Part of that “Camino Experience” in my view is letting go, to the extent that you realise you don’t need to control every aspect of the journey, that you can travel very light, and enjoy a very simple life for a while. Having to stick to a schedule, really goes against that I think.<\/p>\n
Using these steps and the links below, you’ll easily be able to book and manage your Camino yourself.<\/p>\n
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2 – Pick Your Camino Route<\/h2>\n
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If it’s your first Camino, you’re probably thinking of the Camino Frances.\u00a0 Most people do. It’s the most popular Camino route and is well known through movies and books. It’s a wonderful route, I’ve walked it three times. It makes a great first Camino, and it has lots of positives:<\/p>\n
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<\/p>\n Be aware that there are many other Camino routes to pick from. The Camino Frances is an ideal route, but I have also met first time Pilgrims on more remote routes like the Via de la Plata. Though these routes I would not recommend as a first Camino. They require a bit more logistics due to the longer distances between villages and most days you need to carry all your food and water for the day.<\/p>\n Whereas on a route like the Frances, you come across cafes and water fountains along the way.<\/p>\n If you want to check out the various Camino Routes, this website is a great resource:\u00a0 Gronze<\/strong>\u00a0<\/a> If you use a Chrome browser it will auto translate for you.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n You start and end point are an essential early part of your planning. It will depend on a few things:<\/p>\n So for example, if I have plenty of time and am able to easily walk 25 kms per day, I might decide to walk the Camino Frances from St Jean Pied de Port, to Santiago de Compostela.<\/p>\n It’s 800 kms, so at 25 kms per day, maybe I should allow 32 days?\u00a0 No.\u00a0 It will need a bit longer.\u00a0 Read on.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n So in my example, I have estimated 32 days walking. But I need to factor in more time.<\/p>\n I use Rome2Rio<\/a><\/strong> a lot for this early planning. It gives me an idea of travel times and modes of travel.<\/p>\n OK, so now we take 32 walking days and add in the travel to and from days. Not quite…<\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n I think quite a few people on their first Camino make the mistake of not allowing for rest days or things that might crop up. It’s hard to walk 800 kms (or whatever distance you plan) without a break. You may find your body calls out for a rest! Or you might want to stay in a town\/city along the way that appeals to you. There are lots of reasons why your initial “plan” will need to change. This is the primary reason I advise against using Camino Tour Companies or Agents and it’s easy to book yourself anyway.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n If you live in Europe, I envy you! Travel to your Camino start point is quite simple and inexpensive.<\/p>\n For those of us Flying long distances, we know need to start thinking about flights. There are lots of websites to book flights such as SkyScanner.<\/a><\/p>\n These type of sites show most of the alternatives and generally offer good pricing. Though if you are part of an Airline Loyalty Program, you might want to book direct. I tend to do this, as if I want to change flights for any reason, it’s easier with a direct booking. (Subject to fare conditions – read those)<\/p>\n Because I’m usually in Europe for a long time, such as a 40-60 days Camino, I plan a few “spare” days into my trip before getting the return flight. Either that, or a book a return fare that allows changes.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n If you want to book accommodation… (more on this in a minute)<\/p>\n The easiest way to book accommodation is via accommodation websites such as booking.com<\/a><\/strong> I used this site a lot on my first Camino back in 2015.\u00a0 It’s easy, convenient and does not require language skills. But be aware:<\/p>\n Here are some thoughts and tips, that you might want to consider.<\/p>\n Of course a lot depends on the type of accommodation you plan to use.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n If you plan to stay in Hotels, you might find you want to book a bit further ahead to get what you want.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Smaller private Hotels and B&B type places might also require booking a day or two ahead on popular routes like the Frances.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n These are the more traditional Pilgrim accommodation option, with communal dormitories, usually with bunk beds. Not only are they much cheaper, but they provide a great community atmosphere. Some Albergues take bookings, but many don’t, operating on a first come first served basis. And this can be an advantage!\u00a0 \u00a0Because in busy periods, “Bookable” accommodation may book out, as people “fear” not getting a bed. Whereas many Albergues that don’t take bookings can have lots of space.<\/p>\n Be brave.\u00a0 Don’t shackle yourself to a fixed plan.<\/p>\n Check out this Amazing Albergue<\/a>.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n Everyone in Spain seems to use WhatsApp. Emails not so much. So if you are trying to book a bed, here are your options:<\/p>\n Don’t assume the person on the other end speaks your Language! Assume they speak Spanish only and be prepared. If they speak a bit of your language, that a bonus not an expectation.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n OK I’m going to be blunt! Unless you need to cart medical equipment, or you are physically unable to carry a 5 kg bag of shopping home from the Supermarket, do not use luggage transfer services.<\/strong><\/p>\n There I said it. Very opinionated huh? Let me explain. (Oh and I have used them! When injured. Great for that!)<\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n If for some reason you are struggling, maybe send your pack ahead for that day.<\/a> Though I thought of doing that once on my last Camino, and realised I had very little “extra” to send ahead anyway. Again, the benefits of packing light. If you find you have excess gear that you don’t need, it’s easy to send it to Santiago via the Post Office<\/a> (Correos). They’ll hold it for you.<\/p>\n On a long 60 day Camino, I also used the Post Office service to send a Replenishment box ahead for me to pick up. It had some meds, a new pair of socks, etc.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n Some people love to totally unplug whilst on Camino and that’s fine. But I carry a smart phone with a local Sim card. You can buy a sim card when you get there or at the airport on arrival. I buy them online about 8 weeks before I go. Just google Spanish SIM card. On popular routes like the Camino Frances you’ll get access to WiFi along the way but I prefer to have a local SIM Card.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n![\"How](\"https:\/\/robscamino.com\/general\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/How-to-Pick-Your-Camino-Route.jpg\")
<\/a><\/p>\nCamino Frances Positives<\/h3>\n
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Camino Frances Negatives<\/h3>\n
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Other Camino de Santiago Routes<\/h3>\n
3 – Where to Start and End Your Camino<\/h2>\n
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4 – How Long will the Camino it Take You?<\/h2>\n
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5 – Rest Days and Sightseeing<\/h2>\n
<\/a><\/p>\n6 – Booking Your Camino Travel<\/h2>\n
7 – Booking Your Camino Accommodation<\/h2>\n
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<\/a><\/p>\nCamino Hotels<\/h3>\n
Camino Hostals and Casa Rurals<\/h3>\n
Camino Albergues<\/h3>\n
<\/a><\/p>\nBooking Camino Beds via WhatApp<\/h3>\n
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8 – Packing for Your Camino<\/h2>\n
Disadvantages of Camino Luggage Services on Camino<\/h3>\n
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Advantages of Carrying Your Gear<\/h3>\n
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9 – Camino Communications<\/h2>\n