The Truth About the Camino De Santiago – 8 Things I Wish I Knew Before I Started

8 hard won lessons from the Camino De Santiago, helping you avoid the mistakes that lots of new pilgrims so often make.

What are some lessons you've learned on the Camino? If you have any interesting tips or any questions, leave a comment and I'll try and help you.

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Timecodes

0:00 - Intro
0:25 - Embrace The Struggle
1:11 - Minimalist Travel
1:49 - Benefits of Being Flexible
2:53 - Communal Living: More Than Just a Bed
3:23 - Lost in Translation
4:00 - Don't Let Fear Hold You Back
5:01 - When The Adventure Ends
5:42 - Once Bitten, Forever Smitten


#caminodesantiago #pilgrimage #camino #hiking #caminofrances

Music - If everything was good by Silicon Estate & Other side by Jeff Gold

[roycejohnson]

My wife and I walked the Camino De Santiago in 2015, she was 65 and me 66, i had not long retired. We are both Trampers in New Zealand and belong to a Club here. We walked from St Jean to Santiago, then to Finnister and still carried on to Muxia ! Did over 1000 ks in 50 days, my wife carried 7.5 kg and I carried 8.0, this was for three months as we had other stopovers. We are know in our mid seventies and have contemplated the Portugal Camino. Anyone can do it but don't over stretch yourself eg trying to walk far more than needed. We never booked any accomodation at all, there is plenty for all, you might have to do a few extra ks but thats all good. One thing I did as i got a few blisters was get rid of my boots as the heat was swelling my feet, purchased hiking trainers then never had a problem again and they dry quickly if you get wet ! Enjoy your Camino as once completed you will never forget it !! Beuon Camino !

[seansixfive]

Start with this definition and spend some cool time digesting it - A pilgrimage is a journey, often into an unknown or foreign place, where a person goes in search of new or expanded meaning about their self, others, nature, or a higher good through the experience. It can lead to a personal transformation, after which the pilgrim returns to their daily life.

Be present for the camino. Do not spend all day thinking. Constantly bring yourself back to the present moment by bringing awareness to the act of walking, to what you can see, to what you can hear, to what you can smell, gently and without judgement!

Buen Camino!

[marylynnwinkler]

Actually my life these last 7 years has been a continual comino..I do not own a house anymore and our life has been a big long adventure of hiking, fears and absolute joy. Now, I would love to top it off with a camino before I will need to settle down in one place!

[petemc]

I can hardly walk the half mile to work but I still believe I'll do this one day.

[mariasant]

We only walked about 120 kilometers ( the end portion because we could not take 4 weeks off from work). Thank God we did, my husband’s health has since deteriorated . We had planned to walk/hike the part over the Pyrenees in 2020 but Covid had other plans. For those considering walking El Camino, do it and enjoy every minute of it .

[williamgiovinazzo]

Went on my first Camino last year. Everything you have said is spot on. The Camino blues hit me like a ton of bricks. And yes, once bitten, forever smitten. Frances last year. Del Norte this year. I can't wait.

[ritafritz]

I understand the Camino blues for sure. I had that after doing the kokoda trail for 2 weeks, it was so wonderful that I cried when it finished. I wanted to keep on walking.

[VIKINGNY]

God Bless all that do the Camino De Santiago.

[JSL]

"your life is simplified and stress free". That was the most addictive part for me too. But it was also what almost ruined by career and long term well being. Why would you take life seriously when you can backpack, meet loads of interesting people, be amazed every day, and plan the next one. Then one day, in Rio, I thought "I am absolutely sick of this and the world is passing me by. I have no career, no prospects, and nothing to show at the age of 26". That was the day I knew it was all over and I have never had a desire to travel again.

[evuxtxd]

Finally got up the nerve to go at the end of April. Starting in Barcelona on the Camino Catalan and heading West. Just want to find out what I'm made of. Thanks for all your videos ; you feel like a mate. Maybe see you down the trail someday.

[jackcycling]

Yes, getting addicted to this new pace of life is real!! 30 years ago I decided to bike through France and.... same thing; I had to go back and do it again for the same reasons you describe in your video. I ended up going back 6 times. What wonderful times these were. Now I'm thinking of walking instead.

[ayongkot]

Few phrases is required if you walk the less popular routes especially meal time. I walked the Invierno last August and it's difficult if your alone when ordering food. Less pilgrims, less services at some stages (20-25 kms without food or water). I only met 1 pilgrim in the early part (first 5 days) and another 4 in the last stages (4 days).

[normturner]

EXCELLANT advice and very realistic of the experience.

[comewithusnexttime]

Thanks, You're right the Camino draws you back. Will be sure to check out your other videos.

[dsusth]

Best one yet, brother! I do believe you're hitting your stride.

[anneokane]

Thanks for a great video. The Camino definitely calls you back.

[eduardotirado]

Thank you for bringing back great memories!
Roncesvalle/Santiago 2013
31 days

[boomerangsruckflug]

I did the Camino in June and July, no need to book upfront!

[TropicalZooms]

Great tips. We leave Austrslia for our Camino trip. First ever. So excited & nervous. Dennis & Debbie. 😃👩

[aaronvillanueva]

Thank you so much for this! Stocked full of great tips and insight! Hoping to take my husband and two teenage boys in 2025.🙏