM machines in stores they’re complete rip offs (obscene exchange rates). bank ATMs only.
I've heard that. I only use Bank ATMs
Seems to me that planning is contraindicated for Pilgrimage
To a point I would agree with you. Once I am there, I like to let the journey unfold with very little if anything that is 'planned'. But to undertake a Camino on the other side of the World, particularly for the first time, does require a degree of planning around dates, flights, how long to allow (to book leave, flights, budget etc). And for those who have never been on a Camino, it helps to know what type of accommodation they might want to use and so on. Also, for a Camino like my last one, on a more remote route, it helps to understand the distances between lodging, and if that will be a problem. For a route like the Camino Frances? I could leave tomorrow with zero planning..........but then I've walked it before.
There is another aspect to this as well I think. Many first time Pilgrims may not have travelled overseas before and may not have undertaken a multi day hike before. Hence the growth in 'tour' companies to cater for them. Which I think for the vast majority who use hose services is unnecessary and rather sad, as it deprives them of much of the 'unplanned' and serendipitous nature of a Camino. So a degree of planning can help them overcome that fear of the unknown and might encourage them to go it alone rather than book a 'tour'. But it's a great question, thank you for raising it.
It is of some value to know that one is never far from civilization. And there are motor vehicles if the day becomes tedious or exhausting. There are not rules of suffering. Suffering is optional@@robscamino
@@pavanatanaya True. For many of the more popular routes.
Enjoy these videos and you seem like such a lovely guy. But I find myself getting a bit frustrated when you go off on tangents and a have a bit of tendency to ramble. So sorry, I can't stop noticing it now! Perhaps after my first Camino (planned summer 2023) such petty, judgemental things won't bother me so much!
LOL. Put it down to age 🙂 I don't plan these videos in great detail, sorry. I make a few notes and chat.......rather than lecture. It's just me, sorry. ADHD probably doesn't help! I know what you mean though. When something irritates you you. you notice it more!
@@robscamino Oh no, I feel a bit guilty now for saying that. I think the fact I've watched over 20 of your videos all the way through is testament to just how much I still enjoy and appreciate your wisdom and experience in spite of my mild frustrations and judgements.
I have been thinking on and off about the Camino for many years, but have gotten terribly overweight these last 2-3 years which has stopped me ever taking the idea further. After reaching my maximum weight of about 150kg (shocking I know, I was about 80kg before) I contracted a severe dose of covid and was hospitalised. It was a rather harrowing experience and afterwards I knew I had to turn my life around, lose the weight and get fit and get healthy again.
And all I can think about since then is the Camino. I have my calling that is for sure. That not only am I going to lose the weight and get fit and healthy for my own well being, but so I can be in the right condition to walk the Camino Frances. The only time I can do it is next year in mid June to the end of August (I am a mid 30s mature student and I also work).
So I have about 11 months to lose as much weight as I sensibly and safely can, and to train myself from current levels (about 10km/day and I am very sore etc and joint pains mostly due to my weight but also feet issues) to the comfortable 20km/day + I want to be able to do. I will have about 65 days in Spain, so I have a generous amount of time to do it in.
I have lost about 15kg, completely changed my diet, and am doing extra shifts in a physical job over summer where I get plenty of steps and exercise in. My next step is finding the right shoes which is a huge challenge (already bought one pair of recommended Brooks road running shoes to train in, and they hurt my feet after couple of days use in house, getting returned) and then commencing a walking training regime.
I am so focused and dedicated to achieving this goal and I think I have left a realistic time (11 months) to lose the weight and to have trained enough.
Yeah, I am not quite sure why I am sharing all this with you. Showing off my own capacity to ramble haha! I just wanted to say your videos have helped inspire and provided me with lots of practical, helpful knowledge (like a hands free UV umbrella I will be investing in to deal with summer scorching heat) and so much more.
So brush aside my previous comment and thank you if you got this far in my little essay!
@Liam Don LOL. All good buddy 🙂 I totally get the weight thing. I'm trying to lose about 20 kgs before my next Camino. Training if you are very overweight needs great care as you can just cause more damage. Maybe do exercise that doesn't involve putting weight on your joints. Swimming! But professional advice on these things is always best. THe intermittent fasting was the one thing I found worked for me. Did you see that video? ruclips.net/video/rKlKsp2krwM/видео.html