Controversial Topic #1 - Pilgrims or Tourist
One of the most common (and sometimes heated) controversial topic along the Camino is the distinction between a “real pilgrim” and a “tourist with a backpack.” Some hardcore traditionalists believe that a true pilgrim should walk every single step, carry their own pack, sleep in communal albergues, and embrace the simplicity of the journey with minimal comforts. To them, anything else—taking a bus, booking private rooms, or sending your bags forward—is “cheating.”
On the flip side, there are those who take a more vacation approach. They see the Camino as a personal journey, not a rigid set of rules. Some walk shorter sections over multiple trips, others opt for private accommodations for better rest, and many enjoy the incredible food and wine along the way (because, why not?).
Who decides what a real pilgrim is?
Controversial Topic #2 - To Carry or To Courier?
We touched on this in one of our earlier posts about the myths and realities of walking the Camino — read it here.
If there’s one topic that comes up every single day on the trail, it’s: “Is that all you’re carrying?” or “How heavy is your bag?” It’s practically the official Camino conversation starter! 😄
Some pilgrims choose to carry their backpacks every step of the way. Others send their bags ahead each day using the courier services (which does require a bit of daily planning – and totally possible with the help of apps that you should download for the journey). But here’s the thing: The Camino Provides. The infrastructure is incredibly strong and reliable—you can absolutely walk the Camino either way.
Does sending your bag forward instead of carrying it make your journey less meaningful? That’s up to you. If lightening your load allows you to complete the walk, enjoy it more, or reduce the risk of injury—does it really matter?
We met an Italian guy on the Camino—he called himself a pilgrim, and to be fair, he looked the part. Worn-out clothes, a heavy backpack, a wooden walking stick—he had that classic, rugged “I’ve been through it” look.
One evening, we arrived at an albergue, and as we were settling in, we noticed six suitcases neatly stacked in the corner. Big ones, small ones, all tagged and seemingly belonging to one family. Before we even had time to process it, the Italian guy walked in, took one look at the luggage pile, and scoffed.
He turned to us, shaking his head. “These are not pilgrims,” he muttered. “This is not the Camino. They don’t understand the meaning of this journey. They are just tourists on holiday!” He then launched into a rant about how a real pilgrim must carry their own weight—physically and mentally. “If you don’t feel the pain, you’re not doing it right!” he declared.
We just listened, nodding along, but honestly? We didn’t agree.
For us, the Camino isn’t about suffering for the sake of suffering. It’s about the journey, the experience, and what it means to YOU. Whether you’re carrying 10kg on your back or sending your suitcase a’rolling forward—if you’re walking with purpose, you’re a pilgrim in your own way.
Controversial Topic #4 - Book Ahead or Wing It?
Ah, the age-old question every pilgrim faces: Do you book your bed in advance, or just walk and hope for the best?
There are two very different schools of thought on this.
Team Book Ahead
These pilgrims prefer peace of mind. They like knowing exactly where they’ll sleep each night—no stress, no racing against the crowd, no wandering town exhausted, hoping for an empty bed. Booking in advance ( we used booking.com) is especially comforting during peak season or on busy stretches like the final 100km from Sarria.
Pros of Booking Ahead:
✅ No stress about finding a bed at the end of a long day
✅ Lets you plan for private rooms or popular albergues
✅ Great for high season when beds fill up fast
Cons:
❌ Less flexibility—if you feel strong and want to keep walking, you’re locked in
❌ Can take away some of the spontaneity of the journey
Team Wing It
These are the go-with-the-flow pilgrims. No reservations, no fixed plans—just walk until you’re ready to stop and trust that the Camino will provide. This approach offers ultimate freedom and a strong connection to the traditional spirit of pilgrimage.
Pros of Freestyling:
✅ Walk as far (or as little) as you feel each day
✅ Discover hidden gems and unexpected towns
✅ Feels more adventurous and present
Cons:
❌ Risk of full albergues—especially in busy areas
❌ You might end up on a mat, or walking extra kilometers to find a bed
Book Ahead or Wing it? – Your Choice!
We arrived in a small town, exhausted, thinking we had timed everything just right. But the reality hit quickly—there were only two albergues open, and both were already full.
Many of us had skipped the previous town, thinking, It’s just 5 more kilometers—let’s push on and stop there. But when we got to our chosen stop, we watched pilgrims get turned away one by one. The look of disappointment on their faces was heartbreaking.
For those without a bed, the choices were brutal:
➡️ Walk back 5km, undoing their progress, then redo it again the next morning.
➡️ Walk forward another 12km in the heat, with zero guarantees of a bed waiting for them.
Neither option was appealing, and we felt their despair. This was one of those moments where booking ahead saved us. We had a reservation, and it made all the difference.
So, do you book or not? There’s no single answer, but let’s just say that in small towns or peak season, securing a bed might be the smartest decision you make.
