Hello and Tips

[Kitch]

Just started my search for the right tour next Sept/Oct. I want to do the French way so the whole 500 miles. Where do I find a tour or am I going about it wrong? Do I just show up and hope I can find somewhere to sleep? BTW I am 60 so that does not appeal to me. LOL

 

[dougfitz]

Where do I find a tour or am I going about it wrong?

Certainly suggesting that you are looking for a tour will not enarmor you to the many forum members deeply invested in the notion of helping fellow pilgrims.

 

[henrythedog]

Slow down and do some reading - perhaps even buy a guidebook and read that, or just read a few threads on here. Too often we get the ‘tell me what I need to know’ question.

And being 60 impresses virtually nobody here.

 

[J Willhaus]

Hi @Kitch and welcome. Many people on this forum plan their own Caminos, including making reservations. It isn't difficult and it is much less expensive than a tour.

There are tours and a few members have used various companies so maybe they will reply, but there are plenty of resources to do your own plan.

 

[trecile]

It's probably going to take you at least a month to walk from SJPdP to Santiago. In that period of time all kinds of things can happen to alter your schedule, like getting sick or injured, wanting to stay longer in a certain town or city, wanting to walk the same stages as other pilgrims that you meet along the way, etc. If you book with a tour company you are stuck with the stages and accommodations they choose.

It's quite possible and fairly easy to book private accommodations on your own, then if you need to make any changes you are in control. But I wouldn't recommend booking every night in advance. For the Camino Francés in September (one of the busiest months for pilgrims starting from SJPdP) I recommend booking up through Pamplona - the pilgrim traffic tends to spread out after that, and you'll have a better Idea of how far you can/want to walk each day so you can book day or two ahead.

P. S. Age 60 practically lands you in the "young whipper snapper" category on the forum.

 

[J Willhaus]

Some people find a Camino guidebook a bit old fashioned, but they are a good place to start in describing ways to set out on the journey, what you will need, and where you can sleep. There's also a good website for planning Gronze.com, which gives good information about the route and available lodging.

 

[Tincatinker]

Just started my search for the right tour next Sept/Oct. I want to do the French way so the whole 500 miles. Where do I find a tour or am I going about it wrong? Do I just show up and hope I can find somewhere to sleep? BTW I am 60 so that does not appeal to me. LOL

Hi Kitch, watch out we’re a rough lot on here. We never take prisoners.

If you want to make a journey along the Camino Francés to the shrine of Santiago you’ve joined the right forum at the right time. You have nearly a year to learn about the Camino and the pilgrimage; about the sorts of accommodations available and how to access them; about the support services available and how to use them and, to learn about all those who have made the journey before you young and old.

As others have alluded above at 60 amigo you are assumed to be still wet behind the ears

 

[trecile]

Since you are in the US I recommend contacting your local chapter of American Pilgrims if there is one close to you.

Local Chapters - American Pilgrims on the Camino

Local Chapters American Pilgrims on the Camino is a community of pilgrims organized in chapters throughout the United States. We share Camino de Santiago experiences, support each other, have fun and encourage one another to live The Spirit of the Camino in our everyday lives. We have nearly 60...

americanpilgrims.org

 

[Juspassinthru]

Just started my search for the right tour next Sept/Oct. I want to do the French way so the whole 500 miles. Where do I find a tour or am I going about it wrong? Do I just show up and hope I can find somewhere to sleep? BTW I am 60 so that does not appeal to me. LOL

Hello @Kitch, welcome to the forum, a lively, opinionated, sometimes humorous but always caring home for Pilgrims, wannabes and those searching.

I hope you’re getting the idea that you probably don’t need to book a tour. My first Camino (at age 60) I booked to Pamplona and from there handled it day to day. It’s a bit more crowded now so on my 3rd Camino, early this year (age 67) my 70 year old walking companion and I booked a day or so in advance. It’s easy.

There are many guides, I’m not in the referral business but for a first timer the Brierley guide to the Camino is a good start, about $20 I think. There’s also Gronze which is online and in Spanish but languages are no problem on the age of the internet.

For many of us in your position, this part was the most fun until you get off the train in St Jean where each day is the most fun, some admittedly after the fact.

You’ve come to the right place for ideas, opinions (lots of opinions) and support. Enjoy!

One last thought, before you run the gauntlet with questions about boots, packs, poles, socks, solar recharge packs or innumerable other questions, there are dozens, maybe hundreds of existing threads. Doing this will save you from us, you may not appreciate that now, but you will.

Buen Camino.