The excitement and anticipation of being a part of something so unique and inspiring like a pilgrimage can make it hard to remember everything you have to do to get ready for such a long and different kind of excursion. El Camino de Santiago is one of the most favored trails among pilgrims today, and some quick research will give first-timers enough general information to guide them through the process of preparation. However, many people get so wrapped up in the physical part of prepping for the journey (shopping for new hiking boots, deciding their packing necessities, fitness training, etc.) that they forget to prepare mentally. Here are a few points to remember once you’ve booked your Camino Santiago tour to help you get the most out of your trip.
Source: http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File%3ACamino_de_Santiago_route_marker_on_the_Cantabrian_coast.JPG
This is Not a Luxury Vacation
Though you won’t completely be roughing it on a Camino Santiago tour, it’s important to remember that you won’t exactly be on a luxury vacation either. Since you will be carrying everything you bring in a pack on your back each day, minimalism is highly recommended. This means you may only have one or two changes of clothes for the length of your pilgrimage, which you will have to wash yourself during your overnight stays. When traveling with a tour group, it’s likely you will be set up in one of the more comfortable and private accommodations that dot the trail, but your weary body will be happy just to have a bed at the end of a long and exhaustive day of walking.
It’s About the Journey, Not the Destination
Yes, the intention of every pilgrim that embarks on such a journey is to make it to the Cathedral de Santiago de Compostela and receive their official certificate celebrating the accomplishment. However, if that’s all you’re focusing on, you’ll be missing out on everything else that is offered along the way. Although thousands of people take to the route each year, it still remains a fairly unspoiled area of Spain and allows visitors the chance to experience the region’s culture, history, art, architecture, gastronomy and local villages in depth.
Source: http://www.flickr.com/photos/freecat/2845757021/
Genuine Relationships Can Be Built if You Let Them
You will meet a whole new community of people during your time on a Camino Santiago tour. Unlike a typical vacation where you may have a quick chat with a waiter or hotel concierge, the folks you meet will be people that you can have genuine and deep conversations with. Many have been known to make lifelong friends during their pilgrimage and stay in touch no matter how many countries or languages are between them. It’s natural to want time to yourself while on such an enlightening journey, but there will be plenty of time for that, so embrace this rare opportunity to connect and learn from people from all over the world.
Staying in Tune with Your Body is Important
Oftentimes, pilgrims have to overcome challenges with things like blisters, dehydration and heatstroke. Coming fully prepared for your journey and listening to the needs of your body will help you to avoid or lessen such circumstances. Walking should be done at whatever pace is the most comfortable to you to prevent injury or sickness; it’s not a race, and you’ll never be left behind.
Being mentally and physically prepared for your Camino Santiago tour will ensure that you have the ability to be open to all the enriching possibilities that may come your way.
About the Author
Tiffany Olson is a blogger from Northern California who loves all things travel. She worked at an International Hostel for 7 ½ years, and it was there that she learned the significance that travel has for many people, including herself. When she’s not writing you’ll usually find her on a weekend road trip or in the kitchen cooking.
