Safety?

[jazwald]

Hi, I'm a 20 year old girl looking to walk the Camino, and I'd love to go on my own and get in touch with my thoughts, but how safe is it for a girl to travel alone?

[HuskyNerd]

Hi Jazwald ~
It's pretty safe, Jazwald. There are very few reports of assaults on the Camino and there are many women who begin alone. Most people naturally fall into groups, though, so most people (men or women) are not alone for long. Surprising how a couple of hours a day of solitude are adequate and the rest of the time we long for companionship.

My 21-year-old son traveled the Camino last year and had a blast. He started alone then grouped together with several singles his age, male and female. None of them had safety concerns. As all women learn, there are plenty of Lotharios out there who'll bore you with their unwanted advances, and in a few cases be somewhat aggressive. Spanish men and international pilgrims are no different.

Hope this helps. Buen camino ~
Sanford "Sandy" Brown

[jazwald]

Thanks, that helped

[lydia gillen]

Hi Jazwald,
I walked the Camino on my own from Roncavalles to Santiago. I am in my late 60's. I felt this is one of the safest places on earth, but I did take precautions. Always kept my money and cards on my body, I actually sewed an extra pocket inside the back of my trousers with a zip. Kept coins and small notes in little purse in pocket. Once or twice I invented a 'son and new girlfriend' who were walking behind. You will enjoy the Camino. Never have I felt closer to God than on the Camino. It is well worth while to learn a bit of spanish. It really enriches the whole experience. Many local people speak only spanish, but most pilgrims know some English

Buen Camino
Lydia