Backpack transfer to a place I’m not staying

[longshanks]

Is there any way I can send my backpack with a service like Jacotrans to an albergue if I’m staying in a different place? Is that considered bad form?

My problem is that Jacotrans doesn’t offer the albergue I’d like to stay in as a destination. I’m hoping to visit the Refugio Gaucelmo in Rabanal.

 

[Stephan the Painter]

I met people who did this. Of course it is bad form. Maybe chose a popular albergue. Perhaps it'll be full and they'll apologize to you! Or call and ask and offer to pay a few Euros.

Or best yet, carry your pack if you are able, at least that one day.

 

[longshanks]

Thanks! I’m battling an injury at the moment, that’s why I’m hoping to ship. I’ve found that Jacotrans send to Tienda de Susana, which is apparently a shop round the corner from the Refugio. I guess they offer that as a paid service, or expect you to buy something in return.

 

[FoxyR]

We’ve done this a few times - currently on the Francis. To be sure, we’ve contacted the destination in advance and they have been very accommodating. The baggage delivery guys are in and out frequently and one more bag does not seem to bother the hosts at all. (I have been amazed by the number of bags being shipped - this forum makes it seems like a rarity and it’s not).

 

[longshanks]

Good to know, thanks FoxyR. Buen camino!

 

[good_old_shoes]

Refugio Gaucelmo in Rabanal as far as I know does not accept pilgrims that do not carry their own pack.

The first time I stayed there, I remember them sending someone away who had had their pack sent to another albergue in town.

If you want to stay at an albergue like that, stick to their rules.

Also, it is a bit unfair to put the burden of luggage storage until you arrive on a place where you don't intend to stay.

In an emergency or case of very sudden change of plans I can understand that, but wouldn't plan for it. It's just not fair.

 

[longshanks]

Oh that’s useful info, thanks.

 

[grayland]

It seems to me that the practice of asking an albergue to handle your "luggage" (pack?) for you when you are not stayng there is seriously a breach of ethics....despite some claiming that it is common.

It falls in the same catagory as those who book several albergues for a night and then just show up at one of them....they also claim that it is "common".

 

[dick bird]

Contact the transfer company and tell them where you are staying. They know which albergues do not accept bags and will have an alternative destination. usually a nearby bar or cafe.

Just noticed that this is what they do. It’s common practice. You don’t have to buy anything but it would be a nice gesture.

 

[Simperegrina]

If it’s the store I’m thinking of, the lady there is very nice. And I would certainly buy something as a token of appreciation. I’m sure some fruit or drinks or snacks wouldn’t go amiss.

If you’re staying at Refugio Guacelmo, you’ll be wanting to buy food and maybe drink for the evening - guests often get together to prepare an evening meal, using the kitchen there.

 

[SEB2]

@good_old_shoes is offering wise advice regarding the rules at Refugio Guacelmo. Better to book another albergue in the village to save any difficulties on arrival.

 

[longshanks]

Thanks all - yes, I think I’ll have to miss Guacelmo this time as my leg is still playing up.

 

[Lawton]

Is there any way I can send my backpack with a service like Jacotrans to an albergue if I’m staying in a different place? Is that considered bad form?

My problem is that Jacotrans doesn’t offer the albergue I’d like to stay in as a destination. I’m hoping to visit the Refugio Gaucelmo in Rabanal.

When a bag can not be delivered to a certain place, there is usually an alternative. May be a local bar, post office, store. Jacotrans should know of an alternative. I used them and they would leave it somewhere in that town if not deliverable.

 

[hikentravel1234]

Thanks! I’m battling an injury at the moment, that’s why I’m hoping to ship. I’ve found that Jacotrans send to Tienda de Susana, which is apparently a shop round the corner from the Refugio. I guess they offer that as a paid service, or expect you to buy something in return.

Occasionally an albergue doesn't have someone there to accept bags, so they make arrangements with a shop or bar, that can accept bags.

 

[Kirkie]

It seems to me that the practice of asking an albergue to handle your "luggage" (pack?) for you when you are not stayng there is seriously a breach of ethics....despite some claiming that it is common.

It falls in the same catagory as those who book several albergues for a night and then just show up at one of them....they also claim that it is "common".

Common. A word that has connotations in an inner city part of Dublin. The local people understand it to mean cheap. Worth little. (They internalised it. It was part of my task as an educator to help them unpack it. Common needs unpacking).
Back to the question. My experience of luggage/pack transfer dates to 2019, the Ingles. My final pre Santiago night was in Siguiero. In the morning, we saw people come in to leave packs, for Correos to collect. So clearly, from that observation, it is not necessary to sleep in an albergue that is on the Correos list. Only to arrange to have your pack on the floor, ready to be collected. Arrangements to be made, presumably, with the albergue in question.
As an esteemed member often says: hope this helps!