• Remove ads on the forum by becoming a donating member. More here.
This is a mobile optimized page that loads fast, if you want to load the real page, click this text.

is it safe to walk alone at 18

Camino Preparation Guide
The focus is on reducing the risk of failure through being well prepared. 2nd ed.
blairurchin8 said:
I'm currently planning to walk the camino in June of 2025. I'm 18 and I will be alone. I was wondering if anyone has any specific safety tips or things I should know about walking that camino alone as a teenager.
Click to expand...
Generally ‘yes’ it’s safe - probably more safe than most other countries - but that’s not a reason to switch off and not stay aware and make judgements about what’s around you.

You may start out alone, unless you really prefer not to you’ll be making friends on day 1.


18 is considered adult and you’ll be treated as one if you act like one.

It’ll be fine.
 
henrythedog said:
You may start out alone, unless you really prefer not to you’ll be making friends on day 1.
Click to expand...
Agree. You will be pleasantly surprised. Most likely you will make friends for life. I have.

You are young and strong; you will do just fine.

As an oldtimer (70), I am so pleased to see young people walking the Camino. It may be a lifechanger and eyeopener, sending your life in a much better direction than the threadmill that many people unfortunately end up in. But it's up to you. Life has so many rich opportunities; unfortunately, many people make bad decisions, and end up in the trap.

Buen Camino!
 
Last edited:
Train on the 4-day Catalina Camino
Train for your next Camino on California's Santa Catalina Island March 16-19
Welcome, and may your camino be everything you need it to be.

There are some things you can do to make things easier on yourself:

A good whistle (in case of falls, or if you want to catch the attention of someone nearby for help).

A good phone app with a downloadable map for your camino route ( like both Wise Pilgrim and Buen Camino).

A SIM card for your phone for while you are walking (if you are not already on an EU plan). Options range from an eSIM you can pre-purchase, to a nano-SIM that tyou can pick up in most airports. Download "Alert Cops" -- which gives you an easy way to access local police if you should ever need it.

If you have the option on your phone, you might want to set up "fall detection" for some spots (You will know them when you see them), especially if you are making steep descents or climbs all alone (it's the descents that are more likely to result in a tumble if there's been a lot of rain, and the loose scree can trip anyone up).

Exercise caution and awareness because as with any other part of the world, there will be opportunists; keep your boundaries, and if you want to walk alone, it's still a good idea for folks to know where you intend to be or to meet up at the end of day.

To protect my personal belongings, I always put my documents, phone and money pack in the foot of my sleep sac at night, and take precious things with me to the showers. It's really *nice* when you get to stay in an albergue that has personal storage space for each person and a key to lock it!

Buen camino.
 
blairurchin8 said:
I'm currently planning to walk the camino in June of 2025. I'm 18 and I will be alone. I was wondering if anyone has any specific safety tips or things I should know about walking that camino alone as a teenager.
Click to expand...
blairurchin8 said:
I'm currently planning to walk the camino in June of 2025. I'm 18 and I will be alone. I was wondering if anyone has any specific safety tips or things I should know about walking that camino alone as a teenager.
Click to expand...
There are 2 apps you should install on your phone:

The Wisepilgrim Camino Frances app: It will guide you, have maps, albergue contacts and much much more, As a pilgrim of +15 years I now completely trust it as my guide. Download also its offline maps and you can use it without Internet connection. With this app, you can also plan your daily walks, places to stay, and do bookings ahead.

The Alertcops app, It will give you instant connection to all Spanish emergemcy services Like 911 in Spain.
 
Last edited:
Let us pick up your suitcase once you arrive in Europe....
...and ship it to Santiago for storage. You pick it up once in Santiago. Service offered by Casa Ivar (we use DHL for transportation).
Yes. Might be dosed with a lot of love from we grannies, though...prepare to defend yourself! You've already received excellent safety and security advice (AlertCops app, Wise Pilgrim app; minimize headphone use while walking, and what to do with valuables while in an albergue). I add: people older than you have a tendency to snore more loudly than you do. Bring earplugs. When you prepare to leave in the mornings, check around your bunk - especially make sure you've packed any electronics and chargers. As an hospitalera, I have found that whenever young people/teens stay in an albergue where I'm serving, I'm confident I'll find earbuds, chargers, and other media paraphernalia the next day...

Don't forget to check in with the people who love you from time to time. Buen camino!
 
You will be fine. Ensure that you have enough money to fund the camino. One student I met didn't have enough money for pilgrims meals, no hat , no sunscreen, no food, no water and took off like a rocket from SJPP. He and another young pilgrim had a bed at the albergue in Roncesvalles but didn't have enough money to buy the pilgrim dinner or breakfast and the supermarket wasn't close by. I met this young man a day later crying and struggling physically. He went to a German albergue and called his parents. The next time I met him he was carrying a bag of food and had water and was a lot happier. I met a young student in a hostel in Finisterre living off potato chips until she flew home. This was quite common on the camino.
Please make sure you have enough money
 
Only a couple of things to add to the excellent advice above.

You will be a walking alone only if you choose to. If you feel unsure, keep some pilgrims with you or within eye sight, either in front or behind you. You will make friends on day one, especially on the Camino Frances.

I’ve seen many young women walking solo on all my camino walks, and young guys too. They get along just fine and 99% of the time they merge with pilgrim groups in no time.

All the good advice above will see you safely to the end of your camino. Do not fear …. It’s safer than lots of other places you’ve been to is my guess.

Buen Camino.
 
Train on the 4-day Catalina Camino
Train for your next Camino on California's Santa Catalina Island March 16-19
Learn some Spanish including a few swear words. Be aware that if you see a decent sized building with a big "Club" sign on top in a smaller area that this could be a place where men attempt to pick up sex workers. I heard of one young attractive lass that got harassed by a bloke who thought she was a sex worker and when I heard where I could understand why it happened. Was frightening for her and she ended up finding other pilgrims to walk with.

You don't have to be nice to anyone who gives you the creeps. Trust your gut.

The word for condom is profiláctico. Vending machines stock them.

Make the most of people's experiences and be open to listening to their stories.

Don't be scared to ask questions.
 
blairurchin8 said:
I'm currently planning to walk the camino in June of 2025. I'm 18 and I will be alone. I was wondering if anyone has any specific safety tips or things I should know about walking that camino alone as a teenager.
Click to expand...

it is
&
nothing pertaining to your age, except for, assuming you are a woman, the usual attention expected anywhere in the west.

you will most likely not be walking alone by day three (unless you want to), informal walking groups and friendships are quickly made by day three. june will be busy too.

good luck and Buen Camino
 
well, we don't know you, do we? so it is hard to say how safe you will be.
generally speaking, American minors who are planning to have a good time by consuming alcohol to their heart's desire at last, are not as safe as they might think they are.

keep a clear head, don't drink alcohol and you will be a lot safer.
 
Camino Ready, Backpacks, Boots etc
3rd Edition. More content, training & pack guides avoid common mistakes, bed bugs etc
Look into phone service before you go. If your phone is unlocked, you can get a SIM in country to give you less expensive data, etc. If you don't have an unlocked phone, check in advance with your current service on international costs.

I took a group of university students on the Camino last year. Some issues included incompatibility of chargers and adapters for iPhones, food likes and dislikes, and too many clothes to comfortably carry.
 
All great advice! I would just add, that if your parents are just a bit worried, you might consider letting them track your phone (just for this, ha!), just so they know where you are - I turned the tracking on for my spouse so he would worry less.

Buen Camino! I think you will have an amazing time, I wish I had known about this and thought to do it when I was your age!!
 
You will almost certainly meet people your own age, or close to it, of both sexes. I met several groups of teenage women on the CF who walked during the day singly or in twos and threes as the mood suited them, meeting up at a pre-arranged spot in the evening. And there will be older women (and men) who will keep a discreet look out for you. Go - it will be the experience of your life. (The first of many, I hope!)
 
Camino wristwatch
Perfect memento/gift in a presentation box. Engraving available, 25 character max.
You do not have to walk with anyone. I have met young women who connected with a young man, but after a few days, she was ready for some “alone” time. Don’t be afraid to be honest, or leave a little later, take a day off. It’s YOUR Camino.
 
blairurchin8 said:
I'm currently planning to walk the camino in June of 2025. I'm 18 and I will be alone. I was wondering if anyone has any specific safety tips or things I should know about walking that camino alone as a teenager.
Click to expand...
I am way too old to give an answer other than I met a young German girl walking on her own who was escaping the pressure of waiting on exam results that would get her in to university so I guess she was about 18. Met her a couple of times in the last stages and she was quite happy and chilled out so I guess she was safe enough. She teamed up eventually with an older German woman whom I met in Santiago and she told me she had got her compostella and was happily on the way home. Hope that gives you some confidence and sorry I could not be of more help
 
Here's a recent post from a member who walked solo at age 14.


I think that it's much more common to find 18 year olds walking alone.
 
Camino Ready, Backpacks, Boots etc
3rd Edition. More content, training & pack guides avoid common mistakes, bed bugs etc
Check to see if there is a chapter of American Pilgrims near you who can help you with your planning and training.

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
 
blairurchin8 said:
I'm currently planning to walk the camino in June of 2025. I'm 18 and I will be alone. I was wondering if anyone has any specific safety tips or things I should know about walking that camino alone as a teenager.
Click to expand...
I don't think you have to worry about your personal safety. Keep all your valuables, phone and passport in a waterproof cross body bag with you at ALL times
 
Traveling alone requires a bit if street smarts at any age, and particularly if you’re just learning to navigate the world on your own. You might want to read a few articles on how to carry yourself in an unfamiliar environment aimed at college students attending big city universities for the first time, as well as articles with tips focused on personal safety in rural/remote settings. Knowledge is power and it will help you better evaluate your situation and make adjustments - such as walking with others - when you feel it’s necessary.

Many years ago in my early twenties I traveled solo in Spain without knowing any Spanish and it changed my life. This could be the start of your grand adventure. Good Luck and Buen Camino!
 
Camino wristwatch
Perfect memento/gift in a presentation box. Engraving available, 25 character max.
Enjoy the independence you will have in a relatively safe context ! Both locals and fellow peregrinos tend to look out for others - this is the hidden luxury of the camino.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

Latest Camino Photo

❓How to ask a question

How to post a new question on the Camino Forum.

Most read last week in this forum

Similar threads

Illnesses on the camino; It cools my jets. You?
Replies
30
Views
2K
dbier
D
I
Safety Apps?
Replies
14
Views
2K
TravellingMan22
T
D
Hello from another newbie
Replies
7
Views
626
bestfootforward
B
M
Walking from SJPP - Weather in May vs June?
Replies
15
Views
1K
DoughnutANZ
Afflicted
Replies
22
Views
2K
Lindsay53
Menu
Log in
Register