FAQ’s

Camino de Santiago is a unique travel destination. Quality accommodation in prime locations is limited. The earlier you book, the better your chance of securing the best possible rooms on the Camino. If you book with us later than 60 days before your start date, payment must be made in full. We will then do our absolute best to secure you our usual accommodation options. See our BLOG: When Should I Book My Camino de Santiago Trip?

As part of our Terms and Conditions, you are required to have Travel Insurance. The insurance details we require are the policy number and the 24 hr medical emergency telephone number. We collect this information so we can assist you if the need arises.

Ensure the cover is adequate.

Typically, walking a Camino is not considered a high-risk activity; however, the things that you would look for in your policy are:

• If you are unable to walk or cycle due to illness or injury.
• Trip cancellation (if you must cancel before departure due to illness or injury, etc.) and travel disruption (during the trip).
• Emergency medical assistance.

If you book more than 6 months in advance, you can provide us with details closer to the departure date. However, we will require your Insurance details before final payment.

As part of our Terms & Conditions, all Crossroads Travel clients must have Travel Insurance.

We do not refund

We endeavour to support you in any way possible. It’s your responsibility to understand if the Policy you select is appropriate for the type of holiday you are taking. It should cover elements such as cancellation, curtailment, injury, illness, repatriation costs, loss, theft and damage to your property during your holiday with us.

Crossroads Travel is not responsible for any losses or expenses that you incur if you fail to take out appropriate travel insurance.

We are in Spain and available for emergencies while you are on the Camino. We provide contact details in your welcome pack. Also in electronic form for you to save to your device before departure. You can contact us with a local SIM or by WhatsApp.

Yes, you will. This is a booking condition followed in most of Europe. You can read our BLOG: Do Solo Travellers Pay a Single Supplement on the Camino?  

After you pay a deposit, we start an email campaign with tips and tricks to support you in the planning phase. Then, when your balance is paid, we send more specific information on what is required to enjoy a comfortable Camino.

14 – 21 Days before departure, you will receive

• Final Updated Program
• Accommodation list with daily contact details
• Accommodation Maps
• Camino notes relevant to your Camino
• Crossroads Travel Welcome Pack at your first accommodation.

You will find locals appreciate it if you try to speak a few words; many locals do not speak English. Learning a few phrases to say thank you, please, yes, no, etc. is a nice touch.

You can download a translation app on your phone if all else fails.

Although it is very rare to have a problem the best way to manage this is to address it immediately with accommodation management. Problems can be dealt with in the moment, it is very difficult to resolve problems after the fact. If necessary, please contact Crossroads Travel at the phone numbers provided.

A Self-guided Camino package has everything organised; you focus on and walk at your own pace. We take care of the logistics and details so you can start each morning when you like, walk to your rhythm and have total freedom to stop wherever you like along the way until you reach your destination for the day.

There is a long history to the Compostela Certificate. Here is a link to our BLOG: What Is the Compostela Certificate and Who Can Get It?  

Crossroads Travel provides our clients with a Compostela passport in their Welcome Pack. If you lose it or want another, you will find them in many churches or official Camino stores in the main cities. Most of the community Albergues also sell them, usually around 4-5€

There are locations all over the Camino to get stamps on your Pilgrims Passport. Make sure you get one at your accommodation each day and then you will see signs in bars, cafes, churches, and food stalls. Remember a minimum of 2 stamps per day when walking the last 100km, and the last 200 km when riding if you want to gain your Compostela Certificate.

Your luggage is transported by a company that specialises in this service. We provide them with your full itinerary. Each morning at 8 am, you place your luggage (with tags we provide you) in the location allocated by your accommodation. The luggage allowance is 1 x 20 kg bag for French and Portuguese Way, 15 kg for Del Norte and 13kg for Le Puy Chemin. If you have more than your allowance, you can pay for an extra bag or have your excess weight transported forward to your final destinstion.

Many others of all levels of fitness and age have completed our packages. Provided you do not have any serious health issues (please discuss this with us) chances are you can do it too!

If you establish a training regime and get your fitness up before you go, your Camino will be more enjoyable.

Accept before you put foot on the Camino that you may need to have days off or catch transport if you are struggling. It is all about listening to your body and accepting your ability.

On our Guided Camino trips, we are available to support you. If something happens during the day, you contact us, and we will do our best to treat your injury and help you to complete the day.

On self-guided trips, you will need to treat your blisters and rest as needed. You will be provided with emergency contact details in case you are injured. There are always Pilgrims around to lend a hand when needed for sure!

As a Crossroads Travel client, your breakfast is included; beyond that, you will find endless options. Here is a link I wrote on the topic of Food on the Camino.

There are plenty of options for vegetarians on Camino. It is a little more difficult when you are vegan or have food allergies, although there are villages with the options that you require. There is always a salad to be had and beautiful seasonal vegetables. You may have to eat in restaurants rather than having the pilgrim menu to accommodate your needs.

We recommend you have a message translated into the language of the country you are in so there is no room for mistakes with what you require.

Casas, Hostales and Hotels often an in-house overnight washing service. If you prefer to do it yourself there are self-serve laundries in some locations.

Not all villages have ATMs we suggest you get cash out when you see one available. We recommend always having at least 50-100€ on you so you don’t get into a pickle and find yourself hungry or needing a taxi in a small village and no cash.

As a Crossroads Travel client, you will have had a good breakfast, so you are going to need money for coffee, drinks, snacks, and lunch throughout the day. Some of our foodie clients stop in beautiful restaurants for lunch, and others pack fruit. The minimum amount of cash we recommend to carry with you is around 50€ and keep your ATM card with you in case of emergencies.

Evening meals can vary from a 15€ Pilgrim Menu to Michelin Star restaurants, the cost is all about your style.

Our online packages average between 15 to 25 km per day.

We can create a Tailor-Made package if you want to do less.

Expenses incurred during your stay are not included in your package. Your breakfast is included; however, bar bills, electronic services, laundry, etc., must be paid for before departure. If you are uncertain about anything, you can look at the general inclusions list for our packages

There are many benefits to using Walking Poles. Ultimately, it is a personal decision. Avid walkers would never leave home without them. Poles provide great support on uneven ground and reduce jarring on knees and ankles on downhill paths. Also good for strengthening the upper body. Our tip: make sure they collapse small enough to fit into your checked-in luggage.

When you are walking all day, it is advisable to take at least 2 litres with you. Water bladders are good as they do not require you to stop and contort yourself to get them out of tight side pockets and the spout is located at your mouth to sip all day. There are lots of water fountains on the Camino; just be sure the water is drinkable.

SPAIN = POTABLE (drinkable) if the fountain says NON-POTABLE (not drinkable).

PORTUGAL = POTÁVEL (drinkable) if the fountain says NAO-POTÁVEL (not drinkable)

FRANCE = ET BUVABLE (drinkable) if the fountain says NON BUVABLE (not drinkable)

There are sections of the Camino where sports shoes could be appropriate; however, when you are walking so many km per day, it is more about the support hiking shoes offer your feet and legs.

There are many Camino paths; however, the main official path is the French Way, which starts in the Basque region at the foothills of the Pyrenees Mountains, in the historical town of St Jean Pied de Port in France. The route stretches across Inland Spain for almost 800km to Santiago de Compostela.

Ultimately, your Camino starts where you want it to start!

To obtain a Compostela, you must begin your pilgrimage 100 km from Santiago de Compostela.

No — you don’t have to be Catholic to walk during the Holy Year. You can take part for personal, cultural, or sporting reasons and still receive the Compostela certificate, as long as you complete the minimum distance. Everyone is welcome to experience the Holy Year atmosphere and events. Just keep in mind that the Plenary Indulgence is a Catholic spiritual benefit.