5 Things to Consider When Planning Your Camino

Should you be planning your Camino; or should you just be open to letting things happen? (If you never want to walk a pilgrimage, you can stop reading now.)

That depends on what you want out of your pilgrimage journey on the Camino de Santiago. I am going to write a little series of blogs for folks who might be thinking about walking their first Camino.

Or even their second or third. I know from my own experience that each of my three trips had a different theme or purpose (not always what I expected), and planning was different.

So first, I would recommend that you ask yourself a few questions:

1. What is my goal? Is it to earn a Compostela certificate? To achieve a goal? To connect with my inner self or a higher power? Is my orientation religious, spiritual, social, touristic, or athletic?

   
   

2. What are my strengths and limitations? How far can I walk each day? Can I carry my backpack? Do I have time to do some training? How is my health? Age is not necessarily a factor - I have met pilgrims from 2-88 years old. Some of your limitations could be in your own mind! The Master Key Experience can help with that!

   
   

3. Do I have a budget? Costs on the Camino de Santiago have risen since the first time I walked in 2018, but it is still an economical way to travel - walking from village to village. Your budget might determine some of your choices.

   
   

4. Do I have time limitations? How far do I want to walk? Walking 100 kilometres in four to seven days will earn a compostela, but if you have longer, you might want to walk for 1,000 kilometres or more! For most folks who live outside the European Union, there is a limit of 90 days at a time. And for those within the EU, it is easier to come back multiple times and walk 'chunks' of the Camino.

   
   

5. Do I like to plan or do I like to 'wing it?' If you like to wing it, maybe just stop reading now and go book the flight and pack your rucksack! If you like to plan you can start a spreadsheet, join a Camino group, watch a video on YouTube, purchase a book, load an app on your phone... The list is endless.

   
   

Okay, you have done a self-evaluation. Over the next few weeks, I plan to share about some of the choices you will need to make.

Things like which route your want to walk, the types of places you can stay, the kinds of food you can eat, and more.

What do YOU want to know? If you have some questions for me, add a comment or send me a message, I'd love to hear from you:)

Maybe after you walk a Camino, you will be inspired to write a book, too! A novel or journal like I did, or a memoir. I might be able to help with that also!

Buen Camino!