CAMINO TIPS: 12 Things to Know Before You Go

[@diarmuiddude]

i did my camino in 2015. all of her advice is good. buen camino, perigrino!

[@jonvoeller4882]

Lyndsey, just wanted to tell you how much I enjoyed your Camino de Santiago videos before I did my own Camino in 2018. Obviously there are a ton of Camino related videos available on KZbin, but I found yours to be particularly helpful in preparing to do my own Way. Thanks, and keep up the good work!

[@lindalowder4269]

I watched your video and bought lush shampoo. Walked the Camino twice. 2013 and 2014. I used lots of your suggestions on what to pack. I packed exactly what I needed. Your videos were very helpful

[@maurybuchanan]

Lindsey, headed out again to the Camino April/May of 2020 with my son and nephew. Followed your advise when I walked in 2015 from Triacastella to Santiago de Compostela. You are wise beyond your years. This time we are walking another 5 or 6 stages from SJPdP.

[@jackheilgeist9281]

As a past peregrino I give you a ten on your videos. One question often asked of you is the weather. If you are planning a trip on the Camino, I recommend that you use your weather app as part of your planning. Enter in your weather map all the major cities along the route you are walking. Then you can bring up the map and look at the route and see the temperatures and weather conditions for your route and time of year. I plan to do the Camino del Norte beginning in late September 2017. Already I have a good idea of the weather conditions I will be facing. I walked the Camino Frances in May and June. I definitely recommend this time of year. Weather is pretty pleasant and nature has decorated the Camino with a profusion of wild flowers. When you pass through the meseta north of Madrid, the terrain becomes very flat without many trees. It gets very hot, even in late June. I personally would never consider July and August for walking the Camino......too hot and too many people. Once the Spanish summer vacations begin forget it! The Camino goes from a quiet, contemplative walk with the peregrinos strung out along the Camino to a noisy, crowded fiesta. Be prepared when you hit Sarria for a complete change in the nature of the Camino if you pass through there in July. If you have access to PBS, you may want to watch the series, "Made in Spain". It deals primarily with food and eating in Spain. One of the restaurants reviewed is on the beach if you choose to walk Finisterre and the Atlantic Ocean. Buen Camino to all you past and future pereigrinos!

[@bathedinridicule]

Totally agree with everything you've said! Cheers man. Buen camino.

[@JustWalkJapan]

That was really good. I'm glad I found this. I should do something similar for the Camino's sister pilgrimage, the Shikoku 88 Temples route in Japan.

[@alexquyenvo5196]

Hi, could you share a little bit about that route in Japan ? Thanks ! Alex

[@kimballwiggins3976]

And as an afterthought to you last video this week, I bought Lush, and I used it on the trip. I and I still use it!

[@wadlow23]

Mucho Gracias Lindsey. I'm off to do my first Camino in a week and I have found your videos very helpful and inspirational .

[@bathedinridicule]

+wadlow23 How exciting! Buen camino!

[@ericperich1240]

That was a Great Informative Video! THANK YOU Lindsey!

[@evapfneisel8374]

So helpful! Thank you so much :D Planning on walking the Camino next year, April/May :)

[@misererenobis8900]

Thank you for the upload, hope you got a lot out of the Caminho Portugues.

[@hedgemasterx7]

I just booked my flights to Spain!! Currently training the run the fraces route. Thank you soo much for your videos. They've been fantastic!!

[@bathedinridicule]

Wow! Good for you, that's quite a feat! Best of Luck!

[@HappiFix]

Thank you for making this channel Lindsey, you're extremely informative.

[@TheSingingCelebrant]

I am hoping to do it before I get too old as a Wheelchair-User

[@michaelecu11]

Me too Andre Reece-Sheerin...I’m 56yo...it’ll still be 2-3 years before I could start.

[@Timoteophillips]

Congrats. I love your sense of humour

[@bathedinridicule]

Haha cheers!

[@johntoyou]

Thanks for all the helpful information about preparing for the Camino on your channel. I do have a question for you? Do you normally check your backpack when flying to Europe? The carry on dimension size restrictions are about 24" X 14" X 9" which many backpacks ( mine included) don't meet. If you have any suggestions on what you found to be the best way to get your backpack to and from Europe along with any problems you have run into it would be greatly appreciated.

[@blooelmo]

Looking forward to seeing how you do things this time! 😊 thanks for all the tips, and GL, third time's the charm? 😉 happy day!

[@bathedinridicule]

+Anne Elmo Haha thanks so much! Yeah, hopefully the third time will be the best so far! Cheers!

[@NicoleKrawczyk]

Carry a couple of OTC antihistamine tablets. If you get bed bugs, it helps with the itchinesss. I learned this the hard way.

[@jennhill8708]

I've been I'll for a long time, but had a new dx dumped on my head, recently. I've made a vow to walk the Camino, but it will take some improvement in my health & very slowly walking & building strength. I have a proposed start in 5 years. Have to save money, too, & would fly out from the nearest (250 mi) big airport to even get to the East Coast to begin! It might be better to fly from UT to Las Vegas & catch a red-eye East, but I'm not sure.

[@bathedinridicule]

Best of luck to you Jenn!

[@estellagutierrez795]

Jean Hill I would love to join you let's get ready

[@realfoodmunchies]

I can't wait to see what happens next!! Thank you for your offers!!✨🌻

[@bathedinridicule]

+Yoli Marrero Neither can I! Thanks for the support!

[@graygleed8867]

Looking forward to more Videos. And hopefully a daily video blog if you have the time. My first Camino has to be put off this year. I have promised myself no matter what, I will do it in 20 17

[@bathedinridicule]

+Gray Gleed I'm about to head to my starting point tomorrow, we'll see how much vlogging I'm able to do! Stay tuned! Sorry to hear your plans have changed but buen camino for 2017!

[@helenvwalker7919]

A really useful blog. Off to do our 3rd, the Portugesa in 3 weeks' time. lncidentally, I really like the way you have your hair cut.

[@sdelcano]

well said, well put. Thank you.

[@tmcclean21]

Enjoyed you video. Bon camino!

[@bathedinridicule]

Thanks so much!

[@heatherh4571]

Yay! I've been debating between the Portuguese route or French route and the Portuguese seems to be the hardest to find information on! I can't wait for more videos!

[@bathedinridicule]

+Heather Hunt I've found it quite difficult too, hopefully I can be of some help once I have the experience under my belt!

[@travelingshoesguru]

Fresco Tours. They are fantastic, and do the Portuguese Way as well as others. Go to their website. Guides, or simply bag transport, or customized arrangements are available.

[@bretstearns8083]

Petroleum jelly!!!!!!! Just a light bit on your feet! Sweat rolls down and accumulates in certain spots, might want to get those areas as well. The jelly helps water proof the skin and prevents blisters or chafing. Not many talk about it before or after the trek, but you'll here about it every day of the camino. I'm 20 stone and did the Norte in Oct. The first week was hot, the last week was rain. On the Norte, there is a hill every morning and every evening.

[@bretstearns8083]

*hear about*

[@kimlizzette5350]

Can't wait to hear how this new adventure goes and any recommendations you may have about the Portuguese Way. I have completed the Camino Frances last fall and now would like to start planning for an alternative route in the next year or two. Buen Camino!

[@bathedinridicule]

+Kim Lizzette Thanks so much Kim! Yeah, I'm excited to be doing something a bit new - I'll definitely keep you updated and make plenty of videos when I get home :)

[@cruc4]

"Do I need to know spanish to walk the Camino? Absolutely not" Ok, you're right. Lots of people walk the Camino only speaking english (and some of them expecting from the others to speak english as well). But don't forget that you're crossing a not english speaking country, the people that live in the towns usually do not speak anything but spanish and it should be a "sign of courtesy" to learn some words. Not too much effort required: hola, buenos días, buenas tardes, gracias is not too much and it should be useful. Otherwise the Camino will be something only for tourists, as it already happens in some towns in the Camino and it will be really a pity to make the Camino like Disneyland.

[@bathedinridicule]

I completely agree. You're right, maybe I could have worded my response better. I tried to be realistic without being patronizing to those who don't know any. But I feel like most people figure out those basics for themselves on day one.

[@leewoodhouse238]

Just want to say I love your video's they are so, so helpful x

[@bathedinridicule]

+Lee Woodhouse Thank you Lee! Let me know if you have any questions :)

[@Monster2munch]

You've got me thinking about doing the Camino again (Couldn't do it before due death of family member), time to start replanning :) Whatever has changed for you hope it is for the better, if not, I hope we can help you through :)

[@bathedinridicule]

+Monster2munch Thanks so much, seriously. I think that was has changed is for the best, even though it doesn't feel that way right now. But that's exactly why I'm here! Cheers friend xx

[@mraortega16]

The first "5 things worth their weight in Gold" video you actually say "I have a weird pinky".LOL. ive watched almost all your vids. Love them all. hope to join the Camino family sooner rather than later

[@bathedinridicule]

Hahahaha yes I do! Thanks for much. :)

[@brianvittachi6869]

Thank you Lindsey.

[@susanhill7778]

Hi Lindsey. I heard last year on the Camino Francais (from a Portugese pilgrim) that if there is no albergue in the village that the local fire station put you up. Buen Camino. I hope you have those new boots walked in.

[@bathedinridicule]

+Susan Hill Yes, I've been researching that and finding that as well. I'll report back with how that goes for me! I haven't got them properly broken in, but am walking all around Lisbon to try and break them in haha!

[@euanr.skinner6492]

Buen Camino, enjoy & stay safe !

[@bathedinridicule]

+Euan R. SKINNER Obrigada!

[@jannienes69]

next year is our camino for about 3 weeks! thanks for the video"s so far! Bon Camino

[@bathedinridicule]

Wonderful! Thanks so much. :)

[@Brendalo1]

you might want to skip the middle Burgos/Leon visit Muxia on the ocean its great too Buen Camino

[@evelynmellichamp818]

Thank you, so much.

[@eugenievanzyl]

Hi Lindsey! Where in Canada? I am in Saskatchewan. I plan to go this year but only started walking now. Yhank you for the 12 tips! Very good to know.

[@bathedinridicule]

Vancouver! Buen camino.

[@dannydraait]

thank you for sharing your useful video! apreciated!! 👍🏼👍🏼

[@MillieonaVespa]

Looking forward to more Videos Lindsey xxx

[@bathedinridicule]

+mary mulligan Thanks Mary! Certainly doing my best!

[@labriquejaune39]

Continues Your GooD work

[@bathedinridicule]

+La Brique Jaune Thank you! Will do!

[@jetlag9163]

Greetings from El Camino Portugues (Santarem) just a heads up. Getting out of the center of Lisbon can be a challenge, waymarkers are almost nonexisting.

[@thomasbarca9297]

I’m planning to do it in 2 years time

[@pswagner]

Rain poncho or jacket and why? (These videos are tremendously helpful!)

[@metralla]

Keep in mind the camino frances goes through quite a lot of mountains so the weather can change in a moment.

[@DualisticPerspective]

really like your vibe,and ur cute to!

[@cameronempey8350]

I’m hoping to do this with my family once my little boy gets older I’ll have to convince my wife about this though ha ha you only live once is my selling point

[@jamesbonddarrell]

What type of bedding should I bring to travel in may

[@Hierarkh]

I was looking up the Breaking Bad movie "El Camino." But now I think that I have to go to Spain.

[@bathedinridicule]

Haha! Porque no los dos? :P

[@Hierarkh]

Lindsey Cowie Why not both indeed.

[@anaormonde9720]

Hi Lindsey, I'm Portuguese and so happy you are walking the Portuguese Way. I live in US and planning on walking April 2017 with a friend the Camino Frances, God willing. I have a question a silly one, but I can't get any info on it. Do we need pjs or do we sleep in our clothes? One more thing I'm flying to Lourdes France first for a couple of days to visit the Shrine. Do you know if it's close to St. Jean?

[@bathedinridicule]

Hi Ana, congrats on making the decision to walk! Some people bring clothes to sleep in. I brought loose comfy pants to wear when hanging around the albergue and most often slept in those and a sports bra. I'd say most people don't bring pjs due to weight constraints. I don't know, but google will know! Good luck :)

[@anaormonde9720]

Thank you Lindsey for your helpful reply. How did like Camino Portugues? BTW I love your videos. I watch them often. They are so very helpful. I went to buy the Lush solid soaps/shampoo and love it.

[@robertastuart7434]

To ward off bed bugs and fleas - use tea tree oil slathered all over just before you get out of the shower.

[@Wednesdaywoe1975]

Roberta Stuart Lavender oil also works!

[@debrasalt3598]

I thought the accomodations looked super clean!

[@elpapipr11]

¡Feliz camino!

[@sdv1967]

What kind of undergarments you can take on Camino being a female....

[@thomastrika]

Thank you for making the video. Planning to go May or April. Also, boots, mid hikers or low hikers?

[@bathedinridicule]

Low!

[@marinaalonso7315]

Careful about the doing it alone part because I'm from Spain and we get some murder news in the camino from time to time. It's unusual but just be cautious. Love the video btw

[@adrienc1545]

Great

[@BDETravels]

We just finish recording for our channel the Camino Frances and would try to do the Camino del Norte next. Are you considering going back and completing other Caminos?

[@bathedinridicule]

I may at some point in my life, but the Camino has hogged all of my travel/adventure experiences in my 20s! Time for something new!

[@Marenqo]

How was your Camino, Lindsey? I am walking the Portuguese way early August. I intend to walk along the coast. Would be nice hear how you enjoyed yours.

[@bathedinridicule]

Hi there! Hope you caught my newest video! Didn't do the coastal route, but will have some overlap!

[@Marenqo]

I walked the coastal with bits on the actual beach. It was amazing, hot but amazing! Thank you so much for all your videos. They are really useful and its really nice watching you :)

[@kathrynformica4454]

Lindsey, What is the earliest time of year to go? My concern is that too many of the albegues would be closed.

[@bathedinridicule]

I'm not positive on this, actually. I'd check the Camino forum. It depends on the route. There are more and more albergues every year, and more people walking in the off-season. I wouldn't be surprised if it's really not too hard to do early in the year.

[@siobanethier]

Kathryn Formica I went in February. Lots of places were closed but the public hostels, I believe, are open all year-round and are only 6.50/night but if I remember correctly you must present your passport and/or pilgrim's passport but I could be wrong.

[@sylwiaprzeplata1018]

what about the non-gluten food? possible? I see bread added to everything

[@juanmanueltoledoschad682]

Hi tjanks for the tips, I'll do this april 2020, from sarria to santiago, how is the weather in the first days of april?? Regards

[@forbearance112]

Hey Lindsey - do you plan on doing the Camino this year as well?

[@jackpaice]

I'm so sad I won't be home for this...

[@LanguageLover1989]

Buen camino!

[@bathedinridicule]

+Scott Gimmy Obrigada!

[@coco_toertchen5023]

One of our friends on the camino was vegetarian and alot of times she got tuna on her meal ^^

[@travelingshoesguru]

As our guides said, Spain is not a good place to be a Vegetarian. You're on your own.

[@barbarascuccato3155]

I completed the Camino June 2017 and found all your videos to be very helpful. I’ve heard there is a Camino Japan, approx 1,000km, but information is hard to find. Do you have any suggestions on a self directed walk for Camino Japan?

[@bathedinridicule]

I do not! Good luck though!

[@franciscomonterorodriguez1370]

eh visto tu publicación esta bastante bien pero tiene explicado que hay pueblo mas grande como ciudades hay supermercado esta bastante bien igual tienda que cualquier cosas botas pinchazo de bici te lo soluciona

[@travelingshoesguru]

30 euros a day is only for those staying in albergues/hostels. That's not an appealing option to a LOT of people. Mostly for the very young, backpacking crowd. Most adults will prefer decent lodging - so of course, that will cost more than 30 euros a day. There are inns, (like B&Bs), hotels all along the way. Some are a bit off the Camino - there are usually options in transport for getting to those places if you like. 30 euros a day is not a reasonable cost to be promoting UNLESS you only stay in hostels and ONLY eat at those places and cafes along the way.

[@bathedinridicule]

That's absolutely not true. I stayed in hostels, and was surrounded by "adults" in their 50s, 60s, 70s, 80s who have the money to stay in hotels, but who are choosing to do the Camino that way. To me, that's an integral part of the Camino. Perhaps I would rather "promote" the Camino to people who will undertake it in a similar fashion, rather than those who choose to take a expensive fancy walking holiday in Spain rather than experience the Camino as a pilgrim.

[@travelingshoesguru]

Clearly you wouldn't know a pilgrim from the many backpacking clueless hikers you shared barracks with. There is nothing wrong with being able to WALK a PILGRIMAGE with decent lodging each night. There is nothing "integral" about staying in hostels. It is merely cheap, noisy, and uncomfortable. Perhaps you are into self-flagellation along the way as well? No, my dear, there is nothing virtuous about staying in hostels. Charming as they may be to your fantasy world, they are not, by any means, "integral" to the Camino. People who can, as you claim, stay in other accommodations but choose the cheap and uncomfortable and noisy and generally icky accommodations may simply be - cheap. It's that simple. Hostels are for the college aged, traveling on the cheap crowd. Your Camino is not enhanced by bedbugs.

[@JenniLeigh81]

Dang, what's with the rudeness? Why do you need to dictate how people walk their camino, or look down on the way others choose to do it? "You wouldn't know a pilgrim..." Sheesh - someone needs a reflective surface to look at their heart. I will definitely stay in the hostels if it means I don't run into self-righteous individuals like you. Buen camino! (Oh, and I'm pretty sure that hotels aren't immune from bed bugs. Good luck with that).

[@caminojohn3240]

Nice Video

[@guanacocruz765]

once im get there do i need a lot of$$$$to complete el camino???

[@karinabelmarbelmar2717]

Hi Lindsey could you please tell me how much money you spented in youres last caminos, I couldn't understan you, I really need to know how much I have to save, thank you for youre videos.

[@Thebucketlifer]

Is it easy to find wifi ? At auberges ? Do I book night before my next auberge in next city or is it à first come first serve basis ?

[@dc4196]

hi lindsey, have you been on the camino del norte?

[@martinabyrtusova6440]

Hi :) I am just wondering why you doing Camido de S. agin when you can choose some other longer distance trails either in Europe or in USA.

[@nachoj3150]

Because "Camino de Santiago" is one of the best hiking ways in the world. Probably that's the season why she's doing it once again...

[@elviracovarrubias7654]

How much is it in America money

[@lynnyjenn1]

I want to travel after I finish the camino in Portugal (coastal route).....how can I store an extra suitcase for my time on the trail? I don't know anyone in Portugal. Do you have any ideas?

[@silviaborges4421]

Jenny if needed i can keep your suitcase in my place um Lisbon

[@maggiedoor6093]

I am in Ontario, Canada. Did you use a phone when walking in Spain, for taking pictures , sending texts or e.mails? I would be interested in knowing what my options would be and what you experienced.

[@bathedinridicule]

I took my phone with me and turned data off, just used it for taking photos and sending emails and whatnot when I had wifi

[@travelingshoesguru]

Used our phones, all of us in my group of 12 pilgrims, the entire way. International data plans are cheap, as in $10 a day. Check with your carrier.

[@jetlag9163]

I’m from California, and I’m using T-Mobile on the CP. It’s amazing bc their plans include free international data (2G speeds) and texts. Downside is calls at 0.20 cents per minute

[@kungfuman82]

I have an unrelated question: did you injure your right hand pinky finger? Not trying to make you self-conscious, it's just that I'm curious. My right ring finger knuckle is flat from a minimally-displaced fracture and I work in an ER so I just notice these things. :-)

[@bathedinridicule]

Hahaha you are the first person to ever notice and comment on it! It's actually been like that as long as I can remember. I think I must have broken it when I was very young and my parents never noticed or something haha. It's definitely wonky though. But I like it. It has character. ;)

[@kungfuman82]

+Lindsey Cowie Lol, it does indeed have character! I watched a lot of your other videos after I posted that comment (I'm preparing for my own Camino for a possible next October date and your videos are the bee's knees) and you happened to comment on your pinky in one of them, which I found humorous and coincidental. 😂

[@mraortega16]

hello Lindsey. I havent seen a video o camping out on the Camino. any thoughts?

[@bathedinridicule]

I've never tried it myself! There aren't many official places to camp. You'd be camping on private property most of the time and technically trespassing but I'm sure it could be done!

[@travelingshoesguru]

You should not encourage people to "camp" on private property! There are hostels/albergues all the way - there is no need to camp unless caught out unaware, too tired, unable to go on. Villages are not that far apart. PLAN!

[@ar2nl]

why is the backgroundmusic as loud as your microphone? It's very annoying

[@theodorerzepski8491]

Is the English route a good choice for 2 healthy 70 year olds. We hear it's less crowded. Thanks

[@bathedinridicule]

Any route is a good route for 2 healthy 70 year olds! My 68 old dad crushed the Norte a few years ago. I don't personally know much about the English route, but I certainly saw people into their 80s walking their Caminos and having no trouble.

[@tomjeffersonwasright2288]

Is methyl alcohol stove fuel available along the Camino?

[@metralla]

Not sure about methyl alcohol but you can buy 1/2 pint of ethilic alcohol (98%) for about 1 euro in any pharmacy in Spain. The good thing is that you can drink it! (Don't!!)

[@flaviasoares3663]

Maybe we will meet up at some point. I will do the Caminho Portugues Variante Espiritual starting at Valenca do Minho on May 15. It is a bit longer than the Camino Central taking a detour at Pontevedra. Really excited about this journey! Not into videos but have started a blog which hopefully will be able to continue during the camino. Buen Camino! fmtosantiago.blogspot.pt/

[@bathedinridicule]

+Flavia Soares Awesome, Flavia! If you see me, say hi!

[@tomkuerschner4697]

Did you said 30 euros ?:D if you plan with 30 euro a day you live like a king/princess^^

[@karinabudurova9264]

Yes she said 30eur per day :P What do you think is it any chance to spend less money ( I got a limited budget)? Interesting, is it easy to find places with kitchens so I could cook by myself instead of going to restaurants ( I think that would safe much money).... Thank you!

[@tophii1325]

i walked camino de france from saint jean pied de port to cape finisterre last may. I spend about 20€ per day. Yes it is very easy to find alberge with kitchen almost every place about 10€ or under. Some places there is no kitchens or markets so sometimes you have to buy "pilgrim menu" it cost about 10€ include 3 dish and bred and wine. If you want to make your camino lot of easier there is mobile app called "Camino Pilgrim". With that app you can check informations almost every village and Alberge (wifi, kitchen, washing, market, restaurant, cafeteria etc.) Very helpfun when you planning your route! Buen Camino! Enjoy!

[@karinabudurova9264]

+Top Hii Thank you for your answer! definitely will check that app!!!

[@tomkuerschner4697]

Top is right :D

[@karinabudurova9264]

+Tom Kuerschner thnx Tom!! I will do my best to worry less and stay positive ;-) Would love to travel in the end of September!

[@MarriageNFamilyAdvice]

Whats the sexual assault rate for women on el camino de santiago? should I carry weapons just in case?

[@bathedinridicule]

No such rate exists as far as I know, but it would be infinitesimally low. Hundreds of thousands of women walk every year. Bring a whistle and walk with others if you are concerned.

[@anthonylangford8575]

Are men safe from women?!

[@tximeleta35]

Weapons are illegal here.

[@eduardomg4066]

It is very dangerous here, you get out and you get assaulted right away! Don’t come here! It would be better for your safety.

[@GK-pl2oj]

Do you have a broken pinky, too?

[@bathedinridicule]

I think so! It's been this way my whole life. Call it my claw. Haha.

[@TheMariodeblas]

🇪🇸👈

[@dougsaunders7545]

Your pinky finger?

[@bathedinridicule]

I assume it broke it as a child, always been dinky-looking

[@rod4530]

Helpful, but had to switch off due to aggravating background music

[@bathedinridicule]

Honestly same

[@jo-annestockman6846]

It's a shame you have that horrible background music. I struggled to understand what you were saying!