The Camino de Santiago is a sacred route which has been walked by so many women over the years. The pilgrimage is an incredible spiritual journey, but as a female walking alone for such a distance, you will have doubts about your safety and your health.
While there is never a guarantee of absolute safety with anything, we have collected together some tips for the women who commit to this pilgrimage alone, so that they can reach their destination with a clear plan for what to do and how to be safe.
Let it be known you're alone
You may think that this is highly counterproductive, but there’s a lot of common sense which can go into something like this. There’s a lot of locals who live their lives in and around the route, and they’re well used to pilgrims coming from all across the world. If you let them know that you’re making the trip, then you’ll be able to get a support network of people who will watch out for you, and step in when you need some help.
Get help beforehand
The Camino is a beautiful place which can offer a lot to anyone who happens to go there, but at the same time, it’s also somewhere which is better prepared for by seeking guidance beforehand. Organisations like SantiagoWays are specifically there to help both experienced and new pilgrims alike by showing them how to prepare for the journey.
Don’t bring valuables
One thing that you shouldn't do when you're on this journey is to bring valuables with you. We know that it can be tempting to try and bring a few items of sentimental value to make the trip extra special, but the worry that they'll bring you just isn't worth it. You need to remember that this is a spiritual exercise and not a materialistic one.
Split up your money
We all know that you’re going to need money to get the most from the experience unless you want to be sleeping in the cold outdoors. But when carrying cash around, try and split it up into several different pockets. That way, if something does go wrong, you’ll be able to have something for emergencies and to get help.
Just keep walking
It’s okay to be nervous when making this journey. But you know what? A lot of people make this every year, and a lot of them do it alone. You’re more likely than not going to come to any harm. But it’s essential to have these strategies and tips in your mind. When in doubt, keep going.
Overall, the Camino de Santiago is a wonderful place to visit, and a pilgrimage that you’ll remember for a long time. It’s important just to try and make sure that you’re being safe though, and that you’ve taken the proper steps to enjoy the trip as much as possible. The likelihood of you running into trouble is very low, but it never hurts to be prepared.
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