Some questions, mostly about money...

[Tom]

Hello everybody,
I'm Tom, and I'm planning on walking either the Camino Frances or the Via de la Plata next summer before I surrender myself to three years of university hell.

I'm not entirely sure which route to take yet - the Camino Frances appeals because in all the years I've been visiting Spain (probably not that many compared to some on here!), I've never been north of Madrid, plus it's the 'traditional' pilgrimage route. On the other hand, the Via de la Plata seemingly goes through more of the country, and would be a quieter, more solitary and contemplative route, which is really what I'm looking for. Any advice to help me differentiate would be very gratefully received.

My main questions, however, concern money. I am but a poor student, and therefore not exactly overflowing with disposable income - hence the month's pilgrimage as opposed to a fully-fledged gap year. I have a job, and have already started saving. Roughly how much would I need to survive on both or either route in July and August? Obviously I'm planning on staying in albergues, but how much money am I likely to need for accomodation, food etc.? Also, what's the cheapest way to reach the starting point of the Camino Frances from England, and approximately how much should I be looking at for travel costs?

Tom.

[John Hussey]

here is a link with an interesting reply to your "How much does it cost?" cuestion:

http://caminodesantiago.consumer.es/calculadora/

A little Spanish translation help:

inicio=start
termino=finish
S?lo alojamiento=sleeping (costs)
Alojamiento + Manutenci?n=sleeping, food

The verbiage indicates that the pilgrim should expect to spend about 30 euros/day which would be all inclusive of all costs

[Tom]

Thanks for the link, it's very useful. I've now pretty much decided on the Via de la Plata - now I just have to find a way to get the cost down!

Tom.

[pasislepusi]

30 a day? You must be joking ... I think I'll live somehow on 20 at most .... I'll end up eating 2 apples a day, but I'll finish it :]]]

[salete]

Hi Tom for you stay in albergues you will need CREDENTIAL, the other wise you can not stay, you have to find out where get one