New walker planning on heading off in September

[5acred]

Hey guys thought I would post to say hello to you all and to ask a question.

I found out about the Camino Frances yesterday (as it is now 00:44) and I shortly found this great forum. I have been reading up on it for hours and I have ordered myself a few books on the topic also.

I am a 22 year old male who graduates from University in July and I have been trying to think of an adventure to celebrate my end of education. I have decided that the Camino Frances sounds perfect for what I want to do, a month alone and a great adventure meeting new people and exploring new places. I am planning on going in September after a family holiday in Spain, most likely around 20th. I am really hoping to make friends along the way as I am going alone but I am not the most outgoing person, another reason why this adventure would be good for me.

I am already so excited, lots of work to do first!

I am sure I will have some questions nearer the time, though I am guessing that most of the information I need can be found on this forum already. I do however have one question...

At the end of the pilgrimage how do you get home? Do you have pre-booked flights, meaning you have to keep to a schedule? Or do you somehow find flights once you reach your destination?

Thank you for all the information you have already provided me with and I look forward to talking to some of you during my time here.

[geraldkelly]

It's really entirely up to you how you organise it. Ryanair and (I think) Easyjet fly Santiago to the UK. Otherwise, if you get to Madrid (bus or Train) you'll have a bigger choice. If you book in advance you'll get it cheaper but you'll be setting yourself a deadline. What I usually do is book a flight when I know approximately when I'll be in Santiago - when I reach Leon for example - leaving myself a few extra days to hang out and relax. That said I always seem to book it too early - strange tendency to slow down towards the end.

Ger

[joe]

I gave myself 6 weeks (42 days) to complete the Camino from St Jean to Santiago. It is said to take approx 30-35 days on average, so I gave myself plenty of time to complete it, and if I have 4-5 days spare I would travel to Finisterre, "the End of the World" (80km from Santiago). I'll be going on the 18th May and coming home on 1st July from Santiago airport. I got my flight, travel insurance and up to 15kg luggage with RyanAir for €99... If you're going in September you might get a cheaper flight.

Oh, and from Santiago airport they only fly to London so you would have to get a train to you hometown (or arrange for someone to pick you up).

Another method I was thinking of doing (which I decided against in the end due to money issues) is getting a train or a flight to Madrid and then exploring for a few days before getting a flight home... the advantages of this would be that you get to explore Madrid, you can get cheaper flights, and you can get flights to your nearest airport! The main thing you need to worry about is time! Always give yourself an extra couple of days more than you plan just in case you get tired and need to take a days rest or if you want to explore a city. That's what I have done and 42 days seems like enough time to do what I want to do.

Buen Camino!

Joe.

[Leslie]

I did it the other way around from you once - after the camino I met my Dad for a holiday and ended up flying home from there. I am surprised that I have never got a flight to or from Santiago - I drove the second time - a bit mad i know.

[5acred]

Thank you all for the help.

I like the idea of travelling to Finisterre afterwards, something to definitely consider.

Time is not an issue at all as I am planning on taking a year out before I begin to search for a job. So I can literally go at my own pace and stop as I see fit, though I would not like to linger too long due to the bad weather.

Is it possible to get to Santiago and then get a flight there and then? Is it possible to get flights or trains from Finisterre?

Thank you.

[BHinSanDiego]

Both Geralds and Joes plan work equally well, if you give yourself a deadline like Joe be sure to give yourself plenty of time, again Joe gave himself a nice window of time to make it without the stress of wondering if he will have to push harder the closer he gets to Santiago. When I did my Camino last year I gave myself 39 days, I did it in 33, departing St Jean on May 22 and arriving Santiago on June 23. For about the first 3 weeks of my Camino I just had a rough idea of when I would arrive, about the time I got to Triacastela I had a very good idea of when I would arrive a week later. So, you could go with that plan too if so desired, just give yourself enough time, a couple or 3 days to spend in Santiago or more if you want to walk on to Finisterre. Most of the alburgues have internet so you could go online and book your flight.

[HuskyNerd]

Hi 5acred~
No trains or commercial planes at Finisterre. Most people take the bus from there back to Santiago to catch a train or plane back home. Buen camino!