2010 or later? [Should I walk in Holy Year?]

[Pablo_Rodriguez]

My 13 year old daughter and I would really like to go on the Camino this July. However everywhere I read I am discouraged from going as it is a Holy year. What I read is that the hostels will be full - only able room will be on the floor and restaurants will be completely packed.


We have only about 2 1/2 weeks so regardless we would only be able to do about half of the Spanish leg. I have 3 options: (A) Go another year - this would make us sad :< (B) Go from the French border to around Burgos and do the remainder another time or (C) Endure the crowds and do Burgos to Santiago.

Any insights into the best option would be very much appriceated.
Thank you.

 

[oursonpolaire]

Re: 2010 or later?

Whether or not this would be good advice depends on you and your daughter's personalities, but I would suggest either b) from the French border to Burgos, as this is a beautiful part of the Camino and will not (relatively speaking) be as crowded as the Galician portion in the Holy Year, and then finish it off another time; or d) walk from Vezelay or Le Puy in France to the Spanish frontier, and complete the Camino another time.

In 2002, on my first Camin, I hiked for a few days with a German doctor and his 14-year old daughter, reunited after a 12-year separation, and I saw how a walk together with a father and a daughter in her early teens could be an important time for both. I am sure that you will have a great time and she will always remember those days.

 

[Pablo_Rodriguez]

Re: 2010 or later?

I had not considered doing the Frech leg. That is a great idea.

Thank you very much.

 

[alipilgrim]

Re: 2010 or later?

Perhaps try a different route other than the Camino Frances? They are all 'caminos', and other ones are very likely not to be as busy as the Frances.

 

[sillydoll]

Re: 2010 or later?

Why be discouraged?? It is going to be a very special, celebratory camino this year and you could both be a part of it!
Take a chance on the camino Frances. Besides having more pilgrims it will also have more support, extra accommodation is being laid on, celebrations are being planned - much more so than the other routes.
Imagine walking into Santiago in a Holy Year and experiencing the special pilgrims' mass in the cathedral and being a part of the Jubilee celebrations!
Your daughter will be 24 years old when the next Holy Year comes around and she could be married with children by then!