This is a sensitive topic so we will discuss it without venturing into side issues (especially political ones).
The camino should be safe, everywhere should be safe. Women alone should not be subjected to harassment or assault or made to feel...
I wanted to experience different caminos. Haven't done the same one twice. 5 caminos in 10 years and thinking about other walks. I now consider myself a long distance walker.
I too, hate the thought of being bitten by a bed bug or even worse, the possibly of bringing them home, but so far it seems I have not.
In spite of fear or potential annoyances of dealing with them, the "good news" is that they carry NO diseases...
@tominrm, you're as likely to get bitten by bed bugs in Chicago, New York, London, Paris or Sydney Australia for that matter.
You can pick them up from a subway journey, or a flight. Even in your local library. In other words: it's a risk we all...
Unfortunately (and as you know) no one on the forum, or elsewhere, can promise you no bedbugs.
Most pilgrims still walk without bedbug issues.
There are precautions you can take to reduce the probability of being bitten and, more importantly...
This site is run by Ivar at in Santiago de Compostela.
This site participates in the Amazon Affiliate program, designed to provide a means for Ivar to earn fees by linking to Amazon