FAQ's

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You definitely will need some money for the journey.  We recommend bringing about 100 Euros, which you can buy from your local bank.  The exchange rates are not great when doing this (typically charge about 5%) but it helps when you first arrive.  Depending on your bank, you can use most ATM's in Europe and the exchange rate is significantly better.  So, bring enough to get you started for the first day or so and then use an ATM after you arrive - NOTE: the ATM's that are stuck in the side of a wall outside a convenience store, usually EuroNet, will rip you off on the exchange rate - go to a legitimate bank.  Credit cards are also a great option as you also typically get the best exchange rate and are accepted everywhere.

WiFi is widely available in the towns and cities and seems to be universally available at hotels.

Check with your cell phone carrier for International rates.  Verizon charges $12/day and allows you to use your current plan when abroad.  We do recommend this as the interactive route maps rely on GPS.  You can also get an eSIM card, which allows you to use that instead of your US plan.  

Thanks for asking that question.  For specific GPS trail maps, we use the mobile app from Wise Pilgrims.  They do charge $3-4 for each trail but it is money well spent.  For the Way of San Jacopo, we use AllTrails.

Other apps we recommend downloading are: a translation app, the country rail system app - for Portugal is is CP, Spain it is Renfe and for Italy, it is Trenitalia.  You can check scheduled and book tickets from your phone, which helps avoid the ticket counters and any possible language barrier.

Another great app is Rome2Rio which basically shows you all the ways to get from one point to another.

And most Europeans will use What'sApp to call and text.

It is not necessary to leave a gratuity but if the service is really great, then you can leave a couple coins on the table.

That is harder to answer as it does depend on which Camino you are walking.  But in general, you are within 15 miles of a city or town where you could get help and the larger cities have hospitals.

Under More Information, we have a detailed training guide.  And depending on which Camino, we would tailor that to either more flat miles or less miles but more hills.  For example, the Portuguese Camino is pretty flat and the walking days are 12-15 miles so longer flat walks are key.  The Norte is incredibly hilly so training on local mountains is highly recommended.

The answer to this question is a bit more complex.  If you are planning on using a baggage service to take a back between towns, then we recommend a small wheelie bag to move between towns and a day pack for hiking.  If you want to carry your pack, we do have a recommended packing list.

And this is super important - don't overpack and don't pack your fears!