Walking the Camino. Your Questions Answered. Tips and insights for older walkers and novices

Sandy French, a seasoned, senior walker of the Camino and other trails, shares his tips and insights to walking long distances successfully.
This specific video discusses Camino Apps, getting food and water on the trail, hiking poles and pocket knives as carry on, taking pictures (phone or camera) and accessing money on the Camino
These videos will appeal to older or more senior walkers and first timers, sharing his learnings on how to get the most out of your hike. Of course if you just want practical tips you will find also a treasure trove of insights.
Sandy has decided to share these videos based on the idea "what would he have liked to have known "pre-walk" that he knows now.
If you're thinking of hiking the Camino or other long distance trails and you have practical questions, then these videos will give you great insights and answers to help you have a fun and successful walk.

[@dweamy1]

I totally agree to call credit card company/bank to let them know you'll be withdrawing money abroad. They'll make a note on your file and it's less likely that they'll cancel your card whilst you are abroad.

[@benotafraid9875]

I'm using your tips for my walk on the st Hildegard way in Germany

[@sandyfrench4185]

Have a great walk and I’m glad the info is proving helpful!

[@theresasmith3361]

Thank you for the great tips, Sandy! So helpful to us first timers! I am not sure if this is a stupid question and maybe I am not looking in the right places but I don't seem to find any specific information on being able to attend a weekly Catholic Mass while on the Camino? I know there are churches along the way but not sure how often they come up and I realize there is a Mass at the Cathedral of St. James at the end, but I wondered if I would be able to find a Sunday Mass while on the trail. Thank you.

[@sherryduffenais4815]

Great tips and info! Being Canadian as well it was super helpful. It will come in handy when I start my Camino in 36 days. Thanks Sandy.

[@seniorswalkingthecamino]

Your welcome Sherry - if you have any questions, just let me know here to help! Excited for you...we return to Le Puys spring 2022

[@sherryduffenais4815]

@@seniorswalkingthecamino I may very well take you up on that. I have loads of question about banking, EU SIM card or not?

[@seniorswalkingthecamino]

@@sherryduffenais4815 I will do my best to answer based on what we do on our walks

[@sherryduffenais4815]

@@seniorswalkingthecamino 1. How did you stay connected? Did you use your iPhone with Wifi at bars & albergues or did you get a EU Sim Card? 2. Did your Canadian bank have a reciprocal arrangement with a EU bank for fees? Ie: apparently my bank (Scotiabank) has an agreement with Deutsche Bank that waives fees??? So I’m told

[@seniorswalkingthecamino]

@@sherryduffenais4815 My plan with Rogers had a Europe option, so i had wifi throughout (which helps when you're lost or checking weather!). Many people to grab a Sim card which is another good option I'm with BMO but did not look up to see if they have a reciprocal fee...i withdrew at Santander Bank and it cost me a few Euros and i was ok with that. I'm just guessing but i would imagine you would have to go into a bank and get to a teller and then explain why you shouldn't be charged...i prefer to go to a machine and be quick and pay a few bucks I also brought cash (euro's_and a credit card so i was never stressed around money.

[@seniorswalkingthecamino]

Hi Theresa, good question but alas I do not have a specific answer. I know when I walked the Francis every town had a church (or two or three) and many held Sunday mass - the owner of the albergue, or hotel always knew where and when a mass was happening - some did a nightly service. There is a great place for info called "The Camino Forum" - Google it and search your question or ask it and I'm sure you will get your answer - sorry i couldn't help more.

[@brendaoquin]

Oh my goodness, I just cannot figure out how to use some of these apps. Thank you for all your info.

[@sandyfrench4185]

My pleasure If you have any questions I will do my best to answer them Buen Camino!

[@ltlarrow1]

I plan on walking with a 38L Osprey. The trouble is getting it to Spain. It is too large for carryon, and most people have told the bag will get damaged by the baggage equipment. Thoughts?

[@seniorswalkingthecamino]

Well I'm not sure it would be damaged (that's speculation) but I'm sure you can wrap in in plastic or some type of packing. If you are on Facebook there are a number of Camino Forums where you can ask that question and if you Google Camino Forum there is an excellent one run by a guy named Ivar - all questions can be answered there. You won't have been the first to face this challenge. Let me know if you have any other questions or need help with anything!

[@Justinian21c]

Get an Osprey Airporter LZ Pack Duffel. It's specifically designed to zip around your pack for protection during travel.

[@AnneWest]

Hi Sandy- a question about training...other than practice hikes with your loaded pack, are there any strength or stability exercises you recommend that will help make it easier on the old body?

[@seniorswalkingthecamino]

Hi Anne, there are a number of things i like to do to try and keep this old frame "walking ready". Yoga is great for everything but i tend to focus on legs and core. I do a lot of squats (you can do them with or without weights), step ups (just find some stairs) and with a weight in each hand step up and back, push ups, and planks are great for core. Lastly balancing on one leg for 30 sec and repeat. At the end of the day - walking and strengthening your legs and core to any degree you can will serve you well! And lastly climb some hills just to get use to it!

[@AnneWest]

@@seniorswalkingthecamino Thanks, Sandy! I will do that. Gotta go find some hills. I live in the low country of SC and the only hill we have is the bridge over the river!

[@sandyfrench4185]

@@AnneWest Just do your best you can but hills will really really help you. Even if you can find hills,find some stairs and go up and down with your weighted pack or in a shopping mall at home anywhere !

[@estellagutierrez4615]

How about a umbrella... For the Mesta

[@sandyfrench4185]

100% . I’m on the Norte now it is save me from the sun in the rain. I won’t walk without it.

[@susananquist8357]

Question about travel for insurance from Canada. I have RBC Avion and I think it has travel insurance. Did you take extra insurance?

[@seniorswalkingthecamino]

Hi Susan - my BMO Mastercard gave me i think around 20 days of international travel, i then purchased additional insurance through Mastercard. All the banks plus Medipac (for seniors) offer good insurance packages. Hope this helps

[@debbielafleiche9780]

I'm vegetarian too. Great to know you can get double veggies. Hadn't heard that before. Thanks.

[@seniorswalkingthecamino]

Hi Debbie - yes most places seem happy to be flexible, not all but most...and veggies often cost less than protein so they don't mind the switch. We bought white beans and other stuff at the small grocery stores to carry - have to keep your energy up!