Planning and booking a Camino de Santiago holiday in Spain is super exciting, however, it can also be a daunting task. If you are someone who does not book your own holidays often, there will be a few things to research. Once you get that out of the way, though, it is more than worth it! So, to help you ensure a smooth trip, here are the steps you can take to plan your Camino de Santiago holiday successfully.
#1. Using an agency
If you're someone who does not enjoy booking your own holidays, then using a Camino de Santiago agency will be by far the easiest option for you. Although there are quite a few to choose from, Santiago Ways is the leading agency with a 4.7-star customer rating.
They offer all the necessary services for your trip, from accommodation booking and luggage transfer to guidance during the trip. The knowledgeable Santiago Ways team will ensure that you have a positive and memorable experience, from start to finish. If you still want to do the planning yourself, however, keep on reading as we have some tips for you.
#2. Choosing the route
Camino de Santiago has numerous routes that you can choose from, varying in their lengths and difficulty levels. Camino Francés is by far the most popular choice, with Camino Portugués and Camino del Norte being the runner ups.
All of these routes are set in beautiful locations and have good services along the way, but they do tend to get a lot more crowded during the peak season (in the Summer). If that is something you want to avoid, you can research the less popular routes, which can be just as nice. The route of your choice will, of course, depend on your fitness level and interest. Make sure you look into what each of them have to offer before you pick one.
#3. Planning your itinerary
If you have never done anything like Camino de Santiago before, you will want to be on the safe side with your itinerary. This means deciding how much walking you are comfortable with each day, so you can challenge yourself but not overdo it to the point where it is not enjoyable any more.
As a rule of thumb, most pilgrims walk 20–25 kilometres per day, and a typical walking holiday lasts 5–10 days, depending on the route. If you are doing a longer Camino de Santiago, then make sure to plan for rest days, during which you can relax or explore the larger towns.
#4. Booking accommodation
The last thing to plan will be your accommodation, making sure that you book hotels along the way, reachable within a day’s worth of walking. The majority of Camino routes will have plenty of options, such as Albergues (pilgrim hostels), hotels, B&Bs, or campsites. Both affordable and more luxury options are available, although booking them well in advance is recommended, particularly during the busy season. If you are not planning to pay for a bag transfer service, then make sure that you pack lightly, too. Being always on the move means carrying all of your belongings with you. Be minimal and only bring the essentials with you.
Final Words
It takes a bit of time and care to plan your of Camino de Santiago holiday. Luckily, there are experienced agencies that can sort it all out for those who do not enjoy it!
What about you, have you ever walked the Camino? Feel free to share any tips & advice below!
ABOUTME
We overland. We eat plants and fungi. We live outside as much as possible. We are all connected. A female travel blogger overlanding and writing about ecotourism, ethical and sustainable travel, socially conscious travel and housesitting. An online travel magazine since 2015.
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