Is walking the Camino on your bucketlist? Then you need to read this!

Hey guys, Amy & Rónan here. We’re just back from walking the Camino Finisterre - so let’s catch up!

Last Sunday we jumped on a flight to Santiago with Eoin (CaminoGroups.ie) and 30 Rory’s Travel Club members, not knowing what to expect. A short 1hr 40min flight we landed at Santiago airport, Eoin introduced himself and gathered us all onto a coach. We got checked into our accommodation for the night, explored the streets around the cathedral and ended our first night with an incredible group dinner.

To be honest, we didn’t know what to expect from the Camino. We were nervous but went with open minds. To say this trip blew us away is an understatement. We set off bright and early but not before having a great breakfast in our hotel (included in price). Eoin was amazing, he explained that yes we’re on a group trip but we all go at our own pace - we stop when we need to and carry on when we would like too. He was there if we needed anything.

Each morning our luggage was collected from the reception of the hotel at 8am. When we arrived at our accommodation for the night, our luggage was waiting for us. This service was a game changer and the different accommodation each night meant we got to explore so many towns and village’s.

Don’t get us wrong, at times we did struggle. We had 4 days of walking & a total distance of 90km. Points were hot with little shade, points were uphill for 3km+, but it was worth every minute of it. The views were like nothing we have ever seen before. The sense of achievement when we walked to “The End of The World” was powerful. The people we met and craic we had were mighty. Not to forget that a glass of wine was €1.50 too.

Yes we were in a group with 30 others, but there was all walks of life - solo travellers, couples & friends. Everyone was so like minded, caring and kind. We all looked out for each other with blister plasters, ibuprofen & rounds of wine. Something that the entire group agreed on, that we wish we went on a group trip sooner. It might have been their first, but we can guarantee it won’t be their last.

The accommodation every night was great. We honestly couldn’t fault it. Clean, comfortable and my god you were glad to see it after 20KM. One of our highlights was the accommodation on our last night, the hotel was right on the beach front and we had ocean views from our bed.

Here’s a few tips for your next Camino trip!
1. A thin layer of Vaseline on your feet each morning! Life saver
2. Blister plasters & extra blister plasters
3. Pack a hat! It can get hot and parts have little to no shade
4. Soak your feet in the bath in the evenings, the relief is 10/10
5. Invest in good quality walking socks
6. Change your socks half way through your walk, even if you think you don’t need to
7. Pack extra snacks & water
8. Carry cash as some places don’t accept card
9. Get plenty of walks in before hand, with good hills in them!
10. Try the Lemon Beer!! 😍

This is your sign to book a group trip and walk the Camino! It was our first but it definitely won’t be our last.

Chat soon,
Amy & Rónan