CaminoKevin
New Member
- Time of past OR future Camino
- September 2024
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How about just deleting the apps in bold? Then you remove those distractions but can still take advantage of the other smartphone benefits you mentioned.I think that walking without a newsfeed, social media, WhatsApp messages, etc., would make the pilgrimage more powerful for me, but I realize that the Camino apps, booking websites, and forums (like this one!) can be immensely helpful and supportive.
It can be done, of course it can. Depending on the route you walk and the time of year staying on the path and organising accommodations can be more challenging without it. I deleted all news sites from my phone and after the Camino realised they didn’t bring anything positive into my life so never reinstalled them. I long ago gave up on social media this site being an exception (I will disable it on my next Camino). WhatsApp is the only one I use for family as we all live in different countries and time zones it’s a useful too saving a fortune on international phone calls. Most of the time my smart phone’s greatest use is as a camera. I find podcasts and music useful for relaxing in your bunk or as you wait for the washing machine at days end.Greetings! I am planning to walk the Camino Frances next month and am thinking of doing it with only a flip phone and the Brierly book. I think that walking without a newsfeed, social media, WhatsApp messages, etc., would make the pilgrimage more powerful for me, but I realize that the Camino apps, booking websites, and forums (like this one!) can be immensely helpful and supportive. I'd love to hear from others about their experiences and thoughts about leaving the smartphone at home and allowing the Camino to provide whatever is needed. Many thanks!
Can you walk without a smartphone? Yes! My first Camino was without a smart phone (then again, smart phones were science fiction when I first walked). There are a number of people who walk without a smart phone.Greetings! I am planning to walk the Camino Frances next month and am thinking of doing it with only a flip phone and the Brierly book. I think that walking without a newsfeed, social media, WhatsApp messages, etc., would make the pilgrimage more powerful for me, but I realize that the Camino apps, booking websites, and forums (like this one!) can be immensely helpful and supportive. I'd love to hear from others about their experiences and thoughts about leaving the smartphone at home and allowing the Camino to provide whatever is needed. Many thanks!
Me too. And a Silva compass, but no GPS.Hola @CaminoKevin.
Yes. I've walked as a pilgrim without a Smartphone: across Europe and Spain, in the Holy Land and some other places. Thousands of kilometers at a time on established, mostly signed trails. I used paper maps, and tourist office freebies. And I always spoke to the locals.
This past year, though I have tried a new approach. Whilst waiting for work, i carried a Smartphone. I walked with paper OS maps which came with a ofline gps also. I am finding that whilst it is fun to check the gps & off line OS map every now and then, I still prefer walking with just paper maps.
In 2004 when I first walked to Santiago de Compostele, Smartphones did not exist. I saw just one pilgrim with a mobile phone the size of a brick. I was astonished by it.
I am a contemplative soul. I love solitude and need extended periods in nature, alone. I am also friendly and a chatterbox. Disconnection for me, is bliss.
Buen Camino
You are asking the question. Of course you can. Without dispute. Do you want to? Why? Why not?Greetings! I am planning to walk the Camino Frances next month and am thinking of doing it with only a flip phone and the Brierly book. I think that walking without a newsfeed, social media, WhatsApp messages, etc., would make the pilgrimage more powerful for me, but I realize that the Camino apps, booking websites, and forums (like this one!) can be immensely helpful and supportive. I'd love to hear from others about their experiences and thoughts about leaving the smartphone at home and allowing the Camino to provide whatever is needed. Many thanks!
Was Mrs. Jarrad aware of this, and happy about it?I only used it to call Mrs. Jarrad every 3-4 days or so and I never used it to call ahead for accommodations.
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A lovely young lady from BC, Canada reserved a bed for me on the last night before Santiago
I met a French young man last year. He walked with a not so smart phone, those that can only send sms and a disposable camera, and a book. When we met outside of Carrión de los Condes, he asked me to take a photo of him and WhatsApp his mom to gv her a surpriseGreetings! I am planning to walk the Camino Frances next month and am thinking of doing it with only a flip phone and the Brierly book. I think that walking without a newsfeed, social media, WhatsApp messages, etc., would make the pilgrimage more powerful for me, but I realize that the Camino apps, booking websites, and forums (like this one!) can be immensely helpful and supportive. I'd love to hear from others about their experiences and thoughts about leaving the smartphone at home and allowing the Camino to provide whatever is needed. Many thanks!
The various apps available for smart phones add a dimension of knowledge, predictability and safety that a voice and simple flip phone cannot. I concur with Jungleboy's suggestion. Delete what does not help, and keep what will.How about just deleting the apps in bold? Then you remove those distractions but can still take advantage of the other smartphone benefits you mentioned.
Great idea! 2018 and 2022, SJPDP to Santigo. Only used my phone to touch base with wife back home. And even those calls felt like an interruption to the experience.Greetings! I am planning to walk the Camino Frances next month and am thinking of doing it with only a flip phone and the Brierly book. I think that walking without a newsfeed, social media, WhatsApp messages, etc., would make the pilgrimage more powerful for me, but I realize that the Camino apps, booking websites, and forums (like this one!) can be immensely helpful and supportive. I'd love to hear from others about their experiences and thoughts about leaving the smartphone at home and allowing the Camino to provide whatever is needed. Many thanks!
Please, let's not define "pilgrim vs tourist" by if one carries a phone or not.Perhaps it depends on what you want to get out of your Camino. Do you want to find out about yourself - what you can do on your own? Or do you see yourself more as a tourist?
In my view, smartphone is more than a "phone". It is a "digital assistant". It is a navitagion tool (Google map, GPS, compass, etc.). It stores/carries airtickets, train tickets, credit cards, etc., It is used to make 112 call if/when necessary, etc.I think that walking without a newsfeed, social media, WhatsApp messages, etc., would make the pilgrimage more powerful for me, but I realize that the Camino apps, booking websites, and forums (like this one!) can be immensely helpful and supportive.
Yes I did not have one. It is as basic as determining what to put in your pack. The question you need to ask is will you need one once your off the Camino. As the world outside has changed to resources required to have one for travel. If your flip phone can get train schedules, bus schedules, flight schedules, your good.Greetings! I am planning to walk the Camino Frances next month and am thinking of doing it with only a flip phone and the Brierly book. I think that walking without a newsfeed, social media, WhatsApp messages, etc., would make the pilgrimage more powerful for me, but I realize that the Camino apps, booking websites, and forums (like this one!) can be immensely helpful and supportive. I'd love to hear from others about their experiences and thoughts about leaving the smartphone at home and allowing the Camino to provide whatever is needed. Many thanks!
Totally concur. I only used it a few times to make phone calls. I was focused on the daily satisfaction that comes from moving west and unconcerned about the world outside the Camino.On the Camino, my iPhone is a camera 99% of the time.
I say do it! Leave that smartphone at home. My first Camino Frances in 2013 I walked without a phone. I had a cannon camera and Brierly's guide. Many other pilgrims had phones with them and at times I felt lonely in the evenings at the Albergue's because their faces were in their phones. This was my true introduction to what socializing in the smartphone world would be like. Lonely.Greetings! I am planning to walk the Camino Frances next month and am thinking of doing it with only a flip phone and the Brierly book. I think that walking without a newsfeed, social media, WhatsApp messages, etc., would make the pilgrimage more powerful for me, but I realize that the Camino apps, booking websites, and forums (like this one!) can be immensely helpful and supportive. I'd love to hear from others about their experiences and thoughts about leaving the smartphone at home and allowing the Camino to provide whatever is needed. Many thanks!
Yes you can, definitely. The SJPDP Pilgrims Office even gives out a printed paper list of albergues with addresses, phone numbers.Greetings! I am planning to walk the Camino Frances next month and am thinking of doing it with only a flip phone and the Brierly book. I think that walking without a newsfeed, social media, WhatsApp messages, etc., would make the pilgrimage more powerful for me, but I realize that the Camino apps, booking websites, and forums (like this one!) can be immensely helpful and supportive. I'd love to hear from others about their experiences and thoughts about leaving the smartphone at home and allowing the Camino to provide whatever is needed. Many thanks!
By the way, my wife tracks my movement using its "location service". ;-)
Regarding safety - with the non smart flip phone the OP will be still able to call the police, ambulance for help in an emergency just like they could with a smart phone… assuming they have the correct sim.I walked my first 2 caminos without any phone at all. Walked from Le Puy without a word of French. I did just fine. Does that mean I would recommend walking without a smartphone? No I would not. Just for the fact that in an emergency it can be a lifesaver is the best reason. Also it makes it much easier to check in with my wife and kids. When I first walked there were cafes and almost all the albergues had computers. Not anymore. Also I walk very quiet caminos and in late fall and sometimes I need to know if the only albergue in a given town will be open or I have to call or whatsapp ahead to let someone know when I am coming. So take the phone and just don't look at it. Turn it off unless you really need it.
Recommend contacting the pilgrims of yesteryear/of old and discourse with them on how they were able to walk their Camino with no I-phone, no phones in any town, no electricity, no computers, no ATMs, etc. Their response and insight might be helpful. ChuckGreetings! I am planning to walk the Camino Frances next month and am thinking of doing it with only a flip phone and the Brierly book. I think that walking without a newsfeed, social media, WhatsApp messages, etc., would make the pilgrimage more powerful for me, but I realize that the Camino apps, booking websites, and forums (like this one!) can be immensely helpful and supportive. I'd love to hear from others about their experiences and thoughts about leaving the smartphone at home and allowing the Camino to provide whatever is needed. Many thanks!
No no no!Please, let's not define "pilgrim vs tourist" by if one carries a phone or not.
I am sure that is true but you can’t download the alert cop app which should be downloaded, I believe may be easier and quicker.Regarding safety - with the non smart flip phone the OP will be still able to call the police, ambulance for help in an emergency just like they could with a smart phone… assuming they have the correct sim.
The alert cop app might be helpful to someone who has a sim without phone calls. But for someone with a sim with phone calls, it’s pretty quick to tap in 3 digits! The app is not a replacement channel it’s just another option…I am sure that is true but you can’t download the alert cop app which should be downloaded, I believe may be easier and quicker.
Thankfully, I can only speculate because I have never had to use it. But when I arrive in Spain, it is the first thing I download after I get my new Spanish Sim card with a Spanish telephone number. If you are not familiar with this app google it and read the website.
Hi. We met a wonderful young man from Germany who wanted to leave everything behind when he walked the Camino Norte in 2018. He was 20th of age and didn't bring his phone from home. He even had his boarding pass for return flight printed to avoid use of phone. We all had so much respect for him. I met him again on the last day on entering Santiago and he made the 820km phone and media free. Beautiful young soul. DanielGreetings! I am planning to walk the Camino Frances next month and am thinking of doing it with only a flip phone and the Brierly book. I think that walking without a newsfeed, social media, WhatsApp messages, etc., would make the pilgrimage more powerful for me, but I realize that the Camino apps, booking websites, and forums (like this one!) can be immensely helpful and supportive. I'd love to hear from others about their experiences and thoughts about leaving the smartphone at home and allowing the Camino to provide whatever is needed. Many thanks!
Yes I am aware of that. Alert cops also has many other useful features which is why I like it.The alert cop app might be helpful to someone who has a sim without phone calls. But for someone with a sim with phone calls, it’s pretty quick to tap in 3 digits! The app is not a replacement channel it’s just another option…
Not to mention NSA’s biggest competitor. Compared to Google, Meta is an “honorable mention."Smartphones are compulsory. How else will Meta know where you are and what you’re buying
in 2019 I walked the CF with phone, but no connection until I found wifi. One doesn't need a phone.Greetings! I am planning to walk the Camino Frances next month and am thinking of doing it with only a flip phone and the Brierly book. I think that walking without a newsfeed, social media, WhatsApp messages, etc., would make the pilgrimage more powerful for me, but I realize that the Camino apps, booking websites, and forums (like this one!) can be immensely helpful and supportive. I'd love to hear from others about their experiences and thoughts about leaving the smartphone at home and allowing the Camino to provide whatever is needed. Many
That’s what I do on the Camino, nothing but what is absolutely necessary until I’m back, though personal disclaimer- deleted all social media in 2016 and never looked back! But still many other ways for distraction on a Smartphone and those get the boot until I’m back!How about just deleting the apps in bold? Then you remove those distractions but can still take advantage of the other smartphone benefits you mentioned.
I walked 7 times to Santiago between yr 2000 and 2005, before smartphones were a thing. Only once carried a ‘dumb phone’ as I was walking from the UK and my parents were worried (even tho I was 38 at the time!), and it stayed in the bottom of my pack. There was no booking ahead, no looking at weather forecasts, no checking in with friends. It was wonderful; liberating, a way to notice everything and a reason to interact with others. This year I walked again, taking my phone but letting folk know I would not be communicating every day. I just used it for the camera and a couple of calls home.Greetings! I am planning to walk the Camino Frances next month and am thinking of doing it with only a flip phone and the Brierly book. I think that walking without a newsfeed, social media, WhatsApp messages, etc., would make the pilgrimage more powerful for me, but I realize that the Camino apps, booking websites, and forums (like this one!) can be immensely helpful and supportive. I'd love to hear from others about their experiences and thoughts about leaving the smartphone at home and allowing the Camino to provide whatever is needed. Many thanks!
I got an iPhone around 2010 and only have used it for WiFi on several caminos. Before that, you could use the coin operated computers in bars to check email every now and again. I bought a cheap flip phone in Spain, basically a burner with a local number so I could make calls re lodging and have some way my family could text me even if my iPhone wasn’t on. Never used any apps, never needed them. I could have left the iPhone at home but wanted to have it before leaving the US and as soon as I returned. The last time I carried a guide, it was the maps-only Brierley book.Greetings! I am planning to walk the Camino Frances next month and am thinking of doing it with only a flip phone and the Brierly book. I think that walking without a newsfeed, social media, WhatsApp messages, etc., would make the pilgrimage more powerful for me, but I realize that the Camino apps, booking websites, and forums (like this one!) can be immensely helpful and supportive. I'd love to hear from others about their experiences and thoughts about leaving the smartphone at home and allowing the Camino to provide whatever is needed. Many thanks!
IMO, of course you can! Seems like a great idea to me, actually. And I thought about it, although I can see my brain trying to come up with good excuses not to do it... But after all, people have been doing it for centuries.
As usual, there is a trade-off: you have to organize yourself differently, especially the booking can be a problem.
Good idea! If they're not there I won't be tempted to use them. Thanks!How about just deleting the apps in bold? Then you remove those distractions but can still take advantage of the other smartphone benefits you mentioned.
Good point! I didn't think of that. Thanks!On the Camino, my iPhone is a camera 99% of the time.
Thank you for raising this important point, which I never considered.Some hostels, for example one in Pamplona and one in Sarria, have a zero-contact check-in process: usually no staff is present at check-in time and to unlock the street door one must use a secret code that is emailed to the reserved guest at about mid-day of the check-in day. Not having a smart-phone with an Iberian data plan makes it practically impossible to receive the email that enables one to get in. Sometimes, one can gain access by convincing other guests to let one in, but that is an awkward and unreliable method and not one that I would want to have to attempt after dark.
I disable the data of all the apps I don’t want to see. All my notifications are off by default anyway.Greetings! I am planning to walk the Camino Frances next month and am thinking of doing it with only a flip phone and the Brierly book. I think that walking without a newsfeed, social media, WhatsApp messages, etc., would make the pilgrimage more powerful for me, but I realize that the Camino apps, booking websites, and forums (like this one!) can be immensely helpful and supportive. I'd love to hear from others about their experiences and thoughts about leaving the smartphone at home and allowing the Camino to provide whatever is needed. Many thanks!
Remember to clean the lenses.Good point! I didn't think of that. Thanks!
I think ‘no contact checkin’ Albergues are a tiny minority so if I was the OP I wouldn’t use this as a deciding point. I didn’t encounter any albergues like this last year.Thank you for raising this important point, which I never considered.
You don't need a smart phone to register for a Compostela! You can register in advance on a a smartphone and will then be allocated a timeslot, however, this is not a requirementYes. But you will need it at the end in Santiago de Compostelo to register for the Pilgrims Office (to get the certificate).
Not necessarily. There are computers at the door for those who does not have a phoneYes. But you will need it at the end in Santiago de Compostelo to register for the Pilgrims Office (to get the certificate).
I used my phone all the time on the Camino Frances in 2023. The Wise Pilgrim app was indispensable for booking ahead which I found was necessary. Also the Buen Camino app helped finding alternative paths and you can't get lost with it!. Google Translate was used often, and Whatsapp was used also making bookings. I also used imy smart phone en route for buses when I was injured and also for the train to Madrid after. I hope that helps.Greetings! I am planning to walk the Camino Frances next month and am thinking of doing it with only a flip phone and the Brierly book. I think that walking without a newsfeed, social media, WhatsApp messages, etc., would make the pilgrimage more powerful for me, but I realize that the Camino apps, booking websites, and forums (like this one!) can be immensely helpful and supportive. I'd love to hear from others about their experiences and thoughts about leaving the smartphone at home and allowing the Camino to provide whatever is needed. Many thanks!
You are not allocated a "time spot" by registering. You receive a QR code which you are required to show before being admitted entry to the Pilgrim Office.You can register in advance on a a smartphone and will then be allocated a timeslot,
I believe that no one doubts the usefulness of the phone when going for a multiple days walk, as well as in a thousand other situations.I used my phone all the time on the Camino Frances in 2023. The Wise Pilgrim app was indispensable for booking ahead which I found was necessary. Also the Buen Camino app helped finding alternative paths and you can't get lost with it!. Google Translate was used often, and Whatsapp was used also making bookings. I also used imy smart phone en route for buses when I was injured and also for the train to Madrid after. I hope that helps.
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