You’ve heard about the 7 types of people you’ll meet and love on the Camino. But what about the 7 habits that everyone should avoid? Let’s raise a glass to not becoming one of these people!
Locomotive Snoring on the Camino
Most Albergue rooms with be filled with the sounds of gentle snoring all through the night. After a massive walk and a few beers we are all capable of the odd snore. But occasionally, you’ll encounter a snorer so dastardly that they will keep the entire room awake ALL NIGHT. This snoring penetrates though ear buds, pillows, even the sound of a lorry speeding down the road wouldn’t drown out this person! The worst is the uneven rhythm, the ones who briefly stop snoring just long enough to make you think its stopped, before it suddenly reaches an even more decadent crescendo. AGGHH! I’m not saying snorers shouldn’t walk the Camino, we totally expect snoring in a dorm, but if you know you have a serious issue, maybe there are ways to avoid depriving an entire room of any sleep.
Serial Philandering in Albergues
Lets face it, many people walk the Camino to meet someone and form romantic connections. Totally cool. But don’t be the person who has a new fling in every Albergue. Look out for lines like “You’re the first girl / boy I’ve found a connection with on the Camino.” Whatever!
You meet a wonderful girl/guy, you fall for the charm and the instant connection, perhaps they woo you. You can’t wait to walk the rest of the Camino with them, maybe stay in touch after the walk. But, they have other ideas. Next day, they’re out of here never to be seen again. Soon you’ll meet another girl/guy who has also fallen for their lines. You have a serial philanderer on your hands! Run!
Serial Philandering people, that’s one habit to avoid on the Camino.
Donativo Penny Pinching on the Camino
The Camino is here for all. It is particularly open to Pilgrims on different budgets. This is why Donativos exist. It’s simple, you donate what you can and what you think that the hospitality is worth. If you cant afford it, that’s totally fine. But the absolute worst, are the people who spend loads of cash in bars, or on Camino tat but refuse to pay a fair amount for the Donativo Albergue. Oh, they’ll enjoy the 3 course dinner with wine, the roof over their head and the hot water shower in the morning. But they won’t donate anything to the people who have worked hard to provide it. Avoid this habit on the camino!
Being Gross in Albergues on the Camino
Let’s face it, nobody is on tip top hygienic form during the Camino. But, there is a spectrum. There’s wearing the same socks two days in a row (totally acceptable imv) then there is totally gross. I’m talking, popping blisters on a bunk bed, bringing walking shoes into the dorm, microwaving your dirty socks, peeing in the shower, barefoot in the toilet, blister plasters dropped on the floor and dirty under-crackers strewn over the bunk beds. C’mon guys!
Being glued to your phone
Yes. We all want to get to Wifi when we get to our Albergue for the evening. Check on Insta and catch up with friends at home. But it goes a bit far when people are in communal areas face-timing on repeat with ear phones in all night. Maybe they are shy (totally fine) but quite often they are just glued to something else and totally missing their surroundings and the connections they could be making. Let’s put down the phones!
Being inconsiderate of others on the Camino
We all know that there is an unspoken Albergue rule book. It’s quite simple. It has only one rule. When lights are out in the dorm BE QUIET and DO NOT under any circumstances TURN ON THE LIGHTS. If this means you need to get your clothes ready before lights out or get ready in the corridor in the morning, then do it. If someone wakes up your entire room by turning on the light, perhaps with a rousing “Good Morning” to accompany it, make sure you boo and hiss to discourage them. Let’s avoid this habit on the camino.
Becoming a closed group on the Camino
Its lovely when people find new friends and travel on the Camino in groups. But its absolutely rubbish if this means they’re shut off to making new connections. What a shame! Its total “you cant sit with us” Mean Girl vibes. Booo to the closed groups.
Want to read more about the Camino de Santiago?
Most of our planning is done using other blogs, but you can’t beat a guide book at the bottom of your case.
Find them here on Amazon.
>
5 best pilgrimage routes in Europe to walk right now
5 BEST PILGRIMAGE ROUTES IN EUROPE TO WALK RIGHT NOW. Are you looking for a life changing experience? Many people choose to walk a pilgrimage at some point in their lives. Whether this is for religious or spiritual reasons, to meet people, as a personal challenge or just for fun. But not all pilgrimage routes…
The supreme Camino packing list for 2023 for men and women- all your packing questions answered
THE SUPREME CAMINO PACKING LIST: All your Camino packing list questions answered. A successful pilgrimage on the Camino de Santiago starts with packing. It may not sound important, but it is vital. We call this the supreme Camino packing list, because it really is. Our Camino packing list has been tried, tested and refined. We’ve…
The Camino de Santiago Finisterre: All you need to know
Are you wondering about walking to Finisterre, also known as the end of the world? Well, you should do it! If you’ve got time at the end of walking one of the other Camino routes, you’re guaranteed to enjoy the walk from Santiago to Finisterre. Here’s our guide to walking from Santiago to Finisterre on…
John and Emma’s hiking gear. These are items we love to use when we go hiking, find them here on Amazon.
Osprey 40L, Multi, O/S
HOKA ONE ONE Mens Speedgoat 4 Textile Synthetic Trainers
HOKA ONE ONE Women’s Clifton 8
CWVLC Unisex Cushioned Compression Athletic Ankle Socks Multipack
Dr. Scholl’s Blister Cushions, Seal & Heal Bandage, 8 Cushions
Montem Ultra Strong Trekking, Walking, and Hiking Poles – One Pair (2 Poles)
USEFUL LINKS FOR FLIGHTS, ACCOMMODATION AND TRANSPORT
CHECK LATEST FLIGHTS
ACTIVITIES TO CONSIDER
FOLLOW US ON SOCIAL MEDIA
Please note that some links on our website are partnered with affiliates. Using an affiliate links does not make it more expensive for you to purchase. We receive a small commission whenever you buy something which in turn allows us to keep writing independent travel guides and your support is greatly appreciated.