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.
On my first Camino back in 2016, we met a young lady who had just turned 19, from Seattle and was walking on her own. When I say we, I mean my Camino family that was forming at the time.
Her name is Rain and we first met her at one of the food trucks before Burgos (can't remember where exactly). She was in pain due to the strap on her Bra rubbing under her pack strap and she had an open wound. Everyone around had advise, of course, and we could see that she was getting visibly upset and overwhelmed, especially by one young man who was encouraging her to take her bra off. Alex, my wife, sat with her, calmed her down and basically took control of the situation. We gave her privacy, first aid and helped her to continue on her way.
A couple of days later, we met Rain again and she was limping badly. Her shoes were not suited to her and one of her big toe nails was falling off and she had some big blisters. Once again we helped her. We helped her clean up her feet, lent her some better socks and sandals just to see her through to Burgos. I carried her pack for her and we didn't leave her side until we new she was safe in Burgos for a rest day. We then took her shopping for better lightweight footwear and made sure she was all set to continue.
Further on the Camino she sent a text to Alex one evening saying that she was uneasy and was getting hassled by a guy in the Albergue and wanted help. Alex told her to speak to the Albergue manager and ask for help. As we were 20kms or so in front of her, Alex was concerned, but Poul and I were ready to walk back to her to make sure she was safe. We didn't have to as the Albergue manager solved the issues and move her to a private room.
After this, she became part of our family and finished her Camino with us. 3 years later she came to Australia to attend our wedding.
Why am I telling you this story?
It certainly isn't to make ourselves out to be heroes, we weren't and are not.
Of all the people that I have met on the Camino, Rain remains the one person who has impressed me the most. Although she may have made a few mistakes in her preparation, she approached the Camino with an open mind, confidence, strength and a willingness to ask for help when she needed it. Her lust for life and adventure at such a young age was infectious.
Although there is almost 30 years in age difference between Rain and the rest of our Camino family, and the distance that we all live apart, Rain is still one of our closest friends.
Many others have given great practical and sound advice. My advise is this, be like Rain. Be open minded, polite, strong and kick the butt out of life.
Buen Camino.