If you watched the movie “The Way” and decided that what you really need to do is walk the Camino de Santiago, the ancient trail featured in the movie, you’re not alone. This trip is becoming more popular than ever as travelers from around the world aim to find themselves on this pilgrimage.
The Camino de Santiago means “The Way of St. James”, and is known to be a spiritually blessed journey popular with pilgrims from all backgrounds and faiths. People have been walking this trail for more than a thousand years and whilst some seek enlightenment, others penance, whilst the majority are looking for an adventure. If you’re looking for inner peace, you’re likely to find it walking the Camino.
The meditative nature of this walk gives you the perfect landscape for dedicated contemplation. You’ll be able to immerse yourself in local history, culture, and food, while spending long hours by yourself.
Often, we get so caught up with our day-to-day lives that we forget to check in with ourselves. Think about it- when was the last time you were bored? We’re all constantly connected, and whenever we may have a minute to do some contemplation, we whip out our smartphones and begin scrolling through our social media feeds to see if anything has changed in the last fifteen minutes.
Whether you need a detox from this constant connectivity, or you feel like your life has spiraled out of control, walking the Camino is likely to be one of those experiences you look back on at the end of your life.
Walking is one of the best ways to get to see a destination. The slow speed means you have enough time to take in everything that’s going on around you, while seeing parts of different countries that you may not usually get to see.
You can choose which part and how much of the Camino you’d like to walk, but one thing is for sure- you’ll have plenty of long hours with nothing but gorgeous scenery around you. You’ll be able to get to know yourself again, and enjoy a once in a lifetime experience.
For many people, the idea of spending hours every day walking in solitude is confronting. You can either be left alone with your thoughts, or meet other like-minded walkers as well.
Walking for days at a time is also challenging. While there are many benefits of the Camino, you’re also looking at blisters, a sore back, tired legs, and conquering your mind every time you think you may want to quit. However, it’s a good idea to remember that pain means that you’re living in the present. If the Camino was an easy stroll, it wouldn’t be so popular.
Mastering challenges like the Camino is a great way to transform yourself and discover who you truly are. You’ll be walking through the good and the bad, but one thing is for sure- it’ll be well worth it.
Interested? Check out MACS Travel for more information.
