Ultimately, I believe the whole booking thing is mainly driven by 'Fear'.
A fear of missing out on scarce resources, whether true or merely perceived.
Take away that fear, and the need for booking goes away and greater freedom and fexibility results.
(OK, there are those who book for other reasons, such as it being thought of as easier)
But let me illustrate with an example, from one who much prefers to 'free wheel' on overseas trips.
Later this year we are making a trip to Europe from Australia.
Mainly for a reunion in the UK, but as we are travelling so far, we'll visit a few places on our bucket list in other countries.
We intended to not pre book very much.
We are travelling only with 40L 'carry on' travel packs (one bagging) to make jumping on and off planes and trains easier. We don't lay around on beaches, we like to keep moving.
We needed to lock in our overseas flights. Done.
We needed to lock in the Reunion Hotel. Done.
Then we looked at what our free wheeling schedule might look like.
A list of places we'd like to visit.
Hmm. That very popular Greek island?
Gets booked out fast, very expensive, better book a couple of nights now whilst there are some cheaper beds still available. Done.
As that is locked in, better book the internal European flights to and from the island. It gets busy. Done.
And so it continues. We are resisting locking in too much. We prefer the flexibility to change plans as we go. But for example, it seems that long distance rail seats in Europe get a lot more expensive the closer the travel date. So those will get locked in 2 months out.
What's driving these bookings? Fear. Pure and simple.
That we will miss out totally on something, or end up paying way more.
Is it reality, or merely my perception? No idea. I've researched extensively, days of it.
And have based my planning on what seems credible information and experience.
So I'll lock in some key flights and accomodation just in case.
In my example.
I can't risk the
exorbitant costs of those Greek Island Hotels, once the cheaper beds are gone.
I can't risk not being able to get a flight to and from that island.
It's the perceived risk and the fear of it.
Back to the Camino.
My point being.
If resources are 'thought' to be scarce, people will book.......
So I can sympathise with those planning their first Camino, and thinking that booking it all ahead, or using a Tour Company reduces or elimates those risks.
Perhaps it's only when we have experienced it, that we realise, much of that risk was just in our heads?
Maybe I'll get to that Greek Island and find loads of cheaper beds?
Sorry for the ramble.
But maybe I'm only beginning to understand why people feel the need to book or use Tour companies (part of the same thing I think).
Who really knows the impact that this new approach might bring.
(Xunta Albergues allowing booking)
Some will welcome it.
Others will fear and/or resist it.
Will it alter the Camino experience on those routes? Probably.
Regardless, change is coming I think.
www.diariodepontevedra.es
. Let alone one that didn’t have a cell phone.
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