Should You Make Reservations on the Camino? Tips to Avoid the “Bed Race” (Camino Santiago Guide)

One of the biggest questions we get about the Camino is: "Should I book reservations ahead of time for accommodation or just take whatever is left when I arrive in town?" And it's a good question.
The Camino (particularly the Camino Frances), has become enormously popular over the past decade, which means that the race to find a bed can actually interfere with your enjoyment of the hike. We hiked the Camino Frances in 2017 and the Camino Norte in 2019, and we noticed several times when the municipal albergues and even many private albergues were booked up early in the afternoon.
And that's no fun when you've just hiked 30kms!
Some people love the freedom of walking with no plans. Others like the peace of mind of a guaranteed reservation. And while both can be a great way to walk the Camino de Santiago, the sheer number of pilgrims can make finding a place to sleep a little stressful, especially during a holy year or the busiest months (August and September).
So here are some of our favorite tips and tips to help you make sleep soundly every night on your next Camino. Whether you book a reservation every single night or wing it like an old school pilgrim, here's our advice to help you avoid the "bed race" on the Camino de Santiago.
00:00 Intro
00:19 What is the bed race?
00:57 Should I make a reservation?
01:48 Types of Albergues
04:42 4 reasons to make a reservation
10:14 How to make a reservation
11:53 Useful Spanish phrases to make a reservation
15:44 Vale
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[@bruney74]

I walked in 2022 during the postponed "Holy Year". I never booked ahead, but I am an early bird. In general I am actively walking by 6am, so generally I have arrived for opening at my destination. Just the nature of my walk. I have had to walk on 3 times all together, primarily after Sarria, where I was bounced on twice. One place was just opening and I was told they have no free space which was rather upsetting for a "pilgrimage" approach. Before the very commercial last 100km, places will usually have places for drop-ins even if they allow reservations. For me the freedom of walking as much as I feel and being in touch with the experience was more important. (Though I am relatively low maintenance.)

[@DaysWeSpend]

Glad you found a pace that works for you. Everyone has such different ways to approach their Camino. We like to walk until late afternoon, so, for us, booking often makes sense when it's crowded. Thanks for sharing your experiences. Buen Camino.

[@iwd1856]

Thank you for your tips and the good vibes.

[@Andy-Mesa]

I never had a problem getting a bed in municipal hostels that didn't allow reservations. Usually I was one of the first ones there. If you're in reasonably good shape, you'll be fine.

[@DaysWeSpend]

We're glad you never had any issues with this. Buen Camino!

[@sebasdiego2029]

Hola Elena y Juan (John:Shawn), you are so much fun listening to your tips, fresh&helpful video, thanks! ☺️😎👍

[@cdwalks5243]

Great video!! Thanks for the tips. We are doing de Notre in September, your tips are helpful and calming.

[@DaysWeSpend]

We're glad you liked it. Buen Camino!

[@thomasgerard5401]

I leave next week (solo) and I have no accommodations whatsoever. Probably not the most prudent approach but I'll let the camino provide. Thanks for your videos, you guys are awesome! Cheers

[@DaysWeSpend]

Have a great time! Buen Camino!

[@cltinturkey]

Fun video! Vale la pena escucharlo! Thanks for the step by step tips. Buen viaje y buen Camino!

[@DaysWeSpend]

Muchas gracias!

[@franciscotorres5329]

Hey just want to say I loved your tips. My wife and I are planning for next year.

[@DaysWeSpend]

Thank you so much! Buen Camino.

[@carpenterfamily6198]

These two are so different but so fun and cool !

[@DaysWeSpend]

They are!

[@KARO69GRP]

omg, her smile is soooooo contagious. Nice. Thanks for all the information guys, I hope one day to do the Camino....

[@DaysWeSpend]

Thank you so much. We hope you get to walk the Camino, too!

[@jeydifernandez6634]

Thank you Guys..planning to go Next Year..and Congratulation with ur Spanish classes..perfecto

[@DaysWeSpend]

Thank you! Buen Camino!

[@melissakirkm4194]

Love your down-to-earth approach. I am 100% a planner so the thought of winging it stressful for me too. Now I’m going to go back and watch more of your content! Thanks!

[@DaysWeSpend]

Thank you so much! I’m totally a planner, too. -Lainey

[@andyalam5074]

Hi Melissa: If you you putting together a team, count me in. I did the Camino Frances back in 2018. And now prepping for Camino Norte. Thanks, Andy

[@marciecorda5209]

I still recommend little MIND over totally irrational decisions. I sense many people who are rather more of the ADVENTURE seekers than seekers of JESUS CHRIST and i dont mind to be wrong on it. We often like to look so FAR instead CLOSER to us.

[@levenscott645]

Really solid, useful information.

[@DaysWeSpend]

Glad it was helpful! Thanks so much.

[@williamgiovinazzo8523]

You guys are great. I am doing Francias this year, but now I am thinking I want to do Norte next.

[@DaysWeSpend]

Thank you so much! Buen Camino for your Frances!

[@annako22]

o gosh, just stumbled upon this channel. what a great attitude you both have. i need to catch up with your videos..

[@DaysWeSpend]

Thanks, Anna!

[@eneydaarredondo4881]

Hello, thank you for the información you share. I'm planning my camino and it really helps! I want to say my first languge is Spanish and your accent is really good! Thank you

[@DaysWeSpend]

Thank you so much!! 😍

[@charlesross7151]

I've walked the French twice. This year we did make some initial reservations as we began during Holy Week, not a big deal here in the States but in Spain many families walk the portion between St. Jean and Pamplona. My advice? Mostly avoid reservations. It sucks the soul out of your experience. It binds you down to a schedule and schedules are what you came to the Way to lose!! Exceptions? Yes, keep track of European holidays, of Spanish holidays of unique holidays to the town you are arriving in. Did you know that Ascension, a nothing period of time in the States, is a BIG DEAL in Spain? Try getting a weekend bed in Santiago de Compostela during Ascension. One idea is to stagger your overnights in places that are different than the stages recommended. They are less crowded. Buen Camino!

[@DaysWeSpend]

Thanks for sharing your thoughts. Great advice.

[@alsever7732]

It is a pilgrimage, not a pre-booked tour. Want a guaranteed bed? Go to Disneyworld. Walked 5 Caminos and have never Pre-booked. On most recent Camino--the Primitivo, most Municipal albergues had plenty of beds because Private albergues were full of the Pre-booked tourists.

[@DaysWeSpend]

For sure. It’s also changed a lot since our first camino in the early 2000s. Sometimes you run into bottlenecks at certain towns during the busy times. But it’s all part of the experience! Thanks for watching.

[@encouragesolutions2595]

Extremely useful and practical, thanks. Other YT camino channels can skim the practical issues.

[@DaysWeSpend]

Thanks! We love the nitty gritty stuff.

[@TravelWell333]

Great advice!!

[@DaysWeSpend]

Glad it was helpful!

[@user-rj7xy1wf2d]

VERY HELPFUL! Leaving April 14 and start on 17. First time!!

[@DaysWeSpend]

Thank you. Buen Camino!

[@123benny4]

I did the camino in 2010 and had no problem finding a bed. But then again, I left early and arrived early before everyone else. I usually arrived around noon or 1:00 and was actually waiting for albergues to open. I was made for walking. Others arrived later, more like 5:00 or later, they had more problems. I did have to stay in private albergues a few times, but there was no problem finding a bed. Closer to Santiago, where it got busier, I did start to worry, but again, there was no problem. The camino will provide.

[@DaysWeSpend]

Yeah a lot has changed in 14 years! I think there are something like 400% more pilgrims and actually fewer albergues so finding a bed can be difficult. Also, your companies have started to take a lot of private beds with reservations for their clients. It always works out though!

[@soulbronumberone]

I am Jackie the Asian dude at the SJPdP pilgrim office today. Great chatting to you and buen Camino! Keep up the great videos.

[@DaysWeSpend]

Haha hey, Jackie. So fun to meet you at the start of another Camino! The weather is supposed to be PERFECT tomorrow, so we’re gonna have a great hike up to Roncesvalles! Hopefully see you on the mountain tomorrow!

[@FastingwithAlice]

you guys are great 🙂

[@DaysWeSpend]

Thank you so much!

[@asprelskcalling1151]

omg - love this one!!

[@DaysWeSpend]

Thank you!

[@johnodriscoll3891]

Sooo helpful 🎉

[@DaysWeSpend]

Thanks so much!

[@larswetterstrom7209]

I have done the camino frances twice. You should not book ahead! If you do you lose the free spirit of the camino. Walk some xtra miles if you feel like it after a solid lunch break and arrive about 5-6 evening at some place. And make 28 kms instead of 18. I remember the lines outside some public albergues at noon. Crazy. Its all about saving money. Nothing else. There are places to stay everywhere!

[@DaysWeSpend]

Thanks for watching and sharing our thoughts. We agree that it’s crazy some people get up at 4 am, race through the day, and stop every day at noon.

[@gavinscott1512]

Walked 11 caminos i rarely reserve in worst case i walk on or sleep out with hammock or bag

[@DaysWeSpend]

Wow 11 Caminos! That's really amazing.

[@alsever7732]

@@DaysWeSpend Walked 5 and like you, I never pre-book!

[@hillarybennett80]

You two are so fun. Thanks for the info- can’t wait to see more. Where are you in California? We are in Monterey.

[@DaysWeSpend]

Thank you Hillary! We’re near San Luis Obispo.

[@marciecorda5209]

Are you really looking for Jesus or just for adventure and fun? Jesus is still in the very difficult and und even sad places. Are You surprised?

[@ThunderUNIC0RN]

Feel like making reservations has taken away the authenticity of the Camino. The woman in the Pilgrim office who has worked there for years was very upset about this too, no offence but its mainly Americans who do this and started this trend, and that's what we experienced too just a few weeks ago. Now you even get an excel sheet in the pilgrim office with all the alberuges, their phone numbers amongst other things... I think it's kind of a sad development compared to a few years ago

[@DaysWeSpend]

For sure. The Camino has definitely changed for better and worse. The number of pilgrims has increased 10x in the past 15 years so it’s had some consequences with albergues. I wish there was a way to make everyone happy, but it’s tough with so many new peregrinos!

[@alsever7732]

@@DaysWeSpend New Peregrinos??? Nope--Tourists!

[@romulusofroma2531]

​@@alsever7732 the gatekeeping in these kinds of communities is hilarious to me. Doing Camino research as part of a 9000km hike across Europe. You're sleeping in a bed every night, eating real food. Oh no! Extra work for a bed spot!

[@hansigrossini3123]

I absolutely agree. Booking 40 nights ahead has nothing to do with pilgrimage.

[@tsr3779]

You can make reservations at Roncevalles large public Albergue.

[@DaysWeSpend]

That’s great to know! Thanks for the tip.

[@julierawlins5984]

Muchas gracias for posting this. I will be doing the Camino Frances route in September. I am coming via NY (I live in Hawaii so very long flight for me) I am getting from watching videos that I need to travel to Paris then take a train to St. Jean de Pied de Port. Any thoughts on this and any recommendations for a lay over in Paris as far as accommodation etc. Any help would be greatly appreciated.

[@DaysWeSpend]

That’s a good way to get to SJPP. Definitely spend a night in SJPP before starting your Camino. We aren’t very familiar with Paris, so we don’t have any recommendations for that city. We’ve always flown into Madrid or San Sebastián for our Caminos. Buen Camino!

[@darlenearseneault3356]

Ive hiked the Camino 6 times in the last 10yrs and never made a reservation. Ive never had a issue.

[@DaysWeSpend]

That’s awesome! 6 Caminos in ten years - nice! Hopefully we see you out there someday.

[@cnightingale9]

Great advice! Which app did you like the best?

[@DaysWeSpend]

Thanks! We like the Buen Camino App and the Wise Pilgrim app. Both good for different information.

[@linelafrance2937]

Thank you for these informations :) What is the name of the app you are using for albergue ? Thank you so much

[@DaysWeSpend]

We like Wise Pilgrim and the Buen Camino apps.

[@andyalam5074]

Hi Team: You guys are very helpful. Is it possible to mountain biking on Camino Norte? Do you recommend? Thanks, Andy

[@DaysWeSpend]

Thank you! Yes, you can bike the Norte, but you are not always on the same path. There were many footpaths that don't allow bikes, so the bike alternative is on the road/highway. We only saw a few bikers on the Norte. But there's tons of bikers on the Frances.

[@andyalam5074]

@@DaysWeSpend Thank you. Yes, I did Camino Frances by mountain biking 🚵‍♀️ back in 2018. This time around I want to go for Camino Norte. Thanks guys. Watched all your videos. Inspiring. Thanks, Andy

[@DaysWeSpend]

@@andyalam5074 Thank you! Buen Camino!

[@kerisheerin]

Hi!! Thank you for such a great video. My hubby and are are doing Camino Norte in September. What app do you think is the best? Thanks

[@DaysWeSpend]

Hi Keri, we used the Wise Pilgrim guide and the Buen Camino App. Both were good.

[@kerisheerin]

@@DaysWeSpend thank you! I so appreciate your help.

[@DaysWeSpend]

@@kerisheerin You're welcome!

[@gavinscott1512]

Totally takes away adventure side if you know you have to get to a place or you will stress...i get it if you dont like sleepin out or have health issues. ULTREIA

[@MrGalo2012]

Where can i find those charts you showed at the beginning. The ones about how popular the caminos are by month.

[@DaysWeSpend]

They're from americanpilgrims.org/statistics/

[@tiffanychau2752]

Which app did you use? My boyfriend and I live in Germany and plan to do the Norte as soon as this crisis goes back to normality... Hopefully later this year

[@DaysWeSpend]

I like the Wisely one (shown in the video) and the Wisely "Camino Places" map. The Buen Camino App is also good. I personally preferred the interface on Wisely but that's a preference of mine. Our friends used a book and it was comparable to the apps and very small (for easy carry). Book: amzn.to/3eOwZml I hope you two get to walk! It's such a beautiful route. Bring very cushioned shoes. The amount of concrete is no joke.

Where do you get a guidebook, or what app do you use?

[@DaysWeSpend]

We use the Wise Pilgrim app mainly. Buen Camino is also good. 👍🏻

[@gringote1783]

Muchas gracias baqueanos míos. Me gustaría hacer el camino francés en mayo de este año. ¿Buena idea o no?

[@DaysWeSpend]

Sí, es un buena idea!

[@romulusofroma2531]

I'm assuming wild camping isnt legal anywhere along this spot? My friend and i are going to be going eastbound (gasp) on the Camino Frances in March as part of a ~5000 mile hike across Europe. We'll be doing really long days to make miles so stopping early for a bed wont work and stretching our money is definitely a must

[@DaysWeSpend]

Sounds like quite a trek! As far as we know wild camping is illegal in Spain. If you’re going to be using the Camino (going east is called the “Retorno”) you should definitely pick up your pilgrim passport/credential so you can use albergues if you need them. Some have camping spots that you can use for a fraction of the price or even free if you have a tent and you can shower and even use the kitchen. It’s always nice to keep your options open. Good luck!

[@anagram1821]

very interesting to know for wild/free campers/legislation in the different regions: kzbin.info/www/bejne/i5CwmYOPfMZokJo

[@whativelearnedsofar7181]

It's probably nothin', but Shawn might want to have his doctor check his left sub-mandibular gland on his next visit.

[@DaysWeSpend]

Thanks, will do.

[@Gypsymommarose347]

I want to do the Norte. How difficult would you rate it?

[@DaysWeSpend]

The Norte has some very steep sections and a few remote sections. It's about a 6 or 7 out of 10 in difficulty. If you take your time in the beginning (the steepest part), it's much easier.

[@GregTinnirello]

This is my first time doing the Camino De Santiago, What are the best apps to use ???

[@DaysWeSpend]

Hi Greg, Buen Camino! We used the "Buen Camino" and the "Wise Pilgrim" apps. There are many great options and they change yearly.

[@chipbened]

Any recommendations for apps?

[@DaysWeSpend]

Hi Chip, the apps change so much every year (depending on if they're updated or not). When we went, I used a two different apps. Way of St James (Buen Camino) Wise Pilgrim

[@MsTazMahal]

Which app are you guys talking about?

[@DaysWeSpend]

We've used the Buen Camino app and the Wise Pilgrim one. There are tons of great options on the app store.

[@el_tejon383]

Ridiculously cute

[@DaysWeSpend]

Thank you!

[@Caminoin23-rx5xh]

You guys are funny… Break your foot, or “friends w/benefits 😂” Get a room😂

[@DaysWeSpend]

Glad you liked it!

[@Caminoin23-rx5xh]

Can you flag your “these are good Spanish words to know video.. or maybe there is a separate one on important Words I should’ve looking for?

[@DaysWeSpend]

@@Caminoin23-rx5xh What do you mean flag? We don't have any other videos that focus on Spanish speaking. Maybe in the future!

[@Caminoin23-rx5xh]

There was one of your videos where you “taught us how to 1 bed for this afternoon?”- so we could try to reserve beds/rooms. Do you remember which Episode that was or the date- so that can review it? Or maybe you guys just do an episode “Useful daily words”- I’ll be watching all you stuff anyway- thanks!

[@DaysWeSpend]

@Caminoin23! Oh! It was probably from our Don't be a Bad Pilgrim video. We have some Spanish phrases in there. kzbin.info/www/bejne/bJ-vfIGInrp6pZY Great idea about the "useful daily words."

[@giggles8458]

Just a technical mistake you are making with the "Vale" pronunciation, You are switching from "V" as in vacation to "B" as in Ballet. vale like validation, not balidation. Extra note, "Vale" is the equivalent of Gotcha! Got you!

[@gringote1783]

¡equivocado!

[@jonaswahlman8722]

lots of chit-chat for no obvious reason; Conclusion Book a private Albergue!

[@DaysWeSpend]

Good luck!