Tips for doing the Camino de Santiago as a family

The Camino de Santiago is one of the best experiences a person can have in his or her life, either individually or as a family. Many people prefer to live this experience in their adult stage since it implies a great physical effort and a previous training is needed for its realization, however it is perfect to do it in family, since there are many Jacobean routes that allow to adapt to the needs of each one.

The Camino de Santiago: A unique experience for the whole family

Every pilgrim who makes the Camino de Santiago knows that this pilgrimage route is something that allows us to enjoy to the fullest. In addition to being a personal improvement due to the physical effort involved, it offers all kinds of experiences that allow us to get to know new cultures, traditions and all that in the midst of nature. Doing the Camino de Santiago as a family is a unique opportunity to share all this and that all members can disconnect from the daily routine.

Any of the routes of the Way that reach the Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela are perfect for doing the Camino de Santiago. If you want to do the Way or as a family, first you have to look at which is the most appropriate or which of all the starting points of the Camino de Santiago would be the most suitable to begin with. To this we should add other aspects to be taken into account, as well as a series of tips for doing the Camino de Santiago as a family.

Another very important aspect to do the Camino de Santiago with children is all they can learn from the path itself. The contact with nature as well as enchanting them will help them to feel curiosity about the environment that surrounds them and thus learn and appreciate the environment more.

Tips for doing the Camino de Santiago as a family

Carry only what is necessary

When we are going to do the Camino de Santiago as a family, we have to take good care of what we are going to carry in our backpacks. If there are small children, they may not be able to carry weight, so we must limit what we carry so as not to force our backs. Always keep in mind the 10% rule to ensure that the weight of the backpack is correct and to avoid health problems. 

In the case of doing the Way as a family and wanting to avoid this problem, you can also opt for one of the services that certain companies offer to pilgrims and that move the backpacks from one point to another so that they do not have to carry them.

Take into account the weather

The weather can be somewhat unstable, however depending on the season of the year in which the road is made we can know the style of clothing we will need. In the case of doing the Way of St. James as a family, the best time is during the hot season because this will reduce the amount of clothing that will be needed and the amount of clothing to be put in the backpack.

Although spring or summer are the best seasons to do the Camino de Santiago as a family, we have to take into account that in these times we need to protect ourselves from the sun. Children and adults should put on sunscreen as often as necessary, cover their heads and keep themselves hydrated with water at all times.

Training or previous preparation

As in all cases, pilgrims need physical preparation before undertaking the Camino de Santiago, whether it is done individually or as a family. In this sense, if in the family there are little children, you should take walks with them to see how they react, and then make longer and longer journeys so that they get used to it.

Another important thing that can be done in this previous training is related to shoes. In these walks it is recommended that the whole family put on the boots they will use for the walk since this will mold the footwear a little bit and the feet will adapt better for a comfortable walk.