“Is the Camino safe?”
This is a question we get asked frequently on social media and when we are speaking with clients on the phone.
The answer is yes, in fact, we believe the
Camino is the safest type of holiday you can take.
We understand that there are lots of questions around travel at the moment and the risks involved with taking a holiday.
However, we want to reassure you that not only is the Camino open and safe but is also a great travel option for when travel returns.
5 REASONS WHY THE CAMINO IS ONE OF THE SAFEST HOLIDAYS
In this blog post, we explore 5 reasons why the Camino is a safer holiday to take when travel returns.
So get ready to put the Camino right back into your bucket list!
1. The Camino is a Self-guided holiday
The Camino is the ultimate self-guided holiday which means you can navigate a
Camino route of your choosing at your own pace.
Self-guided means you can avoid more crowded areas or choose to take a
quieter Camino route.
You decide where you go, how long you stay in one area and if you would like to spend more or less time in one place.
We provide all the information you need so you can relax and enjoy your Camino, your way.
Choosing a Self-guided holiday versus a guided holiday means flexibility and freedom of choice.
Here are more
reasons to choose a Self-Guided Camino Tour.
2. Social distancing is possible
In Spain, the recommended social distance is 1.5 metres and in Portugal, it is 2 metres. Social distancing is also mandatory in France.
Walking or cycling on the Camino trails is one of the safest options for social distancing as there is plenty of space to give to other pilgrims and them to you.
Choosing quieter routes for 2021 might mean you encounter a lot fewer walkers next year.
You also have the option to
cycle the Camino which gives you even more control over social distancing.
Hiking and cycling are definitely two of the safest options when it comes to social distancing as you have complete control.
3. Being in the open-air in the countryside is safer
Being in a crowded indoor space can be a risk and indoor activities are best avoided if possible.
However, we know that being out in the open air is much safer in terms of transmission of the virus.
In fact, the
Mayo Clinic has listed walking and hiking as the lowest risk outdoor activity you can do.
At the time of writing, most Camino countries have made it mandatory to wear masks indoors and in outdoor public spaces which are likely to be crowded.
This is because the virus can be easily transmitted via particles in the air.
You should bring masks with you of course, but if you choose to
walk the Camino, it's unlikely you will encounter crowded public spaces or experience many crowded indoor activities.
For further peace of mind, you can also choose quieter routes such as the
Camino Primitivo or the
Via de la Plata where you are less likely to meet other pilgrims.
4. Your Mental Health can benefit from walking the Camino
The past few months have been crazy stressful for most, if not all of us.
We have been stuck indoors juggling work and family life while simultaneously worrying about the pandemic and the economy.
Often we have been unable to squeeze even an hour of me-time for a walk into our days.
But the truth is that we need a break and yes we need a holiday! It's OK to say that!
And, the best type of holiday we can take is an active holiday which is good for the body and the mind.
The benefits of being outdoors, getting exercise, and having a goal to work towards have untold advantages for our mental health.
To inspire you to begin your Camino adventure, we've got a downloadable
Camino training plan just for you.
From exercises to stretches to healthy eating, training for the Camino may just be the mental health boost you need at this time.
5. Camino Accommodation complies with safety protocols
We often get asked questions about the
hotels and accommodation on the Camino and the
changes to expect.
First, we only work with Camino accommodation that adheres to the government guidelines in relation to COVID-19.
To this end, we have interviewed
hotels in Spain,
hotels in Portugal,
hotels in France, and
hotels in Italy to find out how they are complying with the new safety protocols.
Second, we have then compiled case studies on some of these hotels and how they are applying the new regulations.
For added peace of mind, we also include photos and the changes that you can expect as a guest:
These are just some of the reasons why the Camino is the safest type of holiday you can take when travel returns.
