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BY  Ankita Jun 19, 2024

The Camino de Santiago tour can be a life-changing experience for many, attracting new adventurers yearly. If you, too, are planning to take it for the first time, we have some tips on how to make your journey both smooth and enjoyable. So, here are our Camino de Santiago beginner tips without further ado. Tips for a Great Camino de Santiago Experience Now that you have a little idea about what Camino de Santiago is about, you might feel excited for your first tour! But it is more challenging than it sounds, you see. Because it takes nearly 33 days for the pilgrims to reach there, most people search for ways in which they would be able to make their journey pleasant and memorable! If you have been thinking of your first Camino de Santiago, we have you covered! Here are some of the tips that you need to keep in mind: Choosing your route Selecting the right route will be the first step to a successful trip. The most popular routes include Camino Francés, Camino Portugues, Camino del Norte, and Camino Inglés. Multiple starting points are available for each, depending on the length and difficulty level you seek. Besides the popular trails, a few lesser-known routes can be great if you want to avoid crowds. Therefore, doing your research and comparing different routes will be key here.  Packing smart During the Camino de Santiago, you will be carrying all of your belongings with you, so it should come as no surprise that packing light will be paramount. Try to stick only to the essentials, focusing on high-quality and lightweight materials. Of course, your backpack should be comfortable enough to help you with your weight as much as possible. Packaging under 10% of your body weight is a good rule of thumb.  Physical preparation Physically preparing for the Camino might be needed depending on how much you walk in your everyday life. Walking long distances for 7–14 days can be challenging, particularly towards the second half of your trip. Conditioning your body and growing your stamina will be helpful and make your journey more enjoyable. Start doing so by simply going on more and longer walks a few months before your Camino adventure.  Accommodation and planning Booking your accommodation in advance is always recommended, but it's particularly the case during peak season.  Many pilgrim hotels and hostels will be along the way, some offering affordable options. Suppose you need more confidence in planning everything yourself. In that case, many Camino agencies can do it all for you.  Health and Safety Your safety always comes first, so look after yourself and your companions. Take all the necessary safety precautions, such as drinking plenty of water, keeping energy with healthy snacks, wearing sun cream, and taking rest days if necessary. It would be best to have good travel insurance for your holiday.  Cultural etiquette Respecting local customs and traditions is always important. Learn basic phrases in Spanish to communicate with locals. Follow all the signs and rules, particularly the "Leave no Trace." Most importantly, a positive and respectful atmosphere should always be fostered along the Camino.   Navigating the Camino Most of the Camino routes are well-marked. Look for yellow arrows or scallop shell signs to guide you. However, if you need help, having a guidebook or a navigation map is still a good idea if you get lost. You can always ask fellow pilgrims or locals for directions if in doubt.  Things to Know About Camino de Santiago The Camino de Santiago is something that trekkers, as well as pilgrims, are fond of. A lot of them search for what it is. Therefore, let us explain what it is! The meaning of the word 'Camino' is 'the way.' This sums up the meaning of the phrase: Camino de Santiago, or the way to Santiago. Now, why Santiago? Let me tell you why! It is said that the remains of St. James are enshrined in the St. James Cathedral, located in Santiago. This makes the entire pilgrimage much sought after. During the Middle Ages, pilgrims traveled to Santiago by foot and visited the Cathedral for miracles or penance. This pilgrimage has become increasingly popular since its inception in the 9th century. For instance, in 2019, the authorities issued almost 350,000 Compostela certificates for the pilgrims. At present, this pilgrimage is a trail that UNESCO has listed. Moreover, people from across the world often visit this trail! What are the Best Routes for the Camino de Santiago? When people start talking about the Camino, they usually think of only one route— Camino Francés. However, this is not the ONLY option that you have. While there are several routes that you can try depending on your time and personal preference, there are a few that you MUST know about. Let us explain each of them! 1. Camino Francés (800km, St-Jean-Pied-de-Port to Santiago) For a good reason, this is the most popular route—it's stunning! This is your go-to if you want to meet fellow pilgrims and form lasting friendships. The journey takes you through picturesque villages, rolling hills, and historic towns.  2. Camino Portugués (610km, Lisboa to Santiago) This path is slightly less crowded but equally mesmerizing. It balances solitude and companionship. You'll enjoy coastal views, lush forests, and charming towns.  3. Camino del Norte (825km, Irún to Santiago) This route is perfect for serious hikers seeking a challenge. It's considered the most difficult due to its multiple ascents and descents. But the rugged beauty of the northern coast makes it worthwhile.  4. Via de la Plata (1000km, Sevilla to Santiago) If you crave serenity, explore this lesser-known route. It connects intimately with nature, passing through quiet landscapes and historic sites.  Buen Camino! The Camino de Santiago is a journey of a lifetime… Once you feel well-prepared for it, you can enjoy yourself and your beautiful surroundings! However, if you are traveling on the route, ensure you carry everything you need. If traveling here for the first time, research properly to ensure the best experience. Read More...First-Time In Spain? Try These 5 Insider Tips To Enjoy The ExperienceLiving In Sunny Spain As Digital NomadsTraveling On A Budget: Tips For Affordable Adventures

BY  Abdul Aziz Apr 30, 2021

Spain is one of the most popular destinations in the world, whether you're traveling for leisure purposes or planning a business trip there, this country never fails to strike awe in everyone. Especially to digital nomads, Spain truly is the clear destination to work in. Others choose this beautiful country to settle in — who wouldn't want to live in Spain? There are certain reasons why remote workers love living in Spain. If you are one and you’re still looking for a place to rent, here is a guide you can go to for long-term rentals in Spain. Now as far as the new normal life’s concern, in the life that we live in today, there certainly are people who prefer to bring their laptops to the park or to coffee shops to continue their work there. Sure, some find their solace in their chosen sport and they get more inspired working — gaining energy from the ambiance of the place. But with the Covid-19 still lurking around the world, and the pandemic still affects our lives, many jobs have switched from office-based to work from the home set-up. That being said, many choose to base themselves somewhere else to help them to get even more productive. For freelancers or digital nomads, searching for a safer and stunning location is their priority. A country like Spain offers a spectacular lifestyle and gives that satisfaction to remote workers who constantly search for a better place to work in. Now before we get into details about why Spain is the excellent destination for digital nomads, how do we exactly define them? What is a digital nomad? A digital nomad is a person who is location-independent and uses smartphones or laptops to complete their job. It’s a vast definition and there are many kinds of digital nomads such as freelancers, remote workers, entrepreneurs, and more. They often work in coffee shops, co-working spaces, or public libraries, somewhere where they’re most comfortable. Why Spain? There are certain things that digital nomads need to complete their work. Spain’s work culture and its community guarantee a fun environment and the safety of the people. As a nomad, you’ll never get bored in this country as its city offers beautiful infrastructures and scrumptious food. Also, the natives there love to host strangers and have visitors. The love for drinking wine with guests while eating a delicious authentic meal, exchanging waves of laughter, and enjoying life in a way that nomads can’t in other cultures. And other reasons are: Internet: A successful digital nomad needs to have access to a high-quality and consistent internet connection — it is indeed one of the biggest factors to have when assessing a destination. As a remote worker, work and income are attached to the internet and the ability to consistently connect at high speed can make an impact difference. Imagine working without any problems with troubleshooting or chasing deadlines. You don’t have to worry about losing your internet at all, which means when it comes to employee performance evaluation, if you are to be a part of this, you will have only positive responses! A smooth-sailing work is what a digital nomad truly needs. Cost of Living: As a digital nomad, a reasonable cost of living is also a key factor when assessing a location to live in. Nomads can live comfortably in Spain under a certain budget. With many fair rates of rentals, food not being a problem, this can be a blessing as the exchange rate and cost of living in Spain aren't that high. Weather: Spain’s enviable sunny weather is absolutely perfect for digital nomads who dream to feel and experience it. Summer in Spain remains the most popular time to go. A mostly sunny year means more opportunities to explore every corner in Spain, every tourist attraction, and extraordinary cafes. Read Also: 10 Best Things To Do In Barcelona (Spain) 10 Tips For Traveling Across Europe

BY  Ankita Oct 7, 2023

The beautiful island of Mallorca is one of the most popular attractions for visitors in Spain. Its beaches, cliffs, coves, winding roads, and places of historical interest attract tourists throughout the year, with September being the peak month for tourism on this island. Renting a car is a great way to get around on this island; it frees you from private taxis' and public transport costs and constraints, respectively. A car hire Mallorca lets you visit famous sites before the crowds arrive. Your best bet for a gratifying experience in the Formentor peninsula and the old villages of Majorca is to reach these places early to commune with nature, take in the sights, and click the best photos. It's worth noting that while the official driving age in Mallorca is 18, most Mallorca car hire businesses like mallorcacarhirecompany rent out their vehicles to drivers 21 or older. You'll be expected to furnish a driving license from your home country at least a year old. Some Mallorca hire car companies may levy additional charges if you're below 25 or over a certain age. The Benefits Of Booking Early Tourists come to sunny Mallorca in the summers, when the prices of everything related to tourism go up, including car rentals. You can save money and get a vehicle of your choice if you book early. As with all aspects of vacationing, planning helps with hiring car rentals, too. Many things fall into place when you decide to book early. Your car rental bookings will depend upon your itinerary, hotel stays, eating places you've earmarked, and must-do activities. Once you've planned these things, you can book in advance for most of these activities and save a decent amount. The airport is the best place to rent a car; you can also rent them from the beachside towns that host holidayers. For longer stays on the island, of a week or more, you should consider a car hire from Mallorca from the airport because of the operators' reliability, fair prices, and vehicle choice. The best months for the best rates are February and March. You can compare rates for car hire companies operating in Mallorca online and read reviews. Ascertain that there are no hidden costs and surcharges. Check the cancellation fees. Rental car services on the island offer a choice between unlimited mileage or a daily defined mileage. Your rental vehicle may have geographical restrictions; for example, if you plan to visit Menorca, check if that's allowed with your rental vehicle. Do You Need A 4WD? Narrow roads on the island add to the already considerable charms of the place but are not ideal for wider vehicles. Consider narrower cars to best navigate the roads leading to mountain tops, beaches, and the countryside. The roads in Mallorca are paved, and you won't be climbing on extreme gradients, so you don't need vehicles with powerful engines. You will need a 4WD to access certain coves and beaches. Know that insurance coverage extended by the rental applies only for incidents on paved roads; if you get off the beaten track, you're most likely not covered by insurance any longer. Some beaches/coves along the southeast coast are only accessible by tracks. But even if you have a 4WD, the insurance protection associated with the rental does not cover using the car out of paved roads. Vehicle Type Considerations It is a norm in Majorca to group cars alphabetically. Rental vehicles equipped with only essential utilities are classed as A, and the grading progresses to B, C, and D such that a Z-category vehicle is a high-end one with enough and more utilities and amenities but will also cost more. Cost is an essential consideration for many visitors to the islands of Majorca, Menorca, and Ibiza. Book as early as possible to keep costs down, avoid booking larger vehicles, and adhere to the drop-off and pick-up terms. Check if the rental service offers a discount on car rentals beyond a week. Would you save and enjoy more by extending your stay by a few days? Hotels, too, offer similar discounts for extended stays. While the car rental business in Mallorca is relatively scam-free, you should remember that If The Prices For A Car Rental Sound Too Good To Be True, They Probably Are. Find Out A Company's Terms For Damages To The Vehicle. Rental Companies That Rent Cars For Low Costs May Try To Make Money by charging stiff amounts for repairs. Click photos of the car, its sides, bonnet, roof, and interiors at the pick-up and drop-off. Insurance And GPS Educate yourself on the different choices in insurance available. Unlimited third-party liability insurance is the mandatory insurance for rental vehicles in Spain. Optional cover includes collision damage waiver theft protection. If you opt for no insurance except the mandatory one, you could face a hefty out-of-pocket cost if something happens to the vehicle. Many credit cards offer insurance that covers rental vehicles. Regular car insurance, which you might be availing of for your car back home, may also cover rental cars. A GPS makes navigation easier. Please bring your own. It's a big help in locating fueling stations, hotels, motels, auto mechanics, police stations, landmarks, and more. Use your phone to connect to a paid GPS, but check the costs. If you want to do things the old-fashioned way, bring a map or download one to your tablet or phone. This will save you expenses that a GPS may incur. Additional Driver And Child Safety Laws Will you be doing all the driving, or will you need the assistance of an additional driver? Rental agencies charge extra for a driver's services; compare agencies for costs and the terms of hiring a rental car with a driver. Brief yourself on traffic safety laws in Mallorca and also child safety rules. On this island, children weighing below 18 kg must sit in child seats, and those under 4.4 ft tall should sit on boosters in the rear seats. Factor in these points when planning a Mallorca vacation so that you can enjoy your stay on the island stress-free. Read Also: Living In Sunny Spain As Digital Nomads The 5 Most Historically Significant Buildings 5 Ideas For Wine Tours In Barcelona- Make It Happen