Nerves about staying in albergues

[Casserole]

I finally leave on May 16 but I am getting a little nervous about staying in albergues with so many people in the same room. My worries are probably a little more than they need to be as I am fully vaccinated and had covid in January of this year. I know I have the option to stay in private rooms, but I don't want to break the bank or miss out on all the snoring, people waking you up at 5a, the community.

Anyone out there on the trail that can ease my mind?

Before anyone mentions it, I know its a personal decision. I am interested in hearing from people that are out there now or have recently walked.

 

[Marbe2]

Well we are just finishing up in SdC. The question is, are you prepared to extend and possibly finance your stay if you are quarantined? Others on this website have previously related their ongoing fatigue after getting omicron? What will the quality of your experience be if you get it while walking? There are currently no special distancing requirements as there were in the Fall of 2021. It is your decision……. BTW there are pilgrims very recently who have contracted Omicron while we were walking. So far all of them we heard about were staying in communal rooms…

 

[Casserole]

BTW there are pilgrims very recently who have contracted Omicron while we were walking. So far all of them we heard about were staying in communal rooms…

That is my concern. I do have travel insurance to help with some of the cost, so that part is taken care of.

I think I may just have to accept that this will be a more expensive and less communal Camino.

 

[peregrina2000]

That is my concern. I do have travel insurance to help with some of the cost, so that part is taken care of.

I haven’t looked at medical travel insurance lately, and I’m from the US so my comments are country-specific. I had a good plan last year, high medical expenses limit, evacuation and repatriation, covid coverage, etc.

A couple of things to be on the lookout for: Most plans, I believe, cover medical expenses related to covid. Maybe things have changed, but last year were only a few that covered the accommodation/meals/etc cost of a covid isolation or quarantine. With so many people contracting covid abroad now, I expect that the plans will adapt to the changed landscape.

More worrisome for me than the cost of a more or less one week confinement in Spain are the issues surrounding how I will get back to the US if I have had covid overseas. I know the CDC regs cover it, but it requires some attention to detail, particularly with regard to testing and medical reports.

 

[Casserole]

I haven’t looked at medical travel insurance lately, and I’m from the US so my comments are country-specific. I had a good plan last year, high medical expenses limit, evacuation and repatriation, covid coverage, etc.

A couple of things to be on the lookout for: Most plans, I believe, cover medical expenses related to covid. Maybe things have changed, but last year were only a few that covered the accommodation/meals/etc cost of a covid isolation or quarantine. With so many people contracting covid abroad now, I expect that the plans will adapt to the changed landscape.

More worrisome for me than the cost of a more or less one week confinement in Spain are the issues surrounding how I will get back to the US if I have had covid overseas. I know the CDC regs cover it, but it requires some attention to detail, particularly with regard to testing and medical reports.

I'm coming from the US and I have all these same concerns. As far as I can tell, most people have made it unscathed, so the odds are in my favor.

I haven't seen any actual numbers or even anyone posting that they did catch it on the Camino. My nerves are getting the best of me.

 

[Marbe2]

I'm coming from the US and I have all these same concerns. As far as I can tell, most people have made it unscathed, so the odds are in my favor.

I haven't seen any actual numbers or even anyone posting that they did catch it on the Camino. My nerves are getting the best of me.

There have been more posts of boosted people catching-omicron, now, then pre omicron. When we walked in Sept during the Delta variant and there were rarely reports of quarantines on this website as I recall.

 

[peregrina2000]

There have been more posts of boosted people catching-omicron, now, then pre omicron. When we walked in Sept during the Delta variant and there were rarely reports of quarantines on this website as I recall.

Yes, I think that’s right. In fact, I wouldn’t be surprised if the predominant covid question on the forum shifts from “how do I get into Spain” to “how do I get home from Spain if I get covid on the camino?”

 

[Marbe2]

Yes, I think that’s right. In fact, I wouldn’t be surprised if the predominant covid question on the forum shifts from “how do I get into Spain” to “how do I get home from Spain if I get covid on the camino?”

We have been so careful, but after the line inside yesterday getting our compostelas for our friends, I am concerned. But no symptoms. We will self-test in SdC before heading to MAD tomorrow for our official antigen test.

 

[Dianne B]

We traveled out of the country and got Covid in April (I canceled my Portuguese Caminho scheduled for May because of fatigue). I recommend reading the CDC guidelines ahead of time to familiarize yourself with what's required. Friends who we traveled with and who were leaving the country before us tested positive. Our symptoms were very mild and we wouldn't have gotten tested ahead of time but did and found we were positive. We thought we had bad colds. We ended up going to a doctor (we had difficulty finding an English speaking doctor in a Spanish speaking country, but did) nine days after our symptoms started. By the time we went to the doctor, we did not have symptoms (but were still testing positive). He examined us and wrote a letter of recovery from Covid so that we were able to fly on day 11 after the onset of symptoms. He also gave us our medical report as supporting documentation. Have the CDC requirements on your phone when you go to the doctor (so the doctor knows what information to include) and when you go to check-in to leave. We still had difficulty with the airline check-in folks and had to explain the CDC provisions to them. It's understandable as English isn't their first language. I don't regret traveling out of the country but understand your concerns about communal sleeping. We got ours on a small boat on the Amazon, where we were in close contact with fellow passengers for a week.

 

[Casserole]

We traveled out of the country and got Covid in April (I canceled my Portuguese Caminho scheduled for May because of fatigue). I recommend reading the CDC guidelines ahead of time to familiarize yourself with what's required. Friends who we traveled with and who were leaving the country before us tested positive. Our symptoms were very mild and we wouldn't have gotten tested ahead of time but did and found we were positive. We thought we had bad colds. We ended up going to a doctor (we had difficulty finding an English speaking doctor in a Spanish speaking country, but did) nine days after our symptoms started. By the time we went to the doctor, we did not have symptoms (but were still testing positive). He examined us and wrote a letter of recovery from Covid so that we were able to fly on day 11 after the onset of symptoms. He also gave us our medical report as supporting documentation. Have the CDC requirements on your phone when you go to the doctor (so the doctor knows what information to include) and when you go to check-in to leave. We still had difficulty with the airline check-in folks and had to explain the CDC provisions to them. It's understandable as English isn't their first language. I don't regret traveling out of the country but understand your concerns about communal sleeping. We got ours on a small boat on the Amazon, where we were in close contact with fellow passengers for a week.

Thank you for sharing your experience. I'm happy that it was mild for you!

I'll make sure to have easy access to the CDC requirements, for safe.

 

[Former member 22438]

Sometimes the safest caminho is NO caminho !
if you do not feel comfortable about all this corona hassle, stay home and do not leave it..there you might fall from the stairs and break a leg.

Here in the Netherlands we say “ if the blue sky comes down, we all wear a blue hat” …if

be prepared as mentioned in this thread by many . Have extra possiblities ready ,
( money, medicines etc etc) if- if you need to stay longer for that reason
keep distance , wear masks , no handshakes, hugs, avoid crowds. . Test if you have doubts we all have heard these arguments million times in the meantime. Can you do more ?

if you do and still then you will be infected-it is all in the air - okay ,bad luck but you have done your utmost.

bom caminho

 

[wayfarer]

If anyone is concerned about staying in albergues, and I wouldn't blame them, they should consider booking private rooms or booking hostals which are 1 to 3 star hotels and are clean and comfortable in my experience.

 

[rometimed]

I'm in Saint Jean Pied de Porte, it's flooded with people and no masks anywhere. It's also crazy hot, IMO. I'm not sure how I'm surviving let alone how covid would survive.

 

[Albertagirl]

I am walking the Podiensis this fall, where the gites are the commonest type of accommodation available, with all the common facilities of Spanish caminos. I shall try to judge the level of covid present, test myself when I feel that I need to, and maybe try to find private accommodation if I would feel safer doing so. I have just received my second booster dose, but it will be four months before I am walking the Podiensis, so my immunity may be waning. For me, the only question will be how, if I get covid, I can manage the government regulations and eventually return home to Canada. Last year, I walked the Levante from Valencia, facing many challenges but not getting covid. Afterwards, I served as a hospitalera in a donative albergue, still not getting covid. You need to listen to your own calling and evaluate your own health and choices. Buen camino, whenever you are ready to go.

 

[bhemphill]

I finally leave on May 16 but I am getting a little nervous about staying in albergues with so many people in the same room. My worries are probably a little more than they need to be as I am fully vaccinated and had covid in January of this year. I know I have the option to stay in private rooms, but I don't want to break the bank or miss out on all the snoring, people waking you up at 5a, the community.

Anyone out there on the trail that can ease my mind?

Before anyone mentions it, I know its a personal decision. I am interested in hearing from people that are out there now or have recently walked.

I have similar reservations. I am planning my Camino for May, 2023. I would love to hear of your experiences.

 

[makingtrax]

I finally leave on May 16 but I am getting a little nervous about staying in albergues with so many people in the same room. My worries are probably a little more than they need to be as I am fully vaccinated and had covid in January of this year. I know I have the option to stay in private rooms, but I don't want to break the bank or miss out on all the snoring, people waking you up at 5a, the community.

Anyone out there on the trail that can ease my mind?

Before anyone mentions it, I know its a personal decision. I am interested in hearing from people that are out there now or have recently walked.

I have just walked Lisbon to Porto and felt safe in all the Albergues I slept. Only elderly and pharmacists and on public transport are u reminded that covid is still present. Walk relax and enjoy. Just stay careful. Dont stress. Bon camino

 

[Barbara]

Camino is optional. Staying in dorms is optional. Your choice. Unless there is a very compelling reason to go this year you can wait. If you feel you must go now, then take reasonable precautions and be prepared to accept delay.

 

[Adelina]

Two people zoomed by us a few days ago on the coastal. We assumed they were far ahead of us when we ran into one a couple of days later. Friend had caught Covid, tired and quarantined, unsure of what would happen next. Friend accompanying did not contract Covid. We hope they are well

 

[Charles Ross]

We are in Foncebadon. It’s difficult to imagine that communal sleeping at the Albergues is not a breeding ground for Covid but . . . We have not heard of a single report of same since SJPDP.
We are double vaxed, double boosted 71 and 75 y. O. respectively. Guaranteed: you will come uncomfortably close to hundreds of people inside during a full walk.
Galicia offers Covid insurance/repatriation to all starting the first night you stay in an approved albergue located in the province.
Maybe buddy up with individuals you meet and get a double room when that works. Lowers risk somewhat.
We have a chase cc that offers 50k in health coverage when traveling. Check it out with your card.
Should you go on this pilgrimage? Yes, you should! And do what you can to mitigate the risk.
Hope this helps. Charley

 

[Peter Fransiscus]

We have been so careful, but after the line inside yesterday getting our compostelas for our friends, I am concerned. But no symptoms. We will self-test in SdC before heading to MAD tomorrow for our official antigen test.

You have your mask on in the Pilgrim Office.
And when people are afraid don't come to Spain.

 

[Former member 22438]

You have your mask on in the Pilgrim Office.
And when people are afraid don't come to Spain.

And keep 1,50 meters distance and wash your hands all the time .
don’t bow over to the volunteer if you think she or he is spelling your name in the wrong way. We write your name in latin at the Compostela certificate so if your name is Maria or John, we write it down as Mariam or Ioannum .
Many pilgrims complained while I was writing and moving into my direction” Hey volunteer, you write my name in the wrong way, mate
Thank you I replied. And explained how it works in latin. At night I tested myself with a antigen test. By the way there is a perspex window in between but nevertheless keep distance please .I arrived safely home in the Netherland without covid.

 

[Moniq]

I finally leave on May 16 but I am getting a little nervous about staying in albergues with so many people in the same room. My worries are probably a little more than they need to be as I am fully vaccinated and had covid in January of this year. I know I have the option to stay in private rooms, but I don't want to break the bank or miss out on all the snoring, people waking you up at 5a, the community.

Anyone out there on the trail that can ease my mind?

Before anyone mentions it, I know its a personal decision. I am interested in hearing from people that are out there now or have recently walked.

I finished Coastal and SdC/Finisterre/Muxia/SdC in April, finished Central last week and tested positive for Corona last Friday. I am still in Portugal and in quarantine in Porto. For me not a problem as I already planned to stay another three weeks. Another member of my Camino family also tested positive. Both fully vaccinated. We slept in albergues, mainly municipale. But I also hugged quite a lot of people when we reached SdC. I am not very ill. But yes it happens: people do get COVID on the way.

 

[Former member 22438]

I finished Coastal and SdC/Finisterre/Muxia/SdC in April, finished Central last week and tested positive for Corona last Friday. I am still in Portugal and in quarantine in Porto. For me not a problem as I already planned to stay another three weeks. Another member of my Camino family also tested positive. Both fully vaccinated. We slept in albergues, mainly municipale. But I also hugged quite a lot of people when we reached SdC. I am not very ill. But yes it happens: people do get COVID on the way.

Don’t hug, kiss , embrace etc Don’t spread the (covid) news

 

[Moniq]

Don’t hug, kiss , embrace etc Don’t spread the (covid) news

You are right! I should have know better!!

 

[Former member 95219]

You have largely taken care of the medical side by being fully vaxxed, and you have taken care of the financial side with Insurance so as far as I am concerned you have done all you can! From your profile you look young and I am guessing in good shape! Your risk profile is a lot different to many others and cannot possibly be compared to someone with existing conditions and elderly! Same as other illnesses right! Yes you can still catch it, or something else, but your chances of anything really grim are tiny! But I think you know that. ! I guess my question is how you deal with mental side. That seems the issue here. As a number of folks have said people are moving forward with their lives, whilst obeying the rules, but not wearing masks, they are socialising, embracing, so how will you feel about this? Why not do a few days and see how you feel!? If you can’t be close, talk to people, embrace, shake hands, share a table, and most other people can, how will you feel? Or if you see most other people doing those things will you relax?, feel more comfortable, etc!

 

[Former member 95219]

I

I haven’t looked at medical travel insurance lately, and I’m from the US so my comments are country-specific. I had a good plan last year, high medical expenses limit, evacuation and repatriation, covid coverage, etc.

A couple of things to be on the lookout for: Most plans, I believe, cover medical expenses related to covid. Maybe things have changed, but last year were only a few that covered the accommodation/meals/etc cost of a covid isolation or quarantine. With so many people contracting covid abroad now, I expect that the plans will adapt to the changed landscape.

More worrisome for me than the cost of a more or less one week confinement in Spain are the issues surrounding how I will get back to the US if I have had covid overseas. I know the CDC regs cover it, but it requires some attention to detail, particularly with regard to testing and medical reports.

I speak from a UK standpoint but reckon from a general standpoint, US will be same. Most countries in South America require proof of covid insurance as a condition of entry and they are very strict! US folks are big travellers to this region so cannot believe they are different. In the UK many insurers just had a general policy wording ew re covid but that wasn’t good enough so customers can now request revised wording to specifically include covid on their personal certificate. I did this last week.

 

[giorgio]

We're just back from 18 days on the Camino Frances we walked using private accomodations all the time . Last day in Astorga we were coughfing and feeling fatigued. A test a taken as soon as we returned confirmed we were postive (we're vaccinated and boosted).
Possibly the spread of Covid was helped by a very cold week we experienced on the Camino,with snow at San Juan de Ortega and night temps close to zero for a few days. Must say however that anti-covid measures on the Camino seem at best quite relaxed, nobody is wearing a mask in albergues and seats at the tables don't certainly maintain social distancing. At the airport face mask are not required . Be careful !

 

[Marbe2]

You have your mask on in the Pilgrim Office.
And when people are afraid don't come to Spain.

We have been so careful, but after the line inside yesterday getting our compostelas for our friends, I am concerned. But no symptoms. We will self-test in SdC before heading to MAD tomorrow for our official antigen test.

You have your mask on in the Pilgrim Office.
And when people are afraid don't come to Spain.

Your comment #20 misrepresents and misinterprets what I wrote! Being “concerned” , and being “afraid” are not exactly the same, though some may choose to lump them together.

I wonder too, how constructive it is, for potential pilgrims, who actually may be fearful of some potential situations on the Camino, but are voicing them, trying to work through their anxieties about traveling, to be told, in what could be seen as black and white thinking, to just stay home!

Most informed persons from abroad planning a trip to do the camino should have at least have some concerns, or maybe, even fears regarding traveling abroad with Omicron being reported along the route. I applaud their honesty and willingness to be vulnerable and think they deserve as thorough an exploration of their questions, concerns and fears as we can provide.

 

[Marbe2]

We're just back from 18 days on the Camino Frances we walked using private accomodations all the time . Last day in Astorga we were coughfing and feeling fatigued. A test a taken as soon as we returned confirmed we were postive (we're vaccinated and boosted).
Possibly the spread of Covid was helped by a very cold week we experienced on the Camino,with snow at San Juan de Ortega and night temps close to zero for a few days. Must say however that anti-covid measures on the Camino seem at best quite relaxed, nobody is wearing a mask in albergues and seats at the tables don't certainly maintain social distancing. At the airport face mask are not required . Be careful !

How are you doing now?

Thank you for letting us know. It is helpful to all that we get as clear a picture of the transmission of Omicron along the various roots and hope others will do so as well.

Get well!

 

[Former member 95219]

A

How are you doing now?

Thank you for letting us know. It is helpful to all that we get as clear a picture of the transmission of Omicron along the various roots and hope others will do so as well.

Get well!

Agreed.. I would be interested in how being around people, many whom are probably practicing different behaviours has made you feel? More tense, more relaxed, regretful you went, glad you went, etc?

 

[Albertagirl]

Having read this thread, I find myself more inclined to take as many precautions as I can to avoid getting covid, including private accommodations, the continuous use of a mask, except when eating, keeping my distance from anyone who is coughing, etc. I live alone and have followed these precautions for more than two years. I cannot see any reason to cease to do so when travelling. On the contrary. I also am inclined to walk less busy routes, and shall adjust my travel plans as best I can, to do so.

 

[giorgio]

How are you doing now?

Thank you for letting us know. It is helpful to all that we get as clear a picture of the transmission of Omicron along the various roots and hope others will do so as well.

Get well!

Getting better, no cough,no temp but still a bit fatigued. Thinking about the Camino ,would say spending days or weeks in public places is probably a bit of a risk...even using private accomodations am not sure it's enough to keepe the bug away. Only in one expensive b&b we were keppt out of the place to allow proper treatment between one guest and the next one and it was the only one place where the personnel kept face mask on all the time. Maybe i am overreacting to the situation but who knows ? How many pilgrims are actually positive on the Camino without knowing ?

 

[Former member 95219]

Having read this thread, I find myself more inclined to take as many precautions as I can to avoid getting covid, including private accommodations, the continuous use of a mask, except when eating, keeping my distance from anyone who is coughing, etc. I live alone and have followed these precautions for more than two years. I cannot see any reason to cease to do so when travelling. On the contrary. I also am inclined to walk less busy routes, and shall adjust my travel plans as best I can, to do so.

I think everyone just needs to do whatever that feel comfortable with based on their thoughts of the risk to them. The rules are clearly stated and easy to follow and some folks may wish to adopt greater levels of caution and that’s fine! We do that with pretty every health issue. Whatever you feel comfortable with! For me it’s largely over (but that’s irrelevant I will still obey the rules of any given country) but appreciate others will feel differently!

 

[Former member 95219]

Getting better, no cough,no temp but still a bit fatigued. Thinking about the Camino ,would say spending days or weeks in public places is probably a bit of a risk...even using private accomodations am not sure it's enough to keepe the bug away. Only in one expensive b&b we were keppt out of the place to allow proper treatment between one guest and the next one and it was the only one place where the personnel kept face mask on all the time. Maybe i am overreacting to the situation but who knows ? How many pilgrims are actually positive on the Camino without knowing ?

I would have thought that most people who are positive won’t know! How would they, unless they had a nasty strain?

 

[Former member 92300]

I haven't seen any actual numbers or even anyone posting that they did catch it on the Camino. My nerves are getting the best of me.

Well, people ARE getting COVID on the Camino - but I am guessing the numbers are similar to community percent positivity rates. But there have been a few people on this forum report their illness to us in recent weeks. Getting COVID from staying in albergues is a definite risk, but being fully vaccinated and having had COVID - your risk level is lower than those not fully vaccinated. If you can - get boosted as well before going to Spain. Right now though, I am guessing your likelihood of getting sick from a cold, flu, or other illness is more likely than COVID - since right now COVID spread is fairly low. If you are concerned - definitely practice more social distancing, wear a mask, and consider private rooms and/or postponing your trip. I did travel in June/July 2021 - but albergues were at half capacity and almost everyone was fully vaccinated in order to be permitted into Spain. Now there is more of a mix of vaccinated/unvaccinated - although depending on where you are coming from vaccine requirements may still be in place. I am leaving in 7 days for my Camino. I am fully vaccinated, double boosted, and had COVID in January or February. I am less worried about COVID - but more worried about all the other crud being passed around because "sick" individuals continue to stay in albergues.

 

[Casserole]

Thank you everyone for your replies.

I decided to book private rooms so that I could actually enjoy without feeling anxious.

Eating outdoors whenever I can and keeping up the social distancing. Honestly, if it continues like this I am safer from it than I am at home!

For those that are heading over soon, they did check my vaccination card when I got to Porto. They also REQUIRED masks on the plane from Amsterdam to Portugal.

 

[Former member 92300]

Thank you everyone for your replies.

I decided to book private rooms so that I could actually enjoy without feeling anxious.

Eating outdoors whenever I can and keeping up the social distancing. Honestly, if it continues like this I am safer from it than I am at home!

For those that are heading over soon, they did check my vaccination card when I got to Porto. They also REQUIRED masks on the plane from Amsterdam to Portugal.

Enjoy your Camino!

 

[Former member 95219]

Thank you everyone for your replies.

I decided to book private rooms so that I could actually enjoy without feeling anxious.

Eating outdoors whenever I can and keeping up the social distancing. Honestly, if it continues like this I am safer from it than I am at home!

For those that are heading over soon, they did check my vaccination card when I got to Porto. They also REQUIRED masks on the plane from Amsterdam to Portugal.

Well done for facing it down and finding a way forward! Enjoy!

 

[trecile]

Yes, obey the rules. Masks are still required in some settings in Spain, and places like the cathedral in Santiago and the Pilgrims Office can set their own rules, so if you want/need to visit these places you better have a mask.

Here's a link to current rules.

Spanish Tourism | Tourist information on Spain | spain.info

Tourist information about Spain: art, culture, museums, monuments, beaches, cities, fiestas, routes, cuisine, natural spaces in Spain | spain.info

travelsafe.spain.info

I think that the OP's concerns have been addressed, so this thread will be closed.