What is the weather like? The sort of weather to expect on Camino, depending on area and time of year. Expand The weather is unpredictable most of the year, so you should be prepared for rain (particularly in Galicia), day-time heat and cold nights, especially at high altitude. The summer months can be extremely hot, especially on the meseta, the high and very exposed plain between Burgos and León on the Camino Francés, and on the more southerly sections of the Via de la Plata. Seville is especially hot, with summertime temperatures in the 30’s and regularly reaching the high 20s in May and October. See our publication "The Winter Pilgrim" for advice on doing the camino in winter months. French weather forecasts Spanish weather forecasts Portuguese weather forecasts For a truly formidable array of weather information covering most of Europe, though especially Spain -http://web.archive.org/web/20080312184613/groups.msn.com/ElCaminoSantiago/weather.msnw And visit the Pilgrimage to Santiago Forum for up-to-the-minute exchanges about the weather.
Personal safety and travelling alone How to stay safe on the Camino. Expand The Camino is statistically very safe, hundreds of thousands of people walk and cycle the routes every year, most of whom experience no problems at all. However you should always be sensible and take care of yourself and your possessions as you would anywhere in the world. Your kit - rucksack, boots, stick - identify you immediately as a pilgrim, and the local people still respect the pilgrims' motivation and are generally happy to assist you whether it be in an emergency or if you just want directions. The incident in 2015 of the disappearance of a female pilgrim along the Camino francés, and the subsequent discovery of a body and arrest of a suspect, is highly unusual and has led to greater vigilance and monitoring of the camino by the Guardia Civil, particularly in the summer months. You are encouraged to take note of any safety warnings being made on particular stretches and to act accordingly. If you have concerns about safety, or about walking alone, here are some tips to help you stay safe: Walk with other pilgrims or within sight of others: If you are nervous about walking solo, or you are an inexperienced walker, choose a busier route like the le Puy route or the Camino francés, where you will rarely be completely alone. There is a great sense of community among pilgrims, and there are usually others close by to help you if you need it, and to walk with if you choose. Stay alert: Be aware of where you are and who you are with. If any strangers, including other pilgrims, do or say things that make you feel uncomfortable or unsafe, trust your instincts and seek assistance from other pilgrims, hospitaleros, or local people - or from the police if matters are serious. Use your phone: There are apps you can download to keep your peace of mind. Alertcops is the citizen security alert service that the Spanish law enforcement authorities provide to assist people at risk. You can send alerts to the nearest nearest emergency centre, chat directly with a support agent (in English), or receive security news and notifications sent by public security services. You can also share your location with the people you want or with the public security centre. App Camino, for those doing the Camino Francés, allows you to report any incidents or impositions along your way. The universal European emergency number is 112 which will work in all EU countries even if your phone is out of credit (further numbers are listed below). We also suggest that you take important contact numbers of your own, such as: your government's nearest embassy or consulate in the country you are visiting bank or credit card companies for reporting lost or stolen cards mobile phone company travel insurers airlines and other travel providers/agents Click here for a template of emergency numbers to download. This is in Word format so you can customise it by adding additional contact numbers to suit your own needs. Print off and carry somewhere separate from your wallet or purse. Always be careful with valuables: Keep them safe in large cities and don’t leave money, cameras, phones, passports etc unattended at any time. Use a securely-waterproof bag to protect such items when you shower. Choose safe accommodation: There's generally safety in numbers since, in the albergues, everyone shares a large common dormitory, and there are usually hospitaleros on duty who often sleep in the building overnight. If, however, you find yourself as sole occupant of an albergue with no hospitalero in attendance, seeking more secure overnight accommodation, such as a small hotel, would be advisable. Wear a reflective vest: Not just a sensible thing to do, but a legal requirement in Spain to wear one if walking on a road or close to traffic before first light, or after sunset. They are lightweight and cheap to buy, either before you leave, or from garages or supermarkets in Spain. Insurance: Always buy appropriate travel insurance which covers health care, emergency repatriation and rescue. Keep copies: copies of your passport, travel insurance and any other important documents should be carried carry away from your purse or wallet. Consider leaving an additional set of copies with relatives or friends at home. If something happens: Do not hesitate to call the authorities for assistance in an emergency, or to report crimes such as theft or flashing, both of which occur very occasionally. You will be helping other pilgrims by reporting all such incidents to the nearest hospitalero and the Guardia Civil. The main emergency number in Europe is a universal 112, but please see below a list of additional emergency numbers. If you need consular assistance please contact your Embassy. Spain Additional Numbers: 062 – The Guardia Civil 091 – National Police 092 – Local Police Each of these services has their own areas of responsibility. However they advise that when in doubt simply phone them and they will decide which force should best respond. 061 – Health Emergencies 080 - Fire Service Victims of Crime: There is a dedicated an English-language telephone number for victims of crimes who wish to make a police report but do not speak Spanish. The number is (34)-902-102-112. It operates from 8 a.m. to 12 a.m. daily. France Additional Numbers: 15 – Health Emergencies 17 - Police 18 - Fire Service Finally, the Pilgrimage to Santiago Forum run by Ivar Rekve has discussion threads on any up-to-date camino crime and safety issues.
I have limited time, how can that work? Suggestions of where to start if you're strapped for time. Expand A good question! The short answer is: it depends on you. How long have you got? Bear in mind travel days either side and rest days that you might need. How far do you think you can walk per day? 20km is moderate, 25km more average, 30km for fit pilgrims, 35km for very fit pilgrims. Now multiply your answers together. And then think in terms of the main places you can reach by public transport. Remember: if you want a compostela or certificado, you’ll need to have either walked the last 100 km into Santiago or cycled the last 200 km. Don’t forget you can walk the camino in stages over a period of years if you wish, making sure that you cover at least the minimum distance in your last stage. To help you calculate daily distances and overall route lengths: http://www.godesalco.com/plan Interactive maps leading to route guides with stages can be found on https://www.gronze.com/todos-los-caminos and http://www.mundicamino.com/los-caminos/ The following tables gives an idea of distances from the most popular start points on the major camino routes and a rough idea of the walking time (without including rest days) needed to reach Santiago. Please bear in mind some routes are less well-developed than the Camino Francés in terms of accommodation and therefore daily stages may vary considerably in length. See individual route descriptions for more details. Camino Francés – Do you start in Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port or Roncesvalles? Whilst many pilgrims regard Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port as the main "start line," Roncesvalles, is a also traditional starting point, especially for Spaniards and avoids the steep (1,200m) climb over the Pyrenees. This climb can be broken up over 2 days by staying at Huntto or Orisson. If intending to stay at Orisson and, indeed the Abbey at Roncesvalles, ensure to book as far in advance as possible, as these are in high demand for most of the season. Generally, it takes 4 – 5 weeks to walk from St Jean, depending on fitness, and about 2 weeks to cycle. Camino Francés Distance From Santiago St Jean Pied-de-Port 780 km Roncesvalles 750 km Pamplona 700 km Burgos 490 km León 310 km Ponferrada 200 km Sarria 110 km On some stretches of the Camino del Norte, there are still considerable distances between accommodation, sometimes up to 40 km and very few 20 km stages. Camino del Norte Distance From Santiago Irún 825 kms San Sebastián (Donostia) 805 kms Bilbao 710 kms Santander 560 kms Gijón /Avilés 355 / 330km Ribadeo 195 km Usually walked over 5 days, the stages of the Camino Inglés vary (depending on where you stay) from 20 km or less to 30 km. Camino Inglés Distance From Santiago Ferrol 110 km A Coruña 75km (with option of adding on pilgrimage in home country) There are stages on the Camino Primitivo that are 30 km or more, in mountainous country. A reasonable level of fitness would be required. Camino Primitivo Distance From Santiago Oviedo 315 km Lugo 101km The Camino Portugués would take about 4 weeks to walk, 2 weeks from Lisbon to Porto and 2 weeks from Porto to Santiago. There are some long stages, but the route has very little elevation. Camino Portugués Distance From Santiago Lisbon - 610km Coimbra - 370km Porto - 230km Tui - 115km Accommodation on Vía de la Plata has increased and can generally be found at roughly 25 km intervals. It takes about 6 weeks to walk from Seville to Santiago. Via de la Plata Distance from Santiago Málaga - 1,270km Granada - 1,185km Córdoba - 1,050km Sevilla - 1,000km Cáceres - 700km Salamanca - 520km Zamora - 410km Ourense - 110km France – Route starting points Distance from Santiago Le Puy en Velay - 1,600km Arles - 1,580km Vézelay - 1,700km Paris - 2,000km Mont St Michel - 1,755km Pointe de Grave - 1,200km
Are there dangerous dogs? A historical problem, though much less so nowadays. Information on what to do in the unlikely event. Expand Most dogs along the more popular camino routes are well-used to seeing pilgrims and rarely take much notice of them. Those which are specifically used as house guard dogs are usually either behind fences or chained up. However, in rural areas dogs are routinely used to protect flocks or farms and it is wise to check that you do not inadvertently walk between the dogs and their flock. Use common sense and do not approach unfamiliar dogs unless their owner indicates that it is safe to do so. Give a wide berth to loose dogs; dogs perceive a direct approach as more threatening than walking around them in a wide arc. In the unlikely event of meeting an unfriendly dog, remain calm and do not run as this triggers the instinct to chase prey. Avoid direct eye contact which can be seen as a challenge. If you call for help do so calmly but don’t shout or scream or wave your arms or stick at the dog. Stand still or, if safe to do so, walk or back away slowly keeping the dog in your peripheral vision.
How do I train for my Camino? Suggestions for improving fitness in preparation for the Camino. Expand The suggestions here are very generalised; if you have any medical conditions or have any concerns at all about your health or fitness, please speak to your doctor or to a physiotherapist or a qualified personal trainer, as appropriate, to obtain professional individual advice. If you are not an experienced walker we would suggest: Start with short distances (just a few km) on the flat. Add longer distances, hills and, if possible, different types of path, as your fitness improves. The aim is to be able to walk a daily distance of 20km or more on the Camino over varied terrain. Walk regularly, but do not try to do too much too soon or forget to have rest days. The last thing you want to do is injure yourself training. Don't forget to drink enough water while you are training. Learn to stretch your leg, hip, back and shoulder muscles safely, both before and after walking. Break in new boots or walking shoes and socks before you go. Practice doing at least a few walks while carrying your loaded rucksack too, since carrying a pack affects gait and the way our feet strike the ground. If you are planning to use walking poles make sure you have practiced with these too. If you are training in a gym, don't just train on a treadmill or hill climber, but remember to train for stepping downhill too. Ask a qualified trainer to help you with exercises to strengthen and train your body for all elements of hiking. Remember, you will get fitter by doing the Camino itself! After several days of walking, you may even notice your own cardiovascular fitness improving.
What is the path like? Information on the kind of terrains to expect on Camino. Expand All the routes are varied, from footpath to metalled highway. Some of the footpaths are gravelled, some remain deep mud, some are strewn with boulders. Some road stretches remain (though local authorities along the Camino francés have made big efforts to create separate pilgrim footpaths alongside the highway). The pass over the Pyrenees from St Jean-Pied-de-Port reaches 1400 m, as do the Montes de León and the pass at O Cebreiro. For the height profiles of the le Puy route, the Paris route, the Camino Francés, and the Via de la Plata,click here. The southern part of the Via de la Plata follows the old roman road from Seville to Astorga. Many sections of it are exposed; you cross several roman bridges, and the many of the roman mile-stones are still visible. The standard waymarks on all the Spanish routes are yellow arrows, painted on walls, trees, telegraph poles and rocks. They are generally plentiful, and it's hard to get lost. Sometimes you will see the standard Camino de Santiago shell symbol as a sign or tile, or local variants of this.
What guidebooks, maps, apps or GPS do I need? A brief summary of the information resources that are out there. Expand Many of the Camino routes are well way-marked so you could manage without any maps or books but a guidebook would helpful, in particular for locating accommodation and appreciating historical and cultural aspects of the pilgrimage. There are a variety of guidebooks and maps available and we stock the most popular ones in our online shop. There are also several websites that break down the routes into stages and provide information about the route (such as elevation maps) and accommodation. Examples of these are http://www.mundicamino.com/los-caminos/ http://www.gronze.com/ http://caminodesantiago.consumer.es/ Please see the Pilgrim Forum run by Ivar Rekve for various threads on GPS. There are lots of apps available. These can be found at the Apple and Android app stores, or at websites like these: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.alertcops4.app&hl=en_US - Alertcops: free safety app https://itunes.apple.com/es/app/app-camino/id1351903033?mt=8 - App Camino: free and comprehensive app for the Camino Francés http://www.caminoapp.com/ - Wise Pilgrim caminoways.com - free app http://www.caminocommunityguide.com/camino-smartphone-app.html http://www.keithfoskett.com/walking-el-camino-year-camino-companion-smartphone-app/ - free app https://caminopilgrimapp.blogspot.co.uk/ This list is simply to indicate a selection of what is available. We haven't used or reviewed any of these apps so can't recommend any one in particular.
What do I do for money? How much to budget for whilst on Camino, where you can draw money from etc. Expand You should plan to spend about €30 per day if you stay in pilgrim accommodation, assemble your own picnic lunches and self-cater, or you can spend rather more if you eat out all the time, treat yourself to regular nights in a hotel or casa rural and pay to have your luggage carried. Albergues usually vary between €5 - €15 per person per night, hostals, pensiones, casa rurales, hotels €20 plus per person per night, depending on the quality of the establishment and whether you have a single or shared room. But what about this free accommodation people talk about? Well, there are indeed some free municipal albergues on the Vía de la Plata. There are many other albergues, usually those run by pilgrim assocations or religious groups, which do not charge a fixed price but are run on a voluntary contribution basis (donativo). This does not mean they should be regarded as free, as is sometimes stated in various online forum comments, rather that they rely on voluntary donations to keep open and that it is up to you to ensure you pay a fair contribution for your stay. The pilgrim menu is anything between €9 and €15, breakfast might be €3, and lunch another €5. Don’t forget to budget for extra purchases such as drinks, various toiletries and pharmacy products, and to have access to an emergency fund to cover unexpected events such as extra rest days in a hotel, or replacing lost or damaged kit. There are banks and cashpoints in all of the cities and towns, also some of the larger villages. Consider getting a currency card which can be preloaded with a set amount of cash for a fixed exchange rate and then topped up by text, phone or internet as often as you need. One example is the Prepago card from Correos. Finally - use ATMs when the bank is open, if possible. If your card is "eaten" by the machine you should be able to get it back quickly....
What should I take on the Camino? A suggested packing list for things our members have taken on their Caminos and found useful. Expand This is a very subjective and much debated area, though the basic rules of thumb are always: if in doubt, leave it out! carry no more than 10% of your body weight Below we give a suggested list of the sort of kit that our members have taken in the past and have found useful. But but do also visit the Pilgrimage to Santiago Forum run by Ivar Rekve for the current conversation about equipment. And don’t forget, CSJ members are offered 15% discount by Cotswold Outdoor (please contact the Office for the discount code if you don’t have this included in your welcome pack). Main equipment Rucksack: 35–60 litres, depending on how much kit you need to carry. Make sure all straps are adjustable and well-fitted to your own hips and shoulders: there are different designs for men and women. Go to a specialist shop where they will give you good advice and load it with the appropriate weight to test it properly. Note that it’s not the capacity that matters so much as the weight you put into it. A waterproof cover is sometimes included, this is a useful item to have if you don’t have a poncho – see waterproof gear below. Water-Resistant liner bag for your rucksack. You can buy these very cheaply but the more you pay the sturdier/waterproof/sealable they are likely to be. Alternatively, you could buy a selection of folding dry bags which are guaranteed waterproof even in immersion. It is much easier to keep your kit organised using a variety of these smaller bags, and smelly dirty or damp washing can be sealed up away from clean clothes. Another possibility is a rucksack protector bag (to secure and protect your rucksack during air travel), some of these can be used as a water-resistant liner and some as rain covers. Lightweight sturdy boots or walking shoes. What you choose is up to personal preference, but we would definitely suggest boots if going in winter, late autumn or early spring, or over very rough terrain, or if you have ankle problems. Some people don’t like wearing goretex boots in hot, dusty conditions. Again, go to a specialist shop for advice and fitting. A good shop will allow you to take boots home for a few days to wear around the house, though not outdoors, and take them back if you’re not happy with them. Don’t be tempted to buy boots that don’t quite fit because they are cheap! Socks: One pair, two pairs, liner socks under walking socks, lined socks, toe socks… there is an endless choice of combinations and types, take advice when you buy your boots. One point to remember, lined socks can take longer to dry than 2 separate pairs. Sleeping bag and/or liner: (at many times of the year a sleeping bag liner is enough – all hostels will have blankets at least). 1 season sleeping bags are fine for summer months, but 2, 3 or even 4 season bags will be needed for cooler months, check with the retailer if you need advice. Choose the lightest weight sleeping bag you can afford. Sleeping bag liners are usually cotton or silk. Good waterproof gear: light poncho or rain jacket for the summer, a more windproof jacket if walking in winter. Waterproof trousers optional, particularly in summer months. Stick or walking poles: Buy fully adjustable poles or from a specialist shop so these can be fitted to you. Remember some people use neither, or buy a stick in the first few days of their pilgrimage (most airlines will not let you take these in the cabin). Reflective vest: If you are cycling or walking on roads in darkness or poor visibility, wearing a reflective vest compliant with standard EN471 is a legal requirement in Spain. Reflective clothing or backpack covers are also a good idea in hunting season. Lightweight reflective vests are very cheap – they can be purchased in the UK very cheaply, and are readily available in garages and supermarkets in Spain. The following lists are suggestions only and should be adapted to the seasons and to your own needs and preferences. Some people advise carrying no more than 10-15% of your own body weight. Remember to take account of your day’s supplies, especially water (1 litre of water weighs 1kg). You should be able to get your base weight (i.e. without the day’s food and water but including the rucksack itself) down to 10-12 kg. If you are planning to camp or wish to carry an emergency tent on some of the less-developed routes, you will need to factor in the weight of a lightweight tent, sleeping mat, camping gaz stove (go for the standard #C206 190g cylinder type, since the fancier styles aren’t available in Spain), and cooking/eating utensils. Clothing There are many types of high-tech shirts and underwear available, most very quick drying. Newer to the outdoor market are those made from merino wool or that have silver threads woven into them, which are claimed to absorb body odours for up to three weeks. You ought to have no trouble in washing clothes daily although wet weather can cause problems in getting things dry. Summer Clothing List – in addition to main equipment listed above: 2- 4 pairs walking socks, or 2 pairs thick socks, 4 liner socks 3 sets underwear 2 pairs walking trousers or shorts (lightweight zip-off trousers give you plenty of options) 3 shirts or t-shirts (lightweight long-sleeved shirts protect against the sun). Maybe something to sleep in – t-shirt and underwear do for most people, but you could take very light weight cotton or silk pyjamas. 1 or 2 thicker layers such as long-sleeve fleece jersey or jacket Some kind of UV protection like a hat or buff 1 pair lightweight flip flops for showering and/or crocs/sandals for evenings Winter Clothing List – in addition to main equipment listed above: 2- 4 pairs walking socks, or 3 pairs thick socks, 4 liner socks 3 sets underwear. Consider taking some long base layer pants or runners’ tights 2 pairs walking trousers 3 long sleeved base layer t-shirts Maybe something to sleep in – but the base layer long underwear and t-shirts would be ideal A selection of long-sleeved fleece jerseys or jackets or technical over shirts to make a selection of warm layers Lightweight down jacket for keeping warm when not walking Fleece or wool cap Scarf or buff Maybe something to sleep in – but the base layer long underwear and t-shirts would be ideal A selection of long-sleeved fleece jerseys or jackets or technical over shirts to make a selection of warm layers. Lightweight down jacket for keeping warm when not walking. Fleece or wool cap Scarf or buff Waterproof gloves Bedsocks Gaiters for walking in deep mud or snow 1 pair lightweight flip flops for showering and lightweight shoes or sandals for evenings Emergency bivvy bag Miscellaneous Passport, EHIC card or its equivalent, travel insurance documents, travel tickets, pilgrim record/credencial, credit cards, money, etc in a waterproof pouch and/or secure money belt. Make sure that emergency contact details are recorded in your passport and/or pilgrim record Whistle (if you are walking alone and/or on one of the less-frequented routes or in winter) Basic toiletries to suit your own needs (remember soap can double up as detergent!) Be sure to check airline rules on liquids, aerosols and sharp objects if carried as hand luggage. Even if not travelling by air, hand luggage size toiletry containers save weight Medicines, prescription or over-the-counter, to suit your own needs (This could include compeed for blisters, a length of Elastoplast that you can cut to the required size for small injuries, vaseline or similar for anti-blister lubrication, insect repellent, antiseptic cream, sun cream, painkillers and antihistamines). Every village in Spain has a well-stocked Farmacia but note it might be more expensive. Towel (preferably a microfibre towel) Water bottle, min 1litre (consider the value of an aluminium one, which can double as a hot-water bottle, if walking in cooler seasons). Some safety pins (useful if you need to dry your socks etc. on your rucksack as you walk along) Needle and thread for sock repairs etc Mobile phone (essential if you are walking alone and/or on one of the less-frequented routes or in winter) and useful as an alarm clock/camera/compass/map etc Sunglasses are useful to have Guide book (essential on less-frequented routes) Small plastic bottle of detergent for washing your clothes – top it up as and when you get the chance – or use your soap instead Very small torch or headtorch as a light source first thing in the morning – many pilgrims choose to set off before sunrise Notebook/diary & pen – personal choice Camera – if not using phone Chargers for electronic devices and plug adapter Pocket dictionary/phrasebook if needed Plastic spoon or spork for picnic lunches or albergue cold suppers Thin pillowcase (some albergues may provide pillows which aren’t always as clean as you would like, some don’t provide any pillows, just stuff the case with your clothes) Earplugs if you are sensitive to snorers It’s a good idea to keep a small stash of dried fruit or nuts – some kind of high-energy snack
What do I do for water on the Camino? How much to carry with you, where is and is not safe to drink from. Expand On most sections of the Camino Francés you are unlikely to need carry more than 1 litre of water at any time because there are many places along the route to refill your bottle or buy drinks. However, on remoter routes, or in very warm weather, or on stretches of the Francés where there are longer gaps between water supplies, such as crossing the Pyrenees or the meseta, it is advisable to carry 2 litres. Always check in your guidebook prior to setting out each day to see what water refill points are available. Tap water in France is generally safe to drink, however a few smaller communities are not connected to the mains. You will find public taps, drinking fountains and bars/cafes on the way where you can refill your water bottles. Many pilgrim guides also state that all French cemeteries have a tap which is safe to drink from but recent reports suggest that such water has caused illness. If in any doubt you should ask: L'eau (du robinet) est-elle potable? Is the (tap) water drinkable? Tap water in Spain is generally safe to drink in the major cities, indeed some places, such as Madrid and Granada, pride themselves on the exceptional quality of their water supply. Elsewhere the quality of water may vary. Some coastal areas rely on desalinated water which can taste quite unpleasant. Other areas rely on underground tanks for water if the mains supply gets interrupted. In more remote areas it is best to stick to bottled water unless you are sure the tap water is safe. Ask: ¿Es potable el agua (del grifo)? Is the (tap) water drinkable? As in France, you will find drinking fountains and bars where you can refill your water bottle. If a fountain is for human consumption it should have a sign saying Agua Potable, if not drinkable No Potable or Sin Purificación. ¿Es potable el agua (de la fuente)? Is the (fountain) water drinkable? Please don’t drink out of rivers or streams, however temptingly cool and clear they look, since many harbour bacteria or parasites that can cause stomach upsets.
Bed bugs on the Camino Advice about what to do to avoid them, and what do to if you've been bitten. Expand Since 2006, there have been infestations of bed bugs along the Camino Francés. All albergues are now well aware of the problem and most have procedures in place to deal with outbreaks and to assist pilgrims who have come into contact with bedbugs. Please do not be deterred from embarking on pilgrimage by the thought of bedbugs, most pilgrims report having no contact with them at all during their journey. Bedbugs are not a unique feature of the camino, but are found the world over, from the lowliest hostel to the most luxurious hotels. They are not a sign of poor cleanliness but are simply an unwelcome consequence of the enormous rise in global travel in recent years. Here are some bedbug facts to arm yourself with before you go. Bedbugs are small, flat, apple-pip shaped insects that feed on human or animal blood. They tend to hide away in dark areas during daytime but come out at night to feed, attracted by the carbon dioxide emitted by sleeping humans. They are not restricted to beds but can infest furniture and fixtures too. Bedbugs are not known to transmit diseases in temperate climates, but for some people their bites leave painful and itchy welts. Occasionally people have more severe allergic reactions to bites and need medical attention. Bites are often in a distinctive line or zig zag pattern. Bedbugs can crawl into bags, luggage, sleeping bags or clothing while you sleep, thereby hitching a lift to the next hostel. So, what can you do to minimise your risks? Before you go: You can buy undersheets or sleeping bags that have been chemically treated to repel bedbugs. Some people recommend silk liners as insects find it hard to penetrate silk, others spray their sleeping bags and rucksacks with insecticide. In most cases the chemical treatments are permethrin-based. Please take advice from the retailer and always read and follow the manufacturer's instructions if you decide to spray any kit, since permethrin is very toxic to cats and aquatic creatures, and can be toxic in liquid form to humans by skin contact or inhalation. Pack a small torch and consider bringing anti-histamine pills if you normally use these at home for insect bites. On Camino: When you arrive at an albergue, examine the bunk frame, mattress and any pillows, paying particular attention to cracks, joints and seams. Use a torch if necessary. You are looking for spots of blood, clusters of black specks, cast-off skins and live bedbugs. Also check any cracks in nearby walls or other furniture for tell-tale signs. If you find anything untoward, please inform the hospitalero discreetly. If you cannot be moved into another room then you should go to another albergue. Don't spray chemicals in the albergue to try to deal with it yourself. Don't put your rucksack on or under or against the bed. Keep your rucksack tightly closed when you are not unpacking or packing. Consider sealing it in a plastic bag overnight. Try to keep covered up in bed since bedbugs usually feed on exposed skin. Shake out your sleeping bag thoroughly in the morning before packing it. If you have been bitten: Try not to scratch itchy bites. Get advice and treatment from the local pharmacy, or if you feel unwell, seek medical attention. Tell the hospitalero discreetly. If you do not notice the bites until you have walked on, please tell the hospitalero at the next albergue that you stay at. They should be able to assist you with washing and treating your pack and possessions and may put you in a segregated room to avoid further spread of bugs. If you don't have hospitalero assistance, wash all your clothes in hot water and if available, use a dryer on a hot setting. Outdoors, take everything out of your rucksack, turn it inside out and open all pockets and leave in the sun for a few hours. You can spray your pack with insecticide (only use according to instructions and keep away from food stuffs and eating utensils, water sources and animals) before leaving in the sun. When you get home, do not bring your rucksack indoors, but keep sealed in a plastic bag in a shed or garage. Wash and tumble dry all your clothes at high temperature, carefully check other items, spray with insecticide if necessary. Alternatively, wrap whole bag in plastic and leave in a freezer at -17.8C (0F) for 4 days. You can see pictures and information on bedbugs and signs of infestation here and bites here. Please remember, this is likely to be the closest you will ever get to them!