I keep a spreadsheet on my phone with my spending. It helps me stay on budget and with planning for future trips. It also reminds me where I stayed. Staying under budget each day is like a competition with myself.
I always tell myself that I'm going to closely track my spending, but then it never happens... but yes! I think I would totally get into the competitive part of it :)
Hi Nadine, Very well done and informative. We share the same Camino philosophy, basic accommodation, sandwich with cheap cheese and chorizo, drinking tap water, buy grocery for the evening (including a beer, well you got 2...) and cooking for 2 or 3, that's the perfect Camino
I generally hand wash every day or so but I also carry a small netting(Ikea) washing bag. If I get the chance to share a machine wash every so often then my stuff can get washed in the bag. It weighs about 20g, is dual use and pays for itself.
I remember my first Camino in 2006. I was doing Frances and it was impossible for me to go over 10 euros. That included everything. I went on Primitivo in 2019 and the cheapest bed was 12 euros. But at that time I could afford a bit of luxury I suppose. I am going to do Frances this year and I am planning to stay on a budget simply because there are almost 30 days of walking and everything adds up.
Hi Nadine - thanks for the video! I intended to keep track of my spending but that only lasted a day or two. 30 euros a day was less than what I spent, but I did mix up dorms with private rooms and definitely enjoyed a pilgrim meal or menu del dia most days, as well as a second breakfast! 😅
I always intend to keep track of my spending too! Before this past Camino I was thinking about making a video on this and thought- "If I have the specific numbers from my spending, that will enhance the video!" Did I do it? Not a chance! Ha! I did have a less expensive Camino this past summer, but overall I think I've been spending more like what you've described: a private room every now and again, and a menu del dia or pilgrim menu most days (if available). And second breakfast, always!! These things definitely increase the spending a bit :)
I've mentioned this before, but a 2EUR bottle of lavender "granny" scented shower gel was used for all my showers and clothes washing by hand from Estrella to Santiago which was really good. I usually did a machine wash once a week, but it was still not too expensive.
I've not done this myself.... but it occurs to me having seen that grocery haul at the end of the video - if your albergue has a freezer - making a wrap or two in the evening with veg, meat etc and freezing them, might work so they naturally defrost in your bag as you walk. Put them in a ziplock so no condensation gets into the rest of your bag, and it might really help strip the budget way down. One for late breakfast (I generally run on coffee and positive vibes for the first few hours) and lunch, and it might save a decent amount of food budget - or if like me you just love a big evening meal.
Yes, freezing the wraps is a great idea! What I started doing on this most recent Camino was similar- when the albergue had a freezer, I'd freeze a small bottle of water, and then the next morning put that in a bag with the wraps (or leftover meat, cheese, whatever). And it kept things nice and cold (plus, later in the afternoon and once the frozen water had melted a bit, I had cold water to drink!)
Yes, addressing how one does the Camino in an affordable manner without sacrificing one's coffee fix is important stuff! lol! Actually, your breakdowns is useful info to know. Cheers and adventure on!
Aquarius.... one of the best tips from your many videos. I loved the lemon flavor so much that I never tried any other. So refreshing on a hot day! I wish it were available in the U.S.
I'll be on the Camino Frances in a week, so you're a couple weeks ahead of me. Have you run into a lot of things being closed with it being early season? And have you had issues with snow and cold? Just curious. Thanks!
There was snow on the fist day crossing the Pyrenees; just for the last couple of hours. That made it hard going. But apart from that, no snow. Cold isn’t a problem when walking. I have a down gilet for some of the evenings in the albergues. I have a light (700g) camping quilt for sleeping and I haven’t been cold yet. More often I’m too warm. There hasn’t been much trouble with accommodation. Because many of the albergues are closed there has been the odd “bottleneck” where many people have been concentrated. More of the albergues open on March 15. Tonight I’m in a dorm with just two others so it should be nice and quiet! €8 for the bunk.
Perfect! Thanks for the info! I can't wait to hit the trail! I was getting a bit nervous with the possibility of snow, but I'm sure I'll be fine. Thanks again and enjoy!
Id say absolutely possible! I did the Portugues in 2022 and Id say I kept it around 30 - 35. Some days I splurged but around 5 for breakfast. 5 for lunch. 10 - 15 for bed and shower and around 10 for dinner. Cooking dinners would easily make it less.
Yes, this breakdown is so often what I do, as well! (though to be honest, I've added extra coffee and late afternoon/early evening beers and wine, which does start to add up...)
Thank you Nadine! Do you have a list of your favorite albergues that you'd be willing to share? If so, I'd greatly appreciate getting that information. Many thanks from Virginia!
I walked the camino in 2023 September the Northern way and then switched to Primitivo. I managed to keep my budget around 20 Euros per day. It included ofc accomodation between 7-20 euros, and buying groceries once a day around 9 euros (so enough for breakfast+ dinner and snack for the road). I just drank tap water and skipped coffee breaks and pinchos. Groceries usually included baguete, vegies, fruits, grean peas, chockolate and nuts.
Wow, 20 euros a day! I'm so happy that many of you are sharing that you were able to do the Camino on even less than 30/day. It's definitely possible! For me, all the coffees and wine/beer in the afternoon/evenings starts to add up. I did find that I was spending less on last year's Camino because it was a more isolated route without places to stop along the way!! Thanks for sharing what worked for you :)
@@viragbartos2559thnx for your input! I'm glad that one can still do it cheaply. I'll probably do it the same as you - albuerges, buy food in supermarkets, maybe cook once a while for dinner, etc. Buen camino!
Thank you, Nadine for another very useful video and coincidentally, very timely as well. As it turns out, our Calgary Chapter of Pilgrims hosted two representatives from the Camino Ingles and this is one of the questions that it was discussed with them, just as an fyi, they put that budget a bit higher for the Ingles simply because of the smaller infrastructure. As usual, all great tips for keeping your spending down. I subscribe to taking advantage to the menu del dia and get it at around 1 pm which serves me as the meal of the day and later in the evening perhaps a yogurt with fruit, a handful of nuts and a drink. If the albergue offers a dinner will depend how much I have eaten on trail or if I am hungry enough, but I do not out after 8 pm because I am usually in my bunk by then but I would have gotten a few things from the store for the trail next day and like you, it would be a baguette, cheese, jamon, banana, which will make two meals. On trail, yes I stop for a cafe con leche after I have walked for two hours, at 1 pm I may stop to have the menu del dia, but if no town in sight, I will stop by the side of the road to have a handful of walnuts with a banana and drink, eventually I would arrive at my destination by early afternoon where I would have either a beer and whatever food I can get. Bottom line is I roll with whatever opportunities and yes, there are times where I may not eat enough, but that is alright. Like you, I do not keep track of my spending. The night before I prepare my 'day wallet' with with I have budgeted for the day, sometimes I have leftover money and others I spend it all. In the end, it all works out. Now that I am about to leave for the Portuguese, I will try to keep the same, process. Thanks Nadine, Buen Camino.
I love your process, in many ways it is similar to what I do! (though I tend to eat a bit more in the evenings, even if I've had a big lunch!! Haha, I've always been a big 'evening' eater) :) And this is a good point as well, one I should have mentioned: depending on the Camino route and the infrastructure available, you might not always be able to find cheaper accommodation (or even have grocery stores available when you want them!). Thanks for sharing that :)
@@NadineWalks If anything the Camino has taught all of us is to roll with the punches and take the opportunities when they present themselves. Buen Camino.
I think many pilgrims are on a budget, but over the years I've found my spending creeping up without realizing it! Mostly due to the coffees, Aquarius breaks, wine/beer... the beverages really get me!! I hope you'll be able to stick to whatever budget you're working with :)
Hello Nadine, I’m with you in the picnic world. It’s great thing to knock up a big cheese and ham buttie, in the middle of nowhere. Cook up some coffee, on a simple stove, under the shade of a tree, swapping “Buen Camino’s” with passing pilgrims. I’ll admit though to not watching my money enough. I often fall into the trap of the next pit stop. The one that everyone else is making…. Donativo’s, definitely. Not just to save money but also to rub shoulders with other pilgrims. I’ve noticed that if someone is doing pilgrimage alone, they can very easily become segregated, from the main flock….
Well to be really honest, I also have started to spend more money on my Caminos as of late, mostly on coffee/beer/wine (and, well, Aquarius!) Otherwise, I do love keeping it simple :)
I did the Primitivo a year ago, and my average expense was €35, alternating between public and private albergues, usually one meal at the restaurant and the rest on a picnic. And not many beers and coffees. This does not include travel and stay in Santiago
This was great. I have researched the Camino to death the last few years, but I had not really delved into the budget topic and how much I want to spend. I will certainly be more budget conscious. I really want to focus on municipals with a few private/pension splurges thrown in.
I stayed in a bunch of municipals on my first Camino, and I still remember arriving in Najera and seeing the municipal (I think it's since been renovated), bunk beds were pushed together, so many in one room, and a few friends and I "splurged" on a private albergue and felt like we were sitting in the lap of luxury!! But I do love so many of the municipal albergues, they've really taught me that I don't need much: just a mattress and a roof over my head. (plus it helps to save those extra euros!)
When I put this video together I was a little worried that many would say it's not really possible to keep Camino costs that low... but it's really encouraging to hear that many others walk for around 30 euros/day (or even less!).
Sometimes there's a bit of soap leftover from other pilgrims (but this would probably just be little bits of a bar of soap). I think pilgrims use different things- some use liquid soap but I always use bar soap. I bring a bar of Dr. Bronner's with me from home and if I'm on a longer Camino and it runs out, I'll just pick up something in a shop. Also, many washing machines have the detergent "built in", so you don't have to add your own!
I found that you can't rely on cooking facilities. Hobs not working or no pots and pans. I lived fairly frugally but did like getting my breakfasts from bars and ordering a cheese bocadillo to take away.
Ah yes, that's a great point that I didn't think to mention in my video! Cooking in albergues is great only IF there are proper facilities! Some of those wonderful Galician municipal albergues I mentioned had beautiful kitchens, but absolutely no cookware. So frustrating!
No, I haven't! I've basically worn the same pair (well, I get a new pair every year) but the same model for the last 10 years, so I don't have much to recommend! But I suppose I could give some basic info from what I've learned!
Yes, absolutely! I've never averaged that low, so I don't feel comfortable speaking to it, but several others have commented that they've walked for that amount (or even a bit less!)
I keep a spreadsheet on my phone with my spending. It helps me stay on budget and with planning for future trips. It also reminds me where I stayed. Staying under budget each day is like a competition with myself.
I always tell myself that I'm going to closely track my spending, but then it never happens... but yes! I think I would totally get into the competitive part of it :)
I took out $20 and put in my active pocket lol
It's a very cheap holiday, can't be fun doing it on the very cheap.
Hi Nadine, Very well done and informative.
We share the same Camino philosophy, basic accommodation, sandwich with cheap cheese and chorizo, drinking tap water, buy grocery for the evening (including a beer, well you got 2...) and cooking for 2 or 3, that's the perfect Camino
Haha, yes, sometimes I splurge for that second beer!! ;)
I generally hand wash every day or so but I also carry a small netting(Ikea) washing bag. If I get the chance to share a machine wash every so often then my stuff can get washed in the bag. It weighs about 20g, is dual use and pays for itself.
That is such a great idea, thanks for sharing it here!
I remember my first Camino in 2006. I was doing Frances and it was impossible for me to go over 10 euros. That included everything. I went on Primitivo in 2019 and the cheapest bed was 12 euros. But at that time I could afford a bit of luxury I suppose. I am going to do Frances this year and I am planning to stay on a budget simply because there are almost 30 days of walking and everything adds up.
Hi Nadine - thanks for the video! I intended to keep track of my spending but that only lasted a day or two. 30 euros a day was less than what I spent, but I did mix up dorms with private rooms and definitely enjoyed a pilgrim meal or menu del dia most days, as well as a second breakfast! 😅
I always intend to keep track of my spending too! Before this past Camino I was thinking about making a video on this and thought- "If I have the specific numbers from my spending, that will enhance the video!" Did I do it? Not a chance! Ha! I did have a less expensive Camino this past summer, but overall I think I've been spending more like what you've described: a private room every now and again, and a menu del dia or pilgrim menu most days (if available). And second breakfast, always!! These things definitely increase the spending a bit :)
I've mentioned this before, but a 2EUR bottle of lavender "granny" scented shower gel was used for all my showers and clothes washing by hand from Estrella to Santiago which was really good. I usually did a machine wash once a week, but it was still not too expensive.
I've not done this myself.... but it occurs to me having seen that grocery haul at the end of the video - if your albergue has a freezer - making a wrap or two in the evening with veg, meat etc and freezing them, might work so they naturally defrost in your bag as you walk. Put them in a ziplock so no condensation gets into the rest of your bag, and it might really help strip the budget way down. One for late breakfast (I generally run on coffee and positive vibes for the first few hours) and lunch, and it might save a decent amount of food budget - or if like me you just love a big evening meal.
Yes, freezing the wraps is a great idea! What I started doing on this most recent Camino was similar- when the albergue had a freezer, I'd freeze a small bottle of water, and then the next morning put that in a bag with the wraps (or leftover meat, cheese, whatever). And it kept things nice and cold (plus, later in the afternoon and once the frozen water had melted a bit, I had cold water to drink!)
I like your tips. I have walked the Camino a few times. I love to forage! That is one way to cut back on expenses.
Foraging is a great tip!! It's something I want to learn more about (so far, the only thing I've foraged for on the Camino has been blackberries) :)
Yes, addressing how one does the Camino in an affordable manner without sacrificing one's coffee fix is important stuff! lol! Actually, your breakdowns is useful info to know. Cheers and adventure on!
Hahaha, I think I saved money on the Via de la Plata/Sanabres because there just weren't as many places to stop for coffee along the way!!
@@NadineWalks btw I'm currently following FreeWalker's trudge on the Camino. ua-cam.com/video/dKSB6mIhMTY/v-deo.html
Great information! Thanks for sharing! I'm starting the Camino Frances in a week... Super excited!
Buen Camino!! You'll have a great time :)
Aquarius.... one of the best tips from your many videos. I loved the lemon flavor so much that I never tried any other. So refreshing on a hot day! I wish it were available in the U.S.
I really wish it was available here, too! What a great treat it would be after a long training hike...
Currently on the Camino Frances. After 5 days the average is €18.
Oh wow, that's outstanding!! I love that these comments are proving that it IS possible to still do the Camino fairly inexpensively!
I'll be on the Camino Frances in a week, so you're a couple weeks ahead of me. Have you run into a lot of things being closed with it being early season? And have you had issues with snow and cold? Just curious. Thanks!
Now on day 9. Average is running at €23 now.
There was snow on the fist day crossing the Pyrenees; just for the last couple of hours. That made it hard going. But apart from that, no snow. Cold isn’t a problem when walking. I have a down gilet for some of the evenings in the albergues. I have a light (700g) camping quilt for sleeping and I haven’t been cold yet. More often I’m too warm.
There hasn’t been much trouble with accommodation. Because many of the albergues are closed there has been the odd “bottleneck” where many people have been concentrated. More of the albergues open on March 15. Tonight I’m in a dorm with just two others so it should be nice and quiet! €8 for the bunk.
Perfect! Thanks for the info! I can't wait to hit the trail! I was getting a bit nervous with the possibility of snow, but I'm sure I'll be fine. Thanks again and enjoy!
AQUARIUS!!!! That blessed magical word!!!❤
Great video with so many helpful budget tips. Buen Camino!
So looking forward to my first camino in May 😊❤️ thank you for all your expertise and advise
You're welcome, and Buen Camino! It will be here before you know it!
Id say absolutely possible! I did the Portugues in 2022 and Id say I kept it around 30 - 35. Some days I splurged but around 5 for breakfast. 5 for lunch. 10 - 15 for bed and shower and around 10 for dinner. Cooking dinners would easily make it less.
Yes, this breakdown is so often what I do, as well! (though to be honest, I've added extra coffee and late afternoon/early evening beers and wine, which does start to add up...)
Thank you Nadine! Do you have a list of your favorite albergues that you'd be willing to share? If so, I'd greatly appreciate getting that information. Many thanks from Virginia!
I walked the camino in 2023 September the Northern way and then switched to Primitivo. I managed to keep my budget around 20 Euros per day. It included ofc accomodation between 7-20 euros, and buying groceries once a day around 9 euros (so enough for breakfast+ dinner and snack for the road). I just drank tap water and skipped coffee breaks and pinchos. Groceries usually included baguete, vegies, fruits, grean peas, chockolate and nuts.
Wow, 20 euros a day! I'm so happy that many of you are sharing that you were able to do the Camino on even less than 30/day. It's definitely possible! For me, all the coffees and wine/beer in the afternoon/evenings starts to add up. I did find that I was spending less on last year's Camino because it was a more isolated route without places to stop along the way!! Thanks for sharing what worked for you :)
How was the Primitivo route?
@@LavenderHazelwood great switch of scenery from the sea to the mountains, but I actually haven't finished it all I stopped at Lugo
@@viragbartos2559thnx for your input! I'm glad that one can still do it cheaply. I'll probably do it the same as you - albuerges, buy food in supermarkets, maybe cook once a while for dinner, etc. Buen camino!
Is ths Northern more expensive? Less Albegues?
Good advise!
Thank you, Nadine for another very useful video and coincidentally, very timely as well. As it turns out, our Calgary Chapter of Pilgrims hosted two representatives from the Camino Ingles and this is one of the questions that it was discussed with them, just as an fyi, they put that budget a bit higher for the Ingles simply because of the smaller infrastructure.
As usual, all great tips for keeping your spending down. I subscribe to taking advantage to the menu del dia and get it at around 1 pm which serves me as the meal of the day and later in the evening perhaps a yogurt with fruit, a handful of nuts and a drink. If the albergue offers a dinner will depend how much I have eaten on trail or if I am hungry enough, but I do not out after 8 pm because I am usually in my bunk by then but I would have gotten a few things from the store for the trail next day and like you, it would be a baguette, cheese, jamon, banana, which will make two meals. On trail, yes I stop for a cafe con leche after I have walked for two hours, at 1 pm I may stop to have the menu del dia, but if no town in sight, I will stop by the side of the road to have a handful of walnuts with a banana and drink, eventually I would arrive at my destination by early afternoon where I would have either a beer and whatever food I can get. Bottom line is I roll with whatever opportunities and yes, there are times where I may not eat enough, but that is alright. Like you, I do not keep track of my spending. The night before I prepare my 'day wallet' with with I have budgeted for the day, sometimes I have leftover money and others I spend it all. In the end, it all works out. Now that I am about to leave for the Portuguese, I will try to keep the same, process.
Thanks Nadine, Buen Camino.
I love your process, in many ways it is similar to what I do! (though I tend to eat a bit more in the evenings, even if I've had a big lunch!! Haha, I've always been a big 'evening' eater) :) And this is a good point as well, one I should have mentioned: depending on the Camino route and the infrastructure available, you might not always be able to find cheaper accommodation (or even have grocery stores available when you want them!). Thanks for sharing that :)
@@NadineWalks If anything the Camino has taught all of us is to roll with the punches and take the opportunities when they present themselves. Buen Camino.
Nadine Walks - brought to you by Aquarius.
Hahaha- always!!
thank you for the Tips, am going to be on a budget. Truly hope I can stick to it
I think many pilgrims are on a budget, but over the years I've found my spending creeping up without realizing it! Mostly due to the coffees, Aquarius breaks, wine/beer... the beverages really get me!! I hope you'll be able to stick to whatever budget you're working with :)
Hello Nadine,
I’m with you in the picnic world. It’s great thing to knock up a big cheese and ham buttie, in the middle of nowhere. Cook up some coffee, on a simple stove, under the shade of a tree, swapping “Buen Camino’s” with passing pilgrims.
I’ll admit though to not watching my money enough. I often fall into the trap of the next pit stop. The one that everyone else is making….
Donativo’s, definitely. Not just to save money but also to rub shoulders with other pilgrims. I’ve noticed that if someone is doing pilgrimage alone, they can very easily become segregated, from the main flock….
Well to be really honest, I also have started to spend more money on my Caminos as of late, mostly on coffee/beer/wine (and, well, Aquarius!) Otherwise, I do love keeping it simple :)
I did the Primitivo a year ago, and my average expense was €35, alternating between public and private albergues, usually one meal at the restaurant and the rest on a picnic. And not many beers and coffees. This does not include travel and stay in Santiago
I've always found that a basic bread roll with ham and cheese is the perfect meal when out hiking. For some reason, it just tastes amazing.
I agree! So simple, but often it's just what I want.
Thanks for another useful video
You're welcome! :)
Thank you for your expertise.
Happy to share :)
This was great. I have researched the Camino to death the last few years, but I had not really delved into the budget topic and how much I want to spend. I will certainly be more budget conscious. I really want to focus on municipals with a few private/pension splurges thrown in.
I stayed in a bunch of municipals on my first Camino, and I still remember arriving in Najera and seeing the municipal (I think it's since been renovated), bunk beds were pushed together, so many in one room, and a few friends and I "splurged" on a private albergue and felt like we were sitting in the lap of luxury!! But I do love so many of the municipal albergues, they've really taught me that I don't need much: just a mattress and a roof over my head. (plus it helps to save those extra euros!)
30 euros a day is my average on 15 days in France + 25 days in Spain, sleeping in albergues and have half board from time to time
When I put this video together I was a little worried that many would say it's not really possible to keep Camino costs that low... but it's really encouraging to hear that many others walk for around 30 euros/day (or even less!).
Love your channel!
Do they have clothes washing soap at the auburges? If not, what do you recommend?
Sometimes there's a bit of soap leftover from other pilgrims (but this would probably just be little bits of a bar of soap). I think pilgrims use different things- some use liquid soap but I always use bar soap. I bring a bar of Dr. Bronner's with me from home and if I'm on a longer Camino and it runs out, I'll just pick up something in a shop. Also, many washing machines have the detergent "built in", so you don't have to add your own!
I found that you can't rely on cooking facilities. Hobs not working or no pots and pans. I lived fairly frugally but did like getting my breakfasts from bars and ordering a cheese bocadillo to take away.
Ah yes, that's a great point that I didn't think to mention in my video! Cooking in albergues is great only IF there are proper facilities! Some of those wonderful Galician municipal albergues I mentioned had beautiful kitchens, but absolutely no cookware. So frustrating!
I'm curious how much cash you carried on the Camino? Can you get cash along the way? How well did credit cards work out on the trail?
Is it valid to do a Camino in Stages...like half in the Spring and pick it up in Fall where you left off .
Very well done! Thank you
You're welcome :)
Do you do your hand laundry in a dry sack that you bring (I've seen others do this) or just use the sinks?
Thank you!
You're welcome! :)
Have you done a video about shoes? I’m doing the PC coastal route in May and am looking for shoe tips. Thanks.
No, I haven't! I've basically worn the same pair (well, I get a new pair every year) but the same model for the last 10 years, so I don't have much to recommend! But I suppose I could give some basic info from what I've learned!
I did 2 Caminos in sandals and my third one will be the same. the most comfortable for walking.
Ooff, that's a tight budget! Do you have big Camino plans this year??
You can walk it on 20 all depends how. Ultreia
Yes, absolutely! I've never averaged that low, so I don't feel comfortable speaking to it, but several others have commented that they've walked for that amount (or even a bit less!)