Are you planning to embark on the transformative journey of a Camino Walk in Spain? This age-old pilgrimage is a blend of spiritual quest and physical challenge, drawing adventurers from all corners of the globe. It’s not just a walk; it’s an experience that lingers in your heart and soul, leaving imprints of every step taken on the scenic routes of Spain. But before you set off, it’s crucial to arm yourself with practical advice and insider tips to make the most of your Camino Walk. That’s where WAW.travel comes in, offering nuggets of wisdom accumulated from countless pilgrims who have traversed these paths before you. From essential packing advice to navigation tips, this article provides you with the top 10 things I wish I knew before my Camino Walk in Spain. Learn from the experiences of others and prepare yourself for an unforgettable journey with WAW.travel!
10 things I wish someone told me before my Camino Walk in Spain
Embarking on the Camino is an exciting endeavor, but even the most spontaneous pilgrimages benefit from a sprinkle of foresight. Whether you’re a seasoned hiker or a curious soul seeking to tread the sacred paths of Santiago de Compostela, knowing what to expect can transform your journey from good to extraordinary. To guide you on this path, we’ve curated a list of the top 10 invaluable insights shared by fellow travelers.
1. Don’t doubt asking for someone’s contact details
When I remember the pilgrims I met on the Camino Walk in Spain my memories come back to the moment we shared walking along France and Spain. I often wonder what has happened to them after our experience. There were many times on my Camino I promised to meet someone at the next café or just assumed I would see them the next day, but never saw them again. So ask for contact details as soon as possible and you will have friends for life!
2. You won’t need a sleeping bag
On my walk I took a sleeping bag but at the end I regretted it. Albergues have sheets and blankets on the beds. A sleeping bag liner is more useful than a sleeping bag. They can be found at any camping store and will keep you just as warm as a sleeping bag. They usually roll up into the size of a small water bottle.
If you want to travel light, let somebody organise your Camino de Santiago for you. You will sleep in your own room, with own bathroom and toilet. You just only need to enjoy the Camino.
3. Put a small bag in your pack
When you finish the stage of the day and you decide to explore the city along your Camino Walk, you will not want to carry the bulky pack you wore all day during your stage. Bringing a small bag will come in handy when you venture into town You can keep your valuables with you.
4. Always have cash
Many of the cafés and albergues in small villages will only accept cash. Be sure to always have a supply of cash on you and plan ahead to know which towns will have ATM machines. Keep in mind that you will get a lot of coins that will add weight to your pack.
5. Have a look to your guidebook or App every morning when starting your Camino walk in Spain
The Camino is usually well signed but sometimes you can get confused where to go. Looking over your guidebook or APP every morning and getting familiar with confusing sections can help to reduce the number of times you make wrong turns. It is easy to be led by following the yellow arrows, but any knowledge of the Camino de Santiago route is important.
6. No need to carry carry full meals
During your adventure you will pass through a lot of villages and places to buy food. There is absolutely no reason to carry meals with you. Some snacks, fruit and water is enough to keep in your pack during your Camino Walk in Spain.
7. Don’t lean your backpack against your bed at night!
Bed bugs have always been a well known problem on the Camino Walk in Spain and many pilgrims will find itchy welts on their body at some point. One of the best ways to keep your clothes from becoming infested with bed bugs is to avoid leaning your pack against your bed at night. Not only will this help you avoid an infestation, it will help prevent you from spreading bugs if they are already in your things.
8. Less is more!
Avoid bringing items you are unsure you will need during your Camino Walk in Spain. Anything you end up needing on the Camino de Santiago route can be found in most towns. There is no need to have extra weight in your pack for something you might not need during your Camino Walk in Spain.
9. Keep all your items in plastic bags!
Pack covers and waterproof gear are great to have, but nothing is completely waterproof. Walking for hours through a Galician downpour will eventually get water where you don’t want it. Keeping your electronics, clothes, and important gear in plastic bags adds an extra layer of protection against the rain.
10. One soap for everything is enough!
On the Camino Walk in Spain, simplicity is key, especially when it comes to packing. Many pilgrims find that they’ve brought more toiletries than they actually use. Streamlining your essentials is not just practical; it’s liberating. A single bar of multi-purpose soap can effectively replace multiple products, serving as your shampoo, body wash, and shaving cream. It’s one of the many ways you can lighten your load and focus on the journey, not the baggage.
Further Insights and Personalized Camino Guidance
Curious to delve deeper into the Camino’s secrets and stories? We’ve compiled the 10 most frequently asked questions to further quench your thirst for knowledge about the Camino Walk in Spain. And if you’re feeling the call of the Camino growing stronger, our blog ‘5 Signs It’s Time to Walk the Camino’ is a must-read. It might just be the nudge you need to start this life-changing adventure.
At WAW.travel, we’re dedicated to crafting tailor-made travel experiences
Whether you’re walking or cycling towards Santiago de Compostela, our bespoke travel solutions are designed with you in mind.
For any inquiries or to join this remarkable odyssey, reach out to us at hey@waw.travel. Stay connected with our journey and yours by following us on Instagram and Facebook for the latest news and inspiring updates. Embark on your Camino with confidence and let us handle the details, so you can savor every step of the way.
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