These are travel hacks I typically bring. What are some of your travel hacks? I'm targeting the beginning of Fall.

[Officer]

The first step is to take inventory of your belongings. You may already have some of these items at home.

Remember these helpful tips to avoid common pains.
Waterproof:

1. Waterproof Shoes,
2. Waterproof Socks,
3. Waterproof Pants,
4. Waterproof Jacket with a hood.
5. Fiver finger socks are to be worn underneath waterproof socks. The five-finger socks prevent blisters, skin redness, and sore toes. If you want to wear a cape or poncho, the only advantage would be ventilation. But this is personal. It's up to each individual.
6. Warm sleeping bag compact - lightweight.
7. 30L Waterproof Dry Bag Backpack - lightweight.
8. Waterproof Fanny Pack - to keep your documents.
9. Waterproof Travel Shoe Bags with Zipper for Packing.
10. Use Airtag/Smartag your belongs. E.g. Passport wallet with a smart key tag.
11. Absorbent-Quick Dry Microfiber Towel Ultra Compact—It dries quickly and is compact, making it great for traveling, the gym, yoga, etc.
12. Compressed Towel Tablets - these compressed towels replace Toilet Paper.

Dry Skin- condition

1. Sleep Eye Mask for Men/Women, zero eye pressure. 100% Light Blocking.
2. USB Electric Eye Heating Pad with Temperature Timer Control for Sleep - for eye inflammation.
3. Ponaris Nasal emolient - for dry nose.
4. Aquaphor/Niveal y for body and lips.

(optional) Water purification tablets - for occasional use.

Keep Camino Clean - Educational Tips - To remind me:

1. Pick up trash
2. Clean up after yourself
3. Leave a Bag, Take a Bag: Carry an extra bag to collect litter as I walk and dispose of it at designated locations.

These are the travel hacks that I always bring with me when I'm on the go. What are some of your favorite travel hacks?

 

[C clearly]

I only bring about 2 of your waterproof listing, although I bring most of them in non-waterproof versions. I bring none of the dry-skin treatments nor the water purification tablets.

Do you really plan to bring Waterproof Travel Shoe Bags with Zipper for Packing, on the camino? My travel hack for that is to use the plastic bags that I bring my veggies home from the store in. The bags are waterproof, super lightweight and see-through, so I can quickly identify which pair of shoes is inside (not that I have any more than one pair in my pack).

 

[CWBuff]

I'm sorry perhaps my perception of the phrase "travel hacks" is somehow different but IMHO a travel hack is how to score a Business Class plane ticket for the price of Basic Economy or how to get into one of the clubs for free ... not a list of 90% waterproof items...

USB Electric Eye Heating Pad with Temperature Timer Control for Sleep - for eye inflammation

I gave my superstitions so...no... I am not bringing a heating pad for eye inflammation...

 

[Peterexpatkiwi]

@Officer, an interesting approach. I'm not exactly sure that I would apply the term 'Travel Hacks'. Nor are many of your 'tips' something I would typically use when travelling, let alone apply to the Camino. I note that you haven't yet walked a camino, so I'm rather curious as to where you got these 'tips'.

I prefer the KISS principal. For example a ziplock bag to keep my documents dry.
And rather than air tagging everything I'd rather just look after it.

I agree with point 6, and whilst 7 and 11 are individual they're certainly useful.

I disagree with one and two completely, although there are some that swear by water proof footwear / socks. Doesn't exactly qualify as a travel hack though.
As to 3,4, and 5, as you note the choice of rainwear is very individual.

I sincerely hope that the compressed towel tablets are paper, the ones I found online (Amazon) were made from either bamboo or worse, Cotton. Definitely not good for the toilet system, let alone burying in a cathole. Even tissues are not great in the sewer system, and take a lot longer than toilet paper to biodegrade.

I applaud your thought of packing out more rubbish than you pack in, I wish more of us did the same.

 

[Anamiri]

Of your first 5 items I would only take 1, the jacket. Of the first 12 I would take only 4.
In my opinion ear plugs more useful than an eye cover, but YMMV.
Your medical items are personal for you - but for a Camino I'd add some first aid/blister treatment and sunscreen. I take only a basic kit, but wouldn't be without it.
I see you haven't included a hat, that's another another item I would include.

 

[Officer]

@Officer, an interesting approach. I'm not exactly sure that I would apply the term 'Travel Hacks'. Nor are many of your 'tips' something I would typically use when travelling, let alone apply to the Camino. I note that you haven't yet walked a camino, so I'm rather curious as to where you got these 'tips'.

I prefer the KISS principal. For example a ziplock bag to keep my documents dry.
And rather than air tagging everything I'd rather just look after it.

I agree with point 6, and whilst 7 and 11 are individual they're certainly useful.

I disagree with one and two completely, although there are some that swear by water proof footwear / socks. Doesn't exactly qualify as a travel hack though.
As to 3,4, and 5, as you note the choice of rainwear is very individual.

I sincerely hope that the compressed towel tablets are paper, the ones I found online (Amazon) were made from either bamboo or worse, Cotton. Definitely not good for the toilet system, let alone burying in a cathole. Even tissues are not great in the sewer system, and take a lot longer than toilet paper to biodegrade.

I applaud your thought of packing out more rubbish than you pack in, I wish more of us did the same.

These are some travel hacks that have been really helpful for me. They save me time, space, and weight in my backpack. The eye-heated pack and the eye mask help retain moisture during sleep, which is especially important for preventing eye inflammation and discomfort from dry eyes. I've read about the increasing issue of garbage being left on the Camino trails, so I fully support the emphasis on keeping hiking trails clean. All of these items have worked perfectly for me on many trips, and I'm looking forward to using similar travel hacks on the Camino. Buen Camino!

 

[domigee]

These are some travel hacks that have been really helpful for me. They save me time, space, and weight in my backpack. The eye-heated pack and the eye mask help retain moisture during sleep, which is especially important for preventing eye inflammation and discomfort from dry eyes. I've read about the increasing issue of garbage being left on the Camino trails, so I fully support the emphasis on keeping hiking trails clean. All of these items have worked perfectly for me on many trips, and I'm looking forward to using similar travel hacks on the Camino. Buen Camino!

If it works for you, brilliant.
You won’t need water purifying tablets on a Camino in Spain though…
Buen Camino!

 

[Officer]

Of your first 5 items I would only take 1, the jacket. Of the first 12 I would take only 4.
In my opinion ear plugs more useful than an eye cover, but YMMV.
Your medical items are personal for you - but for a Camino I'd add some first aid/blister treatment and sunscreen. I take only a basic kit, but wouldn't be without it.
I see you haven't included a hat, that's another another item I would include.

Hi Anamiri,

Yes, I am bringing earplugs and my Mongolian hat. And yes, I use Aquaphor and five-toe socks for the anti-blisters and to avoid friction between the toes. I'll be wearing my used sneakers with arch support due to Plantar fasciitis. I prefer walking over driving. Hahaha, I tried to keep my list short.
The eye masks are for my chronic dry eyes. It's not pleasant to wake up in the middle of the night because of dry eyes. Even though I religiously do an eye dry treatment every day, my eyes are still dry, lol.

 

[trecile]

These are some travel hacks that have been really helpful for me

These are not "hacks" per se, they are items that you find useful when traveling.

 

[Officer]

If it works for you, brilliant.
You won’t need water purifying tablets on a Camino in Spain though…
Buen Camino!

Hi Domigee,

Indeed, I added the water purifier tablets mostly to help other people. Sometimes, they have health issues, and the post might help others find a solution. For example, I don't use a backpack cover for rain; I just use a lightweight kayak backpack. I also prefer not to carry an umbrella or a poncho, so I wear waterproof clothing and shoes. However, the need for waterproof gear depends on my trips and other factors.

 

[Officer]

These are not "hacks" per se, they are items that you find useful when traveling.

You are entitled to your own opinions and travel experiences.

 

[henrythedog]

Is this an AI generated list?

 

[J Willhaus]

My Camino travel hacks:
Shampoo bar instead of liquid shampoo,
Scarf (pillow cover, fashion item, towel if needed, extra cover for warmth),
Blinky light to attach to pack in the dark,
Simple microwavable cup for packets of instant cafe con leche in the mornings or soup at night,
Altus Poncho to replace rain jacket and pack cover,
Darn Tough socks no blisters since 2016,
Marriott points for an occasional free hotel night in some cities,
Air miles for tickets and upgrades,
Safety pins to hang up clothes or pin to my pack,
Merino buff, turtle fur ear band, light merino gloves, synthetic thermoball jacket (all for winter),
Guide book/app on phone for route description,
Lightweight down bag (15 years old now) in waterproof stuff sack,
Dry bag for clothes (one outfit for walking, one for evening)
Crocs

Edit: mine is not AI generated.

 

[henrythedog]

Janet - probably our only point of difference would be on the poncho, but that’s just personal preference.

However, you lost me at ‘turtle fur ear band’. I’d happily order a box-full on the strength of your recommendation; but what are they?

 

[J Willhaus]

Brand name of hats, etc. Fuzzy on the inside, lightweight and warm. Here's one similar to mine.

Amazon.com

 

[KariannNor]

Is this a joke that I don't understand?

 

[Officer]

My Camino travel hacks:
Shampoo bar instead of liquid shampoo,
Scarf (pillow cover, fashion item, towel if needed, extra cover for warmth),
Blinky light to attach to pack in the dark,
Simple microwavable cup for packets of instant cafe con leche in the mornings or soup at night,
Altus Poncho to replace rain jacket and pack cover,
Darn Tough socks no blisters since 2016,
Marriott points for an occasional free hotel night in some cities,
Air miles for tickets and upgrades,
Safety pins to hang up clothes or pin to my pack,
Merino buff, turtle fur ear band, light merino gloves, synthetic thermoball jacket (all for winter),
Guide book/app on phone for route description,
Lightweight down bag (15 years old now) in waterproof stuff sack,
Dry bag for clothes (one outfit for walking, one for evening)
Crocs

Edit: mine is not AI generated.

hahaha --
Safety pins to hang up clothes or pin to my pack -- great idea. You use Crocs -- laughing hard.

 

[Officer]

Brand name of hats, etc. Fuzzy on the inside, lightweight and warm. Here's one similar to mine.

Amazon.com

My Camino travel hacks:
Shampoo bar instead of liquid shampoo,
Scarf (pillow cover, fashion item, towel if needed, extra cover for warmth),
Blinky light to attach to pack in the dark,
Simple microwavable cup for packets of instant cafe con leche in the mornings or soup at night,
Altus Poncho to replace rain jacket and pack cover,
Darn Tough socks no blisters since 2016,
Marriott points for an occasional free hotel night in some cities,
Air miles for tickets and upgrades,
Safety pins to hang up clothes or pin to my pack,
Merino buff, turtle fur ear band, light merino gloves, synthetic thermoball jacket (all for winter),
Guide book/app on phone for route description,
Lightweight down bag (15 years old now) in waterproof stuff sack,
Dry bag for clothes (one outfit for walking, one for evening)
Crocs

Edit: mine is not AI generated.

I forgot to ask you, which navigation app do you use? I am bringing a book with me and have downloaded apps like Renfe, Mapa de España, The Way, Buen Camino, etc. Thanks.

 

[trecile]

You use Crocs -- laughing hard.

Since Crocs are lightweight, they are quite common on the Camino for wearing around town and the albergues in the afternoons/evenings.

 

[Officer]

Yes, Crocs are comfy.

 

[J Willhaus]

I forgot to ask you, which navigation app do you use? I am bringing a book with me and have downloaded apps like Renfe, Mapa de España, The Way, Buen Camino, etc. Thanks.

I use WisePilgrim and Buen Camino. I also have Renfe, Trainline, and Alsa apps to get to and from my start and end points. I mainly use Gronze.com to look at albergues, what season they are open, how many beds, whether they have a kitchen, etc. I also have hard copies of guidebook for study here at home.

 

[J Willhaus]

hahaha --
Safety pins to hang up clothes or pin to my pack -- great idea. You use Crocs -- laughing hard.

I use Crocs for evening and shower, and I really just wear them every day when I volunteer at the albergues.

 

[grayland]

It is amusing that all of the replies to the OP are from long time veteran pilgrims.

I would tend to think that the advice and recommendations of these folks would be accepted without much push back.

 

[C clearly]

Is this an AI generated list?

If so, I really wonder how the question was framed!

 

[dick bird]

The first step is to take inventory of your belongings. You may already have some of these items at home.

Remember these helpful tips to avoid common pains.
Waterproof:

1. Waterproof Shoes,
2. Waterproof Socks,
3. Waterproof Pants,
4. Waterproof Jacket with a hood.
5. Fiver finger socks are to be worn underneath waterproof socks. The five-finger socks prevent blisters, skin redness, and sore toes. If you want to wear a cape or poncho, the only advantage would be ventilation. But this is personal. It's up to each individual.
6. Warm sleeping bag compact - lightweight.
7. 30L Waterproof Dry Bag Backpack - lightweight.
8. Waterproof Fanny Pack - to keep your documents.
9. Waterproof Travel Shoe Bags with Zipper for Packing.
10. Use Airtag/Smartag your belongs. E.g. Passport wallet with a smart key tag.
11. Absorbent-Quick Dry Microfiber Towel Ultra Compact—It dries quickly and is compact, making it great for traveling, the gym, yoga, etc.
12. Compressed Towel Tablets - these compressed towels replace Toilet Paper.

Dry Skin- condition

1. Sleep Eye Mask for Men/Women, zero eye pressure. 100% Light Blocking.
2. USB Electric Eye Heating Pad with Temperature Timer Control for Sleep - for eye inflammation.
3. Ponaris Nasal emolient - for dry nose.
4. Aquaphor/Niveal y for body and lips.

(optional) Water purification tablets - for occasional use.

Keep Camino Clean - Educational Tips - To remind me:

1. Pick up trash
2. Clean up after yourself
3. Leave a Bag, Take a Bag: Carry an extra bag to collect litter as I walk and dispose of it at designated locations.

These are the travel hacks that I always bring with me when I'm on the go. What are some of your favorite travel hacks?

Assuming you are not a chatbot, I find it curious that you should be so prescriptive about what to take on a Camino when apparently you haven’t actually done one yet. Is there something you haven’t told us?

 

[Officer]

Is this a joke that I don't understand?

I suggest you read "The Gifts of Imperfection" by Brene Brown. Come back, and then we can talk about jokes.

 

[Officer]

Assuming you are not a chatbot, I find it curious that you should be so prescriptive about what to take on a Camino when apparently you haven’t actually done one yet. Is there something you haven’t told us?

I don't need to hike the Camino to make assumptions, as I base them solely on my travel experience. You don't have to agree with my travel hacks; that's not the point. I'm not sure why you mentioned a bot. AI is just another tool among many others that you and the entire population rely on. Thanks.