How many months did you spend – or have you spent – planning and preparing for your pilgrimage?

What if you planned to spend that much time on bringing back the benefits of your journey? It’s an interesting question, yes?

The thing is, we can’t really avoid spending that time integrating the Camino into our lives - it has to be done - so I think a better question is how do we do that well? That’s what this big reveal is all about.

How do we keep that spirit alive?

The answer: community

#youonthecamino #caminodesantiago #firsttimepilgrim #thecaminoexperience #caminopodcast

*** The podcast is taking a break next week and will return on Tuesday, July 15***

Some dreams have to be put on hold for a very long time.

What I love about this week's pilgrim conversation is Katey’s honesty and vulnerability as she explores the themes of her pilgrimage.

Specifically, what is the significance of going after your dream – you know, the one you have been hanging onto for decades. And what happens when you finally give yourself permission to make that dream come true?

Maybe you will hear parts of your own story in Katey’s story.

I have some exciting announcements coming up in July 2025. To be the first to hear of all the cool stuff coming your way, be sure to get on my email list. You will also get my Camino planning Roadmap and my Top 10 Camino tips (that don't usually show up on the top 10 lists).

Go here: http://thecaminoexperience.com/roadmap

#youonthecamino #caminodesantiago #firsttimepilgrim #thecaminoexperience #caminopodcast

Telling our stories is such an important part of the Camino experience, and it starts long before we take our first steps on the trail.

My guest this week, Eden, does an amazing job of showing just how important the pre-Camino story is. And she shows us that pilgrimage isn’t just about the pilgrim; rather, it touches the lives of everyone who knows you are going to make this journey. You’ll see.

There’s more to it, too. Eden reminds us that walking the Camino is so much more than the physical walk. So getting ready to walk the Camino can’t be all about packing and getting the right backpack and boots and other gear. It also has to be about getting ready mentally, emotionally, and spiritually.

This is a story of courage, on several fronts. I hope you enjoy it!

I am always looking for compelling stories to share on this podcast. Right now I am looking to talk with people who have walked more than one Camino and who can share about their experiences bringing the Camino home.

Let me know you are interested here: https://thecaminoexperience.com/podcast-guest-request-form/

#youonthecamino #caminodesantiago #firsttimepilgrim #thecaminoexperience #caminopodcast

Life can be challenging at times, but what do you do when those tough times come at you rapid fire, one thing right after the next?

You walk the Camino.

Life: no small feat

The Camino: no small feat

Pilgrim Kristen will be walking with one of her best friends, and they intend to walk an "entire Camino." Find out why, along with some solid inspiration to make this journey your own.

Here are the shows Kristen talked about in the interview:

Rick Steves' Europe on YouTube

Alex Polizzi's Secret Spain on YouTube

Alex Polizzi's Spectacular Spain on YouTube

The trailer for 3 Caminos

The trailer for The Way My Way

The song I Shall Not Walk Alone

Here is the poem she shared:

I Will Leave This House, by Joseph Auslander

The Camino Experience has some exciting things coming your way soon. If you would like to be the first to know about them, join my email list and grab your free copy of my Top 10 Camino tips (that don't usually show up on the top 10 lists). Sign up here: https://pages.thecaminoexperience.com/tips

#youonthecamino #caminodesantiago #firsttimepilgrim #thecaminoexperience #caminopodcast

Today I have some updates on the pilgrim registration requirements and for the Francés route:

>> updates to the luggage transport services >> new places to buy gear, and >> where to find the best pizza

And then my favorite topic:

>> How do we deal with the hardest part of the entire Camino experience?

>> How do we fill our lives with what I call Camino-grade experiences?

To jump ahead to this part of the episode, when I talk about bringing home the Camino experience, go to the 14:20 minute mark.

Here are the places mentioned in this episode:

>> Caminoteca pilgrim shop: https://caminoteca.com/

>> Rock N Roll Pizza: https://rockandrollpizza.es/

>> Jacotrans, use discount code DAG: https://www.jacotrans.es/en/

In 2025 and beyond, accommodation hosts are required to collect additional data on their guests.

For a list of albergues currently using the Pilgrim Pass system, go here: https://pilgrim-pass.web.app/#/lodgings

If you would like to get this taken care of before go, here is the website: https://cms-pilgrim-pass.web.app/preregistration

If you have walked at least two Caminos, I would love to have you as a guest on the podcast to answer this question:

What has been the secret of your success in bringing home your pilgrimage?

Or maybe you haven't been all that successful. Let's talk about that too! You can let me know you're interested in being a guest here: https://thecaminoexperience.com/podcast-guest-request-form/

#youonthecamino #caminodesantiago #firsttimepilgrim #thecaminoexperience #caminopodcast

In this episode I am going to answer a handful of first-time pilgrim questions that are showing up nonstop on social media. Questions like:

• How hard is it, really?
• Do you have to train?
• What’s the weather going to be like?
• Do I need a sleeping bag?

• Do I need to reserve a bed or room in advance?

I would love to help you do that!

If your pilgrimage had an "alternative ending," meaning you didn't finish in Santiago, I would love to have you as a guest on the podcast.

You can email me directly at nancy@thecaminoexperience.com or complete this form to let me know you are interested.

#youonthecamino #caminodesantiago #firsttimepilgrim #thecaminoexperience #caminopodcast

My guest in this episode said yes to walking the Camino before he even knew what that really meant. Is it a leap of faith or simply saying yes to life? Either way, Ron shows us that now is the time to say take on those big dreams and goals.

After losing nearly 80 lbs by eating less and moving more, Ron is ready to take on the physical, mental, and spiritual challenge of walking the Camino.

Wondering about the "marvelous resource" Ron refers to during our conversation? That's the Camino Planning Kit, available at https://thecaminoexperience.com/kit/

It will take you from where you are now - wherever you are in the research and planning process - all the way to taking your first steps on the Camino Francés and beyond.

#youonthecamino #caminodesantiago #firsttimepilgrim #thecaminoexperience #caminopodcast

What happens when you sense a loud, clear calling to walk the Camino de Santiago? Well, you do it. You put some dates on the calendar and you plan this thing.

That’s what my guest today, Noel, did. The calling was mysterious yet unmistakable, so who was she to refuse it? And the timing coincides perfectly with a big milestone birthday, so this is the perfect time to take this journey.

Everything I offer to the pilgrim community is announced first on to my email list. You can join that list and also pick up your free copy of my Camino Planning Roadmap here: https://thecaminoexperience.com/roadmap/

Looking for some Camino tips, wisdom, and inspiration? It's all here:

https://www.facebook.com/TheCaminoExperience

https://www.instagram.com/thecaminoexperience/

#youonthecamino #caminodesantiago #firsttimepilgrim #thecaminoexperience #caminopodcast