10 (Less Talked About) Tips for Walking the Camino de Santiago!

From money to food to the daily selfie... here are ten tips for walking the Camino! Please share your own tips in the comments!
1. Choose small bills at the ATM (0:50)
2. Carry a reusable tote bag for groceries (2:36)
3. Try the Menu del Dia (4:03)
4. Aquarius and Tinto de Verano (6:05)
5. Stay Off Stage (7:47)
6. Donativo Albergues are not free (9:43)
7. Take a selfie every morning (11:52)
8. Turn Around (13:47)
9. Do not burn your clothes! (16:00)
10. Share what you have (17:37)
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[@suecovington886]

Walking Camino this May for 1st time. I will turn 80 on this pilgrimage. Your tips were great. Thank you, now even more excited

[@duncanhill3953]

Super cool go for it regards Duncan

[@benotafraid9875]

I'm beginning my journey to walk the St Hildegard Way in Germany. I'll be 70 next year. Im out of shape and overweight. Im determined to be fit as I can for this next year! Vaya con Dios Sue

[@felaflores204]

🎉Buen Camino.

[@kathleenreadinger4614]

Sue, I would love to hear your feedback as a 80 yr old. Buen Camino.

[@dawnbouquot8569]

We met a lady - 89yrs - on her 13th Camino. She smiled and said she just did her favourite parts the last 3.... she was lovely! Don't be afraid to send your pack forward and just enjoy the walk! Make sure you like your shoes/boots!

[@jeffbatten9429]

I walked the Camino Portugues (to Santiago and back to Porto), Camino Frances and walked from Santiago to Fisterra, Muxia and back in 2022. I started each day with a prayer of gratitude, listing all the things I am grateful for. Also starting before sunrise gives you so many wonderful early morning pictures

[@dr.andjela.pecotic]

Dearest Nadine, your videos are so precious to me and have inspired me immensely. Thank you for the value you share to this community. 🙏🏼 I will selfie and turn around. Love from Sydney, Australia. 🇦🇺

[@me-lg1yw]

Now that I’m back from my first Camino Frances, I’m re-watching this video. I’m sure I watched it a few times by now. I followed your tips about taking a selfie each day and also turning around to see the view from a different viewpoint. I had three weeks of incredible sunrises, and I felt like most people were missing them because they were always behind us. I was constantly stopping to turn around and take several pictures of each sunrise. People would pass me without ever turning around. I felt bad for these people because they couldn’t appreciate what I was seeing.

[@tabuleirocmd]

7:53 "Stay off Stage" Some 30 miles north of Pamplona (the 3rd stop on the Frances-Route) lies the small town of Igantzi where there is a cave dedicated to the Bigfoots (Basajaun). According do Basque tradition BF who once lived in the forests (Basajaun means lord of the forest) helped farmers to keep livestock together, and were loved by the locals. Therefore, for them, this cave (la ermita-cueva de San Juan de Xar) was a sanctuary of sorts because the deemed BF to be very wise! Thank you for this great video, going to walk the Santiago trail next year!

[@yul1313]

Aquarius: Agua, azúcar, correctores de acidez: ácido cítrico y citrato sódico, potenciadores del sabor: cloruro sódico, fosfato potásico y fosfato cálcico, antioxidante ácido ascórbico, estabilizantes: E‐414 y E‐445, aromas y colorante mezcla de carotenos.EL azucar es equivalente a 6'5 terrones.El tinto de verano autentico es vino tinto con gaseosa,el vino tinto es una bebida alcoholica el alcohol deshidrata el cuerpo empezando por el cerebro de ahi la conocida resaca....la gaseosa ....Agua carbonatada, zumo de limón a partir de concentrado (1%), infusión intensa de limón, extracto de limón, aroma natural de limón con otros aromas naturales, acidulantes: ácido cítrico, edulcorantes: E-952ii, E-950, sacarina sódica, conservador: sorbato potásico.en resumen las dos bebidas estan muy buenas pero en absoluto son saludables y mucho menos en una actividad donde la hidratacion es fundamental.que una bebida este fria no significa que sea resfrescante....un abrazo desde Menorca (P.D.este comentario esta hecho con la mejor intencion espero que asi se comprenda)

[@AmaranthStudioArt]

I have a little over a year until I am able to go on my first Camino, though your videos have seriously been getting me so excited for the wholesomeness, the fulfillment and the joy that Caminos can bring! Thank you so much for sharing, it is very inspiring :)

[@bruce3412]

I like the tip of taking a selfie every morning, so you can see the start of each stage

[@NadineWalks]

It's one of my favorite Camino rituals!

[@joy4roy]

I absolutely love your tips - especially the one about turning around & taking a photo of the sunrise/sunset & taking a photo every morning before starting on your daily pilgrimage.

[@RC-qf3mp]

The Menu del Dia tip is great. Also, always look around the restaurant and see what people are eating so you can get an idea of what’s available. Sometimes it costs more, but many times the pilgrim menu is a high quantity of food I didn’t really want. Helps to see what locals are eating. Although that means waiting until 9:30 pm sometimes! 😂

[@annaa4543]

Hi! I want to walk the Camino and the idea of bringing some sort of a container, very light and portable one, popped into my head. I mean I can put some of the leftover pilgrim meal in there and have a breakfast or a lunch the next day! Does this sound genius or really not that comfortable in terms of back pack space? Asking you as you're someone with experience in this:)

[@RC-qf3mp]

I’d be worried about food going bad. A safer option is to go to a market and skip the restaurant altogether. I’ll do that a lot more on my next Camino. I’ll get canned fish, jamon, cheese. Stuff that lasts at least 3 days, and eat at restaurants when they look appealing and eat my store bought food otherwise. Saves money, is faster and often healthier. I’ll be focused on an anti inflammatory diet to reduce aches and pains and need for meds. Plenty of healthy options in Spain, but you have to choose it. Pilgrim menu is too much temptation with wine and dessert. If you’ve never been to Spain, it’s a good part of the experience to try the food. But if you’re hiking all day, you need fuel and I prefer anti inflammatory foods (fish esp).

[@dianaoverby]

In May i get to volunteer as a Hospitalero! Thank you for mentioning the donativo. If you are staying in a place that cooks dinner, that money is what the volunteer uses to cook and clean for the next day’s pilgrims. I didn’t know this u til I went to training.

[@merrickhupman3364]

Those photos of the trees are amazing!!! I am doing the camino starting in Portugal with my dad in a few weeks, his second time, my first time, and you have great advice and tips in your videos! I'm so happy I found your page!

[@NadineWalks]

I hope you have an amazing time on your Camino!! I'm sure it's going to be great!

[@angiebee598]

Great tips! Luckily I learned about Aqaurius from a pilgrim friend who had already walked a camino. I also learned from her the importance of using bank ATMs. She had an ATM in SJPP take her card after she tried to make a second withdraw immediately after the first. We started walking the next day, a Sunday, and she never got her card back. Luckily she had a back up.

[@nybarnards]

Great stuff Nadine! I am going for attempt number 3 in June. (injuries stopped us the last two times) I like the tip on bringing a tote bag. Another one many people scramble to get around is...bring clothes pins to hang up your clothes to dry. They will really come in handy.

[@NadineWalks]

Hi Gary, yes, clothespins are a good tip! I also carry several large diaper pins, which are helpful in attaching wet clothing to my backpack so that it gets a chance to dry out as I walk. Good luck with attempt number 3, I hope this is the lucky one and all goes smoothly!

[@josepleonlopez3217]

Realmente estoy totalmente de acuerdo con tus comentarios tanto en lo referente a todo y realmente es un verdadero placer caminar entre la boira y tener la sensación de estar en el cielo gracias pelegrina

[@kc8181]

Be a little mindful of the menu of the day. Make sure you know what is in it. I personally love soups and stews, but when it comes with Tripe I’m out!

[@NadineWalks]

Haha, very good point!!

[@slowmanwalking34]

I just discovered Aquarious and its the best! I walked the beginning of the Camino Frances this year and followed your tip about turning around, you had mentioned it somewhere else. I think some of my most remembered views were from dong this. I'm planning on continuing a few more stages next year. If one is slow and out of shape like me, take plenty of rests before you really get tired, I found I had more energy at the end of the day as compared to pushing through till I could go no more and then resting.

[@NadineWalks]

I love this tip of taking a lot of breaks before you get really tired, I think that's perfect! (and Aquarius really IS the best, isn't it?)

[@asacraig9876]

I love the morning selfie idea! Practically, yes, it's a great way to separate all the hundreds of photos that I also take wherever I go... but I like the idea of seeing personal changes as the time goes on! Very cool idea :)

[@asacraig9876]

Also turning around!!! I always think the difference between a tourist and a pilgrim is that a tourist moves forward to tourist sites. A pilgrim moves forward, but stops often, taking in EVERYTHING!!!

[@RC-qf3mp]

For men, you can see the beard come in. Although that’s also true of some of the women! 😮

[@teresaczerwinski1567]

Hi Nadine, I enjoyed your tips about the camino, especially the one about the albergques with donativo. Yes, you are very right. Donativo does not mean free. I am a trained hospitalera and during my training for being a hospitalera was placed on understanding the concept of donativo vs. gratis. Thank you for making this issue your tip # 6. I have enjoyed your tips a lot.

[@Kitsambler]

A very nice presentation; your journeys have obviously grounded you in true wisdom. I would add a #11, for your next Camino, think outside Spain. I have, so far, walked from Prague to SJPP (will do Spain part 1 later this year). The "upstream" routes offer some incredible experiences.

[@dawnbouquot8569]

Hello! We did the Camino in 2016 and have been longing to do it again ever since - life is so very simple on the Camino.... I think I just want to add - if you take one of those pocket nylon back packs rather than a bag, as you had, we found that on the few day that we sent our packs ahead it served as a small day pack for water and a snack. Also wear your hiking boots for at least 3 months before setting out... we managed the whole thing - 37 days (we are in our late 60s) without a blister. Thanks for the tip on the meal del dia - I would enjoy that much more than the Pilgrims meal - it was always too big! The other one is this: we were tired after 20 -25 km in a day - I now regret that I didn't force myself to go out and look around at where we were at. We will do better next time!

[@NadineWalks]

Some very good tips here! I think the one about the lightweight nylon back pack is great, because as you said it really gives you some options if you want to ship your bigger pack ahead. And 37 days without a blister, incredible!!

[@mmayfield4195]

So did you find a lot of people our age to walk the Camino? Our parish priest set up a group but I shied from trying to keeping up with a young group. They seem to plow thru things and I rather like to enjoy my environment at the moment. I also what time for prayer and meditation and video tip files have been short on displaying that aspect of The El Camino.

[@kathleenreadinger4614]

Dawn, thank you for sharing. I am truly interested in your entire foot care routine; socks, boots, shoes, sandals and daily care. I want to do the Camino in April of 24', I will be 62. I appreciate the information about distance and fatigue, I am fortunate that I will not be pressed for a return date. Do you think splitting the distance would have helped? I know getting a bed can be a pressing concern if walking later in the day.

[@dawnbouquot8569]

@@kathleenreadinger4614 Hello! I had Keen boots - with removable inner bottoms - I switched out with another set every other day. I think my feet liked the difference. You will never see foot blisters like you will find on the Camino - with one man it was the whole bottoms of both feet!! We wore our hikers 3 months before hand - town, dog walks, everything. I took socks that felt comfortable in the boots - not crowding your feet, not allowing your foot to slip around inside. We had a long sleeved shirt, long pants that unzipped at the knee, a short sleeved shirt and light cotton capris, 5 pr of underwear, 3 bras, 3 pr of socks, sun hat. And froze every day as it was the wettest, coldest spring since 1942... there is no way to prepare for unforeseen weather, but I would still take the same. I had a down 'sweater' that I wore under a rain poncho the first couple of days - but realized that as long as I was walking I was warm and I needed the jacket for after walking. I found a fleece at Roncesvalles (1st night) which saved my life! (Lost and Found table) Could not find fleece anywhere on the trip - just the 'woven' new age stuff that looks good when you run. Don't be afraid of sending your pack ahead if your back is asking, or taking an extra day if you like the town or city. Water bottle that fits your pack side pocket, and small nylon pack for groceries or day without pack. Our pack were about 6 kilos - 13 lbs. I had a 28ltr Deuter pack and wished it was the next size up - I had to hand sandals, ranger on the outside as it didn't fit inside - really liked the pack though. Easy to find laundry at the albergues for a small price. People we ended up walking with most of the trip were from UK and Germany - they had cellular service and so looked up and booked us ahead each morning. I recommend getting EU cell service - otherwise you won't be able to do that. Despite the wet, we made great friends - used the Brierly Guide to the Camino - has maps and contours so you know what the day has in store, and where you'd like to spend the night! I was 63 and my husband 70, with bone on bone left knee, waiting for replacement surgery. We did just fine if we kept it under 25 km/day. Be in shape! We went to Mexico to walk the hills of Melaque for 1 month before - just to get your 'hill legs' strong. Hiking poles are helpful for the uphills and downhills. There are few public washrooms on the trail - pace yourself! We quit buying the 7EU breakfast of leftover supper bread pretty quick and walked 7/8km or so before stopping for a hot chocolate and a 'pan' and a bathroom break before heading on. We had a piece of fruit and a bit of cheese with us always. That worked for us. We had no religious motive for our journey, just the joy/love of walking - everyone has a different story a different reason. Some walk a bit every year (1 week). A father and daughter met every year for 10 days and didn't care how far they went! If you aren't enjoying it, what is the point?! Wishing you great walk!

[@dawnbouquot8569]

@@kathleenreadinger4614 Me again! I forgot to mention that we each also carried a very light sleeping bag - not something you would need in a warm summer, but it was also much appreciated on our own trip - it took up a lot of space in our packs - the lower half. Also took cold medicine, green food powder and something called strength tape - for aching knees. Left the green food on a window sill and gave away most of the strength tape and all of the cold remedies.... We left on the 17th of March and wished we had waited till the end of the month. Hope all this helps!

[@benalba7192]

Turn around and look back, that is the best tip ever given bcos more often we think the best sights or experiences are what’s ahead but actually the others are what’s behind us too. Thank you for reminding us again.

[@NadineWalks]

You’re welcome! I keep having to remind myself of this one when I walk 😊

[@gisellaseregni3001]

I like yr suggestions and especially n. 10! And I would add also 'look at others' because sometimes you Just walk by and do not notice people in distress, who are shy to ask for a little water, an aspirin to help them to the next apothecary or else ... This Is particularly true for groups, and on the last 100 km of the Frances. So, be attentive of others, greet, ask 'todo bien?' to those sitting besides the route, give way.... Buen camino peregrinos, suseya

[@denise6658]

Love the selfie tip! I agree the El dia menu is much better food. I grew tired of the French fries on the pilgrim menu. My tip is that I bring larger safety pins instead of clothes pins. Helps deter someone from accidentally taking my clothes on the line. That Does happen, you prob already know this 😂

[@NadineWalks]

Good tip about the large safety pins…once someone took a pair of my underwear… 😬

[@nybarnards]

Such a GREAT idea!

[@karinvanaltenborg7340]

Great tips Nadine, thank you! Does the Tinto de Verano taste a lot like alcohol? I don't like that very much 😉. I have 2 months leave from work and in 2.5 weeks I will start my 1st Camino to Santiago from SJPdP. The tip I have is: walk the 1st day to Borda (about 9 km) and the next day to Roncesvalles (about 18 km). For myself, I think walking from SJPdP to Roncesvalles is too far: certainly in the beginning. I booked the 1st 3 nights (SJPdP, Borda, Roncesvalles): after that I'll see where I end up. I'm so curious how it goes: on my own, but not alone with all the other pilgrims on the way. I will be watching your other videos as well. I hope you continue to have nice trips 😊!

[@Yisraela]

Love all your information! Excellent advice as always!!

[@mlrr2000]

Loved your tips. Thank you!

[@maying7437]

Very helpful tips, thanks!

[@mariussmook8030]

Awesome tips 🙏

[@3daysdarkness938]

Great advice that really helped me with my packing list!

[@domdela5217]

Thank you for these tips. Your videos are great.

[@celsaflores7529]

I love the turn around tip ❤❤❤🙏🙏🙏

[@asprelskcalling1151]

Another great video. Sooo motivating!! Love listening to all the things you know about the camino. Thanks!!!

[@mariaritagonzagasantos2321]

I love to hear your tips. I intend to go next year and your Chanel is being very helpfull

[@griseldanelson2141]

You are a gem 💎. Thank you for all this incredibly helpful information!!! 🙏💐

[@santiago-martin]

Excellent advice!

[@NadineWalks]

Thank you!! 😊

[@bethjay5225]

Some great ideas. Thanks!

[@NadineWalks]

You’re welcome, Beth!

[@catherinegardner3041]

Great tips, Nadine!

[@NadineWalks]

Thanks Catherine! I hope they're helpful :)

[@leovaneechoud8922]

Love your cabinet, great info!

[@NadineWalks]

Haha, I like recording there :)

[@hilarymac3706]

Fantastic tips

[@NadineWalks]

I hope they are helpful, Hilary!

[@FrankDeLosSantos-hx4xs]

Thank you - Buen Camino

[@melamelissameyer]

Thank you! Love your shirt.

[@NadineWalks]

Thank you!! My sister held on to it for YEARS (I think she worked an Indigo Girls' concert in college) and I grabbed it before it was donated!

[@1DrBar]

Marvelous insights. I particularly like the advice on turning around periodically, and your call for the spirit of sharing.

[@peterdaglish8081]

Thanks Nadine really enjoy your tips

[@NadineWalks]

You're very welcome!

[@DanielMartinez-vj6wd]

Nice words about donativo albergues. It’s clear you’re a good person

[@marceymanning9059]

These are great tips. Turning around to see how,far you have come and see the other side of the tree is my favorite. The cash tip is important. The morning selfie is a must remember.

[@bloodynorahvan2203]

Thanks I enjoyed your video, tips and warmth 🤗

[@NadineWalks]

Thank you so much!

[@sandalsguy.camino]

Love the tinto de verano tip ehehe Very nice. Thanks for your video.

[@NadineWalks]

You're welcome!!

[@marsoreilly1530]

My sisters have just asked me to join them walking the camino- I dont know much about it so been down a rabbit hole of videos which seem pretty hard going. This is the first one that give simple but day to day tips that make it seem less daunting.

[@caminoforeveryone9169]

Have gotten great photos in the morning by just stopping and looking around, being silent to listen to the birds and crickets or the babbling streams, breathing in the aroma of the flowers. Enjoying nature is my favorite thing on any of the Caminos routes. Thanks for all the rest of the tips. Also on the ATM, make sure you have the transaction in euro, not in the currency of your home country. It is called dynamic conversion and will cost you more in fees than if you have the transaction just in euro.

[@NadineWalks]

Thank you for this time on making sure you choose the transaction to be in euros, I forgot about that! And I agree, being in nature and just noticing all the small sights and sounds is my favorite thing about the Camino. I can't wait to go back!

[@LienPham-rq7lr]

Love the selfie and turn around tips ... Thank you ... Buen Camino 💗

[@NadineWalks]

I always need to remind myself to turn around!

[@sbartdbarcelona44]

You inspire me to walk the Camino. Thx for all the useful information.

[@NadineWalks]

You're very welcome! I hope to record more videos with tips and useful info for future pilgrims :)

[@dasoxymoron2801]

Great tips, here is an extra one, I learned on my Camino Frances: Take your time. Seems like an oviuos one, but while walking people tend to rush it. They want to arrive and finish it and then one week before they arrive, they (including myself) wish they had more time left on the camino. And I know taking time is hard, especially if you are with a group that is having their rythm and leaving the group seems impossible. But it`s your camino and taking your time is worth ist, it is not a race. It might be different if you don`t have the time, because you have to be back at a seartent date, but if you have the time: Take it!

[@NadineWalks]

Yes, that's a good tip. I tend to walk fast and I really love walking long days- so often it can see as though I'm flying through (sometimes I am!) But it's just generally my preferred style of walking and that's okay too... but what's really been meaningful to me is taking a day every now and then to intentionally walk a shorter stage, and then just soak up the experience from the day as much as I can. Take more photos, slow down my pace, stop for coffee every hour or two, sit on a bench and put my feet in the sun, etc.

[@FrancJ5793]

Thx for your videos Nadine, I recently discovered your channel and I love it

[@NadineWalks]

I'm so glad you found my channel! More videos to come :)

[@Gettinglostonthetrail]

Great tips! We will definitely seek and try the drinks you mentioned. Thanks to your video we ordered an electric coil for our Camino this June.

[@NadineWalks]

Enjoy your electric coil! I hope it brings you lots of joy (and lots of warm, tasty beverages!)

[@alexanderlotharson5634]

Great T-Shirt!👍

[@NadineWalks]

Is it considered "vintage" if it's from the late 90's? Or do we just call that old? ;)

[@alexanderlotharson5634]

@@NadineWalks I think we have to differentiate: An Indigo Girls T-Shirt = vintage Alexander Lotharson = old Nadine walks = forever young ;-)

[@sarahsundstrom1425]

on long trails in the states I just carry my stuff sack in town for food or laundry . we also share on Long hikes here . hikers are very very generous 🥾🙋‍♀️

[@juliathomas6256]

Thank you for the menu del dia! drink tips! and smaller bills cashed in grocery stores and via ATM's when offered.

[@NadineWalks]

I hope the tips are useful!

[@debmele48]

Thank you for sharing your experience on the camino. Some of the points were new ones I'd not heard yet. The picture one was a neat idea. I'm looking to my first camino in the near future.

[@NadineWalks]

I still have to remind myself to look behind me as I walk... but it's really incredible how much beauty there is in both directions!

[@jornspirit]

...thank you Nadine... I'm not a camino novice anymore, but some of your tips I hadn't come across, in particular referred to food and drinks... overall clips like yours help to 'educate' new pilgrims lightly and beautifully into being really aware of what they do and need, and also of caring - for other pilgrims, the environment, and being overall respectful etc... love it! 💖

[@FrScottHikes]

Great advice Nadine. I particularly like the selfie idea every morning to separate each day.👍👍

[@NadineWalks]

I love my ritual of the morning selfie! (honestly, most of them are not flattering, blurry, etc, but I still love it!)

[@FrScottHikes]

@@NadineWalks another less talked about tip my be to be conscious of the amount of hot water used to shower/bath. Utilities in Spain are expensive.

[@chiarab5802]

I am going to walk my first camino of the Portuguese coast in middle October departing from Porto and I just found your channel so I am going to binge watching all your videos! Hugs from Italy!

[@NadineWalks]

So glad you found my channel, I hope the videos are helpful!

[@Test-uj6nh]

Factual tips as well as tips based off your experience. Great video. Planning my first Camino (Frances) for Aug-September this year. Will definitely remember these tips.

[@NadineWalks]

How exciting to be planning your first Camino! I loved that time of anticipation before my first Camino (well, I'm always excited before each trip, but there was really something special about the 'before' time of my first Camino)

[@isabelamer86]

I like the selfie idea. I've typically taken pictures of the entrances to villages, but maybe I'll try the selfie idea.

[@NadineWalks]

I love the idea of taking photos at the entrances of villages!

[@lizstone780]

What great helpful tips, that are not the norm. I love the looking back, the sharing what you have. Really brings the spirit forward.

[@TheGiulz76]

"share what you have". Amazing Nadine! I've just made a piece of Via Francigena but I'd like to plan the Camino for the next montts. Thank you for your videos and your tips! ♥

[@NadineWalks]

The Via Francigena is on my list! I hope you had a wonderful time!

[@TheGiulz76]

@@NadineWalks oh yes! Please do it! :))

[@kaspergovaerts2811]

I am in full preparation mode for my camino after I graduate this june. Seeing videos like this makes me want to leave as fast as possible! Great tips, thanks for sharing them! I am so excited right now 😄

[@NadineWalks]

I'm so exited that you're getting ready to head out on the Camino (and congratulations on your graduation!!)

[@michaelcasey2765]

Great tips, Nadine, I'm walking the Norde from Santander and onto the Primitivo, I'll be looking out for your special tree. 😀you make very enjoyable and helpful videos of your Caminos. Ultreia

[@NadineWalks]

Thank you so much and yes, keep your eye out for my tree! It can become your tree, too 😊

[@johnmcglade6417]

This was a very nice video. This has more to do with enjoying Camino as opposed to getting it done. Nice job!

[@NadineWalks]

Thank you so much!

[@billkrueger9305]

Well, that was wonderful! some great tips! have heard of many but great reminders. I will definitely try the menu del dia! and the vino de verano! look around especially behind you...share what you have! words to live by! also, get there early so you can see things without the great crowds. Try to time your stays in big cities during the week. Saturday night in Pamplona is...is...is...amazing but very noisy, but you meet some interesting people as you walk out of town early in the morning.

[@NadineWalks]

Ooh, very good suggestion about trying to time your stay in the big cities during the week... that's something that I'd like to keep in mind as I walk! I don't mind cities, but they can feel a bit overwhelming ESPECIALLY when you're on a pilgrimage.

[@robbybobby354]

Thank you for sharing your experience and ideas! I'm planning my 1st Camino... when I'm done maybe I will burn just one sock. lol

[@NadineWalks]

I hope some of this has been helpful! :)

[@me-lg1yw]

Great tips. I'm hoping to walk my 1st camino in Sept '22 and I'm absorbing the best tips from all the camino KZbinrs. Hopefully, I won't forget too many. I've been watching your videos for a while but just now noticed the framed photo of Albert Einstein. I suppose it's difficult to decorate such a tiny closet office but that picture is a great touch. I may be reading too much into it but I'm guessing that you appreciate his intelligence but more importantly, you have a great sense of humor.

[@NadineWalks]

Ah, you've noticed Einstein! I found that postcard sometime in the months before I went off to college, and I put it in a frame and it was a fixture on my desk/workspace ever since. I can't even say what drew me to this photograph- I'm not even a particular Einstein 'fan'- I think it's the image of this great, intellectual man, caught in a moment of questioning (maybe), or hesitation, surrounded by piles of books and papers and I like the feeling that maybe things are chaotic, or overwhelming, or even confusing... and that even Einstein could feel these things and persevere. It was good motivation for my college years, and a good reminder for life, too :)

[@me-lg1yw]

@@NadineWalks Whenever I see that photo, I think he's wondering where he left his glasses.

[@vaniastolze-koen8013]

Yes, she has a great sense of humor even when is raining like crazy!!

[@danahammele7439]

I am walking my first one too in September via Portugal. Which way are you approaching? Thank you so much for these excellent tips, Nadine.

[@me-lg1yw]

@@danahammele7439 I’m walking the Frances starting in St. Jean Pied de Port. I leave on September 4, which is coming up quickly now. I’m heading out for just my 2nd training hike with a full backpack this morning.

[@carolinesaunders6656]

Great tips and thank you so much for explaining about not burning clothes at Finisterre. The west side of Fisterra has a beautiful beach, Praia do Mar de Fáro, which also is a great place to watch the sunset. But don't be tempted to swim there as the current can be very dangerous and pilgrims have drowned in the past. Really enjoy your channel Nadine ❤️

[@NadineWalks]

Thank you so much for the great tip about where to watch the sunset! The next time I’m in Finisterre I’ll have to check it out 😊

[@crowsoldier59]

Excellent tips- thank you! The ATM tip is super important- I do this When I’m in Mexico as well- An ATM connected to a bank that is open for business is the best option to get smaller bills. Looking forward to my first Camino soon!

[@NadineWalks]

Your first Camino- very exciting!! What will your route be?

[@crowsoldier59]

@@NadineWalks Camino Frances! If I can get my plantar fasciitis under control... I will turn 63 next month, so it's now or never

[@SM68Pete]

Comment on ATM use. Also be careful of the fees being charged to use the ATM and conversation fees, especially around big tourist spots by non bank ATMs. Could be 20 or more euro tacked on. Also look at the conversation rate. Shop around if you have time. I walked an extra 10 min to a Duetchebank ATM with no fees in Santiago vs in the center by the church as an example. Loved the menu and drink suggestions too.

[@NadineWalks]

Very good point about the ATM fees, I could be better about this! Something I need to keep in mind for my next Camino!

[@SM68Pete]

@@NadineWalks good tip for most of Europe. I was in Prague right after I left Spain, same thing had to look around a bit. Or I'm just noticing the extra cost more.

[@GideonSmit]

My tips for using credit/debit cards in the EU: 1. Set up a separate travel account for journeys abroad. This reduces the risk to your main bank account. 2. Pick a card with no currency conversion charges - I just checked, you can still find them. 3. Try only using the ATMs attached to a bank and only during bank opening hours (Nadine you also mentioned this). 4. Every transaction costs money, built into the conversion rate, so make larger withdrawals less frequently. 5. Carry a contingency fund somewhere separate from you main stash, to get you out of a tight spot if you lose a wallet. 6. Don't accept the "dynamic currency conversion" - this lets the bank set their own exchange rate. Only ever asked to be billed in the LOCAL CURRENCY for any transactions.

[@rhunl]

Excellent tips and insight as always Nadine. When i walked the Ingles, my friend who was more fluent in Spanish called that combination of red wine and lemon/lime soda Vino Tinto, so i wonder if it might have that name too in some areas.

[@NadineWalks]

Interesting! I always thought that 'vino tinto' just referred to red wine, though maybe I'm wrong?? In any case, it's a good drink!

[@rhunl]

@@NadineWalks Actually, your rationale makes more sense, probably just me getting the wrong end of the walking stick. And I may have had one or two of those good drinks!

[@GideonSmit]

I like your tip to take selfies. Will try it next time. It's not something I used to do ("because who wants to see my ugly mug anyways!") but the idea of logging your "progress" over the length of a trip sounds like a good reason, and I suppose you can use it to tell your story.

[@NadineWalks]

Haha, I only ever share about 3% of these selfies (the rest I wouldn't dare subject anyone to...)

[@ladytrader688]

I have heard of this walk in the last year or so (from a Rick Steves travel show), and I am seriously thinking about planning for this. I love your ideas...I will slowly start adding the gear and practicing walking in shoes to build up to this. But it sounds like something I need. I am 66yrs old (hard to believe, really), and no time to waste. If not now, when. Thank you Nadine for your tips and inspiration. I have subscribed. Cheers!

[@NadineWalks]

"If not now, when?" This was the question I asked myself before my first Camino. I was so nervous and wondering if it was the right thing to do, but I kept that question in the forefront of my mind and it was one of the best decisions I ever made! Good luck (and have fun!) in your planning. It can feel like a lot, but bit by bit you'll collect gear and gather tips and then, even when you don't feel nearly ready, you'll just set out and go. Buen Camino!

[@KT-ml1sy]

Thank you for this great video Nadine. I am 58, F, planning my walk for 8 months from now, late June '24. It will be my first time in Europe and my first solo travel experience! I'm in decent shape, but by no means an experienced hiker. I would be comfortable at about 10 miles a day (at least) and I can take two to three weeks. I didn't know there were so many different routes until I started watching videos. Reading the comments it seems everyone takes a different route! How does one decide where to start? Any recommendations on the best route for a first timer? Being solo, I would prefer to stay away from isolated areas, I would rather stay with "the crowd". Any suggestions would be appreciated!

[@elinulander9391]

Thank you so much for this video! I am curious on how much snack you need to take with you every day? Of course that differs between persons but just in average. Greetings from Sweden

[@NadineWalks]

I think a lot also depends on the route you're walking- when you're on the Camino Francés, there might only be a few stages when it would be more important to have some snacks/lunch with you... otherwise you're passing through towns and villages enough that you can always stop for snacks and food. But on some of the lesser traveled routes, it's important to look ahead and check on services for the day, because there might be some stages that don't have any services so you'd need to carry food with you. But personally I always like to have at least some kind of snack with me, just in case I get really hungry. There are some days when I carry lots and lots of food (and sometimes just because I was hungry when I went grocery shopping and I bought too much!). But I'd say that on the Francés, you really don't need to carry too much food with you.

[@RC-qf3mp]

If I ever see Nadine on the Camino, I’ll take out a portable speaker and blast the Indigo Girls’ cover of Dire Straits “Romeo And Juliet”. 🤓

[@NadineWalks]

At first I couldn't understand what this comment meant (I kept thinking- how does anyone know that I like this song??) and then realized- the shirt!! Ha! (fun fact: my sister got this shirt for volunteering at an Indigo Girls concert while she was in college, she held onto it for years, then discovered it in a box in my parents' attic and gave it to me :) )

[@RC-qf3mp]

@@NadineWalks and don’t overlook that the song is about Romeo singing a serenade to Juliet. And John Cusack’s character using a boom box to serenade a girl in Say Anything. I watched a lot of your videos before going on the camino last year. Now I watch them for the nostalgia. Thanks for the great content.

[@douglasoster7102]

Hi, Nadine, I liked your tip about looking back. For me looking around and from different ways is a big part of a walk I don't know if this is a tip or not, but stealing stuff on a camino is not cool. I felt a bit of despair at the pilgrims who, when I was on the Camino Frances, helped themselves to bunches of grapes from the vineyards. My tip is don't go down the camino de theft. Thanks very much for the thoughtful ideas. Happy trails.

[@NadineWalks]

I agree about not stealing stuff- sometimes it can feel like the pilgrimage path can belong to us as we move towards Spain, but it doesn't... we're part of it, but we're moving through, and it's so important to respect the spaces we're walking through.

[@lauraborg970]

When I walked in 2001 we were given so many grapes along the way. I am planning to walk again in 24, I am thinking it is going to be very different!

[@douglasoster7102]

@@lauraborg970 That's nice if you're offered some, which was not not the thing I saw, which bore a resemblance to looting. But anyway, an absolutely fascinating camino which I want to do again, but more slowly. Happy trails, Laura.

[@ThePhantomMajor]

Stay in a Paridor & you'll be able to use your €100 notes 😉 Also never walk past a clean, available toilet🤣. Take the opportunity. I bet, after making these vids, it makes you a bit homesick for your next camino.

[@NadineWalks]

Excellent tips!! I’ve never stayed in a Parador, but one of these years I’m going to treat myself (and will make sure to hang onto a 100 euro note for the occasion!) Love the tip about not passing up an available toilet (that should be tip #1!)

[@roberthughes8348]

Thanks!

[@NadineWalks]

Thank you so much Robert, this means a lot! :)

[@deborahcrawford9079]

In France, I only use ATMs at post offices Bureau de Postes

[@NadineWalks]

That's a good idea!

[@caroltheile5287]

What type of card did you use at the ATM's? When we were in Rome and used an ATM, it kept our card! We use a debit and from our local credit union.

[@NadineWalks]

I use a debit card, and luckily I haven't had a problem with not getting the card back... but another reason to try to use an ATM attached to a bank, and during opening hours!

[@FrankDeLosSantos-hx4xs]

Thanks --regarding donativos, what would you consider a good average to 'donate'?

[@NadineWalks]

I think it depends on what is offered- if the albergue includes dinner and breakfast, then you'd probably try to figure out what you'd been paying for dinner, breakfast, and a bed on other stages, and give that. (prices have gone up a bit in the last year or two- but I'd say maybe between 20-25 euros?) If it's just a bed, then maybe between 5-10 euros, whatever the going rate for albergue beds is in other places along the Camino! Hope that makes sense :)

[@ritametsch9767]

May be a stupid question but I'm new and learing......are there ATM's along the way? Or do I need to bring all cash with me?

[@NadineWalks]

Yes there are ATM’s making the way! Bigger cities and towns will have them, small villages will not (so you just need to be careful about having enough cash to carry you through to when you can find an ATM); on the Camino Francés, you can probably find one very few days 😊

[@Eatsleeprun_rescuecats]

Any tips for a charity walk I g the last 100km from Sarria?

[@amandant]

Is there any site to find pilgrim way locally?

[@charlenesoares1367]

How many times have you walked? It’s addicting? Do you usually go alone, I ask this because I don’t think I will be able to get someone to go with me!

[@CenterForFamilyUnity]

Is September a good month to walk the camino ?

[@NadineWalks]

Yes, it's a great month to walk! It's one of the most popular times though, so I think (for the Camino Frances especially), a few sections can get a bit crowded. But usually pilgrims will spread out and it shouldn't feel crowded the whole way.

[@piosscola224]

You didn’t mentioned a Clara, very refreshing half beer half seven up

[@NadineWalks]

I've heard of it but never tried it!! On my list to try for my next Camino...

[@rmc8100]

She’s very pretty

[@sarahsundstrom1425]

also wondering about just using a credit card?

[@NadineWalks]

More and more places are taking credit cards, but for a walk like the Camino- that goes through many small villages- there are definitely a lot of places (especially albergues and some bars) that only take cash. So for the Camino I always recommend carrying at least SOME cash on you, even if you plan to use a credit card whenever you can.

[@simonwells733]

Are there not many options to pay by card on the trails?

[@NadineWalks]

There ARE more options now, especially since the pandemic. But there are still many albergues/bars in the small villages that take only cash. So you will definitely need to have some cash on you as you walk!

[@anthonyrebock5351]

8-14 for a lunch....Spain is expensive , found Barajas in Madrid not so friendly...no one liked giving information, helping out

[@martaalvarez9363]

You and all the pilgrims are overlooking an incredible place at 6 kilometres off the city of Burgos, it is the archaeological site of Atapuerca, there is a museum about the Age of the Humankind, it can be visited. The most ancient Europeans are being unearthed at this place.

[@NadineWalks]

This is a great recommendation! I tend to be very 'Camino focused' when I walk, and don't take much time for any sight-seeing or exploring (something to change in the future, perhaps?) I've heard wonderful things about this museum!

[@davybhoy]

I think the museum of humankind is actually in Burgos, but yes the archaeological site is at Atapuerca which is the first town after Ages

[@williamhecht984]

Excellent recommendation, I stopped at the museum there on a cold, rainy day in 2012 and then took the guided bus to thecaves to see the ancient paintings. Bring your raingear in case the rain continues and there is a long line at the entrances.

[@arunanababsing5708]

Are there many deaths when people walk along the camino?Is it very hard to do?

[@dgale1023]

one question Nadine, I like the idea of walking off stage but if you dont know the country where you begin walking off from a location you are now in. etal Im in Roncevalles, I stay there but in the morning I wish to walk another way. Is there some kind of map that would show other roads? Thanks Nadine

[@NadineWalks]

Walking off stage generally refers to stopping in different towns/villages than where the guidebooks have you end. So it's still all the same route, you just might be starting and stopping in places that are less crowded. On the other hand, there ARE some alternate routes on many Camino's, and those are fun to take! Often they are marked, or they might be described in a guidebook or shown in an app. That's how I've found the alternate routes!