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. Since the cap is 17 participants, could it be that 12 friends travel together with a few others joining them? 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 before booking the trip.

To help build connections, we host a pre-trip WhatsApp group. This allows everyone to get to know each other before the trip, arrange travel plans, and discuss preparation for the journey.

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 walk any part of the trip, we’ll have a transport van with us at all times.

It’s there for our luggage and can transport you away if you need a break from walking the trail. All you need to do is let the local guide know if you need support!

Once you sign up, you’ll be added to our trip members-only WhatsApp Group, where you can train together and get ready.

One of the best things about traveling with the SSR group is that we’ll set a pace that works for everyone. We totally understand that each body is different, whether you’re 50 or 75, and we’ll encourage a welcoming and patient atmosphere.

One of our Sole Sisters, who has done this trip, shared some great wisdom. She says:

"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’ – and that couldn’t be more true! No one should feel judged.

When I walked the Frances, I met such a wonderful mix of people from all over the world – all ages (from 18 months to 89 years old), shapes, sizes, and fitness levels. Some chose hostels, some opted for hotels, some carried all their belongings, while others had luggage transport. 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 looks super supportive, and you’ll have plenty of time to get fit before we set off. Don’t hold back on this opportunity; it might surprise you in the best way – and you might find yourself wanting to come back for more! So go for it!”

You must be comfortable hiking for 5-7 hours daily, with many steep uphill sections, uneven, rocky terrain, and unpredictable weather.

If you’re already a regular exerciser, increasing your activity is a good idea.

If you’re not exercising regularly (2-3 times a week), it’s important to start in the weeks before your departure (4-6 weeks prior at least).

Your best choice would be to start walking regularly 2-3 times a week, including at least one longer walk (up to 15 km).

It is also a good idea to practice walking with your day pack.

Our itinerary is customizable to meet the needs of the group, and we are happy to add extra breaks if our Ramblers desire!

Our experienced guide will have a general idea of where the group should be at various times throughout the day. They will also take into account the different fitness levels and walking abilities and ensure that there is time for relaxation and refreshments throughout the day.

Breaks are typically scheduled around our fun stops and points of interest.

The guide will suggest stops at historic sites, scenic viewpoints, and dining options, but the group is welcome to propose additional breaks as needed.

This trip is designed to accommodate different walking speeds by allowing the group to split up.

Faster walkers can move ahead, while slower walkers stay with the guide or a designated assistant guide.

We ensure clear communication and establish meeting points along the route to help keep everyone on track.

This trip includes the final stage of the coastal Portuguese Camino, which is not the most challenging stage of this Camino.

There are some gentle to moderate hills, but you can take them at your own pace.

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

This trip is really well supported by a van and your Sole Sisters, and it is the perfect opportunity for anyone who’s a little apprehensive to try the Camino.

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

However, once you arrive at your destination, you will need to carry your luggage from the van to your hotel room.

In some of the smaller villages, the van may need to park some distance away from the hotel, and the walk from the van to your room could take up to 20 minutes.

No worries, though! Your Sole Sisters will be there to assist you if you need help carrying your luggage to your room.

For your overnight bag, a backpack with a capacity of about 36 liters is optimal. Alternatively, a duffle bag with a shoulder strap will work.

We strongly recommend that your main piece of luggage weigh under 15 kg (33 lb).

You'll need to carry a day pack with water and snacks, so in addition to your main piece of luggage, we suggest bringing a small to medium-sized backpack (25-30 liters) for day hikes.

For daily comfort, a backpack with a waist strap is the best option for daily walks. Ensure this pack holds most of the weight on your hips—it's a great idea to get it fitted in a professional outdoor shop.

Shoes and socks are the most important considerations when choosing gear for a Camino!

Opt for lightweight, waterproof hiking shoes or trail runners that provide good grip and cushioning.

It's crucial to break in your trainers or boots before your trip. There's nothing worse than developing blisters with multiple days of walking ahead of you.

Always pack blister plasters (bandaids)—after many kilometers of walking, even in broken-in shoes, it's possible to get sore feet.

Walking poles are highly recommended for stability, especially on uneven or downhill sections. They reduce strain on your knees, making longer days more manageable.

Adjustable poles are ideal for adapting to changing terrain.

Finally, pack a well-fitted daytime backpack with a hydration system that allows easy access to water and helps keep you hydrated while hiking.

The Portuguese and Spanish Caminos offer a variety of terrains, including urban paths, gravel tracks, dirt trails, and occasional cobblestones. In some areas, there are also hills.

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.

SSR X Intrepid travel adventures 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 do a great job of working with local restaurants and hotels to ensure travelers are served quality meals that showcase regional cuisines.

You'll have the opportunity to experience a wide range of delicious foods unique to this region of Spain.

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.

Your group leader will recommend restaurants for you to try during your trip.

Generally, groups prefer to dine together, so you can sample a larger variety of dishes and enjoy each other's company.

Breakfast and dinner are typically provided at your nightly accommodation. Many hotels and BnBs are located in beautiful rural areas, often far from nearby restaurants, so they feature kitchens serving delicious meals.

All accommodations include breakfast, as hikers on the Camino tend to rise early and need a hearty meal to start their day.

The accommodations offer a variety of dining options. Some places offer à la carte menus, while others provide a set "pilgrim menu," allowing you to enjoy a buffet or a fixed-price meal.

Lunch is a wonderful 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.

Many establishments also offer "pilgrim meals" at a convenient set price of around 7 Euros. These meals are usually quick and tasty, often featuring a hearty soup or a delicious quiche.

Vegetarians and vegans may find that menu options in Europe are more limited than what they are used to at home.

Vegetarianism and veganism are less common in this region, and the available choices typically include basic items such as vegetables, soups, salads, bread, cheese, fruit, yogurt, and eggs.

A local guide will be available to help you discover the best meal options. Whenever possible, the tour will accommodate dietary needs for included meals.

However, there may be occasions when individuals with special requirements need to provide their own food.

Vegans and those following gluten-free diets may need to supplement their meals with supplies from supermarkets and local markets. Supermarkets and local markets will be easily accessible during our journey and available most days.

If you have any dietary restrictions or food allergies, please inform the booking agent before your departure.

Rambler question:

"Do we stop for lunch? Do we bring our own snacks, or will we find snacks along the way? Does that change from day to day?"

Answer:

Each day, our local guide will pick out some lovely lunch spots for us to enjoy. These will be tried-and-true cafés or restaurants that have great reputations.

Of course, Ramblers are also free to explore options on their own!

Along the Camino, there are plenty of bakeries, shops, and snack bars, so grabbing a bite on the go is totally possible and easy.

On some days, we might need to pack a few extra snacks or a light lunch if we’re heading through a more remote area. Don’t worry; you'll get a handy briefing at the start of each day to let you know when that might be needed!

The group has the flexibility to decide the best departure time each day. However, it is advisable to leave early to avoid the heat and to allow ample time for rest and exploration at each daily destination.

Most groups aim to finish breakfast and start walking by 8 a.m.

We'll start our journey in the lovely historic city of Porto in Portugal.

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 an SSR leader.

The role of the local tour leader is to make your travels hassle-free and to ensure 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 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 towels.

On some nights, the group may stay in two hotels next to each other.

If you arrive the day before the trip starts, this trip includes an arrival transfer in the cost.

The nearest international airport is in Porto, Portugal.

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

In that email, they will also provide information about when the included group arrival transfer will take guests from the airport to the hotel.

Anyone arriving outside of this scheduled time can either take a taxi, rent a car, or book a private transfer for a fee.

For those who have pre-booked an arrival transfer, the driver will be waiting for you in the arrivals hall, holding a sign with the Intrepid logo or your name.

In case of flight cancellations, changes, severe delays at immigration, baggage collection, or customs, or if you are unable to find your driver, you will be provided with a phone number to contact for assistance.

When you book, Intrepid will take a deposit of $400 USD. The final balance is due 70 days before departure.

You will have access to your own Intrepid portal, which you can log in to and pay money through before the final balance is due.

Intrepid will send a payment link, but you can also call them if you prefer to speak to them.

Unfortunately, we are currently unable to process trip payments in CAD dollars. Currently, Intrepid can only accept payments in USD, GBP, EURO, or ZAR.

Intrepid is planning to add CAD dollars to its system in 2025, but it does not have a specific timeline for this implementation and apologizes for any inconvenience this may cause.

In the meantime, they recommend that Canadians pay using the currency that offers the best conversion rate.

Intrepid Travel has always 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: 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.

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.

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.