Last minute advice for solo traveler

[Ike15]

Hi,

I’m an 18-year-old leaving for the Camino Frances in a few days. I’m doing it solo with quite a small spanish vocabulary and those are the two things that I’m a bit nervous about. Any last minute advice?

 

[Bradypus]

You will walking in June. You will not be solo for long unless you really work at it! A lot of people out there. On the Camino Frances before Sarria English is probably the most widely spoken language amongst pilgrims - even those for whom it is a second or third language. After Sarria the proportion of Spanish speakers increases markedly but English is still widely spoken. It is a good idea to work on your Spanish anyway at least for simple greetings and courtesies, basic questions and requests. Always polite to address someone first in Spanish rather than assuming they will understand and speak English.

 

[Ike15]

Thank you for the reply. It eased my nerves a bit. I’ll definitely keep learning and practising basic words etc in spanish

 

[Jarrad]

Drink before you get thirsty. Learn how to say please and thank you in Spanish. Call your parents often.

Buen Camino!

 

[CWBuff]

Hello & Welcome
3 words for limited Spanish - Tapas, Orujo & Vino (yu can add Roja Blanco or Verde here for a bit of variety but only as an advance tool to further your Spanish). You can also liberally refer to above post by @Jarrad namely Drink BEFORE you get thirsty!
Some words for nervousness - Don't Worry, Be Happy & Hakuna Matata! You can also reference the other part of the same post and combine for better effect (i.e. Please, Dont worry Be happy and\or Hakuna Matata - THANK YOU!)
re Calling your parents - BLAH! Parents are overrated! I know. My kids never call me and they live perhaps 2-3km from me (*which in US is a joke distance-wise) Yes I did call my Mom while of Camino but only because she had this notion that I am walking in Gobi Desert with no water and provisions once-so-ever (little did she know about 3 Magical Limited Spanish Words!)

OK... so now hopefully you're laughing or smiling at least. Seriously as been said above and on so many other posts - you are not 'alone'. (else you would be very happy because there would be no bed race so many talk about, right?) Many folks are doing the same and you will meet many wonderful people! Some of us made friends for life on Camino no matter where we came from. Be smart, be aware of your surroundings, do take care of yourself in every single aspect, don't "rush" - learn to walk to enjoy yourself, breathe in the sites, the nature, the "essence" of Camino, take breaks... remember that there is always a Plan B (or even a C, D and so on) and do not let someone tell you that YOU MUST (unless it is life-threatening, then you MUST!). If you are capable of thinking for yourself - you will absolutely have no problems; it's all a matter of simply adjusting to a different world (and a different world it is - imagine that all you have to do on any given day is to wake up, walk, eat, get "there", take a shower (optional, but highly recommended) and go to sleep... and nothing else matters )

So... go and enjoy your Camino! Ultreia! Onnea! Buen Camino!

 

[Lindsay53]

Feeling nervous is normal Isla. Once you start walking it will be replaced by excitement and satisfaction. The above posters advice is good and you will have nothing to worry about. Buen Camino!

 

[TravellingMan22]

Hi,

I’m an 18-year-old leaving for the Camino Frances in a few days. I’m doing it solo with quite a small spanish vocabulary and those are the two things that I’m a bit nervous about. Any last minute advice?

As stated, it’s no real issue and English is widely spoken. It’s a million miles away from turning up in some remote place where absolutely no-one speaks English!

 

[Ike15]

Thank you to everyone for the great advice/encouragement. You guys are the best

 

[kateonthecamino]

I don't have camino specific advice, as I will be setting off for the first time next week, but I have been 18 (albeit quite a while ago), so:

It will be OK.
At some point something will go wrong, but as long as you don't take silly risks it will all turn out OK and will be a funny story you tell for years. Don't panic!
You are brave for setting out on this adventure by yourself, and will learn so much and have an incredible time! Trust in yourself (but don't be afraid to ask for help)
It won't all be fun, but that's part of it.
Try to be open, that way you'll get the most out of the experience.
Wear sunscreen!

Good luck, have an amazing time!

 

[markie6]

politeness and a smile will work wonders, the basic phrases in Spanish ..hello, thankyou ,good day etc will be all you need before the person you talk to replies in English

as others have said, chances of feeling lonely are slim unless it's what you want. I have always set off on my own and have often picked up stragglers and met like minded people, also on their own

 

[Precentrix]

Most of this is general 'walking' advice:

Water, water, water. If you're using a water 'bladder' then I'd suggest also having a bottle with you, which is easier to refill, and saving the bladder water for when the bottle runs out. Most of the fountain water is 'potable' - drinkable (honestly I think even the ones that aren't labelled are usually regular tap water but I'm not going to suggest anyone drinks from unlabelled fountains and do it at my own risk - this isn't Rome).

Don't pack too much stuff. DO wear suncream (or cover up), and DO bring a raincoat, pack-a-mac or at least a rain poncho, even for summer. It can rain on the mountain sections. Consider getting a dry bag for your rucksack - mine lives permanently inside it - or even a regular ziplock. The worst thing ever is when you've been soaked to find that your 'dry' clothes are... also wet.

If you want to use a toilet in a cafe, which you will do if you drink enough, it's customary to buy something small or even just give them a couple of euros for the privilege.

Check ahead in your guidebook for stretches where it may be hard to buy food or drinks. Note that you might find it hard to buy things during siesta, or on Sundays, so stock up the day before. Take all your rubbish with you until you find a bin. Conversely, don't panic if you forget something - most of the towns and certainly the main cities en route will have shops where you can buy things.

And you can get by in English, but your little bit of Spanish will be appreciated by the locals even if it's just a good morning, please, thank you. You won't be walking alone unless you want to - even if you start extra early in the morning.

 

[simeon]

Plenty of English speakers as others have said on the Frances. In addition to having simple greetings, knowing what your favourite drink / breakfast words are and a big cheerful smile with hand gestures go a long way! Making effort no, matter how bad is respectful. You will be fine. I would only revert to technology when face to face after other methods have failed, Google translate. Translation in what's app and the WhatsApp message tool in wise pilgrim are a game changers. While you might want not to be in contact with home all the time sharing a photo or two of pictures with other people in them will keep the parents anxiety down.

 

[lt56ny]

Most of the fountain water is 'potable' - drinkable (honestly I think even the ones that aren't labelled are usually regular tap water but I'm not going to suggest anyone drinks from unlabelled fountains and do it at my own risk - this isn't Rome).

I have walked many caminos and I strongly recommend that you do not drink from fuentes unless they are marked potable. I have met (and heard second hand by friends of pilgrims I have not met) more than a few people who have gotten really, really sick from drinking from fountains that are unmarked. Most have gotten really ill and were laid up for a few days and still longer to completely regain their strength. Please don't take the chance. As you mentioned there are plenty of places to get water on the Camino Frances and it was good advice to check ahead to see if you have to go a long distance without services. I do believe the longest distance between towns is 17k.

 

[Peterexpatkiwi]

Hi,

I’m an 18-year-old leaving for the Camino Frances in a few days. I’m doing it solo with quite a small spanish vocabulary and those are the two things that I’m a bit nervous about. Any last minute advice?

Travelling solo is fantastic, it always gives you the opportunity to join with others. It's easy to move on should you wish to do so, because you don't need to consider anybody else's needs or feelings. There's often place for one more at a table. You never run the risk of people liking you, but not your partner. People are far more likely to invite somebody on their own to join them. The chances of getting a bed when things are practically full is much higher. The list goes on!

Youth has its benefits too. Aside from the obvious physical ones (not the least of which is quicker recovery time).
You can make mistakes (and get away with them) that would be frowned upon if a more seasoned traveler made them. Experienced pilgrims are more than happy to share their experience with you, or even 'take you under their wing' as it were (yes I know that can be annoying too ). If you decide to party one night, there's nearly always going to be somebody else to join you. And this may surprise you, but often some of the closest bonds are formed between the young and the old. Kind of like having a favourite great aunt or grandparent, but one who actually 'gets it', because they're there on camino with you.

As to language skills? You've already cracked it, you're going to make an effort - and that's all most people ever want.

The only language tip I would give you is remember to always greet somebody before asking for something! As I understand it, it's considered rude to ask to use the toilet etc if you don't very simply say "Hola, Buenas Dias' first.

Buen Camino

 

[DianneSm]

First let me say I applaud you for taking on this adventure. I have no doubt it will be a trip of a lifetime and you will look back on it and treasure it for the rest of your life.

My main advice is to listen to your body! Some young people act as if they are invincible on the Camino (not you, of course). They walk at a much faster pace or a much father distance then their feet or body says they should in order to keep up with their newfound friends, but then they get blisters/shin splints/muscle pulls, etc. Listen to your feet especially. Stop every 5kg or so to take a rest, take off your shoes and socks, let your feet air out and sometimes change your socks to new ones (if its very hot and they get sweaty). You will see people doing this all the time. It's quite normal for everyone at an outdoor cafe to be comparing 'war wounds' and talking about our feet lol. Stop right away if you get even the slightest hot spot or uncomfortableness on your feet. Put mole skin/lueko tape on your hot spots right away when you notice them and some type of Vaseline or foot glide everywhere else.

I wish you the very best Camino! Let us know how you're doing.

 

[JBerg]

use google translate. you can hold up the phone soo they can read it if you're in a pinch but making the effort to speak a little shows respect for the country you're in. i just came back as a solo traveler and it was life changing. enjoy.

 

[CWBuff]

Some young people act as if they are invincible on the Camino

What? Really? Only on Camino?!

 

[joramos]

Doing the Camino Frances solo is an amazing experience. Experience that you will treasure and cherish the rest of your life. Note however, first and foremost, Santiago de Compostela and Saint James, are not moving or going anywhere. They will be there for your 2nd, 3rd, nth camino. Enjoy your camino, meet people from all over the world (Christian, non-Christian, et. al.), and Spain offers more than the Caminos. Where ever you are, if there is a place where you can get water, get water; or food; if there's a place to rest, rest; if there is a bathroom, use the bathroom (Repsol gas stations have bathrooms akin to other countries and they welcome pilgrims). When you see another pilgrim, look up to him/her, and share with them, "Buen Camino!"

I will share my experiences with Spaniards (farm workers, camino workers, etc). I stopped walking and say, "Ola, and que tal?" (Hello, how are things? or buenos dias, que tal?(Good morning and what's up?), and to camino workers (those who clears and clean The Way), I tell them, "Muchas gracias por limpiar nuestro camino!" (Thank you for cleaning our camino). Certainly, they are very happy a pilgrim is speaking to them in Spanish. Then they started speaking at 100 kph and I did not understand a single word. I just smiled and nodded, said "Si, si, bien, muy bien" (Yes, yes, good, very good) then as I was walking away, I said, "buen dia, gracias" (have a good day, thank you). She/he was happy. I was happy.

Oh yes, Spaniards use Google translate "conversation" mode. She/he speaks, you speak; English-Spanish!

Buen Camino

 

[TinaB]

Hi,

I’m an 18-year-old leaving for the Camino Frances in a few days. I’m doing it solo with quite a small spanish vocabulary and those are the two things that I’m a bit nervous about. Any last minute advice?

Sign language often works. Google translate in an emergency! Buen Camino and ENJOY!

 

[Quahaug]

I’m 79 and have traveled extensively including walking a section of the Camino last year. Overall it’s always good to be able to speak a little of local language, at least the common questions and courtesies. Lacking that you should at least be able to say the three things that you must be able to say in any language: “a beer, please,” “where is the bathroom” and “ I love you”. That should be all you need.

 

[hikentravel1234]

Hi,

I’m an 18-year-old leaving for the Camino Frances in a few days. I’m doing it solo with quite a small spanish vocabulary and those are the two things that I’m a bit nervous about. Any last minute advice?

Download google translate--a free App. I used it about 12-15 times on my Porto to Santiago Camino this April.

 

[Walkingat70]

Hi,

I’m an 18-year-old leaving for the Camino Frances in a few days. I’m doing it solo with quite a small spanish vocabulary and those are the two things that I’m a bit nervous about. Any last minute advice?

The Camino is a fantastic experience. Most people start solo but come away with friends.

Remember a few words or phrases:
Gracias - thank you
Disculpe - excuse me
Donde esta banyo - where is the bathroom
This works also for the Camino - donde esta Camino
Throw in a por favor ( please) in to every thing.


Live the experience. You are only 18 once and so is your first Camino. I am jealous.

Michael ( on my third Camino next year)

 

[Walkingat70]

The Camino is a fantastic experience. Most people start solo but come away with friends.

Remember a few words or phrases:
Gracias - thank you
Disculpe - excuse me
Donde esta banyo - where is the bathroom
This works also for the Camino - donde esta Camino
Throw in a por favor ( please) in to every thing.


Live the experience. You are only 18 once and so is your first Camino. I am jealous.

Michael ( on my third Camino next year)

 

[joramos]

Spain (and Europe) uses Whatsapp phone/messaging system. From what I heard phone numbers that start with "6" is a Whatsapp number. If you see a taxi phone number on walls, sign posts, bars, albergues, etc. take note of it just in case. For other safety purposes, particularly emergencies, download and activate "AlertCops." It's Spain's emergency app, aside from 112, akin to 911. Ultreia.

 

[Goyo]

And, of course, buenos días, buenas tardes y buenas noches. With a smile, por supuesto. Buen Camino to you!

 

[simeon]

Spain (and Europe) uses Whatsapp phone/messaging system. From what I heard phone numbers that start with "6" is a Whatsapp number. If you see a taxi phone number on walls, sign posts, bars, albergues, etc. take note of it just in case. For other safety purposes, particularly emergencies, download and activate "AlertCops." It's Spain's emergency app, aside from 112, akin to 911. Ultreia.

For taxis using WhatsApp you can also use google maps to share your location and destination.

 

[TinaB]

Sign language often works. Google translate in an emergency! Buen Camino and ENJOY!

 

[Peterexpatkiwi]

For taxis using WhatsApp you can also use google maps to share your location and destination.

Actually it's even simpler than that, you just go 'share my location' in WhatsApp.
(Open a chat to the taxi, click on the plus button bottom left, click on location, choose how long for, click share live location.) It takes more time to read what I've just written than it does to do it!

 

[Peterexpatkiwi]

For other safety purposes, particularly emergencies, download and activate "AlertCops." It's Spain's emergency app, aside from 112, akin to 911. Ultreia.

Excellent point, how on Earth did none of the rest of us think of this. It's one of the first things I normally advise people to do!

@Isla15 , Program 112 into your phone labelled 'Police/ Fire/ Ambulance' . Then should you ever need to use it, it will be super easy to find!

Alert cops is an excellent app, they speak English, you can send them photos, report any type of crime, even request assistance - it's not just for emergencies.

‎AlertCops 5.0

‎AlertCops is the citizen security alert service that the Spanish Law Enforcement Authorities (Policia and Guardía Civil) provide to assist you in risk situations. AlertCops is a complementary channel. You can send alerts with images or videos to the nearest emergency center, chat directly...

apps.apple.com

 

[MethaV]

Hi,

I’m an 18-year-old leaving for the Camino Frances in a few days. I’m doing it solo with quite a small spanish vocabulary and those are the two things that I’m a bit nervous about. Any last minute advice?

The Camino will be rather crowded so you can always find someone who speaks bott English and Spanish. And walking alone shouldn't be a problem, you will quickly find your "Pilgrim Family".
Pilgrims help eachother.
Buen Camino
Maggi

 

[OK20090]

Hi,

I’m an 18-year-old leaving for the Camino Frances in a few days. I’m doing it solo with quite a small spanish vocabulary and those are the two things that I’m a bit nervous about. Any last minute advice?

I just completed the Camino Frances and it was my first Camino. I’m from Canada and have limited Spanish. My first advice-get a SIM card for your phone. I used Masmovil - coverage was outstanding in France and Spain. It cost 10.99 euros a month for 50 GB data and 400 international calling minutes to keep in touch with family. No contract. That way maps are live so you always know if you are on track and how far away from services you are. It’s useful in larger towns/cities like Pamplona, Burgos, Leon to find your way around etc. I used “What’s ap” to call Alberges directly or text them using google translate. That worked really well. My second advice - take a deep breath, let go of expectations, and go for it. Soak it all in. It won’t be like home - some of it will be amazing and fun, and some of it will challenge you physically, mentally, and emotionally. If you are open to learning, the experience will teach you things you didn’t know you needed to learn. Have fun.

 

[Goyo]

Spain (and Europe) uses Whatsapp phone/messaging system. From what I heard phone numbers that start with "6" is a Whatsapp number. If you see a taxi phone number on walls, sign posts, bars, albergues, etc. take note of it just in case. For other safety purposes, particularly emergencies, download and activate "AlertCops." It's Spain's emergency app, aside from 112, akin to 911. Ultreia.

joramos, in reference to the “AlertCops” app, 5 out of 5 people who reviewed it on the app store complained of not being able to receive a verification/validation code to their US fone numbers. Does it require a Spanish fone #/SIM card/eSIM like airalo, Holafly, Masmovil, etc. to work? Thanks.

 

[joramos]

joramos, in reference to the “AlertCops” app, 5 out of 5 people who reviewed it on the app store complained of not being able to receive a verification/validation code to their US fone numbers. Does it require a Spanish fone #/SIM card/eSIM like airalo, Holafly, Masmovil, etc. to work? Thanks.

I had the same exact problem activating/receiving AlertCops verification code in the US. It frustrated me. However, when I was in Spain to do the Frances in 2023 somehow it worked, without getting a Spanish SIM card. I cannot really tell you what caused the hang-up, but that's happened to me. Interestingly, since I got AlertCops to work, in Spain, I receive regular reminders regarding personal and data security from AlertCops while I am still in the US! So go figure. Buen Camino pilgrim.

 

[Peterexpatkiwi]

joramos, in reference to the “AlertCops” app, 5 out of 5 people who reviewed it on the app store complained of not being able to receive a verification/validation code to their US fone numbers. Does it require a Spanish fone #/SIM card/eSIM like airalo, Holafly, Masmovil, etc. to work? Thanks.

This has come up on numerous occasions before in the forum, and is specific to you folks from the USA - try this:

https://www.caminodesantiago.me/community/threads/alert-cops-sms-challenge.81231/post-1173139

 

[Goyo]

I had the same exact problem activating/receiving AlertCops verification code in the US. It frustrated me. However, when I was in Spain to do the Frances in 2023 somehow it worked, without getting a Spanish SIM card. I cannot really tell you what caused the hang-up, but that's happened to me. Interestingly, since I got AlertCops to work, in Spain, I receive regular reminders regarding personal and data security from, while I am still in the US! So go figure. Buen Camino pilgrim

This has come up on numerous occasions before in the forum, and is specific to you folks from the USA - try this:

https://www.caminodesantiago.me/community/threads/alert-cops-sms-challenge.81231/post-1173139

Thanks very much for the assist to the post by, none other than, trecile!

 

[Goyo]

Thank you joramos! Gotta love the quirks of modern tech I see you also “liked” the post by trecile back in April ‘23.

 

[Joynz]

Nothing much to add. After the first few days, you’ll figure out how things work and that it’s all pretty easy.

Except don’t worry too much about ‘drinking before you’re thirsty’! The body has an amazing tool to ensure that you drink enough - called ‘thirst’. It’s been refined over thousands of years and it works very well.

Unless you have an illness that affects your ability to feel thirst - or are elderly - then relying on your natural thirst will be all you need.

Just make sure you have enough water with you so that when you are thirsty, you can have a drink.

 

[Liica]

Hi,

I’m an 18-year-old leaving for the Camino Frances in a few days. I’m doing it solo with quite a small spanish vocabulary and those are the two things that I’m a bit nervous about. Any last minute advice?

You'll definitely not be alone. Good choice!

 

[wswt]

Hi,

I’m an 18-year-old leaving for the Camino Frances in a few days. I’m doing it solo with quite a small spanish vocabulary and those are the two things that I’m a bit nervous about. Any last minute advice?

Relax. Many people speak English. Often google translate is used. Make sure you've anyway google maps, whatsapp and a camino app. And never overdo it. I saw some of the strong and fast walkers dropping out of camino because of injury, blisters, broken bone(from overdoing).
Better just 10-20km a day and arriving than rushing 30-40km a day and breaking down after a few days.
burn camino. Enjoy it

 

[krystianw]

I'm not seeing anyone mention this by name yet, so let me introduce the concept of a "camino family":

What is a Camino Family? Camino de Santiago

I reflected in a previous story, that the Camino is a place where magic happens, something I have not experienced anywhere else, there is strange ‘need' ...

www.caminoadventures.com

You won't *really* be alone, Ilsa. So that part you definitely don't need to worry about.

 

[trecile]

Except don’t worry too much about ‘drinking before you’re thirsty’! The body has an amazing tool to ensure that you drink enough - called ‘thirst’. It’s been refined over thousands of years and it works very well.

I agree. Some people advocate what they call "cameling" - drinking a liter of water before starting out, but that's not really how human bodies work. You'll just need to expel the water that your body can't use.

I'm not seeing anyone mention this by name yet, so let me introduce the concept of a "camino family":

While many pilgrims enjoy being part of a "Camino family," not everyone wants to be part of one, and it's certainly not a requirement to enjoy your Camino.