Rob, I walked in 2018, the only accomodation I booked was in St Jean, and in Santiago. as I had no real plan and no need to rush, I walked until I felt like stopping or a town was of interest. I would say that I stayed in Albergues most, and at age 58 and as an ex RN and RAN defence member had no complaints.i did like the association hostels, especially the one in Rabanal del Camino, that serve afternoon tea in the garden. Also had the best hot shower I had along the way.i think it is run by a London based confraternity of St James. As I did not stick to the normal stages from the guild books I managed to stay in some less used and less busy albergues. I agree that some of the municipal and Xunta albergues as very basic and if you arrive late in the day may not have hot water. I have just completed planning for the Via de la Plata 2021 covid dependant, if we can leave the country.
@@chakaka801 sorry for the late reply, I have just returned from the Via de la Plata. My average Kms per day was just over 25kms, for the Frances. However in saying that, my longest day was over 34km and my shortest day was around 8km. I mainly stayed in Albergues, and no I did not book ahead. I did use the John Brierley guide book which I found to be excellent. however I did not walk IAW his recommended stages.
I like a mix. On my first Camino I had only booked Orisson and during the walk I only ever booked 2 other nights which were the Parador in Leon (for my birthday) and a hotel in Santiago for the night I arrived. However I did stay in other hotels. Typically what happened is I would meet someone and they would ask me where I was staying and when we got to the place we decided we want to stay we would either find an albergue (mostly) or every so often a couple of us would split a hotel room. I only stayed in 2 donativos. One was very good, the other was horrendous (in Nejara) and easily the worst night I had the whole time as my bunk was jammed up against another bunk and if I moved I would bump into the pilgrim sleeping next to me. One of my FAVOURITE nights was actually funny. I left Puente la Reina and decided I would skip Estella and try to stay in Villamayor de Monjardin. When I got to VdM though the 3 albergues were all booked solid and there was NO WHERE in town to stay (around 1:30 PM). So I decided to push on but I didn't realize it was 12!!! more KMs to get to Los Arcos so I ended up walking well over 40 KMs that day. I staggered into Los Arcos hoping I could find a place to sleep there nearly 4 PM. A young woman (maybe mid 20s?) came up and tugged at my arm. In Spanish I think she asked if I need a place to stay and pointed to a door nearby. I stopped and asked "how much?" in English and she said 20 Euros. Decided to go for it and omg was it worth it. It was a shared 3 bedroom apartment but they gave me the biggest room with a massive queen sized bed. They also gave me carte blanche to go nuts in their kitchen with juice, cereal, fruit, etc and they had a full size bathtub I soaked in. Because that day ended up being so interesting I am actually going to re-do that whole walk this time around from Puente la Reina to Los Arcos. It's a good physical push that really put me in an interesting headspace.
Nice collection of videos, Thanks. Have you never been tempted to walk a different Camino? If not why do you keep walking the same one? Cheers. I am planning on the Camino del Norte next year, Godwilling and I am a little concerned that you have never done it. Cheers mate. Keep up the good work.
Great question and one I ask myself a lot! 🙂 No need to be 'concerned' that I have not walked the Norte! 🙂 Firstly, I love the Frances, and haven't got bored with it yet. In a way I like the familiarity of it all. And the opportunity to see and visit new places each time. (#2 and #3, were with my wife Pat, so the Frances made sense for her) But... That familiar feel is also a disadvantage. I do miss the 'new adventure' feel of walking a Camino for the first time. So my next Camino will likely be the Via de la Plata. (If i can fix my knees) I look forward to the remoteness and 'newness' of it. I may pass on the Norte as there is quite a bit of road walking and lots of hills. (I have leg injuries that make that really hard). Also the Portuguese has a lot of road walking. Other than the VdlP, I would consider routes such as Mozarabe, Lana, Le Puy, Levante, Invierno. I know, one extreme to the other! From the busiest route to some of the least busy. But I like walking alone. I find it both a challenge and a great sense of freedom. And of course, makes deep thought and contemplation so much easier. My best Camino moments were when I was totally alone......
Kia Ora Rob, I'm a big fan of your videos. We're gearing up for our very first Camino adventure, starting in Porto. I do have a slight preference for our accommodation, simply because I need it to be comfortable since I'll be managing with my previous injuries. Could you please point me in the right direction to find a list of bed and breakfast options?
Rob, thank you for these videos. I did a Camino in 2014 and can’t wait to return. I see several guidebooks on your shelf in the video. Any chance you feature several and review? I have the Brierly book (met him on my Camino!), A Village Guide to Hiking the Camino and the red book Camino Frances.
Rob, I have never stayed in a casa rural on the Frances, but I found towns on the Levante where they are the only form of accommodation. But there they do not at all resemble what you describe. They are full houses, often with luxury items, like a swimming pool, which are rented out as a whole to a family or group, often for several days at a time: useless for individual pilgrims unless the owner is desperate to rent to someone, anyone. On the Frances, if I don't stay in an albergue, I choose a hostal or pension: these names indicate inexpensive private accommodations, maybe 25 euros for an individual, sometimes offering breakfast.
Interesting feedback re the Camino Levante. I think the various terms for accommodation types overlap a bit! I stayed in Casa Rurals, that were just private houses with some rooms for Pilgrims. Some Hostals that were more like Hotels (and cost as much). Perhaps price is a rough indication of what to expect? Maybe not. Though as I look back at where I have stayed, Pensions/Hostals were more in the range of 20-30 Euros (some 40+), Casa Rurals maybe 30-40 Euros. But there is a huge overlap. Some Pensions/Hostals were more, some Casa Rurals were less. On reflection, the Cara Rurals were sometimes more like staying in a Private House, but then so were some of the Pensions! So not sure there are any hard and fast rules !
whilst watching yet another of your incredibly useful (and generous) videos, I found myself wondering "do I need to book ahead or am I safe just turning up somewhere when I'm ready to stop for the day"? Also, can I assume it's mainly a cash economy rather than using credit/debit cards?
Hi David. I think it is safer to 'expect' to pay in cash, and if you can pay by card, treat it as a bonus (you don't have to keep finding cash). Hotels will generally take cards of course, and Albergues usually cash. In between it can be a mix. 'Just turning up' is a nice way to walk I think. Just be conscious of 'bottle necks' and peak periods. For example Zubiri on the Frances can be a bottleneck and is maybe a place you should book ahead.
@@robscamino These were my two main questions. I have heard that the Frances is getting so crowded that you have to book ahead. do you think that is true?
@@kateyroad5115 This year it is very busy, true. We are not quite sure that it is a single cause. (1) It;s a Holy Year and so numbers are always higher. (2) there is 'pent up' demand from Covid, and (3) Quite a few Albergues may have closed down through Covid. I think it's #3. Just fewer beds, as the number of Compostela's being issued is only a bit more than pre covid. Result? Yes, many people are booking ahead this year (as they go) FYI Compostelas issued May 2019 = 1651. May 2022 = 2029
Rob, just love your video's. So informative and well presented. A question. I love / need to start the day with a strong black coffee, ground not instant. And I think on the Camino walk I hope to do I will need one to kick start the day. Do Augbergues serve coffee in the mornings or do they offer boiling water if you want to make your own? I wonder if I need to take a 'luxury' item, my travel french press, and bring some ground coffee on my Camino?
A great question but not an easy answer! Yes and No. I tend to stay in cheap private accommodation and private rooms at Albergues. Some provide coffee making facilities, but that might be the minority. So your options are probably (1) Go with the flow, and see what you can find. Where DIY facilities are provided it's likely to be instant coffee. (2) Maybe carry an electric coil (immersion heater) and a cup, to make your own coffee. (3) Rather than burden yourself carrying extra gear, change your habits 🙂 Spanish cafes make great coffee! Some are open early in the morning, some open mid morning. But on a popular route like the Camino Frances, great coffee is usually available somewhere. Often you will find a place close by as you head out for the day. Sometimes maybe an hour down the track.... Take it as an opportunity to 'let go' of your normal routines and just see what unfolds 🙂
@@robscamino I sleep with a CPAP machine, but I have already visited a dentist specialist in mandíbular splint. It cost me $1500!!! In any case weight is the main factor for snoring.
@@Lautaro_Guindulain Yes, I went to a sleep clinic a while back. Mild sleep apnea. I tried those gun shields. I can't imagine trying to sleep with a CPAP mask. I think the easiest answer is losing weight! For me at least. A few KGs already makes a big difference according to the boss!
What kind of accomodation do you plan to use, or have preferred to use in the past?
Rob, I walked in 2018, the only accomodation I booked was in St Jean, and in Santiago. as I had no real plan and no need to rush, I walked until I felt like stopping or a town was of interest. I would say that I stayed in Albergues most, and at age 58 and as an ex RN and RAN defence member had no complaints.i did like the association hostels, especially the one in Rabanal del Camino, that serve afternoon tea in the garden. Also had the best hot shower I had along the way.i think it is run by a London based confraternity of St James. As I did not stick to the normal stages from the guild books I managed to stay in some less used and less busy albergues. I agree that some of the municipal and Xunta albergues as very basic and if you arrive late in the day may not have hot water. I have just completed planning for the Via de la Plata 2021 covid dependant, if we can leave the country.
Great feedback and advice! If I ever do the Frances again, I'll be trying a few more of the 'out of the way' Albergues, that's for sure.
Mr. long you seemed to have an interesting journey. May i ask which places you stayed for the night and your average kms a day. Thank you
@@chakaka801 sorry for the late reply, I have just returned from the Via de la Plata. My average Kms per day was just over 25kms, for the Frances. However in saying that, my longest day was over 34km and my shortest day was around 8km. I mainly stayed in Albergues, and no I did not book ahead. I did use the John Brierley guide book which I found to be excellent. however I did not walk IAW his recommended stages.
I like a mix. On my first Camino I had only booked Orisson and during the walk I only ever booked 2 other nights which were the Parador in Leon (for my birthday) and a hotel in Santiago for the night I arrived.
However I did stay in other hotels. Typically what happened is I would meet someone and they would ask me where I was staying and when we got to the place we decided we want to stay we would either find an albergue (mostly) or every so often a couple of us would split a hotel room.
I only stayed in 2 donativos. One was very good, the other was horrendous (in Nejara) and easily the worst night I had the whole time as my bunk was jammed up against another bunk and if I moved I would bump into the pilgrim sleeping next to me.
One of my FAVOURITE nights was actually funny. I left Puente la Reina and decided I would skip Estella and try to stay in Villamayor de Monjardin. When I got to VdM though the 3 albergues were all booked solid and there was NO WHERE in town to stay (around 1:30 PM). So I decided to push on but I didn't realize it was 12!!! more KMs to get to Los Arcos so I ended up walking well over 40 KMs that day. I staggered into Los Arcos hoping I could find a place to sleep there nearly 4 PM. A young woman (maybe mid 20s?) came up and tugged at my arm. In Spanish I think she asked if I need a place to stay and pointed to a door nearby. I stopped and asked "how much?" in English and she said 20 Euros. Decided to go for it and omg was it worth it. It was a shared 3 bedroom apartment but they gave me the biggest room with a massive queen sized bed. They also gave me carte blanche to go nuts in their kitchen with juice, cereal, fruit, etc and they had a full size bathtub I soaked in.
Because that day ended up being so interesting I am actually going to re-do that whole walk this time around from Puente la Reina to Los Arcos. It's a good physical push that really put me in an interesting headspace.
One of the 'magical' elements of the Camino. When our plans and expectations don't quite work out.........often better things happen 🙂
Thank you for this detailed and focused service. I, as well, intend to seek out privacy on my Camino and you have been graciously helpful.
Glad it was helpful
I’m with Pat!
Haha. I totally get that 🙂
Great video, thank you!
Glad it was helpful
Nice collection of videos, Thanks. Have you never been tempted to walk a different Camino? If not why do you keep walking the same one? Cheers. I am planning on the Camino del Norte next year, Godwilling and I am a little concerned that you have never done it. Cheers mate. Keep up the good work.
Great question and one I ask myself a lot! 🙂 No need to be 'concerned' that I have not walked the Norte! 🙂 Firstly, I love the Frances, and haven't got bored with it yet. In a way I like the familiarity of it all. And the opportunity to see and visit new places each time. (#2 and #3, were with my wife Pat, so the Frances made sense for her) But... That familiar feel is also a disadvantage. I do miss the 'new adventure' feel of walking a Camino for the first time. So my next Camino will likely be the Via de la Plata. (If i can fix my knees) I look forward to the remoteness and 'newness' of it. I may pass on the Norte as there is quite a bit of road walking and lots of hills. (I have leg injuries that make that really hard). Also the Portuguese has a lot of road walking. Other than the VdlP, I would consider routes such as Mozarabe, Lana, Le Puy, Levante, Invierno. I know, one extreme to the other! From the busiest route to some of the least busy. But I like walking alone. I find it both a challenge and a great sense of freedom. And of course, makes deep thought and contemplation so much easier. My best Camino moments were when I was totally alone......
Kia Ora Rob, I'm a big fan of your videos. We're gearing up for our very first Camino adventure, starting in Porto. I do have a slight preference for our accommodation, simply because I need it to be comfortable since I'll be managing with my previous injuries. Could you please point me in the right direction to find a list of bed and breakfast options?
I always use Gronze. www.gronze.com/camino-portugues
@@robscamino Thank you !
Rob, thank you for these videos. I did a Camino in 2014 and can’t wait to return. I see several guidebooks on your shelf in the video. Any chance you feature several and review? I have the Brierly book (met him on my Camino!), A Village Guide to Hiking the Camino and the red book Camino Frances.
Sure, I can try that .....
I love your water setup @38seconds.
Here's a video on water systems, including the one we use. ruclips.net/video/FWC5KLSz46A/видео.html
@@robscamino I got it. Hipsta Clips. Thanks a million.
I notice Good to Great on your book shelf!!
Yes, I'm a bit of a book worm.
Rob, I have never stayed in a casa rural on the Frances, but I found towns on the Levante where they are the only form of accommodation. But there they do not at all resemble what you describe. They are full houses, often with luxury items, like a swimming pool, which are rented out as a whole to a family or group, often for several days at a time: useless for individual pilgrims unless the owner is desperate to rent to someone, anyone. On the Frances, if I don't stay in an albergue, I choose a hostal or pension: these names indicate inexpensive private accommodations, maybe 25 euros for an individual, sometimes offering breakfast.
Interesting feedback re the Camino Levante. I think the various terms for accommodation types overlap a bit! I stayed in Casa Rurals, that were just private houses with some rooms for Pilgrims. Some Hostals that were more like Hotels (and cost as much). Perhaps price is a rough indication of what to expect? Maybe not. Though as I look back at where I have stayed, Pensions/Hostals were more in the range of 20-30 Euros (some 40+), Casa Rurals maybe 30-40 Euros. But there is a huge overlap. Some Pensions/Hostals were more, some Casa Rurals were less. On reflection, the Cara Rurals were sometimes more like staying in a Private House, but then so were some of the Pensions! So not sure there are any hard and fast rules !
whilst watching yet another of your incredibly useful (and generous) videos, I found myself wondering "do I need to book ahead or am I safe just turning up somewhere when I'm ready to stop for the day"?
Also, can I assume it's mainly a cash economy rather than using credit/debit cards?
Hi David. I think it is safer to 'expect' to pay in cash, and if you can pay by card, treat it as a bonus (you don't have to keep finding cash). Hotels will generally take cards of course, and Albergues usually cash. In between it can be a mix. 'Just turning up' is a nice way to walk I think. Just be conscious of 'bottle necks' and peak periods. For example Zubiri on the Frances can be a bottleneck and is maybe a place you should book ahead.
@@robscamino These were my two main questions. I have heard that the Frances is getting so crowded that you have to book ahead. do you think that is true?
@@kateyroad5115 This year it is very busy, true. We are not quite sure that it is a single cause. (1) It;s a Holy Year and so numbers are always higher. (2) there is 'pent up' demand from Covid, and (3) Quite a few Albergues may have closed down through Covid. I think it's #3. Just fewer beds, as the number of Compostela's being issued is only a bit more than pre covid. Result? Yes, many people are booking ahead this year (as they go) FYI Compostelas issued May 2019 = 1651. May 2022 = 2029
@@robscamino Thank you so much for the thoughtful reply.
Rob, just love your video's. So informative and well presented. A question. I love / need to start the day with a strong black coffee, ground not instant. And I think on the Camino walk I hope to do I will need one to kick start the day. Do Augbergues serve coffee in the mornings or do they offer boiling water if you want to make your own? I wonder if I need to take a 'luxury' item, my travel french press, and bring some ground coffee on my Camino?
A great question but not an easy answer! Yes and No. I tend to stay in cheap private accommodation and private rooms at Albergues. Some provide coffee making facilities, but that might be the minority. So your options are probably (1) Go with the flow, and see what you can find. Where DIY facilities are provided it's likely to be instant coffee. (2) Maybe carry an electric coil (immersion heater) and a cup, to make your own coffee. (3) Rather than burden yourself carrying extra gear, change your habits 🙂 Spanish cafes make great coffee! Some are open early in the morning, some open mid morning. But on a popular route like the Camino Frances, great coffee is usually available somewhere. Often you will find a place close by as you head out for the day. Sometimes maybe an hour down the track.... Take it as an opportunity to 'let go' of your normal routines and just see what unfolds 🙂
@@robscamino Thanks for your response. That's very helpful and gives me much to ponder on. 🙂
Hi Rob, don't know if you have come across tip or tried it but a boxers gum shield stops or reduces snoring...great vlog, thanks
Yes, good tip Mark. I actually had one made, specifically to stop snoring. But I could never get to sleep wearing it!
They say most snoring (in the sleep clinics) is caused by Obesity. So I'm aiming to lose about 20 kgs! See if that works...
@@robscamino I sleep with a CPAP machine, but I have already visited a dentist specialist in mandíbular splint. It cost me $1500!!! In any case weight is the main factor for snoring.
@@Lautaro_Guindulain Yes, I went to a sleep clinic a while back. Mild sleep apnea. I tried those gun shields. I can't imagine trying to sleep with a CPAP mask. I think the easiest answer is losing weight! For me at least. A few KGs already makes a big difference according to the boss!
Do you have a list of your recommended Camino books?
I don't really read books about the Camino... Guidebooks. I like the Brierly ones.