Albergues on the Camino: Dos and Don’ts

[@domerie]

Another way to be considerate is using a headlamp that has a red light. I find a red light is sufficient to navigate when the lights are out.

[@AidaJof]

I agree.

[@joesharratt2298]

Headlamps are for outside - phone flashlights are powerful so also a no no. If a nightlight time trip to the loo is a necessity try using the screen light of your phone.

[@AidaJof]

@@joesharratt2298 Most headlamps nowadays have a red light for these situations

[@traveller9292]

There is nothing worse than full high beam flashes from some bag crunching inconsiderate trying to leave at 5am 😃

[@AidaJof]

@@traveller9292 I agree

[@Maryann110]

Thanks for your excellent video. Us older folks appreciate the bottom bunks. We get up more often at night.🤣

[@Rkolb2798]

I know what you mean 😂

[@NadineWalks]

Haha, I'm finding that I need to get up at night these days as well...

[@francefehr429]

I am one of those women who need to get up too during the night... and a bottom bunked would be better for me -for sure .

[@leenaadams6742]

love how much you emphasize compassion, consideration, empathy

[@comewithusnexttime5082]

Congratulations on being named one of the top 4 Camino KZbinrs. You deserve it. Job well done.

[@NadineWalks]

Thank you so much! He did a great job with that video, it was an honor to be included!

[@francefehr429]

yes, this is well deserved ! :-)

[@AidaJof]

I am an early riser and like to be out of the albergue by 7:30 latest, so I also prepare the night before and have my backpack all packed the night before and except for toilettries & pijamas which I take outside w/backpack to put away. This routine works very well for me with minimal disturbance for my fellow pilgrims🙏

[@NadineWalks]

I wish I could have my pack totally ready to go the night before, but I think I have such a careful and precise system of packing (everything exactly in its place!) that somehow I have to totally unpack and repack things every morning!! So I just haul it all (as quietly as possible) out to a common area. I need to learn your ways!

[@AidaJof]

@@NadineWalks That is fine, it works for you🙏

[@jamesscharpf7726]

Thanks Nadine, you have the very best Camino video series, hands down.

[@NadineWalks]

That is so kind of you to say!

[@Karen-dq8nw]

Thank you for acknowledging that us snorers can't help it. Believe me, if I could change it I would. I have found that mouth tapes (not just any tape, but product specifically for this) can work somewhat. But not 100%. Everyone gets old, and most of us oldsters snore.

[@NadineWalks]

Good tip about mouth tape! And yes, I'm sure if everyone had a choice, no one would choose to snore!

[@annamariemostert2759]

Have you heard youngsters who had a few drinks, snore?😮

[@samuelpaul7767]

I’m doing my first Camino with my grandmother in September and we are so excited, great advice, thank you! ❤️

[@NadineWalks]

How wonderful, that will be an amazing time to go, and such an incredible experience to share with your grandmother!

[@bellam2548]

Great video! I’ll add something else I’ve experienced. In one albergue there was a person that decided to read an ebook on her iPad. This was going on till 4 am on the morning. Not sure if you can imagine but the glare from the iPad radiated through out the room keeping everyone awake but no one wanted to say anything. By 4 am I did take it upon myself to say something to no avail. What she did instead, covered her iPad with a blanket and that made it even worse. This turned into a lamp shade. By that time, everyone was p’d off and slowly decided to start walking at 4:30🫣🥴. Suggestion for everyone that cannot sleep but wants to keep on reading….get up and go into a common area away from all others. This was not cool and totally disrespectful.

[@NadineWalks]

Ooh, this is a good tip. Yes, if you're going to use your devices well after everyone else has gone to bed, move yourself to a common space to do it! We think the light from a phone/ipad etc won't really bother others, but it often does!

[@domerie]

Thanks for mentioning that chairs in the bunk room are for sitting on or for getting into a top bunk. As an older person, when I have a top bunk I can't put my socks on without sitting down.

[@NadineWalks]

I don't think this was something I fully realized until I really needed to use the chair to get into my bunk!

[@samong1023]

Another area of consideration is sharing wall plugs to recharge your mobiles. In some albergues a wall plug is shared for a bunk bed or for multiple beds. So don’t monopolize them. If you have a plug or adapter that allows for simultaneous multiple charging, share them

[@NadineWalks]

I had a note to talk about this but I completely forgot!! Thanks for mentioning it here :)

[@kennethkasovac7502]

First, love your videos. A couple tips I would add - pack all you can at night and not in the morning. And sleep in the clothes you will wear that day. It saves on making noise in the morning. I was told my second night, since I apologized upfront to my bunkmates, snoring is natural and a lot of people do it. This put my mind at ease and allowed me to sleep better. I'm still a light sleeper and self conscious in groups about my snoring. I have been told it's very minor compared to some.

[@NadineWalks]

Great tips! For my first Camino (well, the first half of it anyway), I slept in the clothes I'd be wearing the next day, and it does cut down on a bit of morning noise (plus it makes packing up/getting ready a breeze!). I just wasn't comfortable enough sleeping in my hiking clothes so bought something to change into in Burgos... but I know a lot of people just bring two hiking outfits, and that's it!

[@kitty_s23456]

@kenneth - I agree with Nadine. I have slept with hiking clothes that I'll wear for the next day (usually for overnight hikes) but for the Camino, I'll be bringing old cotton shirt & pajama bottoms for sleeping. My trek pants & shirt are quick dry and made of synthetic material (usually a polyester blend) so they're not really comfy for sleeping. I'll just carry the extra weight of my sleep attire. Whatever works. Re: packing at night - yes, I agree. 😊

[@Dicht002]

I snore and believe me, waking me up won't make me stop. My wife has tried. MANY YEARS. 😂😂😂

[@NadineWalks]

Hahaha! I'm sure your wife has tried!

[@annamariemostert2759]

I wish this video can be made compulsory to watch before any camino.❤😂

[@verthosand]

Thank you so much for helping the camino de Santiago and YT community. This was down to earth and to the point, which is exactly what I was looking for.

[@NadineWalks]

I'm so glad you thought so! Sometimes it's hard for be to be concise in these videos (or, well, in life...), something I'm working on!!

[@DaysWellTraveled]

Hi Nadine! First off, I just want to say: Roll Dev’s!! My daughter’s currently a student at Dickinson and absolutely adores it!! I want to say, your video here was one of the best I’ve seen on Albergue etiquette. I’ve walked about 400Km of the Portuguese Way Camino recently and fell completely in love with it. I’m going back to EU every year now to walk more Caminos and pilgrim trails. Your comments on snorer’s and older people is so very sweet and kind and I agree 100%. That’s how people should treat each other on the Camino: with love, respect and total acceptance. It’s this aspect of Caminos that make the experience so special for everyone. Well Nadine. I’m one of your subscribers on your Channel and I hope to stay connected for a good long time. I post on KZbin myself too, but so far have only posted shorts of my Camino sections. I’ll be posting my long episodes soon. I look forward to seeing more of your videos on my feed, and who knows, maybe we’ll bump into each other someday on the Caminos. Buen Camino!❤❤

[@francefehr429]

I have walk a few times on the Camino also ( Spain- only sections but in France I did 800km) and of course I wanted to share my photos here on KZbin. It is fun to know that I always be able to watch those videos and my kids too ( if they wish)...

[@DaysWellTraveled]

@@francefehr429 I feel that exact same way when I share my videos. I'll be sharing my Camino videos soon from the Portuguese Way, and I can't wait. Its not only a way for us to remember those walks, but to relive them as we are creating videos. I can totally identify with you on this.

[@rfrankhuizen]

I love the top ones! Better breathing and view at the celling😊 though im 63.

[@annamariemostert2759]

Me too!

[@MaryShepherd-l1l]

WOW ! A very thorough do’s and don’t’s ! Thank you for such a great post emphasizing how important it is to be considerate of others ! 👍🇨🇦

[@KevinAtkins_Indiana]

Nadine, thank you. The sound in this video is so "real" that on headphones I thought you were in my room with me. :)

[@pennyverbruggen7768]

I date anything I leave behind. Peregrinos do not have to smell it, eyeball it, or guess how long the item(s) have been lingering in the fridge or cupboard.

[@DavidToth-re6zw]

Great info thanks,planning my first Camino and finding out the dos and don'ts beforehand is extremely helpful

[@johnmbrown7515]

Thanks for this! I'm a Camino novice and planning a 2025 route so am a sponge right now. All your videos are a great help! BTW, go Knights!

[@zippsy]

Dickinson! My son graduated from there and is now back working at the school. A lovely campus!

[@NadineWalks]

I LOVED my experience at Dickinson!

[@catherinemcgrath3473]

I love community spirit. Its good to know about albergue etiquette. Thank you ❤️

[@NadineWalks]

These are all certainly things you'll learn along the way, but sometimes it's helpful to have a few tips beforehand!

[@znt_marcenaria_facavocemesmo]

Thank you for the best tips! In my humble opinion the best one was "Treat the other people like you would like to be treated! Buen Camino!

[@Arlenetoys]

Excellent advice, all kind and respectful. Well done. I especially agree about the chair for the pilgrim in the top bunk. When I have to take a turn on top, it really helps to have a chair to help with the ups and downs.

[@EvanYeahMe]

Hello from Canada. Great tips. I love your on trail vlogs but also these offseason tips videos.

[@NadineWalks]

I have fun making both videos (though I can't wait to be back on a path and recording again...)

[@barrytimmerman2411]

Quite an informative video Nadine. Well thought out and based on lots of personal experience. I particularly agreed with not nudging or waking someone who is snoring. We don’t know someone’s past. What may seem like an innocent act, may traumatize someone with a history of abuse. Thank you again for your great content.

[@NadineWalks]

Yes, exactly, we don't know anyone's past or how they will react from being awoken unexpectedly.

[@TheReginagreene]

Super nice video, from a pilgrim’s heart. I loved it.

[@alanmesfin]

What a useful idea for a video, Nadine! 👏 I might add minimising how much you use your phone or other electronic screens after lights out as the light bleeding can be off-putting for some (although usually those people will have brought eye masks).

[@brandrunway]

I experienced the Camino 10 years ago and I think this video is very valuable for future pilgrims. Great job. Top bunk snoring guy.

[@frankfurtonfoottours2361]

Lights on kindles and phones can be a bit annoying late at night. Plastic bags at 04:30 in the morning or 23:00 at night are noisy. Pack your bag before 22:00 or take it in the common room in the morning. No showering in the morning, it makes the floors all wet. Brush your hair away from the sink. If you do get hair in the sink, wipe it away please. Pick up your trash, do not leave it in your bed. You really should not be eating in the bedrooms anyway as it draws bugs. Ask about closing or opening windows and get a consensus from the others in the room. It is not "your" window.

[@kellybillings2797]

Thank you for teaching consideration, respect and compassion!

[@ua1907]

spot on- you answered so many questions, that i had. Thank you!

[@NadineWalks]

I'm so glad it helped!

[@tykiisel8801]

Common courtesy is always good advice.

[@NadineWalks]

Yes, something we should remember all the time!

[@JKK_Talks]

Thanks. That's very helpful. Buen Camino 😊

[@TropicalZooms]

Thanks so much for the great tips. We’re heading off on our first Camino in 2 weeks (from Australia) Very excited & nervous at the same time. Dennis & Debbie 😃👩

[@jandavis1362]

Great video and a very good information session about the alburques behavior and what is acceptable😊

[@NadineWalks]

Thank you!!

[@nataschajudson7509]

Thanks, Nadine, for all the great etiquette tips. God bless you! 🌷

[@NadineWalks]

You're welcome! :)

[@pocahuntaz5698]

Hey Nadine, i walked the Camino twice and have to support everything you said. I walked only in sep/okt when there is not that much traffic. This year i start in April, so i thought it would be a good idea to check the etiquette 😂 great video!!🌹

[@FarmerLynneSaskatchewan]

Thank you for sharing yet another wonderful and informative video!

[@NadineWalks]

I'm glad you enjoyed it!

[@sylvia3867]

Hi Nadine, love this video and thank you for all the tips/advice. You’re the best. I can’t wait to start my camino in May. Buen Camino. 😊

[@NadineWalks]

Thank you so much, and good luck with your Camino preparations... May will be here soon!

[@billkrueger9305]

Many thanks, Nadine! another wonderful video! Great info and practices for stay in albergues! and buen camino to you as well!

[@NadineWalks]

You're very welcome, Bill!

[@filiporoque4997]

Thanks for all your help and suggestions basically me being disable it really helps (apropo I see that you are a big fan of "Albert Dürer Hase" ) keep on doing what you do, I really enjoy what you do to help others, Dankeschoen

[@NadineWalks]

Yes, that piece is one of my favorites! (I was a great fan of rabbits when I was young, and then later a great fan of Art History)

[@dlundman]

Thanks!

[@NadineWalks]

Very appreciated, thank you so much :)

[@arnoldushoogsteder6416]

On 6:15 seems to be the bathroom of the albergue of Fontanillas de Castro on the Via de la Plata: 1 of the best albergues without any doubt!! Beside that: nice video! All (beginning) pilgrims should get educated how to behave in the albergues AND on the camino en general. If I get up and there are still people sleeping I grab all my stuf, get clothed and pack my backpack OUTSIDE the dormroom.

[@NadineWalks]

Wow, excellent job identifying the albergue!!! You're right, it's the albergue in Fontanillas de Castro. What a great spot, I had such a good time there!

[@IamSigma1111]

Very helpful tips. Thank you 🫶👍😊

[@peterc5167]

Thanks for tips- great channel. Couple of etiquette questions. These days, I take a couple of overnight bathroom breaks, guess etiquette is minimise disturbance, use a head torch etc. Also, what to wear in bed in bunk rooms? Was thinking of tee shirt light loose 3/4 length pants. It’s many years since I have stayed in a hostel bunk room. In the spring I will continue my Camino from Bordeaux, into Spain and the camino norte. Realise that things will become much busier compared to my experience so far. Not sure how I feel about crowded hostels, will be looking for other options if feasible.

[@traveller9292]

I normally sleep in my clothes for the next day though if I'm in my sleeping bag I'll slip my shorts off

[@ua1907]

And also if you do have a special clothes piece for sleeping- when do you wash it? How does this go?

[@NadineWalks]

I have a separate set of clothing for evening/sleeping... just a comfortable cotton tshirt and very lightweight shorts. But people definitely sleep in their hiking clothes! I did that for part of my first Camino but I caved in and wanted something more comfortable, so picked up some clothing along the way. And yes, for bathroom breaks, just try to be as quiet as you can but honestly everyone makes a little noise (some of those plastic mattresses make noise every time you breathe!!)

[@NadineWalks]

I tend to not wash my sleeping clothes a ton (they seem to stay a lot cleaner compared to my hiking outfits, so it never seems like a big deal to keep wearing them over and over!). But if I'm ever doing a load or sharing a washing machine with someone in an albergue, I'll usually throw my sleeping wear in (and especially if there's a dryer, so I know it will be ready to wear at night!). And while it's washing/drying, I'll just wear my second hiking shirt... I figure I can always sleep in that if my sleepwear isn't quite dry.

[@jeremywilliams703]

Short showers also preserve hot water for the next pilgrim. Hot water is limited in some alberges. When the tank is empty, that’s it. A cold shower in March, April even May at the end of a stage is pretty yucky. ✌️❤️🙏🇦🇺

[@CJonesApple]

Take the bottom bunk. Switch with those that need it. I've left the bottom bunk many times when early and the one below didn't cater for those that might need it.

[@charlesrogerson7795]

Same here i use infra red light during night then full beam when outside dormitory

[@NadineWalks]

Yes! Red light inside is best :)

[@dianemattocks5860]

Very helpful tips!

[@NadineWalks]

I'm glad you found them helpful! :)

[@joeatkins9025]

I’m starting the via del plata from Seville in a few weeks, planning on about two thirds wild camping and one third albergues; can’t thank you enough for you insightful videos and positive outlook. I also share your coffee addiction.. but hey, it’s a ritualistic quest to start the day 🥰

[@NadineWalks]

Yes, the coffee quest has definitely become part of the journey! Glad to hear that you'll be on the same quest :) Good luck on your upcoming Camino!

[@Spaxcore]

Just bear in mind that wild camping is illegal throughout Spain, you can get away with it but be respectful. Buen camino.

[@robertvoss1365]

Thank you for mentioning flashlights in the early morning in the albergue. I have a headlight for walking in the dark that is quite bright. I also have a tiny light on my key chain that works well when I am getting out of bed and leaving the albergue so as not to disturb those who are still sleeping. This tiny light weighs only a few grams.

[@NadineWalks]

Yes, a very small light would work well!

[@smegheadish]

You reminded me of the municipal albuerge in Zubiri back during my Camino Frances in September.. One of the Pilgrims in my room "snoozed " her alarm at 5 am in the morning.. Beyond rude. You set it at 5 , you better wake up at 5. Turning on lights, rustling the pack.. unacceptable before 6 am.

[@NadineWalks]

Yes, no snoozing on the Camino!!

[@lizbarker8995]

Very good helpful information 👍 Thankyou

[@dathang]

It all may sound like common sense... but that virtue is not in high accessibility these days... so, kudos on creating this video. A wise person once told me, "Kindness often is in the deed one does... but more often it is in what one doesn't do." Cheers and adventure on!

[@NadineWalks]

Perfect quote, as usual :)

[@davehollingworth5537]

Nice tips. For sure one of the best bits of etiquette is to respect that others might still be sleeping/resting while you’re heading off. Please, please, please pack the night before and just get up quietly and go (and yes, do the last minute stuff in the common areas not beside the beds). ❤

[@NadineWalks]

Yes, if only everyone tried to be really quiet in the mornings!

[@TonyBrown-zi8ur]

that was helpful thank you

[@sheilaweldum3222]

Great tips- thank you kindly.

[@domdela5217]

Great tips as always. I would add bringing ear plugs and an eye mask (or putting the face mask over your eyes) to shut out some of the unwanted noise and light.

[@NadineWalks]

Yes, this is a great tip! I've never brought an eye mask but it would be great for albergues if and when the lights are going on and off, headlamps are flashing around in the morning, etc.

[@seejanehere]

Great tips- thanks so much for this. There were a few points where I wondered about theft...do you encounter any issues? Thoughts in general? thx

[@NadineWalks]

I'll try to record a video about general safety and theft- overall the Camino is really such a safe place, but occasionally you'll hear stories/see posts about theft. The only time I saw it was on my first Camino; a friend had his shoes taken, and a few other pilgrims (in the next few days) had cash taken when they'd left their wallets unattended. It's rare, but it can happen... but I'm never nervous about it, I just make sure to keep my valuables with me at all times!

[@peterfontaine4627]

Love this! Thanks so much for focusing on this topic. I so want to do the albergues correctly when I do my Camino! Where do you put your backpack? Is it next to the bed? foot of the bed? against the wall? I have even heard of albergues where backpacks are in an adjacent room, and you go back and forth from the bunk room to the "luggage room" as needed. Like you, it has been so long since I stayed in a hostel, I am trying to remember all the things I used to do.

[@NadineWalks]

I usually put my backpack somewhere near my bed but not in the way of anything. So sometimes next to the bed, sometimes at the foot of the bed. And yup, like you said, there are some albergues where packs are in a separate area (and they usually offer bins for pilgrims to put their things into, to carry into the bunkroom). Even though this can all feel like a lot of information, I promise that it will all become second nature once you're on the Camino! It really only took me a couple of days to sort of figure things out :)

[@LetsTrySomethingNew]

What a great idea for a video, Nadine! 👏

[@juanmespinoza65]

Do not nudge or move a person asleep who is snoring.. if they’re a vet, it will not go well for you… if you’re staying in a public location, it’s part of the adventure

[@bloodynorahvan2203]

Goodness me - if that was clickbait, then I clicked 🙈 great video as usual 😎

[@twodogs91]

Excellent. Hopeful that Pilgrims Office would provide you list in their materials.

[@SeamusSloan]

Great video thanks. One other question I have is regarding charging points. We all have phones, watches, buds, GoPros etc. What is the etiquette??

[@johnrichard7497]

Lose the crunchy plastic bags in knapsacks, please! Great video🎉

[@NadineWalks]

Ah yes, I fear that on my first Camino my bags were a bit "crunchy" and loud... I've been working on a quieter system! :)

[@rdgreeley]

I always take my pack quietly out to the common area in the morning as well. I use my head lamp, but I put my fingers around the light so that it shows red (unless I have a red feature). I usually put my hand over the red light too. Also: check your bunk before you leave! How many pairs of socks have I left behind? (so many). Also Nadine: I bought the electric coil to use this April when I go, with a very light tin cup. Good idea, that one.

[@NadineWalks]

The red light is definitely less disturbing that the regular light... it's amazing how those headlamps can flash all around and completely illuminate a room! Your consideration really goes above and beyond. And, haha, I've also left socks (and a pair of underwear!) behind. Finally, hurry for the electric coil!! Welcome to the club :)

[@rhunl]

As a snorer - I carry a bag of earplugs which I leave on a nearby table/chair. I try and warn those near me they may need it. Also, I try and get as many private rooms as budget affords. On another aside, I also once got shushed for singing "Let it go" from Frozen in Portuguese as I was learning it from a Portuguese person on the Camino. Definitely a no-no after 9pm!

[@NadineWalks]

That's so thoughtful and considerate of you! And I had to laugh at how you were shushed for singing "Let it Go"... okay, duly noted, no Frozen tunes after 9pm!!

[@loreeraine7273]

Apparently I snore at times (so says my husband), so I am planning on bringing my usual mouth tape to avoid being "that person" who keeps people awake! I'm a little nervous about that!

[@RStewart-m9f]

Thank you sweetie😊

[@AussieWalker2024]

thank you good tips... keep smiling 🙏🏿👍🏽

[@NadineWalks]

You're very welcome! :)

[@mulliedog1]

Another great video! Thanks!

[@NadineWalks]

You're welcome! :)

[@SafeAndSounds]

Wonderful to share how to be considerate. Although I also snore sometimes, it still is not being as quite as possible, and trying not wake the roommates. I am surely not saying I or we or they can help it. But if half the room can't get their needed rest or sleep, it is a serious problem. Might anyone think of another way to handle this? And to every pelgrim, safe journey! ❤

[@KennyMcKenzie-s5g]

Good stuff!

[@lindadickson1502]

Thank you! You are spot on!

[@RomanSinitsin]

Thanks for the tips!

[@Rkolb2798]

Maybe you could include a section on security of valuables in Albergues , what to do with money / passports while you shower etc . Ear plugs are a must As some people are incredibly loud in everything they do and you wonder how they can make so much noise doing the simplest of things . Thanks for the video as it had a lot of good information . Maybe you could also cover actually getting from say CDG airport to the start of Camino How to actually buy a train ticket etc Cheers 😊 15:09

[@jamesscharpf7726]

Speaking entirely for myself, if I can’t lock up my wallet and passport, I bring it to the shower with me. I carry a very thin, lightweight nylon daypack with me, and my towel, toiletries, fresh clothes, and wallet/passport all go into the shower stall with me. Your sleeping back stuff sack might also work great for this.

[@AidaJof]

I have an over-the-shoulder bag that keep next to me at all times, including the shower, which I cover with a plastic bag so it does not get wet

[@AidaJof]

As to the other 'how tos?' Go to the Camino Forum where all your questions are answered

[@Rkolb2798]

@@AidaJofyou are completely correct and you pass good advise, but if I get to see another Video by Nadine that’s a good thing .🤫but let’s keep that bit a secret

[@NadineWalks]

Haha, thanks @rkolb2789! I love promoting the Camino Forum but I also love that so many of you enjoy these videos and can hopefully get something out of them! So the ideas of topics are ALWAYS appreciated!

[@jaknazryth2488]

Would you suggest "packaged deals" with the dozens of groups and companies that I'm finding on line... where you pre-pay for you stages and nights... or would you simply just show up and try and find a place to sleep? Along the more common routes will there be plenty of small places to stay? Or have you ever had to sleep in a tent?

[@AidaJof]

Thank you, Nadine for this timely reminder of Albergue etiquette. I am sorry to say I am a snorer, I cannot help it, but I will not alert or give permission to tap me to turn over, because I hate being woken up. I will however do my best to sleep on my sides to avoid snoring. Conversely, I will NOT tap anyone no matter how badly they snore. Otherwise, I agree with all other suggestions. Buen Camino, pilgrim🙏

[@Mf19593]

Hi Nadine , great informative video, I am thinking of doing the English way next year , ferron to st compostelle , Have you done this 😊heart❤

[@pismorichy]

Fantastic video, ❤ I'm rather concerned about rude inconsiderate pilgrims for that very reason I'm packing my ultralight tent . If I have to I will sleep in the yards or wherever as I won't tolerate in particular drunks. Today at my beach town it was hurricane rains and winds so I did 3 hours hiking fully loaded. Thanks again my Camino starts in 5 weeks

[@NadineWalks]

That's a great backup plan :) And good luck with your Camino preparations, you'll be leaving soon!

[@JimClare-s8j]

With respect to snoring. The best and most important little item we took we’re ear plugs. Snoring and other ambient noise is not an issue. Highly recommend you take along a couple of pairs.

[@NadineWalks]

Ah yes, earplugs are so important! I've never found great success with them though... lately I've been using airpods and listening to a white noise app with those in my ears, which helps a lot!

[@lecarnute]

I totally agree with all you've told, common sense and rescpect for other pilgrims. The annoying part is the snoring, but we have to accept it.

[@NadineWalks]

Yes, it really IS all about respect and acceptance!

[@Sku11Leader]

I snore...loud. When I walked the Portuguese it was something I didn't want to have to deal with so I stayed in private accommodations. Kind of feel like I missed out on part of the experience.

[@NadineWalks]

I've heard others share similar sentiments. There ARE some albergues that have private rooms, so it could be an option if you still want some of the communal experience of an albergue, but then having your own room at night.

[@galtmann8482]

Hi Nadine, it is Grace. Thanks for your informative albergue etiquette video.Can the compact trekking poles stay with the backpack? Also, can a person hang the backpack with a carabiner on the bunk bed if a person gets a bottom bunk? Also, do people have their names on their shoes? Thanks😊

[@NadineWalks]

I think the answer would be 'yes' to the first two questions... unless a hospitalero tells you that poles need to stay in a separate area, I think you could collapse the poles and keep them with your stuff. And I've heard of other people hanging packs from the bottom bunk (this keeps them off the ground, which is a good thing!) I'm sure some people put their names on their shoes, or else you could find a way to 'mark' your shoes... like bright colored laces, something like that. I've never had a problem with anyone accidentally taking my shoes but I've heard of it happening!

[@galtmann8482]

Thank you, Nadine. I hope to make my first Camino this autumn at age 71!😊

[@DougieBegg]

I'm always surprised by how quickly I adjust to the snoring chorus, it's the flashlight shinners that get me, and watch out for the snoring talking in their sleep sleepwalkers with dreadful flatulence, that's an experience I'll never forget.

[@NadineWalks]

I don't think I've ever encountered a sleepwalker on the Camino!!

[@Pablo_J_M]

Nadine, excellent videos!! I am writing down every applicable tidbit of information that you can offer. I am very interested in getting a map like the one shown in the video, Day 2 of Via de la Plata. Where did you get it? How did you mark and number the routes? I wrote the same comment under said video, about 8 days ago but haven't got an answer for you :(

[@NadineWalks]

So sorry for the late reply to your previous comment!! I'm also sorry to say that it was not my map- it was hanging on the wall of the albergue, in Zamora. So I'm not sure where they got it, or how they numbered the routes. But it was so cool to look at and study!

[@Pablo_J_M]

That map was amazing!! Thank you for your reply. And keep up the good work!!@@NadineWalks

[@barnarabai1777]

As to the snoring. I think it is good to be told if you snore. If you one is told, they should be proactive about related policies. I would always tell people that I suspected I snored but was uncertain, so if I snored just feel free to nudge me or wake me up. (I also slept in the afternoons and barely slept/meditated over night.) Pilgrims will talk and will discuss "that terrible snorer". I think it is worse if people are talking behind your back and you just do not know why others may be avoiding you.

[@barnarabai1777]

As to the packing up. Because I am a light sleeper, I am an early leaver. I will have my valuables with me in a small bag in bed. Other than that I sleep in next day's travel clothes. I sleep with 2 bed sheets, cause in general I do June-October Caminos and my clothing does enough to keep me warm. This way I can pack during the evening. I keep my bag by the door, or even outside (depending on the facilities). Bed sheets can be rolled up without sound, and I am out and on the road in 10 minutes. No worry about where I put something, and where my sock went. No morning worries about anything really. Just shoes on and enjoy the road.

[@stephanies3274]

Im doing the Camino Frances in Aug-Oct. ive been walking with my pack - im in Eastern Pa - what are similar trails in the area?

[@NadineWalks]

It depends where in Eastern PA you are, and really, any trail is a good trail for training! If you can find something with a bit of elevation and hills, that's always good. There are tons of state parks so probably something close to you! And depending where you are, the Philadelphia Chapter of American Pilgrims on the Camino plans events/hikes (this might be the closest chapter to you, otherwise there's a Central PA chapter). americanpilgrims.org/iwpmap_directory/philadelphia/

[@jaymartell3397]

Hey #1 Phillies phan/on the Camino/Nadine! My friend wants to do the Camino Frances in Late March - early April and they report many of the auberges don't open until mid or late April. Is that a thing? Do you have any experience on the Camino in late March or early April? #2 Phillies Phan on the Camino/James

[@andrejanisko8126]

Hey, is it easy, to get private room in albergues, or i should book it in advance?

[@NadineWalks]

I think for private rooms you’ll probably want to book those in advance!

[@louiselessels117]

Backpacker/hostels/alburgues, its all the same to me...regarding being a considerate person. In regards to snoring... Some people aren't always the best sleepers, any other tinnitus suffers out there? Honesty sometimes a 30Km walk is not enough too tire me out enough, to counteract the ringing. If a chronic snorer actually is nice enough to warn others in advance, theyd be resented by others so much less, its a kind gesture! If the snorer is as loud as chainsaw, aside from wishing that they had looked into seeking medical advice, ill usually end up outside the bunk room and find a quiet place to sleep. If im lucky, i might even find a sofa. Yes, you might have to get up earlier and forego using a mattress, but it so rarely snoring is that torturous, im okay with it. And theres always the option, of an ocassional private room. On the longer caminos/hostel journeys, sleep is kind of important, and you have to make it happen somehow.

[@Tactician666]

The good advice you're giving here really helps to make the Camino an enjoyable experience and shows you to be a very considerate person. However, I just want to give another perspective on snoring... For some people like me, the sound of snoring is completely intolerable - it's akin to a phobia, i.e. we know our reaction is irrational, but we can't do anything about it. For us, there is no possibility of sleeping in a shared dormitory, because 'Murphy's Law' says there will ALWAYS be a loud snorer in there with us. I always show consideration for snorers and would never wake them up. But for me this means I can never stay in shared sleeping accommodation and I will always have to pay much more for a hotel when travelling. (Earplugs can reduce sound levels but will not stop you hearing a loud snorer: soundwaves travel through your skull, so you will always hear a loud noise regardless.) I've always thought that this situation is illogical, even for people who aren't as bothered by snoring as I am. We are expected to show consideration during 'quiet hours' by keeping lights off and avoiding using alarms on snooze etc. but we also scatter a few loud snorers around the dormitories so that everyone has their sleep disturbed anyway(!) Surely, a better solution would be to have a 'snorers dormitory' so the people who snore are kept together and everyone else can have a quiet night? I know this might be unpopular for some of the snorers, but surely it is a better arrangement because the minimum number of people would have their sleep disturbed and the maximum number of people would get a quiet night.

[@jmgarbinski]

Is it frowned upon to set alarms to wake up in the morning?

[@NadineWalks]

I've done it before (because I worry that I'll "oversleep"!) but now I don't use an alarm, because if you're in albergues chances are you're going to wake up from the sounds of others in the room, getting ready. Even if your alarm is quiet and you turn it off quickly, it probably will wake some others up... so if you can get by without setting an alarm, that would be great! But if not, you can try to set it to vibrate, or just not worry too much... it's all part of albergue life!

[@schonharunaga8569]

We need to remember to leave the alberge with a baggie so we can NOT LEAVE TOILET TISSUES along the path. That’s so disgusting and let’s face it TRASHY. Also some alberges have quite time all day for the people taking naps, that’s so awesome! Loved your video.

[@gregorynorris9321]

One thing you did not address is people using the radiator to dry wet stinky clothes. Please don’t do that it’s really gross when the whole room smells like your body odor.

[@cweb1234]

Have you ever encountered a logjam getting a toilet when everyone is getting up and getting ready to head out? Personally, I would find it troubling if I desperately needed to use the loo and there was a line of people waiting. Thanks.

[@ItchyThirdEye-j6u]

When I was younger, I would wake up fighting if someone shook me. Im not a violent person and I had no control over it. I grew out of it eventually.