The Camino de Santiago is a network of trails throughout Europe with one end destination in Spain. The Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela and the alleged final resting place of St. James. The Camino de Santiago is not just a walk. It is a journey of a lifetime, a spiritual adventure that calls people from all over the world to experience the life of a pilgrim and the Camino spirit.
I’m a Camino guide who has lived on the Camino de Santiago, so I’ve walked the Camino de Santiago solo on many occasions.
Solo pilgrims are not a rarity on the Camino. Many people decide to embrace a solo journey for a variety of different reasons.
For most, it’s the challenge. The feeling of “I did this for myself. By myself. On my own.” Walking the long road to Santiago solo works wonders for self-confidence. It is a massive achievement.
For some, it’s the need for alone time. To enjoy a period of reflection and inner peace. To unplug from everyday life and recharge in nature.
For many, they don’t have a choice. They may not have a travel companion. They face the choice of missing out on an adventure of a lifetime or being brave and going alone.
Whatever the reason, I know there are many people who decide to walk the Camino de Santiago solo who haven’t taken a holiday alone before. Some may not have travelled alone at all.
I understand why going solo on the Camino de Santiago could feel like an exciting yet daunting prospect. Travelling to a foreign land to walk with random strangers following yellow arrows all the way to Santiago de Compostela is not your average holiday which is why the Camino is such a wonderful experience.
If you decide to walk the Camino on your own, you’ll have much to consider. From the equipment you’ll need to bring to arranging your flights. You’ll have to make a decision on whether you want to share a dorm room with strangers or have the comfort of your own room, ensuring a good night´s sleep. Do you want the certainty of knowing where you will sleep every night by booking ahead or will you take a risk and trust that the Camino always provides?
There´s your luggage to consider: whether to carry it with you or have it transported as you walk along the way.
What guidebooks and apps will you use? What safety measures do you need to take? What happens if something goes wrong?
Yet none of the above questions should stop you from making the journey on your own and experiencing a trip of a lifetime.
If you plan to walk the Camino de Santiago and need a little helping hand preparing for your journey, why not let me take care of the mundane, leaving you to enjoy the magic? I offer Camino Itinerary Planning on all Camino de Santiago routes.
Want to learn more on the sacred routes of the Camino de Santiago? Check out my book, A Wild Woman’s Guide To The Camino de Santiago. I share everything you need to know before you begin your Camino. Read and download at A Wild Woman’s Guide To The Camino De Santiago or click the link below.
(c) Samantha Wilson 2019. All Rights Reserved.
Photo Credit Histoires de Tongs On Instagram
