JAL
Member
- Time of past OR future Camino
- Frances 2014
Le Puy-St. Jean 2015
Via Francigena 2016
Norte/Primitivo 2016
Via de la Plata 2017
Hello Pilgrims!
Here are some things that have worked well on my past 4 Caminos:
1. Credencial. Order by mail before you leave home, saves hassle on arriving. I have gotten them from St. James Confraternity online.
2. Order some Euro cash from your bank at home before you leave. Saves panic if your card has problems when you arrive in Europe. So nice to hit the ground ready to walk.
3. Compass. I attached a small liquid-filled compass to my packstrap and found it quite useful.
4. Xtenex shoelaces. These are stretchy laces that turn your shoes into glove-fit slip-ons. You'll slip your shoes off more often with these which is good for your feet.
5. Smartwool T-shirts. "Microweight". Machine washable and dryable and don't get smelly after one wearing.
6. Pepto Bismol. It is magic for curing tummy bummers. Use the tablets, not the liquid. Lighter and can't spill.
7. Leukotape. Supersticky tape for spots like toes that Compeed won't stay stuck to. Amazon has it. Good stuff, stays stuck for days.
8. Sealskinz socks. Waterproof/breathable socks to wear on rainy days. Expensive (US$30) but very much worth it.
9. Don't carry all your money and credit cards in one place. Split them up so you won't be sunk if they are lost or stolen. I keep my passport, some cash, credencial, and a credit card with me at all times. I keep another credit card, cash, and a copy of my passport in my backpack.
10. International Dialing. Dialing a phone number was so much easier once I learned that all calls start with a "+" symbol. You get a "+" by holding down the "0". So simple and saved me so much trouble! "+" and then the country code (Spain is 34) and then the number. Peasy.
I hope these suggestions help. Buen Camino!
John
Here are some things that have worked well on my past 4 Caminos:
1. Credencial. Order by mail before you leave home, saves hassle on arriving. I have gotten them from St. James Confraternity online.
2. Order some Euro cash from your bank at home before you leave. Saves panic if your card has problems when you arrive in Europe. So nice to hit the ground ready to walk.
3. Compass. I attached a small liquid-filled compass to my packstrap and found it quite useful.
4. Xtenex shoelaces. These are stretchy laces that turn your shoes into glove-fit slip-ons. You'll slip your shoes off more often with these which is good for your feet.
5. Smartwool T-shirts. "Microweight". Machine washable and dryable and don't get smelly after one wearing.
6. Pepto Bismol. It is magic for curing tummy bummers. Use the tablets, not the liquid. Lighter and can't spill.
7. Leukotape. Supersticky tape for spots like toes that Compeed won't stay stuck to. Amazon has it. Good stuff, stays stuck for days.
8. Sealskinz socks. Waterproof/breathable socks to wear on rainy days. Expensive (US$30) but very much worth it.
9. Don't carry all your money and credit cards in one place. Split them up so you won't be sunk if they are lost or stolen. I keep my passport, some cash, credencial, and a credit card with me at all times. I keep another credit card, cash, and a copy of my passport in my backpack.
10. International Dialing. Dialing a phone number was so much easier once I learned that all calls start with a "+" symbol. You get a "+" by holding down the "0". So simple and saved me so much trouble! "+" and then the country code (Spain is 34) and then the number. Peasy.
I hope these suggestions help. Buen Camino!
John