YOU on the Camino de Santiago (Nancy @ The Camino Experience)

Pilgrim Kathy Gets Ready to Walk the Camino del Norte in 2023

What does it mean to be brave for yourself? As Pilgrim Kathy prepares to walk the Camino del Norte in 2023, she shares about her regrets, fears, and being her own super hero.  

We also cover a wide variety of practical pilgrim-centric topics, such as travel insurance, checking a bag on the airplane, how and when to find food on the Camino, and the contributions the hospitaleros, or hospitality hosts, make to the pilgrims.

How Many Pilgrims Complete the Pilgrimage to Santiago de Compostela Each Year?

And as promised, here is the website where you can follow the statistics for pilgrims reaching Santiago and receiving the Compostela certificates.

Laundromats in Santiago de Compostela

And also as promised, here are the addresses for those two gorgeous laundromats in Santiago:

Rúa das Hortas, 10 and Rúa de San Clemente, 18 15705 Santiago de Compostela, A Coruña

YOUR Camino Experience

What is in the way of you making your Camino dream a reality? Let’s talk about your Camino Experience.

Related: Check out this Facebook group to learn more about the Camino del Norte and to ask questions.

JOIN MY EMAIL LIST

And get your FREE copy of Nancy's Top 10 Camino Tips (that don't usually make the top 10 lists).

#youonthecamino #caminodesantiago #firsttimepilgrim #thecaminoexperience #caminopodcast

SELECTING YOUR BACKPACK, PLUS GOALS FOR PACKING FOR THE CAMINO

Walking the Camino isn’t “normal” travel, it isn’t a weekend away, and it isn’t backpacking. It is something in between, something so different that it brings up all kinds of fears and self-doubt in people who already know how to travel. And for first-time travelers, the task of packing for the Camino may be completely confounding.

This is the second in a series of episodes on How to Pack for the Camino de Santiago. We will be building your packing list step by step, beginning with selecting the backpack or luggage that's best for the type of walk you will be doing.

How big of a backpack do you need? How do you be sure your backpack fits you well and will be comfortable for the many hours and days you will be carrying it on the Camino? Besides holding all your stuff, what else do you need from your backpack? What do all those straps do? This episode has the answers to all your backpack questions.

And here is the reference mentioned for how to get the right fit for your backpack: https://www.rei.com/learn/expert-advice/backpacks-adjusting-fit.html

Wait! Before we even get to those questions, we will look out our goals for packing for the Camino:

• Pack light
• Pack simple
• Pack smart

(Tell me more!)

COME WALK WITH ME!

Does the whole idea of getting ready to walk the Camino feel a bit daunting to you? Is the thought of having to start the walk alone not feeling quite right? Join me on the trail in May or September and we will get started together.

BE A GUEST ON THIS PODCAST

Would you like to share your experience of getting ready to walk the Camino de Santiago and receive some personalized guidance on your planning and preparations?

If you have not yet walked a Camino and would like to be a guest on this podcast, please let me know you are interested here.

JOIN MY EMAIL LIST

And get your FREE copy of Nancy's Top 10 Camino Tips (that don't usually make the top 10 lists).

Related: What if you can’t or don’t want to carry your backpack the entire way? Learn all about the luggage transport services in this two-part episode.

#youonthecamino #caminodesantiago #firsttimepilgrim #thecaminoexperience #caminopodcast

7 STEPS TO TRANSPORTING LUGGAGE ON THE CAMINO DE SANTIAGO

This is Part Two of a two-part episode. Did you miss Part One?

One of the most frequently asked about topics in the Camino Facebook groups and on the online forums is the luggage transport services on the Camino. You have probably heard pieces of information on this topic but I bet you've been left with some questions. In this two-part episode, we are going to cover this topic from end to end.

You might have some questions like: 

• How does it work?
• What can I send with the transport services?
• Is it safe?
• What company should I use?
• Do I have to book in advance or can I just wing it?
• Is it easy to set up or is it complicated?
• I don't speak Spanish so how's that going to work?
• What if I have things I won’t need while walking?

Here is the whole story, broken down into seven easy to manage steps. It is so much information that breaking it into two smaller episodes seemed to make sense. Part One has steps 1 & 2, and Part Two has steps 3 through 7.

ALL THE DETAILS ON CASA IVAR, CORREOS, AND MORE

Here is a link for some of the luggage transport companies plus information on shipping and storing items in Santiago de Compostela:

BE A GUEST ON THIS PODCAST!

Let's spend some time together talking about your Camino dreams and answering your most urgent questions. Let me know you are interested here.

JOIN MY EMAIL LIST

And get your FREE copy of Nancy's Top 10 Camino Tips (that don't usually make the top 10 lists).

Related: How do you select your backpack for the Camino?

#youonthecamino #caminodesantiago #firsttimepilgrim #thecaminoexperience #caminopodcast

How long do you want to take? I keep coming back to this question as I help pilgrims get started on their first ever pilgrimages on the Camino Francés.

My guest today is going to take what would be considered by many a very slow walk on the Camino, from Sarria to Santiago. But for Judith, she is making the pilgrimage that meets her needs and capabilities.

Judith has booked her accommodations and luggage transport with The Natural Adventure. You can learn more about this company and what they offer with a simple internet search, or by following this link.

When should you start making your own reservations for 2024? Find out in this episode, and then here are some websites for those walking the Camino Francés from Saint Jean Pied de Port.

 >> Refuge Orisson: https://www.refuge-orisson.com/en

 >> Auberge Borda: https://www.aubergeborda.com/en

With the Camino Francés Getting Started Audio Guide.

Plus:

 >> Highlights and cool places to stay on the Camino Francés  >> How to get to Saint Jean Pied de Port from your home  >> How to book flights, trains, buses, and taxis  >> How to use the guidebooks and apps to get the most out of your experience  >> How to pack for the trip you want to take  >>  . . . and so much more!

Learn more at https://thecaminoexperience.com.

#youonthecamino #caminodesantiago #firsttimepilgrim #thecaminoexperience #caminopodcast

In season five of the YOU on the Camino de Santiago podcast you are going to hear some amazing stories of perseverance, courage, determination, adventure, and community. Stories of shared meals, life-changing conversations, and new friendships, trail tested and built to last.

You are also going to hear that things didn’t always go as planned. In fact, sometimes things went completely sideways. You are going to hear about injuries, illnesses, lost items, getting lost on the trail, boots that gave out, unexpected expenses that blew the budget, accommodations that were unexpectedly far away from the center of town, and missed transportation connections.

These stories have prompted me to ask the question: Should walking the Camino come with a warning label? And if yes, what would it be?

Episode one answers those questions and introduces you to the pilgrims stories coming your way this season.

Here are the pilgrims you will be hearing from, along with the season and episode of our first conversation, in case you would like to refer back to them:

1. Chad - S2 Ep 18, S3 Ep 12
2. Fiona - S3 Ep 3, 20
3. Nidia - S3 Ep 16
4. Danielle - S4 Ep 5
5. Josh - S4 Ep 6
6. Nysie - S4 Ep 9
7. Melissa - S4 Ep 10
8. Kate - S4 Ep 12
9. Cinda - S4 Ep 13
10. John V - S4 Ep 14

Plus peregrinos Kurt, John M, and Rich, who you haven't yet met!

If you would like to find out why people start their pilgrimages with the Camino Experience, check out the Walk-with-me page on my website, https://thecaminoexperience.com/

Don't want to start your Camino with a group? Then check out my DIY-plus Camino planning program and get all the great content my groups get, plus access to the same six group planning and coaching calls as the pilgrims in my groups. Go to my website, above, and click on DIY Camino on the home page menu.

You can also get on my email list to get advance notice of what I have coming up for first-time pilgrims planning to walk the Camino Francés. As a thank you for signing up, you will immediately receive a free copy of my Top 10 Camino tips (that don't usually show up on the top 10 lists). Sign up on my website or by following this link.

I can't wait to hear from you!

nancy@thecaminoexperience.com

#youonthecamino #caminodesantiago #firsttimepilgrim #thecaminoexperience #caminopodcast

The ongoing dilemma: how to see everything on your first pilgrimage, or how to tame that fear of missing out.

My guest in this episode is Natasha, and she loves to plan travel. She will share with us how that planning journey has been going and the role FOMO is playing in the process. We also touch on the topic of loss, but it’s not the kind of loss we usually talk about.

We kick off the episode with a chat about how to decide what to do after the Camino, before heading back home across the sea.

Are you dreaming of walking the Camino Francés in 2025? I would love to help you make that dream a reality!

Let me know you are interested by visiting my website and adding your name to the wait list for one of my 2025 groups.

You can do all the details and get on the list here: https://thecaminoexperience.com/walk-with-me/

Can't or don't want to start with a group? Check the DIY-plus Camino planning program and get on that wait list instead! https://thecaminoexperience.com/diy-camino/

#youonthecamino #caminodesantiago #firsttimepilgrim #thecaminoexperience #caminopodcast

Catherine of First Nation in Canada knows the truth about the land and our role in caring for the earth. She is eager to walk through Portugal and Spain to discover the rich diversity of what grows in their soils.

Join me as we explore the Anishinaabe teaching of the Four Hills and how walking the Camino fits into this deep exploration of life's journey.

To get started on your own unique Camino journey, grab the one final spot in my September Camino Experience group. Find out more and let me know you are interested here: https://thecaminoexperience.com/walk-with-me/

One spot left as of April 9, 2024

On the more practical side of things, join us for a walk-through on how to stay connected while on the Camino using an eSIM, a physical SIM card, or your home-country cell phone plan.

For more information about eSIMs, check out this write up by pilgrim Lachlan Cooke: https://caminotips.wordpress.com/esims-what-you-should-know/

Join my email list and collect more tips to help you get ready to walk the Camino de Santiago. To get started with my free Camino Planning Roadmap, go here: https://pages.thecaminoexperience.com/roadmap

#youonthecamino #caminodesantiago #firsttimepilgrim #thecaminoexperience #caminopodcast

This is a question I frequently ask first-time pilgrims on the Camino Francés, as we walk together on this ancient pilgrimage path.

Beebe Bahrami, author of the Moon Camino de Santiago guidebook knows the answer, and she shares the history, culture, and context of the Camino Francés in her beautiful guide to sacred sites, historic villages, and local food and wine.

In this episode:

What is the real history of the Cruz de Ferro, or Iron Cross?

What's this about a stone boat?

What does it mean when someone wishes a pilgrim "buen Camino"?

Why did Beebe write this guidebook?

Discover Beebe's Bahrami's library of published books, available at your local bookstore and online:

 >> Moon Camino de Santiago: Sacred Sites, Historic Villages, Local Food & Wine

 >> The Way of the Wild Goose: Three Pilgrimages Following Geese, Stars, and Hunches on the Camino de Santiago

 >> Spiritual Traveler Spain: A Guide to Sacred Sites and Pilgrim Routes

And more . . .

Get on my email list and I will be in your inbox every Friday with more good stuff! Go to https://thecaminoexperience.com/ and look for the pop-up sign-up form (on computer) or scroll down the home page to find the sign-up form (on smartphone).

Be sure to open the email I send and click on the button to get your Top 10 Camino Tips (that don't usually show up on the top 10 lists) and confirm your subscription.

Here are the favorite places we talked about in this episode:

 >> Albergue Acacio y Orietta, in Viloria de Rioja

 >> El Puente Peregrino, in Trabadelo

 >> Casa Susi, in Trabadelo

Reserve your time at The Stone Boat guesthouse in Rabanal del Camino, directly on the Camino Francés path. Just you, your creative projects, the wood burning stove, and pilgrims walking past your window throughout the day.

Find out more at: https://www.thestoneboat.com/ , menu tab "Writing Retreats." Or email Kim at hola@thestoneboat.com

Related: Check out Beebe Bahrami's website for all her works: https://beebebahrami.weebly.com/

#youonthecamino #caminodesantiago #firsttimepilgrim #thecaminoexperience #caminopodcast

Pilgrim Abbi Talks About Getting Ready to Walk the Camino Francés

Is the Camino on your "bucket list"? If yes, how is it similar and different from other items on the list? And what does that mean, really?

Abbi from Santa Cruz, California is taking on one of her bucket list items when she starts her walk on the Camino Francés in mid-September, 2022, and we had a chance to explore these questions when we talked in early August. 

At that time Abbi was in the middle of a serious competition to select the perfect backpack. Which one won? And the bigger question, will Abbi return home after walking the Camino, or will this be the start of something entirely new? Find out in this episode of the “YOU on the Camino de Santiago” podcast.

Be a Guest on This Podcast

Would you like to be a guest on the "YOU on the Camino" podcast? If you are getting ready to walk your first Camino, I would love to talk with you! Take the next step here.

Related: How do you find your way on the Camino Francés?

JOIN MY EMAIL LIST

And get your FREE copy of Nancy's Top 10 Camino Tips (that don't usually make the top 10 lists).

#youonthecamino #caminodesantiago #firsttimepilgrim #thecaminoexperience #caminopodcast

Pilgrim Grace Talks About Getting Ready to Walk the Caminho Português

Bed bugs, luggage transport, finding food . . . it's all part of the Camino experience! Join me for a conversation with soon-to-be-pilgrim Grace from Queens, New York, as she prepares to walk the Caminho Português.

The Caminho Português has become one of the most popular of the many Camino routes that lead to Santiago de Compostela. Who wouldn’t want to take a long walk through the countryside of Portugal?!

Grace will be stepping away from work for the typical two-week American vacation . . . but what she will be doing is anything but typical. And it probably will feel completely different from any other vacation Grace has taken.

YOUR Camino Pilgrimage

When will you walk the Camino de Santiago? Which route will you take? When you are ready to get ready, I would love to hear from you! Let’s make your dream of walking the Camino a reality.

Related: If you would like to learn more about the Caminho Português and ask some questions, check out this Facebook group.

JOIN MY EMAIL LIST

And get your FREE copy of Nancy's Top 10 Camino Tips (that don't usually make the top 10 lists).

#youonthecamino #caminodesantiago #firsttimepilgrim #thecaminoexperience #caminopodcast

My guest today, Kurt, from Palm Springs, California, follows a vegan diet, which is sometimes difficult to do in Spain. But it doesn’t have to define your pilgrimage. He has some great tips for finding vegan and vegetarian food amidst the landscape of pork-based meal options.

Kurt is a fairly speedy walker, and his pace did help define his experiences. And he did something I recommend every first-time pilgrim does and does thoroughly – he trained for the physical challenge of the walk. He is going to share with you how that helped define his experience. Spoiler alert: Training makes a difference!

And he is going to share his perspective on Day One walking on the Francés route, from Saint Jean Pied de Port to Roncesvalles in one day – what that experience is like for a first-time pilgrim filled with anticipation and excitement for what lies ahead. What does lie ahead? In a word, the unknown.

How to get the most out of this once-in-a-lifetime experience? That’s in this episode, too!

Have you claimed your free Camino Planning Roadmap? How about my Top 10 Camino tips (that don't usually show up on the top 10 lists)?

Get both delivered to your inbox when you join my email list. Here's how to do that: https://pages.thecaminoexperience.com/roadmap

Let's get you off to a successful start!

#youonthecamino #caminodesantiago #firsttimepilgrim #thecaminoexperience #caminopodcast

NANCY'S CAMINO TRAINING GUIDE . . . for the non-athlete regular person who wants to walk all or part of the Camino de Santiago

How do you prepare for the physical challenges of walking the Camino de Santiago? Do you really need to prepare?

How much training do you need to do? What do you need to do – is it enough to just walk around your neighborhood a couple times a week? We will find out in this episode of the YOU on the Camino de Santiago podcast!

Here are all the links mentioned in this episode:

LINK TO NANCY'S WEBSITE

Nancy's Camino Training Walking Plan

JOIN MY EMAIL LIST

And get your FREE copy of Nancy's Top 10 Camino Tips (that don't usually make the top 10 lists).

OTHER PODCASTS

The Camino Cafe Podcast with Leigh Brennan

Spanish for the Camino Podcast with Maria Seco

WORKOUTS AND INSTRUCTIONAL VIDEOS

How to adjust your trekking pole straps, with Jayah Faye Paley

How to stretch for walking

Get the MapMyWalk App

The Tabata Workout

PopSugar Workouts

BOOK SUGGESTION

Walk in a Relaxed Manner, by Joyce Rupp

Related: Selecting Your Boots for the Camino

#youonthecamino #caminodesantiago #firsttimepilgrim #thecaminoexperience #caminopodcast

Join me as we explore the inspiring story of Tracy's backpack and meet the next person to take it on pilgrimage on the Camino Francés.

Danielle and I explore such challenging questions as

 >> What are the "rules" for this pilgrimage?  >> What if you don't make it to Santiago?  >> How do you build the courage to get past your Camino-anxiety?  >> And if you don't walk the Camino now, when???

Here are the Facebook groups we talked about in this episode:

CAMIGAS: a buddy system for women Slow Strollers on the Camino

Here are the books we talked about:

Off the Road, by Jack Hitt How to Walk, by Thich Nhat Hahn

And if you would like to explore the work on self-compassion by Kristen Neff, PhD, you can check out her website.

#youonthecamino #caminodesantiago #firsttimepilgrim #thecaminoexperience #caminopodcast

Thank you for tuning in and for making this podcast one of the most sought after and reliable resources for first time pilgrims walking the Camino routes in Spain, France, and Portugal.

With this episode, the podcast hits a milestone – the 100th episode!

I love milestones. I love the feeling of hitting a mark, of reaching a big goal, of noticing and noting when you do something significant. The significance for me is helping thousands of pilgrims get ready for their first-ever pilgrimage on one of the Camino routes.

In this episode I lay out where we are heading next: we will be following two different themes that are sure to inspire you and also ensure your Camino dreams becomes a reality.

What happens after the Camino? That is my "topic of the year", in terms of creating impactful content for my listeners. To help me hit the mark on that, will you take a few minutes to complete this survey? https://thecaminoexperience.com/aftersurvey/

Overcome your fears and doubts about walking the Camino by joining my September Camino Experience group. Details are here: https://thecaminoexperience.com/walk-with-me/

Don’t miss a step with my Camino Planning Roadmap! Available from the home page of my website, https://thecaminoexperience.com/

#youonthecamino #caminodesantiago #firsttimepilgrim #thecaminoexperience #caminopodcast

PILGRIM TIPS, INSIGHTS, AND HOW TO GIVE BACK

Maurice from Asheville, North Carolina, shares his thoughts on getting ready for his first pilgrimage on the Camino Francés, along with his three tips for other first time pilgrims.

We cover a number of topics, including another long answer from Nancy - this time on travel insurance.

CONNECT WITH NANCY

If you will be attending the annual Gathering of the American Pilgrims on the Camino, let's connect! Email: youonthecamino@gmail.com

Or, connect and get your free copy of my Camino Planning Roadmap by signing up for my email list.

FIND OUT MORE ABOUT THE AMERICAN PILGRIMS ON THE CAMINO

It's too late to attend the 2023 annual APOC Gathering, but you can find out more about the organization and find your local chapter on their website.

CHECK OUT LEIGH BRENNAN'S PODCAST

Maurice learned about the "YOU on the Camino de Santiago" podcast from this episode of The Camino Cafe podcast.

DONATE TO THE PRODUCTION FUND

This podcast is free and always will be. Donations for the production fund are gratefully accepted. You can donate here.

Related: Maurice mentioned he had been checking flight fares with my favorite website for that, Matrix ITA Software. I talk about that website in the episode on the most popular starting points on the Camino Francés.

#youonthecamino #caminodesantiago #firsttimepilgrim #thecaminoexperience #caminopodcast

Pilgrim Chad walked the Caminho Português with his wife and daughters and now is headed for his first solo walk on the Camino Francés.

In this episode you will hear Chad's three top tips for first-time pilgrims, along with his expectations for the inner journey of his upcoming pilgrimage.

We also talk about the best places to take a rest day, how to cope with loneliness on the trail, and what it means to go for a long walk with God. Enjoy!

Are you dreaming of walking your first Camino pilgrimage but are not quite sure how to pull it all together? Are you eager to walk the Camino but hesitant to set out alone? Let’s get started together! Click here to find out about starting your pilgrimage with the Camino Experience.

Are you getting ready to walk your first pilgrimage on the Camino de Santiago? If you would like to share your story and receive some one-on-one assistance getting ready for your walk, please let me know by using this form. You can also contact my at youonthecaminno@gmail.com. Thank you!

Have you already walked one of the Camino routes? If yes, then I know you have tons of great tips to share! If you would like to share your tips with my listeners, please send them over using this form. I will let you know when they will be aired, and I will also share whatever details you send me regarding which route and when you walked. Thank you for sharing!

Related: For a fabulous rest day upgrade on the Camino Francés, check out The Stone Boat in Rabanal del Camino. Reservations available through https://www.booking.com/.

#youonthecamino #caminodesantiago #firsttimepilgrim #thecaminoexperience #caminopodcast

Kimberly shows us the value of making this pilgrimage with friends, with "your people."

Any way you do it is valid, and I believe that each person ultimately chooses the way that is best for them, but there is definitely something to be said for sharing this journey with people who know you well, who know you at your best and at your worst and who love you anyway.

Did someone say cheesecake?!? Yes! Here is where you find the best cheesecake in Santiago de Compolstela: Airas Nunes Café (easy to find with Google maps or similar)

The promotion on the Camino Planning Kit starts on Friday, April 25, here: https://thecaminoexperience.com/kit/

I will be posting right from the Camino trail as I make my way from Logroño to Burgos and then from Saint Jean Pied de Port to Pamplona. (I know, it's a bit out of order. Crazy pilgrim that I am.)

https://www.facebook.com/TheCaminoExperience

https://www.instagram.com/thecaminoexperience/

Hope to see you out there!

#youonthecamino #caminodesantiago #firsttimepilgrim #thecaminoexperience #caminopodcast

Have you ever wanted something, dreamed about something, maybe even longed for something, but the wanting and dreaming wasn’t making anything happen?

What’s missing there?

Well, what’s missing is a clear goal. In this episode I explore:

1. Why we’re not reaching our goals
2. How to craft a goal that hits the mark
3. My #1 success strategy for reaching your goals

Let's do this!

Here's how: https://pages.thecaminoexperience.com/visioning

There are still spots available in my September 2025 Camino Experience groups. Get your Camino on the calendar! https://thecaminoexperience.com/walk-with-me/

#youonthecamino #caminodesantiago #firsttimepilgrim #thecaminoexperience #caminopodcast

How long does it take to walk the Camino?

Well, that depends. In this episode we are going to continue on with our Camino planning roadmap, still working with step four, spend some time thinking about what you want.

This episode is a big one. A really big one. By that I mean that it’s a bit on the long side. But also, I think it’s an important one, as this is where we really begin to design the Camino experience that suits you perfectly.

If you have been following along with this podcast series, then you should, by now, be fairly certain that you do want to walk the Camino. You should have some idea of when you would like to go, what season you would like to walk in, and when a Camino walk would fit into your life. Ready to book your flights?

Mmmm . . . almost. This episode will get you much closer to that point, I promise. Before we dive in, you may want to have a map handy. I will be talking about all the different Camino routes that lead to Santiago, and it may be helpful to see them on the map to give you a sense of how grand the task before you is. I will also be doing some basic mathematical calculations, so you might want to have a pen and paper nearby, too.

To answer the question “how long does it take”, we first will need to answer the question of what “it” is. What do I mean by that? Find out in this episode of the “YOU on the Camino de Santiago” podcast.

Some Questions to Ponder

Here are the questions I pose at the end of this episode:

• What would constitute a ‘real pilgrimage’ by your standards?
• How much time do you want to take for your Camino?
• How many miles or kilometers will you need to walk each day to complete the walk in that time frame? Is that doable, or will you need to adjust your timing or expectation?
• How much time do you want in your starting and ending points?
• How many rest days will you plan for?
• When you add it all up, how does it feel?

In case you are ready to pick up a guidebook for your walk, here are the most popular ones.

Related: Ready to start looking for flights to Europe? Click through for favorite tool for that, which is this episode’s top tip.

JOIN MY EMAIL LIST

And get your FREE copy of Nancy's Top 10 Camino Tips (that don't usually make the top 10 lists).

#youonthecamino #caminodesantiago #firsttimepilgrim #thecaminoexperience #caminopodcast

Your Camino Plan

This is the final episode of Season One of the “YOU on the Camino de Santiago” podcast, and I want to thank you for tuning in each week, and for joining me on this journey to make your Camino dream a reality.

And when I say thank you I am sending that message out around the world. Do you know why?  People are tuning in from the US, Canada, the United Kingdom, Ireland, Spain, Italy, Germany, France, Denmark, The Netherlands, Sweden, Norway, Croatia, the Czech Republic, Latvia, Turkey, Australia, New Zealand, Hong Kong, Taiwan, and a few more – 44 countries in all. My global heart is so happy to have you here with me.

Thank you.

I hope you are finding this podcast helpful, useful, enjoyable . . . or at least interesting. What have you taken away from this season? Favorite top tips, most useful topics, new ideas for your Camino journey. What are your Camino plans? I would love to hear from you. I have an easy to remember email address where you can send me a note. It’s youonthecamino@gmail.com.

In This Episode

In this episode I share with you what I am working on for you for next year, and then I give you a wrap up of Season One. By now you should have a pretty solid Camino plan coming together.

I also give you a preview of Season Two and ask for your input on which topics are most important to you as you plan and prepare for your upcoming Camino pilgrimage.

Here are all the links I mentioned in this episode of the “YOU on the Camino de Santiago” podcast:

  > Tell me what you want for Season Two, which starts in late January

  > Donate to the podcast production fund (or buy me a coffee or two!):

  > Be a guest on this podcast

  > Find out why you would start your Camino walk with The Camino Experience

Related: Never miss an episode of the “YOU on the Camino de Santiago” podcast. (You can also subscribe on your favorite podcast player.)

JOIN MY EMAIL LIST

And get your FREE copy of Nancy's Top 10 Camino Tips (that don't usually make the top 10 lists).

#youonthecamino #caminodesantiago #firsttimepilgrim #thecaminoexperience #caminopodcast

Join me as I talk with Melbourne, Australia, mums Dawn and Fiona about their pilgrimage on the Camino Francés.

>> Learn why they decided to use a company to book their accommodations and luggage transport (I bet you haven't heard this reason before!).

>> Find out how you deal with the judgements of other pilgrims who think you should be doing the Camino their way.

>> Listen in as we discuss how to manage dietary restrictions on the Camino.

Here is everything you need to get started, all in one place: The Camino Francés Getting Started Audio Guide.

Or email Nancy for more information: youonthecamino@gmail.com

Thank you Eddie, Trond, Maurice, James, Muriel, Maura, Stewart, Evan, Xavier, Clare, Gretty, Joelle, Carolyn, John, Liz, June, Barbara, Lynn, George, Adam, and Claire for trusting me and for allowing me to share in your Camino journey.

If you are walking a winter pilgrimage from November through March, or if you are walking your first Camino in 2024, I would love to hear from you! Let me know you are interested in being a guest on the podcast here.

#youonthecamino #caminodesantiago #firsttimepilgrim #thecaminoexperience #caminopodcast

How to Get to the Most Likely Starting Points on the Camino Francés

Tens of thousands of pilgrims start their pilgrimages in Saint Jean Pied de Port, France, each year, and many who have come from within France and other European countries finish in Saint Jean or pass through on their way to Spain.

In addition to being a busy, bustling jumping off point for pilgrims, Saint Jean is also a popular tourist destination. As an American, when I used to think of what France would be like, I imagined narrow cobblestone streets, old buildings with flower boxes in the windows, and men in berets sitting in cafes sipping coffees. Well, turns out, Saint Jean is that picture-perfect image of France.

Add in the medieval bridge reflected in the river, fabulous regional food and wines, and the enviable location at the foot of the Pyrenees mountains, and you have a place that is worth visiting for more than just a pass-through on your way to Spain.

Saint Jean is what the guidebooks show as the official starting point for the Camino Francés, and in my opinion, Saint Jean is a fantastic place to start your pilgrimage.  But it’s not the only place to start.

In fact, you have many choices for where to start your journey on the Camino Francés. In this episode of the “YOU on the Camino de Santiago” podcast, I will walk you through the most likely starting points and how to get to each one.

This is another long-ish episode, and there will be a lot of details, so you may want to have pen and paper handy to make some notes. And it wouldn’t hurt to have a map on hand so you can see where we are going and coming from to get there.

Online Resources

In this episode I refer to too many to list in this space, so I have compiled a list of all those websites here.

Come Walk With Me!

Does the whole process of getting ready to walk the Camino feel a bit daunting to you? Is thought of having to start the walk alone not feeling quite right? Join me on the trail in May or September and we will get started together.

Related: Just for fun, I thought I’d share what Lonely Planet finds interesting in Saint Jean Pied de Port.

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If you or someone you know is experiencing suicidal thoughts or is in a crisis situation, please know that help is available. If you are in the US, you can call 988 from any phone to access the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline. Additional resources are listed below.

US Veteran Paul has been selected to join the Warriors on the Way pilgrimage this fall. In this episode Paul shares his experience serving in the US military and what he hopes to gain - or heal - by walking the Camino de Santiago with his fellow former comrades-in arms.

For Paul and other veterans, failure is not an option.

With a staggering success rate in reducing PTSD in veterans, Warriors on the Way is bringing peace and healing to those who have served.

From their website: Veterans who go on pilgrimage with Warriors on the Way are all fully sponsored so that nobody misses a healing opportunity due to lack of funds. We rely on donors like you to put Warriors on the Way to healing. To support this organization: https://warriorsontheway.org/

USA and Canada: call 988

• For more help: https://988lifeline.org/

Australia: call 13 11 14

New Zealand: call 1737

Spain: call 024

United Kingdom: call 999, 112, or 0800 689 5652

List of global suicide crisis lines from Wikipedia:

• https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_suicide_crisis_lines

#youonthecamino #caminodesantiago #firsttimepilgrim #thecaminoexperience #caminopodcast

Meet Kaye from Australia! She and I had a fun conversation about spirituality, and we discovered we share a love for asking some of the deeper questions.

In this episode we explore questions like:

 >> Who are you walking the Camino for?

>> Why are you walking now, and who is doing the walking?

>> When is the best time to walk the Camino for you?

>> What is success and what is failure when it comes to walking the Camino? And is either success or failure really even possible?

Toward the end of our conversation Kaye asked me for my best piece of Camino advice, so you will get to hear the answer to that question, too.  

I can help! Find out how on my website: https://thecaminoexperience.com

If you are a woman of a certain age - meaning age 50+ - check out this empowering, uplifting, and helpful Facebook group. Click that link or simply search in Facebook for "WOACA the Camino."

Coming soon: a new book with short Camino stories from 50 women over age 50, that will inspire you to get to the trail and start walking!

What are your favorite Facebook Camino groups? I would love to hear from you: youonthecamino@gmail.com

Related: Did you catch the conversation with Beebe Bahrami? Beebe is the author of the beautiful Moon Camino de Santiago guidebook. Check out this subtitle: "Sacred Sites, Historic Villages, Local Food & Wine" Yes please!

#youonthecamino #caminodesantiago #firsttimepilgrim #thecaminoexperience #caminopodcast

Thank you for joining me for this fourth season of the YOU on the Camino de Santiago podcast. I hope you have enjoyed the season and are many steps closer to taking your first steps on your chosen Camino route.

Need more assistance getting started?

Let me know you are interested in joining one of my 2025 groups here: https://thecaminoexperience.com/walk-with-me/

Get on my email list so you are the first to know when registration opens (and get your free copy of my Camino Planning Roadmap): https://pages.thecaminoexperience.com/roadmap

Prefer email? I'd love to hear from you! nancy@thecaminoexperience.com

Pension San Lorenzo, Nájera: https://pensionsanlorenzo.es/?lang=en

Casa Victoria, Cirueña: reserve on https://www.booking.com/

Apartmento Mirador de Grañon, Grañon: reserve on https://www.booking.com/

Albergue Caminante, Belorado: reserve on https://www.booking.com/

Hotel San Anton Abad, Villafranca Montes de Oca: https://www.hotelsanantonabad.com/

Casa Rural El Brocal, Fresno de Rodilla: https://www.atapuercarural.com/en/

Hotel Cuéntame La Puebla, Burgos: https://hotelcuentamelapuebla.hotelescuentame.com/

When walking into Burgos, the most beautiful route is along the river. The Wise Pilgrim app has the best mapping of this route. And here are some general directions:

1. Follow the trail markers from Atapuerca
2. Pass through the village of Cardeñuela Riopico
3. Pass through the village of Orbaneja Riopico
4. Cross the highway overpass
5. Take the first left turn and follow the dirt path, not the street
6. Continue for about 45-50 minutes to the town of Castañares
7. Cross the road and continue on to the river
8. Cross the river and turn right, then follow the trail markers through the park and along the river, all the way to Burgos

Donkey Service, from Saint Jean Pied de Port to Refuge Orisson and Roncesvalles: https://sites.google.com/view/donkeyservice/transport-bagages-en

Express Bourricot: https://www.expressbourricot.com/

Jacotrans, discount code = DAG: https://www.jacotrans.es/en/

For all your pilgrim gear needs in Pamplona, visit the Caminoteca shop: http://caminoteca.com/

To take the worry out of booking your accommodations, check out the Concierge Service offered by Pilgrim Paths: https://pilgrimpaths.com/

Wishing you a beautiful planning journey,

~ Nancy

#youonthecamino #caminodesantiago #firsttimepilgrim #thecaminoexperience #caminopodcast

It's all here! Pilgrim Sandra is taking a thoughtful and well thought out approach to her Camino experience. There's gold in here!

Here is the pilgrim planning resource in Porto (Nicoletta) that Sandra used: https://your-camino.com/ 

If you have already walked one of the Camino routes, I would love to hear from you about what challenges you faced in returning home from the Camino. You can take the survey here: https://thecaminoexperience.com/aftersurvey/

Promotion coming the last weekend in April. Let me know you are interested here: https://thecaminoexperience.com/promo/

#youonthecamino #caminodesantiago #firsttimepilgrim #thecaminoexperience #caminopodcast

Day two: plot twist. And that's the day that set the tone for the entire pilgrimage for John and his son.

In this episode, you will hear how John describes the impact of that day as well as lyrics from his Lizard Song, how their rain gear worked out, and what's next for this now-Camino family.

What is it really like to walk the Camino Francés? I will show you - through photos and stories from the trail from this year - in a free mini-webinar coming up soon. And I will share my list of top four ingredients for a successful start on the Camino.

But only if you are on my email list! Join the list and get your free copy of Nancy's Camino Planning Roadmap by following this link: https://pages.thecaminoexperience.com/roadmap

Full disclosure: This is also a promotional event for my two 2025 Camino Experience groups. Learn more about starting your Camino with Nancy: https://thecaminoexperience.com/walk-with-me/

Hope to see you on the 24th!

Listening to this episode after that date? For current information on what Nancy has going on, join the email list and go to https://thecaminoexperience.com/

#youonthecamino #caminodesantiago #firsttimepilgrim #thecaminoexperience #caminopodcast

Pilgrim Kathie Talks About Getting Ready to Walk the Camino Francés

What are your fears and concerns about walking the Camino? Pilgrim Kathie from Dallas, Texas, shares her pre-walk worries and also how she addresses the concerns of her husband and kids as she heads off on her own on a six-week, 500 mile adventure in France and Spain.

Kathie will be staying at Refuge Orisson her first night on the trail. The Refuge is located just under eight kilometers past Saint Jean Pied de Port, and features incredible views overlooking the Pyrenees Mountains. Advance reservations are highly recommended, and you can get yours on the Refuge Orisson website.

About two hours after Kathie leaves Refuge Orisson, on her second day of walking, she will come to the first of many highlights on this journey: the statue of the Virgin Mary, set off to the side of the trail. Why is this so significant to Kathie? Find out in this episode of the “YOU on the Camino de Santiago” podcast.

Related: What is the terrain like going over the Pyrenees mountains from Saint Jean Pied de Port? Find out here, in photos.

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And get your FREE copy of Nancy's Top 10 Camino Tips (that don't usually make the top 10 lists).

#youonthecamino #caminodesantiago #firsttimepilgrim #thecaminoexperience #caminopodcast

George and John (season three, episode 19) are back to share how their Camino walk went. Wait until you hear how this wrapped up! (starts at 18:30 mins)

Also in this episode, I share my own Camino story and give you a preview of what's to come in season three of the podcast. Thank you for tuning in!

Be the first to know when the Camino Francés Getting Started Audio Guide is ready!

Sign up for my email list and also get your free copy of my Top 10 Camino Tips (that don't usually show up on the top 10 lists).

Have you already walked one of the Camino routes? If yes, then I know you have tons of great tips to share! If you would like to share your tips with my listeners, please send them over using this form. I will let you know when they will be aired, and I will also share whatever details you send me regarding which route and when you walked. Thank you for sharing!

Related: Listen to the first conversation with George and John and read about Aaron's tragic passing.

#youonthecamino #caminodesantiago #firsttimepilgrim #thecaminoexperience #caminopodcast

Why walk the Camino de Santiago? Why walk it now? These are questions that will take you from the idea or dream of walking the Camino to a full-on pull to make it happen.

In this episode, Janet shares her plans for walking the Caminho Português with her sister in a journey of becoming. And without too much consideration, she knows she will be doing it her way. Find out what that means as we explore Janet's plans and the health benefits of walking.

If walking the Camino this year is one of your goals but you haven’t quite gotten around to planning, or if you want to walk the Camino but the idea of getting started alone is holding you back, let’s talk.

I have four spots left in my September Camino Experience group, and I would love for you to take one of those spots. Interested? Go here: https://thecaminoexperience.com/walk-with-me/

The Where to Start eBook series will take you from where you are now - wondering what to do first or next - all the way to getting your Camino on the calendar.

Get it now: https://thecaminoexperience.com/where-to-start/

Be a guest on this podcast! Go here to let me know you are interested: https://thecaminoexperience.com/podcast-guest-request-form/

#youonthecamino #caminodesantiago #firsttimepilgrim #thecaminoexperience #caminopodcast

WALKING (only???) SARRIA TO SANTIAGO

Walking the Camino your way is tricky business for some people, but not for Laura and her daughter, who will be walking from Sarria to Santiago in June 2023.

Find out why they are using a tour company to plan and execute their Camino, and how this fits perfectly with their reasons for completing the pilgrimage.

We cover a lot of ground in this conversation, including the long answers on why you would use trekking poles on the Camino and where to stay in Madrid.

JOIN NANCY'S EMAIL LIST,

and get your free copy of the Camino Planning Roadmap, plus weekly emails with Camino-focused tips to get you started on your pilgrimage on the right foot.

HOW TO USE THOSE TREKKING POLES

Check out this video by perpetual pilgrim, Dr. Guylene Gigi Tree to learn how to get the most out of your poles when walking the Camino.

Related: Wondering what questions you need to ask when considering a tour company for your Camino pilgrimage?

#youonthecamino #caminodesantiago #firsttimepilgrim #thecaminoexperience #caminopodcast

If yes, then this episode is for you! Here are some of the questions we explore, with my guest, spiritual teacher and pilgrimage guide, Dr. Edward Viljoen:

 >> What calls us to go on a pilgrimage?

 >> What happens on pilgrimage, really?

 >> Why is the pilgrimage experience the same yet different for each person?

 >> How do you prepare your heart and spirit for pilgrimage?

 >> And how do you talk about pilgrimage when you return home?

Dr. Edward is the senior minister at the Center for Spiritual Living in Santa Rosa, California. You can hear his recent Sunday messages at https://cslsr.org/video-archive/

Dr. Edward is also the author of several books, including:

• The Power of Meditation: An Ancient Technique to Access Your Inner Power
• Ordinary Goodness: The Surprisingly Effortless Path to Creating a Life of Meaning and Beauty

Get your free copy of Nancy's Camino Planning Roadmap: https://pages.thecaminoexperience.com/roadmap

This also puts you on my email list so you can get more helpful Camino tips, timely information, and special offers. Be sure to open the email with the roadmap and click the download to confirm your subscription. Don't see the email? Check your Spam or Junk folder. ;)

In this episode Dr. Edward referred to the annual 545-mile AIDS/LIFECYCLE ride from San Francisco to Los Angeles which he and Nancy have both participated in.

The ride benefits two non-profit organizations that provide free HIV/AIDS medical care, testing, and prevention services and support for people living with AIDS.

If you would like to make a donation to this cause and support one of our team's riders, you can do that here: https://giving.aidslifecycle.org/index.cfm?fuseaction=donorDrive.team&teamID=7019

If you would like the team to carry the name of someone who has lost their life to this awful disease, please send an email to Nancy at youonethecamino@gmail.com (Use Subject line: AIDS ride)

Thank you for your support! xo

#youonthecamino #caminodesantiago #firsttimepilgrim #thecaminoexperience #caminopodcast

In this conversation with pilgrim Nancy (F), we talk about Camino magic, coincidences, and the gift of the Camino to heal one’s heart after deep loss. And we finally get to a pilgrim's biggest fear.

We also get super practical, with app and guidebook recommendations, tips for how to manage cash and credit cards on the Camino, whether to fly or take the train to Pamplona (on the Francés route), and how to connect with local pilgrims as you prepare for your pilgrimage.

Are you getting ready to walk your first pilgrimage on the Camino de Santiago? If you would like to share your story and receive some one-on-one assistance getting ready for your walk, please let me know by using this form. You can also contact my at youonthecaminno@gmail.com. Thank you!

Have you already walked one of the Camino routes? If yes, then I know you have tons of great tips to share! If you would like to share your tips with my listeners, please send them over using this form. I will let you know when they will be aired, and I will also share whatever details you send me regarding which route and when you walked. Thank you for sharing!

The Walk of a Lifetime, by Russ Eanes

Village to Village Guide, by Anna Dintaman & David Landis

Find a local chapter plus a ton of helpful information on the American pilgrims website.

The Gronze website, for full listings of places to stay on the many Camino routes.

The CAMIGAS group on Facebook

#youonthecamino #caminodesantiago #firsttimepilgrim #thecaminoexperience #caminopodcast

Yana, a Boston mom of two young boys, shares with us her experiences of preparing to walk the Caminho Português and helps us answer some tough questions:

• Where (or when) does the Camino really start?
• What do you do when a friend says you have to go alone?
• How do you stay “in the moment” when you are preparing to walk the Camino?
• What are the yellow arrows and why do we love them?
• How do you know if you need to book beds in advance or if you can just turn up each day?

Let me know you are interested by submitting the podcast guest request form. I am looking for first-time pilgrims planning to walk September through December, 2023, and any time in 2024, any route.

And join my email list to receive weekly tips and updates about the Camino de Santiago.

Let's set up a Zoom call to talk about your Camino dreams and joining one of my September getting-started Camino groups. Not walking in 2023? No problem, the tentative dates for 2024 are here, too.

Americans can get their pilgrim Credencial before they leave home by visiting the website for the American Pilgrims on the Camino organization. https://americanpilgrims.org/request-a-credential/

Related: Andrea and Jason have inspired a lot of pilgrims! Check out our conversation here. https://thecaminoexperience.com/andrea-and-jason-walk-camino-frances/

#youonthecamino #caminodesantiago #firsttimepilgrim #thecaminoexperience #caminopodcast

In this episode we hear from pilgrim Laura who walked from Sarria to Santiago with her daughter, Emily. They booked all of their accommodations, meals, and luggage transport services in advance with Spanish Steps. What makes this the best option for some pilgrims? Let's see what Laura has to say.

Also, Laura was lucky to be at the pilgrim's mass in Santiago de Compostela on a day when they used the botafumeiro? Find out what that was like and where to sit in the Cathedral to get the most out of the experience.

The Camino Francés Getting Started Audio Guide launches on August 3! But only to those pilgrims who are on my email list by August 1 (the following week for everyone else). Click or tap here to get on my email list.

Important: Be sure to open the email with the top tips and click on the link to confirm your subscription!

Related: Listen to Laura's first interview here.

#youonthecamino #caminodesantiago #firsttimepilgrim #thecaminoexperience #caminopodcast

In this episode you are going to hear from John from Canada, who will be walking the Portuguese route in May. As you will hear, John is looking ahead to his next decade and pondering what it will look like.

We talk about some practical considerations, such as the debate between taking a rain jacket or a poncho, if you really need trekking poles, and what to do if your walking pace is different from that of the person you are doing the pilgrimage with.

We also touch on some more contemplative topics like how to embrace whatever the Camino throws at you, how to make the journey significant if it truly is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, and what does religion or spirituality mean at different times in our lives.

Discover all the big decisions you will need to make and the steps you will take to get you from where you are now – saying yes to your dream – all the way to your starting point. You can get the roadmap for free by following this link: https://pages.thecaminoexperience.com/roadmap

Be sure to download the roadmap to give your consent to receive future emails from me.

Find out what it is, how it works, and who does this pilgrimage. Also, information on the terrain, where to eat and sleep, and how to document your journey.

https://thecaminoexperience.com/about-the-camino-de-santiago/

#youonthecamino #caminodesantiago #firsttimepilgrim #thecaminoexperience #caminopodcast

This is just one of the questions my guest Maurice and I ponder in this episode of the YOU on the Camino de Santiago podcast.

Before he walked his first Camino, Maurice spent some time exploring the question of why he was going to do this pilgrimage. It’s a question I recommend every pilgrim ponders. You may not know exactly why you want to walk the Camino, but simply by asking the question, you invite answers that may take you off in new and exciting directions.

Here is the book we discussed: The Art of Pilgrimage, by Phil Cousineau

Check out Nancy's 13-eBook series and watch your plans come together. https://thecaminoexperience.com/start/ For the DIY pilgrim.

Or, let's do this together! Join the Camino Experience group in September - only two spots left as of March 25, 2025. Let me know you are interested here: https://thecaminoexperience.com/inquire

Here are the two places in Santiago that we talked about where pilgrims can go to process their pilgrimage:

Pilgrim House in Santiago: https://www.pilgrimhousesantiago.com/

Camino Companions: https://www.fcjsisters.org/who-we-are/where-we-are/europe/camino-companions/ 

#youonthecamino #caminodesantiago #firsttimepilgrim #thecaminoexperience #caminopodcast

Jamie and I have one unwanted thing in common: we both lost our Dad's recently. In this episode, Jamie shares why walking the Camino is the right thing for her to do during this time of grief.

It is a story of love and friendship, as her best friend is joining her for the walk.

We also cover a number of other topics. For example:

>> Have you ever wondered how many people are on the Camino at any one time? (Hint: thousands) And of those, how many will you meet?

>> What is the difference between an albergue and a pensión?

>> Why am I having trouble finding available accommodations?

>> Is it really best to walk the Camino alone?

>> Do I really need to schedule rest days?

Why?

1) To get your copy of my Top 10 Camino Tips (that don't usually show up on the top 10 lists).

2) So I can let you know about upcoming FREE webinars

3) So you can vote on when I should hold those webinars

4) So you will be the first to know when I have new programs and offers just for you, the first-time pilgrim

The sign up form is on my webpage:  https://thecaminoexperience.com/

(You might have to scroll down the page a bit.)

Be sure to confirm your subscription by opening the email with the Tips and downloading the PDF, or you won't get any other emails from me.

While you are on my website . . .

Be sure to check out all the ways I help first-time pilgrims just like you!

Let me know you're interested and share with me a bit about your story on this webpage: https://thecaminoexperience.com/podcast-guest-request-form/

Related: Here is the podcast episode I mentioned in this episode, the one on selecting your boots and socks and caring for your feet.

#youonthecamino #caminodesantiago #firsttimepilgrim #thecaminoexperience #caminopodcast

THE NATURE OF CAMINO CONNECTIONS

In my favorite book, The Art of Pilgrimage, author Phil Cousineau talks about "bringing back the boon." What does that mean? 

What are the key elements of the Camino experience, and how do you keep them alive in the weeks, months, and years after your pilgrimage?

Join me as I chat with pilgrim David and learn how he brought the pilgrim spirit back into his community.

JOIN MY EMAIL LIST,

and get your free copy of my Camino Planning Roadmap. Then each week you will receive tips and updates about the Camino de Santiago. And who knows, maybe we will be able to connect on the trail!

BE A GUEST ON SEASON THREE OF THIS PODCAST!

Let me know you are interested by submitting the podcast guest request form. I am looking for first-time pilgrims planning to walk September through December, 2023, and any time in 2024, any route.

WALK WITH ME IN 2023!

Let's set up a Zoom call to talk about your Camino dreams and joining one of my September getting-started Camino groups. Not walking in 2023? No problem, the tentative dates for 2024 are here, too.

DONATE TO THE DAMIEN HOUSE

Donations to the Damien House, the charity David is supporting, are always welcome.

Related: In my first conversation with David, we talked about how to pack for the Camino.

#youonthecamino #caminodesantiago #firsttimepilgrim #thecaminoexperience #caminopodcast

QUESTIONS, ANSWERED!

Pilgrims Andrea and Jason ask all the questions you are probably also asking by this point in the podcast series.

Grab your notebook and a pen, pour yourself a beverage, and plop into your favorite chair, because we are about to cover a lot of ground.

WALK WITH ME

Are you thinking of walking the Camino Francés in September? LET'S TALK! I will help you get off on the right foot.

JOIN MY EMAIL LIST

And get your FREE copy of Nancy's Top 10 Camino Tips (that don't usually make the top 10 lists).

Related: Don't miss part one of the conversation with Andrea and Jason.

#youonthecamino #caminodesantiago #firsttimepilgrim #thecaminoexperience #caminopodcast

Fiona walked the Camino Frances in 2023 and now she is hooked on walking pilgrimages!

This year she took on two new routes, and she has a third one - not a Camino - planned for later this year. And then next year she plans to become a "dual pilgrim" by walking the Kumano Kodo in Japan.

Here are the resources we talk about in this episode:

The Kerry Camino in Ireland, https://www.caminosociety.ie/

Kumano Kodo in Japan, https://www.kumano-travel.com/en/kumano-kodo

Walking the Camino Francés is a huge undertaking. But you don't have to dive into this all on your own. Instead, you can start your journey with a group and then venture out on your own!

Find out how here: https://thecaminoexperience.com/walk-with-me/

Registration is now open for my May 2025 Camino Experience group, and registration opens soon for my September 2025 group.

Follow this link to let me know you are interested.

#youonthecamino #caminodesantiago #firsttimepilgrim #thecaminoexperience #caminopodcast

As this episode releases on Tuesday, December 10, we have four Tuesdays left in 2024 and four episodes left in this season of the podcast. That timing feels perfect for me to share with you something I do every December to wrap up the year.

In this episode and the next three, I am going to share with you my four-step end-of-year practice, in the hopes that you will find value in ending the year strong and setting a solid foundation for the New Year (which I am not-so-secretly hoping will be the year of your first Camino pilgrimage.)

Nancy's 12 days of Christmas (plus two more, but who's counting?!?) begins on Friday, December 13th, when I will be taking 20% off my Camino Francés Getting Started Audio Guide. Through Boxing Day. Get the guide here: https://thecaminoexperience.com/getting-started-audio-guide/

How? Easy, join my email list. In addition to my weekly Friday email which is filled with Camino tips and stories, you will also receive my Top 10 Camino tips (that don't usually show up in the top 10 lists) and my Camino Planning Roadmap. Sign up here: https://pages.thecaminoexperience.com/

#youonthecamino #caminodesantiago #firsttimepilgrim #thecaminoexperience #caminopodcast

We are talking about some difficult topics in this episode, including mental health, suicide, and human trafficking.

If you or someone you know is experiencing suicidal thoughts or is in a crisis situation, please know that help is available. If you are in the US, you can call 988 from any phone to access the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline.

If you are outside of the US, there is a list of hotline numbers for the countries where most of my listeners reside below, as well as a Wikipedia link with numbers for additional countries.

To give you some more specifics, my guest in this episode will be sharing his experience with multiple cases of suicide within his immediate circle of friends, his own suicidal ideation, and his career work with Safeguarding programs helping victims of human trafficking in the United Kingdom.

If these are difficult topics for you, you may want to consider not listening to this episode. On the other hand, you may find this conversation incredibly inspiring.

Again, help is available. And you deserve that help. If you are struggling, please reach out to one of the hotlines provided below, or to a trusted friend.

USA and Canada: call 988

• For more help: https://988lifeline.org/

Australia: call 13 11 14

New Zealand: call 1737

Spain: call 024

United Kingdom: call 999, 112, or 0800 689 5652

• For more help: https://www.nhs.uk/mental-health/feelings-symptoms-behaviours/behaviours/help-for-suicidal-thoughts/
• The charity mentioned by Adam: https://www.thecalmzone.net/

List of global suicide crisis lines from Wikipedia:

• https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_suicide_crisis_lines

#youonthecamino #caminodesantiago #firsttimepilgrim #thecaminoexperience #caminopodcast

In this final episode of season two of the “YOU on the Camino de Santiago” podcast I share current stories from my time on the Camino in May-June 2023. That includes updates on what my pilgrim guests from season two are up to as they make their ways across Spain on the various Camino routes.

I also share some top tips for staying safe on the trail and managing your expectations about the weather. And I am happy to share some of my favorite places to stay on the Francés route.

This episode wraps up with a preview of coming attractions, such as what is in store in season three, the projects I am working on for you, and how you can participate in this podcast.

It has been a pleasure sharing this time with you. Wishing you a beautiful Camino journey . . .

xo

Nancy

Registration for all 2024 Camino Experience groups starts on September 1. Find out more here.

And by the way, you will also receive a free copy of Nancy’s Top 10 Camino Tips (that don’t usually show up on the top 10 lists). Sign up here.

Just want to say hola and share your Camino plans with me? Or do you have an idea for a podcast episode for season three? I would love love love to hear from you! You can email me at: youonthecamino@gmail.com

What made you decide to walk the Camino de Santiago? Is it a calling? Are you feeling compelled? Have life circumstances turned you on your head and you’re thinking a long walk could help put things right?

I would love to help you tell your story. I am currently lining up guests for season three of the podcast. If you are getting ready to make your first ever pilgrimage on one of the Camino routes, I would love to hear from you. Please let me know you are interested here. Or you can send an email to youonthecamino@gmail.com

From east to west

Pensión Escaray, Pamplona

The Stone Boat, Rabanal del Camino

Casa Susi, Trabadelo

El Puente Peregrino, Trabadelo

Vagabond Vieiras and Rock & Roll Pizza, La Portela de Valcarce

Related: Missed an episode? You can find them all here, and also on your favorite podcast player/app. Be sure to Follow or Subscribe so you don't miss the start of season three. And while you're at it, please give it a five-star rating and review! (xo ~ Nancy)

#youonthecamino #caminodesantiago #firsttimepilgrim #thecaminoexperience #caminopodcast

I had the pleasure of talking with Trond, a professionally trained chef turned paramedic from Norway, just six days before he boarded a flight for France to walk the Camino Francés from Saint Jean Pied de Port.

We covered some of the questions you, too, may be asking:

>> Are blisters just part of the Camino experience?

>> Is it always like what you see in YouTube videos?

>> Do you really need a Camino family?

>> Should you plan to skip the meseta, from Burgos to León, on the Francés route?

. . . and more.

Join me for an informational webinar about walking the Camino Francés from Saint Jean Pied de Port and learn how to make your dream of walking the Camino a reality in 2024.

    Friday, September 15, 5:00 PM     Saturday, September 16, 9:00 AM (new time)

    (Both California time)

Go to https://thecaminoexperience.com/ to sign up for my email list and ensure you get all the information about the webinar.

Here is everything you need to get started, all in one place: The Camino Francés Getting Started Audio Guide.

Or email Nancy for more information: youonthecamino@gmail.com

#youonthecamino #caminodesantiago #firsttimepilgrim #thecaminoexperience #caminopodcast

Where do pilgrims sleep on the Camino? And What is an Albergue?

In this episode I give a full run-down on the what, the where, and the how-they-work of the pilgrim’s hostels, or albergues, on the Camino. And I explore the other sleeping options, in case sleeping in shared dorm rooms isn’t for you.

What about the idea that the albergues are the heart of the pilgrim community, and that true pilgrims stay only in the albergues? We will look at that, too, in this episode of the “YOU on the Camino de Santiago” podcast.

Camino Resources

Here are my favorite websites that have up-to-date lists of albergues:

 - Gronze

 - Eroski Consumer

Here are the most popular Camino Apps:

 - Camino Ninja (not available in some places, and not updated since summer 2022)

 - Wise Pilgrim

 - Buen Camino

Ready to Upgrade from the Albergues?

Discover the Spanish Parador Hotels

JOIN MY EMAIL LIST

And get your FREE copy of Nancy's Top 10 Camino Tips (that don't usually make the top 10 lists).

Correction:

According to the list of albergues handed out by the Pilgrim's Office in Saint Jean Pied de Port, roughly 40% of the albergues on the Camino Francés are open all year (not roughly half, as mentioned).

Related: What else do you need to know about staying in the albergues?

#youonthecamino #caminodesantiago #firsttimepilgrim #thecaminoexperience #caminopodcast

Andrea and Jason (from Season 2, Episodes 8 & 9) did plenty of planning for their Camino - and emotional and spiritual preparations, too - and they still had lots of surprises and challenges on and along the Way.

 >> Can you ever really know what the Camino is until you get there?

 >> How do you get through the tough times?

 >> Does it get easier after the first day? Or . . . ever?

 >> Have you really thought through your plan?

Find out how Andrea and Jason answered these questions, and what they discovered about the best laid plans and "zero kilometer days."

Registration opens on Friday, September 1 for all 2024 Camino Experience getting started groups. My email list will be the first to know the details and will receive a special offer just for them. Join the email list here [https://pages.thecaminoexperience.com/roadmap] and receive my Camino Planning Roadmap as my gift to you.

Join me for a fun and inspirational webinar about walking the Camino Francés from Saint Jean Pied de Port and learn how to make your dream of walking the Camino a reality in 2024.

    Friday, September 15, 5:00 PM     Saturday, September 16, 9:00 AM (new time)

    (Both California time)

Go to https://thecaminoexperience.com/ to sign up for my email list and ensure you get all the information about the webinar.

Here is everything you need to get started, all in one place: The Camino Francés Getting Started Audio Guide.

Or email Nancy for more information: youonthecamino@gmail.com

#youonthecamino #caminodesantiago #firsttimepilgrim #thecaminoexperience #caminopodcast

7 STEPS TO TRANSPORTING LUGGAGE ON THE CAMINO DE SANTIAGO

One of the most frequently asked about topics in the Camino Facebook groups and on the online forums is the luggage transport services on the Camino. You have probably heard pieces of information on this topic but I bet you've been left with some questions. In this two-part episode, we are going to cover this topic from end to end.

You might have some questions like: 

• How does it work?
• What can I send with the transport services?
• Is it safe?
• What company should I use?
• Do I have to book in advance or can I just wing it?
• Is it easy to set up or is it complicated?
• I don't speak Spanish so how's that going to work?
• What if I have things I won’t need while walking?

Here is the whole story, broken down into seven easy to manage steps. It is so much information that breaking it into two smaller episodes seemed to make sense. Part One has steps 1 & 2, and Part Two has steps 3 through 7.

UPDATE: There is a new company serving Refuge Orisson starting in April 2024. Orisson will accept transported bags only from this company: Donkey Service

ALL THE DETAILS ON CASA IVAR, CORREOS, AND MORE

Here is a link for the details on some of the luggage transport companies plus information on shipping and storing items in Santiago de Compostela:

JOIN MY EMAIL LIST

And get your FREE copy of Nancy's Top 10 Camino Tips (that don't usually make the top 10 lists).

BE A GUEST ON THIS PODCAST!

Let's spend some time together talking about your Camino dreams and answering your most urgent questions. Let me know you are interested here.

READY FOR PART TWO?

Here are steps 3 through7 on how to use the luggage transport services on the Camino.

Related: How do you select your backpack for the Camino?

#youonthecamino #caminodesantiago #firsttimepilgrim #thecaminoexperience #caminopodcast

Pilgrim Judith walked from Sarria to Santiago over 11 days, and found her footing pretty easily. Was it the perfect Camino experience? What would she do differently the next time? How does it feel to walk into Santiago?

Find out in this episode of the YOU on the Camino podcast.

Related: Did you catch my first conversation with Judith, in season three, episode 10? You can listen in here.

Get your free copy of Nancy's Top 10 Camino Tips (that don't usually show up on the top 10 lists) and join my email list to get more tips and tricks, plus news, updates, and special offers delivered right to your inbox.

Go to: https://pages.thecaminoexperience.com/tips

#youonthecamino #caminodesantiago #firsttimepilgrim #thecaminoexperience #caminopodcast

Usually my guests are people getting ready to walk the Camino for the first time. They have lots of questions plus touching and inspiring stories.

This week I am happy to host David Ault, teacher, writer, adventurer, and visionary leader who has walked two of routes of the Camino de Santiago. His most recent walk, in summer 2023, was to raise funds for his non-profit organization, Kaleidoscope Child Foundation.

Listen in to find out what lessons David took away from his first pilgrimage and how those lessons kept deepening on his second walk.

Here is the albergue on the Caminho Português that David shared about: Albergue De Peregrinos Casa Da Fernanda, Vitorino dos Piães, Portugal, +351914589521

Connect with David:

 >> Kaleidoscope Child Foundation: donations gratefully accepted

 >> Instagram: @thedavideault

 >> Books on Amazon: Where Regret Cannot Find Me, and The Grass is Greener Right Here

I can help! Find out how at https://thecaminoexperience.com/

Get on my email list to receive my Top 10 Camino Tips (that don't usually show up on the top 10 lists) plus weekly tips and Camino-themed musings: https://pages.thecaminoexperience.com/tips

#youonthecamino #caminodesantiago #firsttimepilgrim #thecaminoexperience #caminopodcast

Someday-Pilgrim Kimberly Talks About the Idea of Walking the Camino de Santiago

From the kindness of strangers to gaining an expanded sense of community to being connected to centuries of history - there is so much to be discovered and experienced by walking the Camino de Santiago.

Join me for a poignant and uplifting conversation with Kimberly as she explores the possibility of someday being a pilgrim on the Camino in Spain or Portugal, in this episode of the “YOU on the Camino de Santiago” podcast.

UPDATE: The fabulous albergue mentioned at the end of this episode - Vagabond Vieiras - is no longer a donativo albergue. You can now reserve your bed and pizza dinner in advance on booking.com. Or simply turn up as you walk through the beautiful Valcarce valley.

Say YES! to Walking the Camino

How do you take your dream of walking the Camino de Santiago someday to actually taking your first steps on the trail? Check out The Camino Experience to learn how to go from "yes, I want to do this!" to making that dream a reality.

Be a Guest on This Podcast

For all of you first-time or someday-pilgrims, would you like to be a guest on this podcast? I would love to hear from you! Let me know you are interested here.

Related: Looking for stories about pilgrims who have already walked the Camino?

JOIN MY EMAIL LIST

And get your FREE copy of Nancy's Top 10 Camino Tips (that don't usually make the top 10 lists).

#youonthecamino #caminodesantiago #firsttimepilgrim #thecaminoexperience #caminopodcast

Where do You Find Food on the Camino?

What is available, when is it available, and how much does it all cost?

On the first day of my first Camino walk, I walked 17 kilometers powered only by pastries. Why? Because I had no idea where and, more importantly, when to find food in Spain.

Eating on the Camino can be an exciting adventure and a culinary journey in and of itself.  Some days you will wade through a gourmet extravaganza provided by some very creative kitchens.  Other days you will find yourself in a culinary wasteland, where the only goals are to stave off hunger and find some basic nutrition.

Either way, you won’t go hungry.

You may have heard that the Spanish diet is heavily oriented towards meat and bread. Where does that leave the vegan and vegetarian eaters? And what if you require a gluten free diet? Well, good news, things have been evolving in Spain, and there are now plenty of food options for everyone. You do have to work for it some, but it is completely doable. And I will include some tips for all of you in this episode of the “YOU on the Camino de Santiago” podcast.

İBuen provecho!

Resources for Vegans and Vegetarians

Happy Cow: Website & app

Facebook groups:

 - Vegetarians and Vegans on the Camino

 - Camino de Santiago – Veg, Vegetarians and Vegans

Related: More details on eating and drinking on the Camino de Santiago, please!

JOIN MY EMAIL LIST

And get your FREE copy of Nancy's Top 10 Camino Tips (that don't usually make the top 10 lists).

#youonthecamino #caminodesantiago #firsttimepilgrim #thecaminoexperience #caminopodcast

That seems to be the theme of Roger's pilgrimage on the Camino Francés!

What happens if . . .

. . . you become injured?

. . . you need a dentist at 6:30 am on a Saturday in a small village in northern Spain?

. . . you don't want to book accommodations in advance in July?

Find out in this episode. And Roger has some well-earned, fabulous advice for first-time pilgrims.

JOIN ME ON THE TRAIL IN 2025!

Want to get your pilgrimage started in the best possible way, with all the support you need in the planning and preparation phases?

I still have a few spots left in my May and September 2025 Camino Experience groups, and I would love for you to join us!

Take the next step here: https://thecaminoexperience.com/walk-with-me/

#youonthecamino #caminodesantiago #firsttimepilgrim #thecaminoexperience #caminopodcast

Chad has now walked the Francés and Primitivo routes, plus the Camino Portuguese from both Lisbon and Porto. But it's not about how many routes or how many times he has walked. He's not keeping score.

What matters most about pilgrimage? Chad explores this question as well as the role of his shadow on and off the trail.

On his most recent pilgrimage, Chad walked to honor the life of a beloved family-by-choice second son. He shares this story as well as how he brings the Camino back home into his daily life.

Registration is now open for my May 2025 Camino Experience group - only 2 spots left!

Early registration opens for my September 2025 group on October7, and the first 10 people on that wait list are guaranteed a spot in the group.

Find out all about how we get started together and let me know you are interested here.

#youonthecamino #caminodesantiago #firsttimepilgrim #thecaminoexperience #caminopodcast

Nidia's story shows us that having an incredible, life-impacting pilgrimage on the Camino de Santiago isn't dependent on the weather. What is it dependent on?

Listen in to hear Nidia's moving and inspiring stories of love, faith, and connection. 

To listen to Nidia's before-the-Camino interview, check out episode 16 in season three.

With the Camino Experience. Everything you need to get started on your pilgrimage on the Camino Francés. https://thecaminoexperience.com/

Get your free copy of Nancy's Top 10 Camino tips (that don't usually show up on the top 10 lists). Go here: https://pages.thecaminoexperience.com/tips

#youonthecamino #caminodesantiago #firsttimepilgrim #thecaminoexperience #caminopodcast

Georgina openly shares her inspiring story of experiencing severe depression, how she found her way out, and how it led her to walk the Camino de Santiago - with just two weeks lead time!

Join me for this courageous journey from the dark to the light, and up and over the mountain.

And find out why you would include a visit to the pilgrims office when you are in Saint Jean Pied de Port.

This podcast strives to answer many of your Camino questions, but how do you take the information here and apply it to your specific circumstances?

Stop by my website to find out how I help pilgrims do that very thing. https://thecaminoexperience.com/

Here is the cake shop mentioned in this episode: Patiserrie Artizarra - Barbier Millox, 17 Rue d'Espagne, Saint Jean Pied de Port.

Try their Chamontais cake. YUM. (Plus croissants, macarons, and other delicious French pastries.)

#youonthecamino #caminodesantiago #firsttimepilgrim #thecaminoexperience #caminopodcast

That is the question pilgrim Danielle had to ask herself over and over again as she walked the Camino Francés in April and May 2024.

And as she answered that question, she gradually learned to trust herself and to know that she did, in fact, know what is most important and what is also best for her.

Danielle had the honor of carrying Tracy's backpack, and you can hear that whole story in Danielle's first interview, in season four, episode five.

She is going to share with us the bumps she hit on the Road to Santiago, along with how she addressed those bumps. What kind of bumps? Illness, injury, anxiety, bad weather, and the unexpected physical toll of walking the Camino Francés.

JOIN ME ON THE TRAIL IN 2025!

Want to get your pilgrimage started in the best possible way, with all the support you need in the planning and preparation phases?

I still have a few spots left in my May and September 2025 Camino Experience groups, and I would love for you to join us!

Take the next step here: https://thecaminoexperience.com/walk-with-me/

Have you claimed your free Camino Planning Roadmap? How about my Top 10 Camino tips (that don't usually show up on the top 10 lists)?

Get both delivered to your inbox when you join my email list. Here's how to do that: https://pages.thecaminoexperience.com/roadmap

Let's get you off to a successful start!

#youonthecamino #caminodesantiago #firsttimepilgrim #thecaminoexperience #caminopodcast

Pastor Rich takes his faith out for a long walk as a way to get to know God and his daughter-in-law better. Along the Way he finds a deeper sense of compassion and an understanding of what it means to walk through pain.

I met Rich through my email list, and I am so glad I did! He brings his kind, gentle spirit to this post-Camino conversatation and shares four words that could change your life.

Starting with my Top 10 Camino Tips (that don't usually show up on the top 10 lists), and then more Camino-themed info in your inbox every week. To get the tips and get on the list, follow this link: https://pages.thecaminoexperience.com/tips

Walking the Camino Francés is a huge undertaking. But you don't have to dive into this all on your own. Instead, you can start your journey with a group and then venture out on your own!

Find out how here: https://thecaminoexperience.com/walk-with-me/

Registration is now open for my May 2025 Camino Experience group, and registration opens soon for my September 2025 group.

Follow this link to let me know you are interested.

#youonthecamino #caminodesantiago #firsttimepilgrim #thecaminoexperience #caminopodcast

Coming to you "live" from Sarria on the Francés route, where I am meeting up with pilgrim Maurice, who was my guest in episode 12 from season two.

In this episode I share tips from the trail. Here is what we are going to be talking about:

 >> How to stay safe when walking on the road

 >> How to make sure you have the right size boots

>> How to "condition" (not "train") for the Camino

>> How to use trekking poles (?) correctly

>> When to find food

>> Another suggestion for a Camino guidebook

Ready for some one-on-one, all about YOU on the Camino time? Now available: Camino Coaching with Nancy.

Learn more on my website, https://thecaminoexperience.com/. Look for the COACHING menu tab. Or, send me an email to youonthecamino@gmail.com

Can't wait to hear from YOU!

Is it time for you to make your Camino dream a reality? I can help you get from your front door to Saint Jean Pied de Port and on to Santiago de Compostela - without missing a step.

The Camino Frances Getting Started Audio Guide takes you step by step, from where you are now to your dream of walking the Camino Francés.

Have you found Leigh Brennan's podcast, The Camino Cafe? Leigh started her podcast during the pandemic, to bring isolated pilgrims together in a time when we couldn't walk the Camino. Three years later, she has interviewed dozens of pilgrims, each with a unique and interesting story.

I had the pleasure of being a guest on Leigh's podcast in February 2023. Here is the link for that.

And here is the link for our fun 20 Camino questions episode.

Here are two videos to show you how to use the straps on your trekking poles to their best benefit. The second video also shows you other tips and tricks for getting the most out of your poles.

Jayah Faye Paley of Adventure Buddies:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HOQFPL2lpMY

Dr Guylene Gigi Tree, the Perpetual Pilgrim:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jzLF3_0550g

Related: Meet pilgrim Maurice, as he was getting ready for his first pilgrimage on the Camino Francés.

.

#youonthecamino #caminodesantiago #firsttimepilgrim #thecaminoexperience #caminopodcast

A LIFE-CHANGING EXPERIENCE MEETS FOMO

How do you plan but don't over plan for your first pilgrimage on the Camino de Santiago? How do you make sure you don't miss out on any of the best sites and stops on the trail?

Find out how Andrea and Jason answer these questions as well as how they went from planning a two-week walk on the Camino to stepping out of their daily routine to spend five weeks walking the entire Camino Francés.

This is Part 1 of a two-part episode.

FREE STUFF & CAMINO TALK

Join Nancy's email list for even more tips and planning tools to help make your dream of walking the Camino a reality. (If you are on your phone, scroll down the home page to find the sign up form. If you are on a computer, scroll or look for the popup form after three seconds on the website.)

OTHER CAMINO PODCASTS

Nancy had the pleasure and privilege of being a guest on two other Camino podcasts. Check it out:

The Camino Cafe Podcast

Spanish for the Camino Podcast

#youonthecamino #caminodesantiago #firsttimepilgrim #thecaminoexperience #caminopodcast

When you imagine yourself on the Camino, who is there? 

Are you on your own? Is your spouse or partner there with you? Are you with a big group of your favorite people, perhaps family, perhaps not?

The question of who are you doing this with is, I think, broader than it appears at first glance. That’s because there are so many parts to getting ready for and walking the Camino, and so many points at which you may want or need someone to do it with you.

This episode of the “YOU on the Camino de Santiago” podcast has a lot of detailed information to assist you as you determine with whom you will walk the Camino. Click here for the promised lists of questions and other resources discussed in this episode.

Are you somewhere in between wanting to walk the Camino on your own and wanting to start the walk with a few people?

The Camino Experience might be exactly what you are looking for! Learn about starting your pilgrimage with the Camino Experience here.

Related: In case you missed it, Pilgrim Amanda shared her plan for walking the Caminho Português with a friend. She shared with us the questions they are talking about before they leave home, to help make the journey go smoothly.

P.S. This episode is dedicated to my dear friend, Heidi Fowler, who is blessing me by bearing witness to my journey and allowing me to bear witness to hers.

JOIN MY EMAIL LIST

And get your FREE copy of Nancy's Top 10 Camino Tips (that don't usually make the top 10 lists).

#youonthecamino #caminodesantiago #firsttimepilgrim #thecaminoexperience #caminopodcast

Our pilgrim wisdom continues this week, this time with someone getting ready to walk the Camino, rather than with someone who has already walked. Today you are going to meet pilgrim Annie who is walking the Camino Francés this spring.

You'll hear what Annie says about the intersection of human spirit and Camino spirit and how she intends to explore how the themes of surrender and restoration will work into her pilgrimage.

I think Annie is going to speak for many of us, as she shares how she is being called to walk the Camino as a long walk with God, to discover what God is trying to do in her life. Beautiful, right?

It reminds me that the Camino experience isn’t a one-off experience. Yes, it can be an incredible experience, and there is so much to explore and discover along the many Camino routes. So much to see and feel and smell and taste and touch. It is truly a journey of the senses. Enjoy!

Head back to season one, episode one to start at the true beginning, and don't forget to grab your free copy of Nancy's Camino Planning Roadmap:

https://thecaminoexperience.com/roadmap/

#youonthecamino #caminodesantiago #firsttimepilgrim #thecaminoexperience #caminopodcast

Cinda’s story shows us that trail angels are everywhere. In fact, YOU might be a trail angel to someone on the Way. What gifts do you have to give?

Cinda shares with us how training walks do and don’t prepare you for the rigors of walking the Camino. She discovers the joy of movement and the delight of connecting with others who are headed in the same direction with a similar purpose. And she shares with us the internal battle of taking a taxi or not, and how she resolved that for herself. That and more.

With the Camino Experience. Everything you need to get started on your pilgrimage on the Camino Francés. https://thecaminoexperience.com/

Get your free copy of Nancy's Top 10 Camino tips (that don't usually show up on the top 10 lists). Go here: https://pages.thecaminoexperience.com/tips

#youonthecamino #caminodesantiago #firsttimepilgrim #thecaminoexperience #caminopodcast

Forget asking Santa for what you want . . . go after it yourself! In this episode we walk through my annual goal setting process. We have already reviewed our accomplishments and successes (episode 18). We tallied up what didn't go as well as hoped and planned. And we mined both those lists for lessons and messages (episode 19.

Now it's time to pick our priorities for the coming year and think through and draft our goals and intentions.

What do you want more of in 2025? How about less of? Let's get that going! And hopefully one of the goals on your list will be walking your chosen route of the Camino de Santiago!

https://thecaminoexperience.com/

Here's how I can help:

 >> Guided start on the Camino Francés 

 >> Camino Francés Getting Started Audio Guide - 20% off through December 26th!!!

 >> One-on-one Camino coaching

P.S. Merry Christmas, Happy Hannukah, and Happy Kwanza!

#youonthecamino #caminodesantiago #firsttimepilgrim #thecaminoexperience #caminopodcast

My guest today is Kate from Australia who will be leaving soon to walk the Camino Francés from Saint Jean Pied de Port. As she tells her story, you are going to hear that she is actually planning two Caminos at the same time!

Kate has some great tips for us on what not to do when you are training for the Camino, and we have a fun chat about what to do with eight days after the Camino.

If you have any questions or concerns about my involvement in the recent trouble in the WOACA the Camino Facebook, please reach out to me at youonthecamino@gmail.com. I will do my best to respond to your questions and concerns within 72 hours.

I will be opening registration for the next DIY-plus Camino Planning Program in June.

The what???

The short answer is that this is all the content from my do-it-yourself getting started audio guide plus six group coaching sessions and email support.

If you would like to learn more about the program and get on the wait list for the next group, you can do that on my website:  https://thecaminoexperience.com/diy-camino/

Also the wait list for my 2025 Camino Experience groups is open.

Have you found this? Every question you could imagine, asked and answered many time. https://www.caminodesantiago.me/community/

Related: Here is the two-part episode on luggage transport services Kate and I talked about: Part 1, Part 2

#youonthecamino #caminodesantiago #firsttimepilgrim #thecaminoexperience #caminopodcast

In this episode we pick up where we left off in episode 101 by taking my #1 strategy for goal success to an even deeper level.

Then I am going to share with you five tactical steps and three top ideas that will guarantee your success in reaching your Camino goals.

Get your free copy of my Camino Planning Roadmap: https://pages.thecaminoexperience.com/roadmap and reach your goal of walking the Camino step by step by step.

Bust through all your obstacles by starting your pilgrimage with my September 2025 Camino Experience group. Walk with me: https://thecaminoexperience.com/walk-with-me/

#youonthecamino #caminodesantiago #firsttimepilgrim #thecaminoexperience #caminopodcast

Coming to you today with another healthy dose of reality on the Camino Francés. This week you will hear from Melissa, who you met in season 4, episode 10. Melissa had a plan to walk the Camino as a way to reclaim what she remembered as her "bad-ass self from her 20s". Who wouldn’t want that, right?

Melissa had a few surprises along the Way, including a vastly different experience of the meseta than she had expected.

She discovered why you don’t want to rush the start of your pilgrimage and why the end – from Sarria to Santiago – isn’t as bad as people say it is.

Melissa lost a few things and ended up finding even more than she lost.

She almost went home due to illness but by sticking with it she discovered something very significant, which you are going to hear about.

And Melissa is going to share her pro tip for getting a bed at Refuge Orisson, which is one of the places you can stay to break the first giant stage out of Saint Jean Pied de Port into two smaller stages.

Would you like to add a different and unique experience to your pilgrimage and take an easier path up the mountain to O'Cebreiro? You can make that climb on horseback! Reservations are essential.

Contact:

Victor Echeverria v.vigaray@gmail.com

My Camino Experience groups start in Saint Jean Pied de Port on May 10 and September 14. Join me? All the details are here: https://thecaminoexperience.com/walk-with-me/

#youonthecamino #caminodesantiago #firsttimepilgrim #thecaminoexperience #caminopodcast

What is the Camino de Santiago?

Do you remember when you first heard about the Camino de Santiago? Maybe it was from a friend who had walked it, or a newspaper article. Maybe you saw the movie, “The Way”, with Martin Sheen and Emilio Estevez, and something stirred deep inside. Something awakened within you, and you felt the pull to know more.

In this episode of the “YOU on the Camino de Santiago” podcast we are going to wander around in some basic questions:

• What is the Camino?
• Why do people walk the Camino?
• What does it mean to “do” the Camino?
• And what is it like, what is the experience of walking the Camino?

And we will get personal – why would you walk the Camino? What experience are you seeking?

How do you get started with planning a pilgrimage on the Camino de Santiago? Where do you start the task of mapping out your pilgrimage?

How do you know what you need to do to get ready to walk the Camino de Santiago???

The Camino Planning Roadmap is your guide! Available at https://thecaminoexperience.com/ and here.

#youonthecamino #caminodesantiago #firsttimepilgrim #thecaminoexperience #caminopodcast

In this episode we hear from Josh from Corpus Christi, Texas, who is on his way to the airport as this episode releases.

Josh heard the Camino call and said a quick yes. How quick? Ah, just wait. I love what Josh said – he realized he had to stop looking for reasons not to walk the Camino and just go. Now.

During our conversation I will also introduce you to my favorite Spanish phrase. As someone whose Spanish language skills are pretty mediocre, especially my listening skills, this phrase is a lifesaver.

There are so many ways to "do" the Camino - how about a writing retreat and introspective writing pilgrimage? The owner of The Stone Boat guesthouse in Rabanal Camino is co-hosting a beautiful writing retreat experience in the beautiful and iconic village of Castrillo de los Polvazares, just steps from the Camino trail.

Get on Kim's email list and learn all about this incredible Camino experience at https://www.thestoneboat.com/

#youonthecamino #caminodesantiago #firsttimepilgrim #thecaminoexperience #caminopodcast

WALKING THE CAMINO WITH FAMILY

Meg from Tacoma, Washington, USA, is planning a walk on the Camino Francés with her mom and sister - in the heat of July.

How does the weather impact your Camino? Is it better to walk alone or should you be recruiting family and friends to walk with you? And if you do walk with "your people", how do you ensure each person has the experience they are seeking?

In this episode, Meg shares how she and her family are preparing for their Camino walk, leveraging each person's strengths and interests.

WALK WITH ME!

Is this your year to walk the Camino de Santiago?

Let’s begin this journey together, with expert guidance getting ready and getting started on the Camino Francés route.

And let’s get you connected to the pilgrim community before you start your walk, with a small group of pilgrims who are, like you, embarking on their first ever pilgrimage on the Camino de Santiago. Start here.

JOIN MY EMAIL LIST

And get your FREE copy of Nancy's Top 10 Camino Tips (that don't usually make the top 10 lists).

BE A GUEST ON THIS PODCAST

Are you ready to share your getting-ready Camino story and get some personalized advice on your planning and preparations? Let me know you are interested here.

Related: Who will you walk the Camino with?

#youonthecamino #caminodesantiago #firsttimepilgrim #thecaminoexperience #caminopodcast

LIVE SIMPLY AND DO COOL SH*T

That's Kathy's motto, and walking the Camino del Norte certainly fits.

Through her preparations for this long walk across Northern Spain, Kathy is finding her courage and learning that it is okay to be the person she wants to be and truly is.

For Kathy, the Camino began the moment she said "yes!", and she has embarked on a journey of discovery that will take her to Santiago de Compostela . . . and then who knows where!

In addition to courage and finding your true self, we also talk about some more practical topics like what to do if you can't find a bed or if you lose the trail.

CHECK OUT THESE GREAT PILGRIM ORGANIZATIONS

American Pilgrims on the Camino

Canadian Company of Pilgrims

Confraternity of Saint James (UK)

BE A GUEST ON SEASON THREE OF THIS PODCAST!

Let me know you are interested by submitting the podcast guest request form. I am looking for first-time pilgrims planning to walk September through December, 2023, and any time in 2024, any route.

GET YOUR FREE COPY OF THE CAMINO PLANNING ROADMAP,

and join my email list to receive weekly tips and updates about the Camino de Santiago.

WALK WITH ME IN 2023!

Let's set up a Zoom call to talk about your Camino dreams and joining one of my September getting-started Camino groups. Not walking in 2023? No problem, the tentative dates for 2024 are here, too.

DREAMING OF A WINTER CAMINO WALK?

Check out Anne Born's book, Buen Camino! Tips from a WINTER Pilgrims

THE WEBSITES WE TALKED ABOUT

The Gronze website gives a tremendous amount of information for all Camino routes.

The pilgrim.es website offers stage-by-stage suggestions for each of the main Camino routes.

Related: Listen to the first conversation Kathy and I had, back in fall 2022.

#youonthecamino #caminodesantiago #firsttimepilgrim #thecaminoexperience #caminopodcast

In this episode I share a preview audio session on booking accommodations on the Camino from my Camino Francés Getting Started Audio Guide.

Let's look at . . .

 >> the different types of accommodations available on the Camino

>> which places accept reservations

>> when you should book

>> how to find places to stay

Oh, and I also share with you my (nearly) famous pre-de-jet-lag plan. Works like a charm.

Learn how to make it happen with the Camino Francés Getting Started Audio Guide. https://thecaminoexperience.com/getting-started-audio-guide/

Add the Camino Francés Getting Started Audio Guide to your holiday gift wish list and get on my email list to get the coming-soon special offer.

When you sign up for my email list you also get your free copy of "Nancy's Top 10 Camino Tips (that don't usually show up on the top 10 lists)." Sign up and get your tips here: https://pages.thecaminoexperience.com/tips

#youonthecamino #caminodesantiago #firsttimepilgrim #thecaminoexperience #caminopodcast

Back today with a story of peace from one of the pilgrims who you met in season four (episode six) – Joshua from Corpus Christi, Texas. It is also a story of plot twists and disappointments. But in true Camino fashion, the trail brought it all full circle, and Josh found out what blessings really feel like.

Like many of my guests in this season of the podcast, Josh’s biggest lesson came from the adversity he experienced on the trail, and it’s a lesson I am taking to heart right now. Spoiler alert: it’s something about moving forward no matter what.

In last week’s episode I talked about how to deal with uncertainty – on the Camino and at home. Josh’s experience on the Camino perfectly echoes a few of the strategies I shared – especially the idea to connect with community (code name: Camino family).

Ready to find the peace and life-shifts that come from walking the Camino Francés?

If you are dreaming of walking the Camino in 2025 but are hesitant to venture out on your own, I would love for you to grab one of the last two spots* in my May Camino Experience group or one of the five spots left* in the September group.

Here's where to get all the details and to take your first step: https://thecaminoexperience.com/walk-with-me/

*Available as of November 11, 2024

I love hearing from my listeners - what you like, what you find most useful, what you want more of. I would especially love to hear how you are using the 6 strategies for dealing with uncertainty from last week's episode.

You can reach me at nancy@thecaminoexperience.com or youonthecamino@gmail.com

#youonthecamino #caminodesantiago #firsttimepilgrim #thecaminoexperience #caminopodcast

Nidia from Utah, USA, shares her story of turning incredible trials into blessings, plus how and why she is preparing to walk the Camino Francés in 2024.

Faith is a choice, she says, and life itself is a pilgrimage. Find out about the "power of gathering" and how religion can bring you peace. You will also hear another approach to visiting the Cruz de Ferro, or Cross of Iron on the Way.

And when I asked for Nidia's questions about the Camino, she turned the tables and asked me how hosting the podcast has impacted my life. What a delight it was for me to explore that question!

Get on my email list and you will be the first to know about the special holiday offer coming soon on my ultimate getting-started Camino programs.

Plus, I will be in your inbox every Friday with more good stuff! 

Go to https://thecaminoexperience.com/ and look for the pop-up sign-up form (on computer) or scroll down the home page to find the sign-up form (on smartphone).

Be sure to open the email I send and click on the button to get your Top 10 Camino Tips (that don't usually show up on the top 10 lists) and confirm your subscription.

Reserve your time at The Stone Boat guesthouse in Rabanal del Camino, directly on the Camino Francés path. Just you, your creative projects, the wood burning stove, and pilgrims walking past your window throughout the day.

Find out more at: https://www.thestoneboat.com/ , menu tab "Writing Retreats." Or email Kim at hola@thestoneboat.com

#youonthecamino #caminodesantiago #firsttimepilgrim #thecaminoexperience #caminopodcast

It's time to catch up with Dawn and Fiona from Australia, who we met in season three, episode three. These two peregrinas walked the Camino Francés in August and September this year.

You will hear how their plans unfolded and if booking all their accommodations in advance turned out to be the best way for them to do this . . . and what they would do differently next time. Because it sounds like there will be a next time, for both Dawn and Fiona.

We will be talking about what it means to have a hard day on the Camino and how they supported each other through those difficult times as well as how they shared the joy of their early morning walks during a 17-day heat wave.

And you will find out if it is possible to have a Camino family if you are staying in hotels and guesthouses, rather than in the albergues where most pilgrims stay.

I think that while listening to Dawn and Fiona’s story you will find yourself wondering what big thing you will be doing next, whether that is walking the Camino or something else, maybe something you have been dreaming of for decades.

Dawn and Fiona booked their Camino with the Australian company, Raw Travel. Here is there website: https://rawtravel.com/

Find out how the groups I lead are unlike any other Camino groups out there. Go to https://thecaminoexperience.com/walk-with-me/ for the whole story.

Thank-you donations gratefully accepted. Please go to https://thecaminoexperience.com/donate/

An attractive certificate marking your arrival at the halfway point between Saint Jean Pied de Port and Santiago de Compostela is available at the Santuario de la Virgen Peregrina in Sahagún. Be sure to check the opening hours when planning your visit.

Related: Check out Dawn and Fiona's "before" story in episode three of this season of the "YOU on the Camino de Santiago" podcast.

#youonthecamino #caminodesantiago #firsttimepilgrim #thecaminoexperience #caminopodcast

YOU on the Camino de Santiago, that’s why we are here.

You, taking your first steps on the trail, full of excitement and anticipation, and perhaps feeling a little anxious about what lies ahead.

Imagine, you are in Saint Jean Pied de Port, France, or Porto, Portugal, or Oviedo, Spain, or wherever you will be starting your Camino walk. Backpack loaded, trail before you, and you, unsure of what is to come, yet somehow so determined to do this. researched, you’ve prepared, you’ve planned, you’ve packed, and you have tackled another of many hurdles: you have gotten yourself to your starting point.

Can you see it? Can you imagine yourself there? Imagine yourself full of emotions, maybe a little jet lagged, possibly hungry and wondering where to find breakfast. You probably know your destination for the day, but you’re not entirely sure how to get there.

You look around you and – thankfully – you are not alone: there are other pilgrims! They, like you, are eager to connect, make friends, and perhaps most important, not walk out of town alone.

How did you get there, to Saint Jean, or Porto, or Oviedo, or wherever you will be starting your Camino journey? How did you decide when to go, and which route to walk, and where to start on your chosen route? How did you end up there on your own, or with the group you will be walking with? How did you work out your budget or how far to walk that first day, and every day after? How do you know where to sleep and where to find food?

See, that first step you are going to take on the trail, leaving Saint Jean Pied de Port, or wherever, is by far and away, not the first step of your Camino journey.

I am here to talk with you about those first steps and all the steps you need to take to get you to your starting point and on your Way.

The goal of this podcast takes you from idea . . . to saying YES! . . . to your first steps on the Camino trail. Whether you will walk in Spain, France, or Portugal, this podcast gives you a planning roadmap and practical tips, plus heartwarming and helpful stories from others who, like you, are getting ready for their first-ever pilgrimage on the Camino.

HI, I’M NANCY REYNOLDS, GUIDE AND LONG-TIME PILGRIM ON THE CAMINO DE SANTIAGO IN SPAIN.

Are we meeting for the first time? Yay! Welcome to the “YOU on the Camino de Santiago” podcast! I’m glad you’re here. It will be my pleasure to walk with you as you plan and prepare to walk your chosen Camino route.

In case you’re wondering who I am and why I have so much to say about the Camino, you can learn more here.

GET YOUR FREE COPY OF THE CAMINO PLANNING ROADMAP

Ready to get the big picture view of how to plan and prepare for your pilgrimage on the Camino de Santiago? Here it is! Simple follow this link: https://pages.thecaminoexperience.com/roadmap

BE A GUEST ON THIS PODCAST

Would you like to share your experience of getting ready to walk the Camino de Santiago and receive some personalized guidance on your planning and preparations?

If you have not yet walked a Camino and would like to be a guest on this podcast, please let me know you are interested here.

I hope you enjoy the podcast!

~ Nancy

#youonthecamino #caminodesantiago #firsttimepilgrim #thecaminoexperience #caminopodcast

We all have ideas of what walking the Camino is going to be like. It's hard not to, with all the YouTube videos, blogs, books, and movies about the Camino de Santiago out there.

What is your idea of a "perfect" Camino?

In this episode we explore that question and also bust some myths about the meseta, or high plain, that stretches from Burgos to León on the Camino Francés.

Here are two great stops for massage on the Camino Francés:

In Pamplona - Ultreia Masaje, right on the Camino trail shortly after you enter the old city walls, https://ultreiabuencamino.com/

In Santiago - Quintana Massage, located in Plaza de Quintana, next to the Cathedral, https://www.quintanamassages.com/

To be sure you are taking the right and best steps to get you to the trail, grab your free copy of my Camino Planning Roadmap here.

If you don't see an email from nancy@thecaminoexperience right away, be sure to check your Spam or Junk folder.

And don't forget to open the email and click the link to download your roadmap! That will put you on my email list so you can begin to receive tips and stories to help you plan and prepare for your pilgrimage.

Related: Check out the conversation with Judith and hear about her "perfect" Camino experience.

#youonthecamino #caminodesantiago #firsttimepilgrim #thecaminoexperience #caminopodcast

Colleen does. Walking the Camino isn't a life-long dream and she doesn't have a deeply compelling reason to walk the Camino. So why do it? Let's find out!

Colleen also shares the common pilgrim concerns – how to find beds and if there will be beds available when they need them, how to use trekking poles without doing a lot of flailing about, how to pronounce those tricky Spanish words for the cities and towns you will be walking through.

We talk about all those things and more in this episode.

Here are the resources we talked about:

How to use the straps on your trekking poles

How to get the most out of your trekking poles

How to pronounce Spanish place names

If you are tired of dreaming and are ready to make this pilgrimage happen, or if one of your goals is to start the Camino Francés in September this year, let’s connect.

I still have three spots left in my September Camino Experience group, and I would love to have those go to three of my podcast listeners.

https://thecaminoexperience.com/walk-with-me/

Email me at nancy@thecaminoexperience.com

#youonthecamino #caminodesantiago #firsttimepilgrim #thecaminoexperience #caminopodcast

PACKING FOR THE CAMINO

What do you really need to take with you when you walk the Camino? How much should your pack weigh? What happens if you take too much stuff?

Pilgrim David Guiterrez shares how he answered these questions while walking the Camino Francés in Fall 2022. There is some solid packing wisdom in this episode!

MAKE A DIFFERENCE

David shares with us about his upcoming fundraiser to build awareness about the Camino and his mission work with Damien House in Ecuador. Damien house serves people with Hansen's disease (leprosy), giving them love and medical care as they navigate life under the stigma of this disease.

David is co-hosting a dinner on February 11, 2022, to raise money for Damien House. He and 30 other pilgrims will also be sharing with the attendees how the Camino impacted their lives and is leading them to make a bigger difference in their communities and the world. ***Donations welcome after the event, at any time.***

If you would like to make a financial donation in support of this organization, please go here: http://www.thedamienhouse.org/index.html Donations welcome at any time.

COME WALK WITH ME!

Are you getting ready to walk your first Camino pilgrimage? You are invited to take advantage of all the getting-started resources available on Nancy’s website. Learn all about the Camino de Santiago and how to go from ‘yes, I want to do this!’ to your first steps on the trail.

BE A GUEST ON THIS PODCAST

Would you like to share your experience of getting ready to walk the Camino de Santiago and receive some personalized guidance on your planning and preparations?

If you have not yet walked a Camino and would like to be a guest on this podcast, please let me know you are interested here.

#caminodesantiago #caminofrances #santiagodecompostela #camino #pilgrimage #travel #santiago

How do you break up the Camino Francés route if you have only 21 days for your pilgrimage? Jarrett and Amy tackled that challenge and came up with a plan that suits them perfectly. Find out how they did that, using this podcast and my Camino Francés Getting Started Audio Guide.

Be the first to know when the audio guide gets its remodel and goes on sale at the end of April 2025.

Go to https://thecaminoexperience.com/promo/

Here is the planning tool we talk about: https://godesalco.com/plan Full instructions for using the Godesalco tool and for how to plan your entire Camino journey are in the audio guide!

#youonthecamino #caminodesantiago #firsttimepilgrim #thecaminoexperience #caminopodcast

Nysie has a new lease on life after years of living with a debilitating illness. And she is celebrating her second chance by making the journey from Le Puy-en-Velay to Saint Jean Pied de Port on the Chemin de Saint-Jacques, and then from there to Santiago de Compostela on the Camino Francés.

Nysie knows ahead of time that she won’t be walking every step of the way, but that fact doesn’t make this any less remarkable. You will see why I say that as you get to know Nysie and her story, which is nothing short of a miracle.

Start your Camino with confidence.

If you are someone who can imagine yourself on the Camino but who can’t yet see how to make it happen, someone who doesn't yet know how to go from the dream to those first steps on the trail, then consider joining my small group that starts in Saint Jean Pied de Port in September and I will ensure you get there.

Are you planning to walk the Camino alone but you don’t necessarily want to start off alone? This group is for you, too.

Let's connect! Follow this link to find out how I help first-time pilgrims get started on their Way. Or email me at nancy@thecaminoexperience.com

Nysie will need to keep medication cold for her entire pilgrimage. She will be using The Voyager travel fridge by All Family. Explore this and other options here: https://4allfamily.com/

Join me for a fun exploration of how to pronounce Spanish place names along the Camino Francés in season two, episode 10 of this podcast. Follow this link to the episode or find it wherever you listen to this podcast.

#youonthecamino #caminodesantiago #firsttimepilgrim #thecaminoexperience #caminopodcast

Kate was pretty clear on why she was walking the Camino. As a nurse, she was feeling beyond burned out after the intensity of pandemic and the huge impact it had on people serving in her profession. She wanted to focus on well-being, and actually discover a deeper meaning of what those words meant. That she did.

In her quest for well-being, Kate discovered what she now recognizes as the Aboriginal practice of "Dadirri", which is the practice of deep inner listening and quiet still awareness that connects us and nurtures spiritual well-being resident in the indigenous people of her home country of Australia.

For a visual introduction to Dadirri, check out this video on YouTube.

Let's get started together!

Join Nancy's next DIY-plus Camino planning program, which starts in October. Our first group planning and coaching call is scheduled for November 7. Get all the details and register here:

https://thecaminoexperience.com/diy-camino/

If you prefer to start your Camino with a small group, and then venture off on your own, consider joining one of Nancy's Camino Experience groups. Registration is now open for the May 2025 group, and early registration begins for the September 2025 wait list on October 7. Details and registration here:

https://thecaminoexperience.com/walk-with-me/

Here is one of my favorite tools to make your stage-by-stage plan on the Camino Francés: https://godesalco.com/

Just a heads up: this tool doesn't include all the alternative paths, so you will want to consult a guidebook or app and adjust your plan to be sure you don't miss any of those.

#youonthecamino #caminodesantiago #firsttimepilgrim #thecaminoexperience #caminopodcast

After an unexpected and devastating loss, the whole family is in on the Camino plans.

Learn how pilgrim Roger will make the journey to three major pilgrimage sites, in Spain, Portugal, and France.

Visit the beautiful Catedral de Burgos: https://catedraldeburgos.es/

Visit the Atapuerca dig site: https://www.atapuerca.org/

Discover all the big decisions you will need to make and the steps you will take to get you from where you are now – saying yes to your dream – all the way to your starting point. You can get the roadmap for free by following this link: https://pages.thecaminoexperience.com/roadmap

Be sure to download the roadmap to give your consent to receive future emails from me.

The Camino Experience, with Nancy: https://thecaminoexperience.com/

#youonthecamino #caminodesantiago #firsttimepilgrim #thecaminoexperience #caminopodcast

Selecting Your Boots & Socks for Your Walk on the Camino de Santiago

[For the Love of Your Feet (and Entire Body)]

If you are planning to walk the Camino de Santiago, you are going to be asking your feet to do something extraordinary. You are about to put them to the greatest test they likely will ever be put to.

How do you prepare your feet for this strenuous journey? With the right socks and boots, and more importantly, by getting your feet - and your body - fully acquainted with your Camino footwear.

Why is this discussion so important? I have some pretty beat up feet over the years. And I have heard numerous stories of pilgrims who had to get off their feet for several days while they waited for blisters to heal, throwing off their rhythm and schedule, while their friends walked on.

I’ve even heard of pilgrims who had to stop walking entirely, Camino over, because their blisters had become infected. So this isn’t a tutorial on how to care for blisters once you get them; rather, it’s a guide for how to prevent them in the first place.

A typical day on the Camino will have you walking for four to six hours. On your feet, moving, with breaks throughout the day. You will be carrying something – whether that’s a fully loaded backpack weighing 10-12% of your body weight, or a day pack with just a few pounds or a couple kilos.

You will be walking on a variety of surfaces. If you are walking the Camino Frances, about 30% of your walk will be on paved surfaces – which includes cobblestones, one and two lane country roads and motorways which are asphalt, plus sidewalks, and stairs, and a few old Roman bridges. The other 70% will be on unpaved surfaces which will include dirt, small rocks, scree, and gravel.

Some of these surfaces will be slippery, and many will be uphill or downhill. By the way, I got these statistics from the guidebook by John Brierley, so if you are walking a route other than the Camino Frances, you should be able to figure out the percentages for your route using that book.

You likely will be walking in different kinds of weather – it could be hot, cold, wet, and dry.

What does all this mean for selecting your boots for the Camino? Let’s find out in this episode of the “YOU on the Camino de Santiago” podcast.

Walking the Camino is About More Than Which Boots You Choose to Walk In

What will it be about for you? How do you discover and then honor what you want for your first-ever walk on the Camino de Santiago? Let’s explore that together and get you off on a great start for your Camino experience.

Related: It was years before I learned there were many different ways to lace up hiking boots to cater to the specific needs of your feet. Here is the link for the article on how to lace your hiking boots, as promised in this episode.

JOIN MY EMAIL LIST

And get your FREE copy of Nancy's Top 10 Camino Tips (that don't usually make the top 10 lists).

#youonthecamino #caminodesantiago #firsttimepilgrim #thecaminoexperience #caminopodcast

For many people, the story of a Camino dream is a series of false starts. You hear about the Camino and hear its call, but it’s not the right time to go.

Then it is the right time, and you put some dates on the calendar, and something comes up – a significant family event, like a wedding, graduation or birth of a grandchild, a loved one gets sick or injured, you get sick or injured, there’s a global pandemic, or you have to move unexpectedly. There are so many things that can derail our plans.

Today I am talking with a pilgrim whose Camino dream has been brewing for quite a long time, and he is finally going to be taking his first steps on the trail next week.

After a series of setbacks – some quite intense – Erik from Colorado has the perfect window to walk the Camino Francés. It’s time for him to step away from the noise of everyday life and celebrate how far he has come.

If you are sensing that it is time to set the noise aside and get your Camino on the calendar, I would love for you to join me on the trail this September. 

Walk with Nancy and a small group in September 2025 and get your pilgrimage off on the right foot. Learn more here: https://thecaminoexperience.com/walk-with-me/

Or send me an email to let me know you are interested: nancy@thecaminoexperience.com

Here is the guidebook Erik mentioned in this episode: https://sandybrownbooks.com/

Sandy and his sister, Rocky, also run Pilgrim Paths, which leads guided walks throughout Europe. They offer a Concierge Service that books rooms and luggage transport along the Camino routes. Learn more at https://pilgrimpaths.net/

#youonthecamino #caminodesantiago #firsttimepilgrim #thecaminoexperience #caminopodcast

In June 2022 American pilgrim Aaron died suddenly and unexpectedly while walking the Camino de Santiago. In this week's episode we hear from Aaron's friend George, who will be walking the Camino in Aaron's memory and literally in his footsteps.

George's love for his Aaron is mirrored in his friendship with John, who will be joining him for the walk. Find out what is motivating these two men to walk the Camino Francés and why this story is so extraordinary.

Read about Aaron's Camino story by following the link below.

Are you dreaming of walking your first Camino pilgrimage but are not quite sure how to pull it all together? Are you eager to walk the Camino but hesitant to set out alone? Let’s get started together! Click here to find out about starting your pilgrimage with the Camino Experience. (P.S. Sorry, registration for the September 2023 groups is closed.)

Are you getting ready to walk your first pilgrimage on the Camino de Santiago? If you would like to share your story and receive some one-on-one assistance getting ready for your walk, please let me know by using this form. You can also contact my at youonthecaminno@gmail.com. Thank you!

Have you already walked one of the Camino routes? If yes, then I know you have tons of great tips to share! If you would like to share your tips with my listeners, please send them over using this form. I will let you know when they will be aired, and I will also share whatever details you send me regarding which route and when you walked. Thank you for sharing!

Related: Read Aaron's Camino story here.

#youonthecamino #caminodesantiago #firsttimepilgrim #thecaminoexperience #caminopodcast

What makes an albergue the "best"? Find out what pilgrim Chad says about his top albergue experiences - and he names names! Here are the albergues and other places we mention in this episode:

• Hostel Suseia - The pilgrim's home, Zubiri
• Albergue de Peregrinos Parroquial, Grañon
• Casa de Peregrinos Emaús, Burgos
• Casa Susi, Trabadelo
• Albergue Camino y Leyenda, Trabadelo
• El Puente Peregrino, Trabadelo
• The Stone Boat, Rabanal del Camino
• Hotel O semáforo de Fisterra

Also hear a (good) man's perspective on women's safety on the Camino and learn the meaning of "Ultreia et Suseia."

Get on my email list! (And get your free copy of my Top 10 Camino Tips (that don't usually show up on the top 10 lists). Sign up on my website (https://thecaminoexperience.com/) or follow this link to go to the sign up page: https://pages.thecaminoexperience.com/tips

Find out how I help first time pilgrims go from idea to their first steps on the trail. On my website: https://thecaminoexperience.com/

Or go directly to:

Camino Francés Getting Started Audio Guide

The DIY-plus Camino Planning Program

Walk With Me - Camino Experience Groups

Related: Listen to my first conversation with Chad, from when he was getting ready to walk the Camino Francés. (Season 2, episode 18)

#youonthecamino #caminodesantiago #firsttimepilgrim #thecaminoexperience #caminopodcast

What do you do when your pilgrimage gets "rained out"? How do you cope with walking in the snow?

Joycelyn shares how the motivation and intention behind your pilgrimage can set the tone and bring the experience you are seeking.

She and Nidia (from episode 3) shared an incredible journey on the Camino Francés and even added a third generation to a real "Camino family."

Has this podcast helped you get started on your pilgrimage? I would love to hear how. Drop me an email: nancy@thecaminoexperience.com

Join me on the Camino in 2025? Here's how.

Wishing you a beautiful journey!

 ~ Nancy

#youonthecamino #caminodesantiago #firsttimepilgrim #thecaminoexperience #caminopodcast

When Is The Best Time To Walk The Camino . . . For You?

When people ask “when is the best time to walk the Camino”, what are they really asking? When is the best weather? When is it least crowded? When can I be certain to find food and a place to sleep? Yes, yes, and yes.

And at least as important is the question of when is the best – or right – time for you to walk the Camino, given your reasons for walking and what’s going on in your life. That’s why I think this question deserves more than just a discussion of weather patterns in Spain and Portugal.

The first thing I do when I am considering walking the Camino is break out my calendar. I look at upcoming birthdays, holidays, family events, work commitments, vacation plans, volunteer gigs, and things I don’t want to miss out on. With all of those, when can I get away to walk the Camino? And who do I need to talk to if I want to be away for an important day or event?

Sometimes the answers come easily. In March 2022 I found myself completely uncommitted. Find out why, what I did about it, and what questions you need to ask to determine the right – best – time for you to walk the Camino, in this episode of the “YOU on the Camino de Santiago” podcast.

How do you book trains and buses in Spain and France?

As promised, here are the websites I use to book my ground transportation to my Camino starting point and from my ending point back to my airport departure city.

*Note that train timetables and tickets sometimes are not available until 30 to 60 days before departure. To get an idea of what will be available on your travel date, check the same day of the week but within two to three weeks of today’s date.

• To book trains within Spain
• To book buses within Spain, specifically from Madrid to points on the Camino and from Pamplona to Saint Jean Pied de Port:
• To book trains within France
• To book trains and buses in Europe

Walking in the Winter

For those thinking of walking in the winter months, check out this resource from American pilgrim Anne Born: Buen Camino: Tips From a WINTER Pilgrim. You can buy the book by following this link to my ever-expanding guidebook and product page.

Related:  Want to know more about the Camino de Santiago and what it means to embark on this ancient pilgrimage?

JOIN MY EMAIL LIST

And get your FREE copy of Nancy's Top 10 Camino Tips (that don't usually make the top 10 lists).

#youonthecamino #caminodesantiago #firsttimepilgrim #thecaminoexperience #caminopodcast

Now we come to the final step of our year-end practice. The only thing we have left is my favorite New Year’s tradition.

This is the one I have been doing since 1976, long before I started setting goals and intentions for the new year. Uh, long before I even knew what that meant, because in 1976 I was 11 years old.

My best friend was Kristi, who lived next door and who had all kinds of fun and creative ideas. Usually, they involved getting into a little mischief and making it look like it was my idea rather than hers.

The New Years idea, though, was a good one, and completely trouble-free. Although, it did involve eating an ill-advised amount of Reese’s peanut butter cups as we pushed ourselves to stay awake until midnight.

I hope you enjoy this tradition as much as I do, and I hope you will incorporate it into your year-end practice each year from here on. You may even want to use this tradition when you are getting ready to leave for the Camino!

https://thecaminoexperience.com/

Here's how I can help:

 >> Guided start on the Camino Francés 

 >> Camino Francés Getting Started Audio Guide - 20% off through December 26th!!!

 >> One-on-one Camino coaching

P.S. HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!

#youonthecamino #caminodesantiago #firsttimepilgrim #thecaminoexperience #caminopodcast

Kim from Tulsa, Oklahoma, in the US, is getting ready to walk the Camino del Norte on a pilgrimage led by her parish priest.

Why walk with a group? Why not take off on this adventure on your own? Kim shows us why it's important to answer these questions for yourself.

We also talk about how to ensure you see the Botafumeiro at the pilgrim's mass, and what to do about those trekking poles when boarding the flight to Europe.

From the source, the Oficina de Acogida al Peregrino in Santiago de Compostela. Learn more here.

If you are not able to access the links in these show notes, please visit www.thecaminoexperience.com and go to the BLOG tab for all recent podcast episode show notes. Or, click on the logo of the podcast on the homepage of that website.

Here is everything you need to get started, all in one place: The Camino Francés Getting Started Audio Guide.

Or email Nancy for more information: youonthecamino@gmail.com

#youonthecamino #caminodesantiago #firsttimepilgrim #thecaminoexperience #caminopodcast

John covers all the bases as he shares his story of walking the Camino Francés in May and June 2024.

Overnight in the Pyrenees? Check.

Stay at a monastery? Check.

Sing with the nuns? Check.

Meet an undertaker who wants your business? Wait . . . check?

Here are the places and helpful tools John referenced in this episode:

 >> Book your bed at Refuge Orisson: https://www.refuge-orisson.com/en or  >> Auberge Borda: https://www.aubergeborda.com/

 >> Stay with the nuns in Santo Domingo de la Calzada: https://www.cister-lacalzada.com/albergue/

 >> Enjoy the vocal talents of the nuns in Carrion de los Condes: Albergue parroquial Santa María

 >> Retreat for a couple days at the San Salvador de Monte Irago Monastery in Rabanal del Camino: https://monteirago.org/en/

 >> Document your pilgrimage using the Find Penguins app: https://findpenguins.com/

 >> Grab one of the coveted 10 spots for lunch at the Parador Hotel in Santiago de Compostela: https://paradores.es/en/blog/pilgrims-treat-parador-santiago-de-compostela

 >> Get your Spanish language skills just right for the Camino with Maria Seco of Spanish for the Camino: https://spanishforcamino.com/

Make sure your pilgrimage plans are on the right track for the kind of experience you are hoping for.

Nail your pre-Camino confidence.

Give your family or spouse the peace of mind to know that an expert has looked over all your plans, with Camino coaching with Nancy.

Now scheduling for January 2025: https://thecaminoexperience.com/camino-coaching-with-nancy/

Start building your Camino family now!

If you want the freedom to walk the Camino your way, to walk at your own pace, take breaks when you need them, choose the accommodations – dorm rooms or private rooms – that suit your needs and budget, AND you want the confidence that comes from not starting out on this – I’ll say it – epic journey alone, start your pilgrimage with one of Nancy's Camino Experience groups: https://thecaminoexperience.com/walk-with-me/

I will be talking briefly about WHY I walked the Camino de Santiago, and why it might be calling you, too.

Where: Sports Basement store, 610 Old Mason St, San Francisco, CA

When: Sunday, December 15, 2025, 9:30 am to 11:15 am (I have the first 10-minute time slot)

Who: YOU! Whether you are Camino-curious or your flights or booked . . . or if you have already walked one of the Camino routes, all are welcome.

Hope to meet you there!

#youonthecamino #caminodesantiago #firsttimepilgrim #thecaminoexperience #caminopodcast

Wait until you hear this story. So inspiring. It truly is time to dream big again.

Keep an eye out for Cinda and Persie on the Camino Frances in April and May!

Discover all the big decisions you will need to make and the steps you will take to get you from where you are now – saying yes to your dream – all the way to your starting point. You can get the roadmap for free by following this link: https://pages.thecaminoexperience.com/roadmap

Be sure to download the roadmap to give your consent to receive future emails from me.

https://thecaminoexperience.com/

#youonthecamino #caminodesantiago #firsttimepilgrim #thecaminoexperience #caminopodcast

How much does it cost to walk the Camino?

How does the amount you spend for your pilgrimage influence, or even determine the experience you will have on the Camino? Or from another perspective, think of the experience you want: how much will that cost?

The costs on the Camino are what they are, and in episodes 14 and 15 I shared with you what I paid for food and accommodations on the Camino Francés in 2022. That second question, though, is meant to suggest that you can spend however much – or little – you want on the Camino, in order to have the experience you want.

Your on-the-ground Camino expenses are largely made up of two categories: where you sleep and where and how you eat. When people ask how much does it cost to do the Camino, I think this is usually what they are asking about, so I am going to talk about those expenses first.

Then, I will look at how much your travel expenses might be, to get to the Camino and to your starting point, and then back home again. And finally, I will talk about those expenses that come before you get on the plane or train to go to the Camino, what I call preparation costs, or pre-travel expenses.

There is a fair amount of detail coming your way in this episode, so you may want to have handy a pen and paper to make some notes. Also, you may want to open the webpage with the sample budgets I put together for you, so you can refer to them as we go.

When you look at the sample budgets, you will notice that in order to put together your Camino budget, you will need to know a few things. For example, you will need to know how many days you expect to be on the Camino, how many days you want at you starting and ending points, and if you will continue on to Fisterra or Muxia after you reach Santiago.

There are a few other things you will need to know, and I will walk you through those in this episode of the “YOU on the Camino de Santiago” podcast.

Resources Mentioned in This Episode

Learn more about Eating on the Camino

Learn more about Sleeping on the Camino

Shop for flights, buses, trains, and taxis with Matrix ITA Software here.

Compare and shop for travel insurance policies on Squaremouth here.

Related: How can you save money while traveling (and not just on the Camino)?

JOIN MY EMAIL LIST

And get your FREE copy of Nancy's Top 10 Camino Tips (that don't usually make the top 10 lists).

#youonthecamino #caminodesantiago #firsttimepilgrim #thecaminoexperience #caminopodcast

Join me as pilgrim Nysie shares her journey from Le Puy, France, to the Cathedral in Santiago de Compostela. Along the way she discovers that bumps in the road are an essential part of the transformation found by walking the Camino de Santiago.

With higher highs and lower lows than every before experienced, Nysie finds her power and comes home strong and even more determined.

Nysie walking into the plaza in front of the Cathedral

Here is the blog post in which I share Chad's version of Nysie's arrival story, including the video he made. (You might want to have some tissues on hand.)

Follow Nysie's art journey here: https://www.nysiehurstart.com/

If you will be in Pamplona on September 10 & 11, drop me a quick email and let's see if we can meet up for a café con leche or a pintxo or two. Email: nancy@thecaminoexperience.com

George and John walked the Camino Frances from Saint Jean Pied de Port in honor of the memory of George's friend Aaron. You can listen to this incredibly moving two-part story in season two, episode 19 and season one, episode 1 of this podcast series.

I am right there with you! Find out how to make it happen here.

#youonthecamino #caminodesantiago #firsttimepilgrim #thecaminoexperience #caminopodcast

HOLAAAAA!

It's time for Spanish for the Camino with María Seco. In this episode we will be learning some language rules for how to correctly pronounce words in Spanish. Specifically, we will focus on place names on the Camino Francés, learning tips you can use to pronounce any word in Spanish.

FOLLOW ALONG WITH OUR SPANISH LESSONS

Go to the How to Pronounce Place Names page of Nancy's website for the list of words we will be learning in this episode.

GET YOUR FREE ROADMAP!

Click here to get your free copy of Nancy's Camino Planning Roadmap. You will also be added to Nancy's email list so you can receive more tips and helpful information for planning your pilgrimage on the Camino de Santiago.

LEARN SPANISH WITH MARIA

Check out all the great things María has to offer pilgrims who want to enhance their experience of walking the Camino.

Related: Nancy was a guest on María's podcast, and the interview was all in Spanish!

#youonthecamino #caminodesantiago #firsttimepilgrim #thecaminoexperience #caminopodcast

A CONVERSATION WITH PILGRIM KATHIE

Join me as Kathie from Dallas shares her experiences walking the Camino Francés in Fall 2022.

Last summer I had the pleasure of talking with Kathie as she was getting ready for her first-ever Camino pilgrimage. We talked about her fears, doubts, and concerns about walking the Camino de Santiago, plus her hopes and aspirations as she headed off into the unknown on what would be for her, a significant religious pilgrimage. You can listen to that conversation here.

Did Kathie’s greatest fears come to pass? Did she get lost on the meseta? Did she find a "Camino family"? And was it the walk with God, the Mother Mary, Jesus, and Saint James she hoped it would be? Find out in this episode of the YOU on the Camino de Santiago podcast.

YOUR Camino Experience

What about you? Are you getting ready to walk your first Camino pilgrimage? You are invited to take advantage of all the getting-started resources available on Nancy’s website. Learn all about the Camino de Santiago and how to go from ‘yes, I want to do this!’ to your first steps on the trail.

JOIN MY EMAIL LIST

And get your FREE copy of Nancy's Top 10 Camino Tips (that don't usually make the top 10 lists).

SHARE YOUR STORY

Would you like to share your story of getting ready to walk the Camino, and get some expert input on your planning and preparations? Be a guest on this podcast and let's spend some time together talking about your Camino dreams and answering your most urgent questions. Let me know you are interested here.

#youonthecamino #caminodesantiago #firsttimepilgrim #thecaminoexperience #caminopodcast

What if something happens at home while you are away on a pilgrimage to Santiago de Compostela? What do you do when someone you love is in trouble, hundreds or thousands of miles away?

My guest today is going to share her real life experience with that very thing.

In this episode you are going to meet Natalie from near Portland, Oregon in the US. Her Camino story has – at least – two parts, one that has already happened and one that will happen in 2025.

And it is so much more than a story about trouble at home!

Are you dreaming of walking the Camino Francés in 2025? I would love to help you make that dream a reality!

Let me know you are interested by visiting my website and adding your name to the wait list for one of my 2025 groups.

You can do all the details and get on the list here: https://thecaminoexperience.com/walk-with-me/

Can't or don't want to start with a group? Check the DIY-plus Camino planning program and get on that wait list instead! https://thecaminoexperience.com/diy-camino/

#youonthecamino #caminodesantiago #firsttimepilgrim #thecaminoexperience #caminopodcast

Have you thought about this, if it's safe for a woman to walk the Camino alone? Kathy wasn't wondering before she walked, but she sure found out about safety for female pilgrims on her walk across Spain on the del Norte route. Pro-tip: Download the "AlertCops" app to your smartphone. (https://alertcops.ses.mir.es/publico/alertcops/en/)

Here is a question Kathy probably was wondering about: What, exactly, does "the Camino provides" mean? Have you heard that phrase? Kathy found out pretty quickly what that means. She'll tell you all about it in this episode.

We also talk at length about what albergues are really like and if you need to bring along a sleeping bag. Plus a couple more things - you'll see!

Coming up on Friday, September 15, 5pm, and Saturday, September 16, 9am (both California times).

Topic: How long does it take to walk the Camino? Or, how long will YOU take to walk the Camino?

Not in the US pacific time zone? No problem, here are some others:

5pm Friday in California is:

 >> 8 PM US Eastern time zone

 >> Saturday:

 >> 1 AM in London and Dublin (sorry!)  >> 2 AM in Madrid (sorry!)  >> 8 AM in Taipei  >> 10 AM in Sydney  >> Noon in Auckland

9 AM Saturday in California is:

 >> Noon PM US Eastern time zone  >> 5 PM in London and Dublin  >> 6 PM in Madrid

 >> Sunday:

 >> Midnight in Taipei (sorry!)  >> 2 AM in Sydney (sorry!)  >> 4 AM in Auckland (sorry!)

The webinars will be held on Zoom. The only way to get the Zoom link is to join my email list. (Don't worry, I send only Camino-themed emails, and you may Unsubscribe at any time.) To join my email list, go to https://thecaminoexperience.com/

and scroll down to the sign up form for Nancy's Top 10 Camino Tips (that don't usually show up on the top 10 lists).

You can also click here to sign up for my email list and get the Top 10 Camino Tips.

Be sure to confirm your subscription by opening the email with the Tips and downloading the PDF, or you won't get any other emails from me.

Here is everything you need to get started, all in one place: The Camino Francés Getting Started Audio Guide.

Or email Nancy for more information: youonthecamino@gmail.com

I answer them all for my Camino Experience groups. Join me in Saint Jean Pied de Port and be one of the most confident pilgrims on the trail. Learn more at https://thecaminoexperience.com/walk-with-me/.

#youonthecamino #caminodesantiago #firsttimepilgrim #thecaminoexperience #caminopodcast

After completing the Camino from Sarria to Santiago, Paul from Ireland is getting ready to do the Camino Primitivo the fast way. This isn't for everyone, and it brings up some good questions, like:

 >> What is a pilgrim?

 >> Do you have to be a pilgrim to "do" the Camino?

 >> Is it possible to become a pilgrim?

 >> Whose opinion matters here?

We also talk about finding spirituality along the Way, what you need to know about the weather, and a few top experiences in Santiago.

Only four spots left in my May 2024 Camino Experience group! Find out more and grab your spot here: https://thecaminoexperience.com/walk-with-me/

Tap into your creativity while staying at The Stone Boat guesthouse on Rabanal del Camino, with winter pilgrims passing right by your front door. Learn more at https://www.thestoneboat.com/

In order to get your Compostela once you reach Santiago, complete the registration form on the website of the Pilgrim's Welcome Office.

Once you submit your registration form, you will receive a QR code by email. Keep that email and show it to the person at the front door of the pilgrim's office when you arrive. They will then instruct you as to the next step.

The most current Credenciales have a QR code that leads you to the registration webpage. If your Credencial doesn't have the code, follow this link: https://oficinadelperegrino.com/en/sigle-register/

Related: Learn more about the Celtic Camino in Ireland that we talked about in this episode: https://www.caminosociety.ie/celtic-camino-v1

#youonthecamino #caminodesantiago #firsttimepilgrim #thecaminoexperience #caminopodcast