Camino de Santiago Helpful Hints

Some things that I found helpful but not in the guidebooks or stressed enough:

1) A sleeping bag is not required. I purchased a large silk sleepsheet which is light, compact and wide for a comfortable sleep. HOWEVER--you must ask before checking in if the albergue has blankets. Some municipals do not and it can be quite cold at night in the low/off-season. Most private albergues do but it's always good to double check.

2) Hiking boots are not essential if you don't already have a good pair. A quality pair of trail running shoes would do equally well as a major percentage of the terrain is either flat or paved or both. Good socks are imperative, no matter what you wear on your feet.

3) Hiking poles are not essential if you don't already have a pair. Much of the way is paved and they are useless on pavement. There were only a few places where they came in handy but quite manageable without.

4) Take your time! Do not feel pressured to follow the book guidelines. Do not be afraid to stay in the tiny villages. Some of the best albergues are there. Allow yourself enough time to walk short days if you feel like it, take side trips to Bilboa or the Castle of Leon or anyplace else that you fancy along the way, or stay an extra day in a city or village that calls you.

5) Bring a sharpie to write messages on rocks to leave around the Camino. Ugly graffiti is not welcome but words of love and encouragement are nice to read.

6) Pack as light as you can. Only two pair of hiking clothes are needed as they can be washed by hand daily. A few pair of socks and underpants make life easier however. Also only one outfit to change into. Cotton is a no-no! Much too heavy!

7) The road into and out of Leon is incredibly ugly. I used the helpful hint from the guide book and took the bus 8 km out of the city and started the Camino there. It was good because I added those 8 km to the end and got much further along and avoided the ugly, dirty, noisy industrial area.

8) If you have issues that make it too difficult to carry your pack, you can have it shipped between towns for about 5 euro. The only downfall is that you then loose the flexibility to stay wherever you so desire.

9) Earplugs are essential. Wax ones are my preference as they do an excellent job blocking out the inevitable snoring.

10) Vegetarians be forewarned: Vegetarian in Spain means seafood and eggs. Most salads come with tuna (canned) and hard boiled eggs. You will have to be very clear when ordering if you do not eat these items.

11) A large water bottle or gator bag is not necessary. I carried a one liter bottle and it was never without water. There are fountains in every town in which to fill up.

13) Don't Rush! It isn't a race and if you hurry it you will miss a lot. There are so many details along the way that you will only notice if you walk at a pace that enables you to take your time. Keep your eyes and heart open. Sit in bars and have a coffee or tea along the way. Sit for a while and others will join you. Getting to know your fellow pilgrims is a large part of the experience. Buen Camino!