Rambler Question:

"I was wondering if most women take this trip solo as part of the organized trip or if they tend to travel in groups of friends. I'm just curious about the group dynamics!"

Answer:

Our trips are specifically designed for solo travelers, and most women who sign up do not know anyone else on the adventure before they arrive.

To help build connections, we host a pre-trip WhatsApp group. In this group we will facilitate introductions, arrange travel plans, and discuss training and preparation.

Rambler question:

"I’m feeling a bit nervous about whether I can walk the full distance on our trip, and I’m wondering how to keep my energy up. Any tips to help me decide?"

Answer:

If you ever feel like you can't handle any more walking the local guide will arrange transportation. The route is accessible by taxi and Uber.

Please note that most of the participants in our inaugural Camino adventure were unsure about their ability to walk for several hours on consecutive days, but all of them were happily surprised by their success.

One of the best aspects of traveling with a group of like minded women of a similar age is that you don't need to worry about moving slowly or struggling with physical challenges.

In feedback from participants in our inaugural Camino adventure participants said it felt like "walking in a supportive bubble."

One Rambler noted that what surprised her most about her Sole Sister Ramblers X Intrepid Camino adventure was - the walking was easier than I’d imagined. The prospect of long distances every day looked daunting on paper, but we all managed them without any real problems."

You will discover a welcoming and patient culture. As the local guide reminded us all on the first day, "This is a promenade, not a race."

One of our experienced Camino Sole Sisters shared some valuable wisdom:

"It’s your Camino—make it your own!

To anyone dreaming of doing this, I say go for it! Everyone has a Camino within them. You’ll often hear pilgrims say, ‘It’s your Camino, and you do it your way,’ which couldn't be more true! No one should feel judged.

When I walked the Frances, I met a wonderful mix of people from all over the world—of all ages (from 18 months to 89 years old), shapes, sizes, and fitness levels. Some chose hostels, while others opted for hotels; some carried all their belongings, while others had luggage transported. Some skipped sections and took the bus, and for many, it was their first experience, while others had done it multiple times. Everyone had an amazing and uplifting experience!

This trip is incredibly supportive, and you’ll have plenty of time to get fit before you set off. Don’t hold back on this opportunity; you might be pleasantly surprised, and you may find yourself wanting to return for more! So go for it!"

If you are a fairly regular walker or hiker and can walk or hike approximately 12 km (or 2 hours) you will likely be surprised to find out you are fit enough for this adventure.

Sole Sister Ramblers will also host a supportive training Challenge for trip members that starts 3 months before our adventure begins.

The Frances Camino offers numerous beautiful spots to rest and explore, including trailside cafés, souvenir boutiques, churches, villages, and wooded natural areas.

There's a saying on the Camino about doing it your own way, and that is the spirit our group trip will embrace.

In our inaugural Camino, some Sole Sisters preferred to walk quickly, while others enjoyed a more leisurely pace. Some liked to arrive in the town where we were spending the night as soon as possible while others enjoyed stopping enroute to explore small villages, sample local restaurants, take pictures and explore historic sites.

The experienced guide will have a general idea of where the group members are throughout the day, and we will keep track of each other via our WhatsApp group.

The larger group will likely break into smaller groups and some will meet for lunch at a restaurant recommended by the local guide.

You will do your Camino your way and at your comfort level.

There's a saying on the Camino about doing it your way, which is the spirit our group trip will embrace.

In our inaugural Camino, some Sole Sisters preferred to walk quickly, while others enjoyed a more leisurely pace. The larger group will likely break into smaller groups, and the guide will recommend a lunch spot for the group that wants to meet up.

Some Ramblers preferred to arrive in the town where we were spending the night as soon as possible. In contrast, others enjoyed stopping en route to explore small villages, sample local restaurants, take pictures, and explore historical sites.

The trail is well-marked, and many pilgrims are walking, so getting lost is impossible.

The guide will maintain a general idea of where the group members are throughout the day, and we will keep track of each other via our WhatsApp group.

The guide will also post explicit directions and recommendations for those who prefer to walk independently in the trip WhatsApp group and check in regularly with all Ramblers.

You will do your Camino your way and at your comfort level.

This trip includes the final stage of the Frances, which is one of the most well traveled and laid back parts of the Camino.

Some gentle to moderate hills exist, but you can take them at your own pace.

There are certainly no days when you would be walking uphill the whole time.

The tour includes luggage transport from one destination to the next.

You will find your luggage in the hotel lobby when you arrive to check in and will need to carry it to your room.

Note not every hotel has an elevator.

The luggage transport company allows travelers to bring one bag of any type, weighing less than 20 lbs. This can include wheeled suitcases, backpacks, or duffle bags.

Additionally, you will need a daypack (either a backpack or a waist pack) for items you may require while on the trail, such as water, snacks, and your pilgrim passport.

There are many cafes and shops along the trail, so you don’t need to worry about carrying too much with you while you’re walking.

The Frances Camino in Spain offer a variety of terrains, including urban paved roads, gravel tracks, dirt trails, and cobblestones.

Northern Portugal and Northwestern Spain can experience a fair amount of rain in the spring and fall, so it's essential to prepare for this possibility.

Rain can make dirt paths muddy and slippery, so having shoes with good traction is necessary.

Choosing comfortable shoes and socks is crucial when preparing for the Camino. Note, though, that if you are comfortable walking for several hours in your the shoes and socks you use at home, they will also be good on the Camino.

Most pilgrims choose common brands of lightweight trail style running shoes with good grips, a lot of cushioning and a wide toe bed. Adequate cushioning is bonus, because there are many paved roads and cobblestones.

You don't see many pilgrims wearing hiking boots often do not offer the same cushioning, and the trails are well-groomed so ankle support is not critical.

It is a good idea test your shoes by walking in them several times for a few hours to ensure they are comfortable.

Moisture-wicking, comfortable socks that are properly fitted to your feet are also important—many Ramblers prefer , marino wool socks.

Many pilgrims choose to use walking poles for extra stability and to reduce pressure on their knees. If you want to use them note most airlines do not allow walking poles in carry on luggage.

Hopurchasing walking poles once you arrive in Sarria or Santiago de Compostela is simple. Also, many pilgrims leave their poles in Spain after their adventure, so there are many places where you can pick up a used pair.

Additionally, be prepared for all types of weather. It might be hot and sunny every day or rain a lot.

A rain poncho that is big enough to cover your day pack is essential, as is clothing that will keep you warm even when it is wet, such as polyester, silk, or merino wool shirts and pants.

A warm beanie and thin, preferably waterproof gloves are also recommended.

Also a good sun hat (bucket style that covers your neck and ears is best) and sweat proof sunscreen is also important.

Water is readily available throughout the trail, so a small, light water bottle will be adequate.

SSR X Intrepid travel experiences will take you beyond the everyday sights to see the hidden gems you might otherwise miss.

They will introduce you to the local people and culture at the heart of your trip.

It will be all about the hard-to-forget experiences in hard-to-find places.

You'll see all the highlights, but the real magic will happen off the beaten path, in the backstreet bodegas, local eateries, and other real-life experiences you won't find in a search engine. 

You'll enjoy your adventure with other like-minded women 45+, finding travel companions and friends that will last a lifetime.

Intrepid and their local guides work with local restaurants and hotels to ensure travelers are served delicious meals that showcase regional cuisines.

Galacia is one of the top culinary destinations in the world, and the food you'll enjoy during your Camino will likely be one of your best memories of the trip.

Galacia has the best bread in the world, excellent cured ham, delicious handmade French fries, a wide variety of fresh seafood and grilled meats, quiche (called tortillas), salads, tapas, cheeses, soups, and incredible desserts. The wine is also excellent and economical.

Not all meals are included in the trip price, giving you maximum flexibility in choosing where, what, and with whom to eat. This arrangement also allows for more budgeting options.

Most nights, the group will eat together in a restaurant the guide recommends.

Breakfasts with fruit, homemade bread, meat, baked goods, juice, and coffee are included daily.

Lunch is an excellent opportunity to stop at a café or restaurant along the hiking trail. You'll likely be pleasantly surprised by the charming cafés and eateries you encounter along the route. Plus, your local guide will always be available to inform you about the next café stop.

Vegetarians and vegans may find limited menu options in Galicia, especially outside of the big cities. Typically, available choices include basic items such as salads, rice, soups, bread, cheese, fruit, yogurt, and eggs.

Your local guide will be available to help you find menu items that suit your dietary restrictions. However, there may be times when individuals with specific dietary requirements need to bring their own food.

Vegans and those following a gluten-free diet might need to supplement their meals with supplies from local markets. Supermarkets and local markets are accessible most days.

Please inform the booking agent of any dietary restrictions or food allergies before your departure.

Rambler question:

"Are we stopping for lunch, or will we find snacks along the way? Do we need to pack our own food, or does that change from day to day?"

Answer:

Each day, our local guide will recommend a lovely lunch spot for the group. These will be tried-and-true cafés.

Of course, Ramblers are also free to explore options on their own and there are many to choose from!

There are plenty of bakeries, snack bars, as well as local food vendors and farm stands so grabbing a bite on the go is easy and you do not need to pack snacks or extra water unless you have a specialized diet.

Your luggage must be in the hotel lobby by 7:30 am for pickup.

The group typically finishes breakfast and starts walking between 8:00 and 8:30 am.

We'll start our journey in the lovely town of Sarria, Spain! Sarria is a charming municipality located in the province of Lugo, in the beautiful region of Galicia in northwestern Spain.

We'll finish our adventure in the vibrant city of Santiago de Compostela, the heart of Galicia.

This city is famous as the final destination of the Camino de Santiago pilgrimage route and is believed to be the resting place of the biblical apostle St. James.

It’s a truly special place filled with history and culture!

You will be accompanied by a local Intrepid tour leader and a Sole Sister Ramblers host.

The role of the local tour leader is to ensure a hassle-free adventure and make sure that you have the best experience possible.

Intrepid local leaders don’t just show you a destination; they introduce you to the soul of a place.

They will provide information about the places you visit, suggest activities and sights, recommend excellent local dining options, and introduce you to their local friends.

You can expect them to possess a broad general knowledge of the locations visited, including historical, cultural, religious, and social aspects.

Accommodations are two twin beds with double occupancy in local guest houses and small local hotels.

Ramblers can also purchase a single occupancy add-on. If you pay for a single occupancy, you will have a single room throughout.

All rooms will have en-suite bathrooms and all essential amenities.

There are no arrival or departure transfers for this adventure. The group will meet in Porto, Portugal on the day the trip begins.

Once the tour reaches the minimum number of participants, Intrepid will email all participants, informing them that the tour is guaranteed and that it's time to book their flights!

The closest International airport is Francisco Sá Carneiro Airport (OPO) in Porto.

You can ask Intrepid to help you plan travel and chat about options in the dedicated Sole Sister Ramblers trip WhatsApp Group.

When you book, they will take a deposit and the final balance will be due 70 days before departure.

You will have access to a personal Intrepid portal, which you can log in to and pay money off when you feel like it before the final balance is due.

Intrepid will send a payment link, but if you prefer to speak to them, you can choose to do that instead.

Intrepid Travel is focused on balancing purpose with profit. In 2018, they formalized this commitment by becoming a certified B Corporation.

Certified B Corporations prioritize their employees, strive for a more inclusive supply chain, and elevate corporate social responsibility. This certification signifies their dedication to creating benefits for everyone.

Intrepid's official pledge is to utilize travel as a force for good in the world.

The following is not included in the price: international flights, required visas, services not mentioned in the itinerary, late check-out at hotels, meals and drinks not mentioned in the itinerary, drinks with included lunches and dinners, tips for leaders, guide and driver, expenditure of personal nature, personal insurance and optional activities.

You will need to have a valid passport that doesn't expire for at least 6 months.

It is your responsibility to check and address visa requirements from your country of origin.

Cancellation By You

The cancellation terms below will apply if you cancel some or all portions of your booking before the trip departs.  

A cancellation will only be effective once an Intrepid sales representative has received written confirmation from you that you wish to cancel.

Intrepid will apply the deposit and all other payments for the trip we received from you toward the cancellation fees that were outlined to you when you book. Be sure to review these when you book and ask for clarification if required.

If you cancel your booking and the amount you have already paid does not cover the cancellation fees, you must pay the difference between the amount you have paid and the cancellation fee applied. 

By accepting the Booking Conditions when you booked, you authorized Intrepid to automatically charge the payment card you used to secure the booking.

If you cancel a private co-branded departure such as a Sole Sister Ramblers X Intrepid adventure the following also applies:

(a) 70 days or more before departure, we will hold your deposit amount as a credit you can use towards a future trip;

(b) 69 days or fewer before departure, we charge a cancellation fee of 100% of the total booking cost; 

Any Deposit Credit you are entitled to may not be applied to the same or similar travel dates.

If you leave a trip for any reason after it has started, Intrepid is not required to provide any refunds for unused services.

If you fail to join the trip, join it after it has begun, or leave before it ends, no refunds will be issued.

These cancellation terms are in addition to any fees that may be charged by accommodation providers, travel agents, or third-party tour and transport operators.

If one or more members of a party cancel, it may result in an increase in the per-person price for those who continue to travel, and you will be responsible for paying this increase.

Please be sure to discuss Intrepid's full cancellation policy and ensure you understand when you book your adventure with the Intrepid team!

Intrepid is committed to ensuring that all its trips are safe for everyone involved, including travelers, local leaders, and the communities they visit.

Their health and safety policies align with recommendations from the World Health Organization and the World Travel & Tourism Council's Safe Travel protocols for tour operators.

Each itinerary undergoes a thorough risk assessment and audit, and both leaders and suppliers complete extensive health and safety training.