2024. 3. 15. 13:35ㆍTravel and Tourism
Practical Tips for Pilgrims
I'm sure you're dreaming of embarking on a journey to Santiago de Compostela someday.
Whenever someone asks me about the most memorable time of my life, I instantly recall my pilgrimage to Santiago de Compostela. Honestly, the emotions I experienced there were beyond words, especially after sharing a small party with fellow pilgrims...
So. I'm eager to share every tip I learned about Santiago de Compostela.
Let's kick off with some practical advice. Here are a few key tips:
1. Pack light for your journey. The pilgrimage route to Santiago de Compostela is longer than most tourist destinations, so a light backpack will make your journey much more enjoyable. When packing, think about including items will be added at there like bread, fruits, juice, and water, so be mindful not to overload your bag. (I tried to keep mine around 7kg when packing.)
2. Aim to visit during the peak season (around April to October). This is when Santiago de Compostela truly comes alive with pilgrims from around the world. Whether you're soul-serching or seeking connections, the peak season offers unparalleled experiences. I've been there both in summer and winter, but during the winter months, accommodation (*Albergue) was scarce, making it a bit challenging to secure a place to stay. I had to call ahead to each destination daily just to check availability...
3. Leave your high-tech performance gear at home. Honestly, I made this mistake on my first visit. I invested in Gore-Tex clothing with flashy colors, thinking they were essential for hiking and standing out in emergencies. But in Santiago, I stuck out like a sore thumb. Most people opt for simple attire and comfortable shoes, except for maybe the Koreans (no offense, I'm Korean too)...
4. Break in your shoes before you go unless you want to endure blisters and sore feet. Trust me; it's worth the effort.
Stay tuned for the next episode, where I'll share what I packed in my backpack.