Long days of 9 to 15 miles (about 15 to 25 kilometers) can lead the unprepared to medical conditions like tendonitis, blisters, or heat exhaustion. Even a mild strain can force a pause that can delay your plans.

Rest days in towns like Astorga or Ponferrada give joints time to heal. Start early in the day and absolutely wear comfortable, broken-in footwear.

While the trails are safe, theft occurs, especially in larger towns like Sarria, Pamplona, and León, where pilgrims often congregate. Or perhaps an airline error caused some lost luggage.

So be sure to keep passports and credit cards in neck pouches or money belts. Don’t leave valuables unattended in albergues. But if your bag does disappear, good insurance will reimburse you for the essentials.

A delayed flight into Pamplona or Biarritz might cause you to miss your bus to Bayonne or your train to Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port. Illness or other medical reasons may force you to skip a few stages – or have to cancel your whole trip – and this is certainly one trip you don’t want to have to miss.

Build flexibility into your plan. If you need to pause for a few days in Burgos or Santiago, you can do so calmly with insurance covering unused bookings.

Even though Spain offers high-quality, low-cost healthcare, non-EU travelers won’t benefit from reciprocal care agreements. Redpoint’s 24/7 coordination is especially valuable if you’re far from cities. Some clinics may not speak English. So look for medical coverage that includes:

• Access to doctors via phone or app if you’re in a rural stretch (such as the one past O Cebreiro)
• Reimbursement of out-of-network medical expenses from medical treatments or clinic visits
• Transportation to the nearest town or hospital
• Emergency evacuation

• Reimbursement for lost luggage, gear and electronics
• Gear replacement
• Support in replacing your passport or other documents (sometimes with local embassy coordination)
• Cash theft coverage, which can be critical in smaller towns without nearby ATMs

• Rebook lodging
• Reclaim prepaid nights or stages
• Rejoin a group tour on the trail at a later date
• Recover costs for prepaid hotels, transportation, or tours

• Activities over 2,000 meters (relevant if you are crossing the Pyrenees)
• Trips longer than 30 days

Strengthen your legs, hips, and back with gentle bodyweight exercises like squats, lunges, and planks. Prioritize balance and joint mobility, especially if you’re over 50.

Practice walking on varied terrain (gravel, hills, cobblestones, etc.) to mimic the trail’s conditions. Most importantly, listen to your body. Your success isn’t about speed, but steady, mindful endurance and the confidence to keep going.

Sherry Ott, a seasoned professional travel blogger, gives packing advice, it’s not just a tip—it’s a lesson in travel survival. She puts it plainly: “Dry fit everything – in order to do laundry and get things dry overnight (because you don’t want to carry many clothes at all!), you need to bring dry fit or quick dry clothing.”

Foot care is paramount. Invest in well-worn, breathable hiking shoes with strong arch support. Include two pairs of moisture-wicking socks per day and rotate them. A blister care kit is essential: Compeed, antiseptic wipes, and breathable tape can mean the difference between walking joyfully, limping in pain or even having to abandon your dream trek all together.

Albergue (Hostel) Checklist:

• Sleeping bag liner (lightweight)
• Earplugs and eye mask
• Quick-dry towel
• Flip-flops for showers
• Padlock for lockers
• Personal hygiene kit (small sizes)
• Portable charger

When Sherry Ott set out on her journey, she wasn’t fluent in Spanish, but that didn’t stop her from navigating the Camino. “I did not know any Spanish when I started,” she admits, “however, I was able to learn a few key vocabulary words for food and how to reserve a bed. Surprisingly, most shopkeepers and albergue owners did not speak much English at all. But through the few words I knew I was able to get by. Everyone on the trail speaks English and you can normally find someone to translate for you if you really find yourself in a bind. It was never really an issue.”

Bring two trekking poles if balance is a concern. They ease pressure on the knees, especially in hilly areas like O Cebreiro.

And while they certainly aren’t ‘gear,’ put careful thought into choosing your travel companion(s) too!

Always carry ID and your passport in a secure pouch and NOT in your backpack. Unfortunately, theft can occur, particularly in busy towns like Pamplona, Sarria, or even Santiago. Losing your passport mid-trek can halt your world-class holiday entirely.

Respect local customs and fellow pilgrims. Greet with “Buen Camino,” and avoid loud noise at night in albergues. Stay on marked paths and avoid shortcuts through farmland or private land. Many towns, such as Galicia, are small and rely on respectful tourism to thrive.

Watch for signs of fatigue: dizziness, joint pain, and irritability. Rest when needed. The Camino rewards those who walk in tune with their body and spirit, not those who rush.

Sherry Ott reflects candidly on her approach to the Camino, admitting that she did very little preparation before she started, which she doesn’t recommend. While spontaneity worked for her, she encourages first-time or solo pilgrims to take a more thoughtful approach. “If you are taking on the pilgrimage solo,” she advises, “then it will likely ease some butterflies and concerns if you do a little planning and research before you go.”

The most popular stretch, Sarria to Santiago, is often crowded. Many pilgrims begin in Sarria because it’s the minimum distance needed for the Compostela certificate (which is awarded for trekking at least 100 km, or biking at least 200 km). This stretch offers daily accommodation but can get booked out, especially in Holy Years or local festival weeks (e.g., St. James Day in July).

Trains and buses in Spain are generally reliable, but tickets for key connections like Madrid to León or Santiago to Porto should be reserved early. Avoid assumptions about last-minute availability, especially if your flight connections are tight.

If you’re walking longer routes like the Camino del Norte or Via de la Plata, allow buffer days for rest or detours. Booking your first two nights can relieve arrival stress. After that, consider using apps to reserve ahead while staying flexible.

No matter your route, make sure to do your research first! Whatever your questions or concerns it’s worth checking on them all early and certainly well before your departure.