Luggage transfer on the camino: how it works and is it worth it?

There is something wonderfully romantic about the idea of carrying everything you need on your back. Your clothes, water, toiletries, a little notebook, your whole camino life.

But then you actually put the backpack on, and walk. And maybe suddenly you understand why people ask: “Can I send my luggage ahead?” Yes, you can. And for some pilgrims, luggage transfer can completely change the experience.

What is camino luggage transfer?

The basic idea is simple. You leave your larger backpack or suitcase at your accommodation in the morning. A luggage-transfer company collects it, and it is transported to your next accommodation. You walk carrying only a smaller daypack. When you arrive, your luggage is waiting for you.

For example, Correos currently operates Paq Mochila, which transfers luggage from one accommodation to the next during the Camino. Its current information says luggage is collected in the morning and delivered to the next accommodation before 14:30. That means your walking backpack can become dramatically lighter.

What do you carry during the day?

If you're using luggage transfer, your daypack might contain:

• water

• snacks

• rain jacket

• phone, charger

• power bank

• sunscreen

• wallet

• passport/ID

• pilgrim credential

• blister supplies

• tissues

• anything you might need during the day

That's it. Your main luggage carries the rest.

Is luggage transfer “cheating”?

No. Let's get this out of the way. There is no Camino police checking how heavy your backpack is. The Camino is not a competition. Some people love carrying everything, some people don't. Some people need luggage transfer, some people simply prefer it. And all of them are pilgrims. The purpose of walking the camino isn't to see how much suffering you can tolerate.

Who might benefit from luggage transfer?

I particularly like this option for people who:

• are new to long-distance walking

• have a heavier backpack (if you need help to avoid overpacking, message me for consultation)

• have health issues, or an injury

• prefer a lighter daypack

• are concerned about their shoulders or feet

• are combining the Camino with other travel

• are travelling with more luggage than they need during the walking days (you can also send your extra luggages forward to Santiago or your final destination with Correos and they keep it for you)

It can also be useful if you are walking a route with challenging terrain.

You still need a small backpack

Luggage transfer doesn't mean you walk empty-handed, you still need a comfortable daypack. If you can find a small one with hip belts, that's the best option. It should hold your essentials without becoming too heavy. Remember: water is heavy. So don't fill your daypack with unnecessary things simply because your main luggage is travelling separately.

How does it work?

There are many luggage services, but you need to find specific on your route.

Step 1: Book the service: you provide your starting point and destination.

Step 2: Identify your luggage: you receive the relevant luggage label.

Step 3: Leave your luggage: you leave it at your accommodation in the morning according to the service instructions.

Step 4: Walk: you walk your Camino.

Step 5: Collect it: your luggage is waiting at your next accommodation.

Most transport companies service transports luggage between accommodation establishments and sometimes has a maximum weight (around 15 kgs) for the transferred item.

Which caminos have luggage transfer?

Availability depends on the route and season. This is important. Don't assume that because luggage transfer exists on one Camino, it automatically exists on every route and every stage. For example, Correos currently states that Paq Mochila operates year-round between Sarria and Santiago and Tui and Santiago, and seasonally on several major Spanish Camino routes.

Its current service information also includes the Portuguese Way from Tui and A Guarda and other major routes such as the Francés, Primitivo, Norte, Inglés and Sanabrés. If you are starting further south, check exactly where the service begins. Availability can change.

What if I have a suitcase?

Some luggage-transfer services can transport more than a traditional hiking backpack. This can be useful if you're travelling before or after your Camino and don't want to carry all your belongings during the walking section. You can also use luggage-shipping services to send a larger bag to Santiago or another destination. Correos currently offers a separate Paq Peregrino service for sending luggage or parcels to Santiago, Camino post offices or back home.

The one thing you must check

Your accommodation. Before booking luggage transfer, make sure your accommodation accepts luggage deliveries.

This is especially important if you're staying in:

• small guesthouses

• private apartments

• rural houses

• properties with limited reception hours

You don't want your suitcase arriving before you and discovering that nobody is there to receive it.

What happens if you change your route?

This is one of the disadvantages. A flexible Camino can become slightly more complicated when you have luggage transfer booked.

If you decide: “Actually, I'm going to walk another 8 km today.” you need to make sure your luggage is going to the correct place. If you decide to stay somewhere different, your luggage needs to follow you. So luggage transfer works best when your accommodation plan is reasonably organised.

Luggage transfer vs carrying your backpack

There is no right answer.

Carry your backpack if you want:

• simplicity

• maximum flexibility

• the traditional experience

• everything with you

• freedom to change accommodation easily

Use luggage transfer if you want:

• a lighter walking day

• less weight on your shoulders and legs

• more energy for the walking itself

• a comfortable compromise between backpacking and traditional travel

And you can also mix the two.

My favourite compromise

This is something I would seriously consider for a longer Camino: carry your backpack on easier sections, use luggage transfer on particularly difficult sections. Or use it for the first few days while your body adapts. Or simply use it when you know you want a lighter day.

You don't have to make one decision for the entire Camino.

Don't let luggage transfer become an excuse to overpack

This is important. Just because someone else is carrying your bag doesn't mean you should put your entire wardrobe inside it. You're still travelling, you still need to organise it. And you'll still need to move it between transport, accommodation and airports. Pack lightly anyway.

The psychological side

Some pilgrims worry that luggage transfer somehow makes the Camino less authentic. I don't think the Camino is about the weight of your backpack. It's about the walking, the conversations, the mornings, the tiredness, the people. The moments when you keep going even though you'd rather sit down.

If carrying a heavy backpack is stopping you from enjoying those things, perhaps making the load lighter isn't taking something away from your Camino. Perhaps it is allowing you to experience more of it.

The camino is yours

Some people carry everything, some use luggage transfer. Some sleep in albergues, some stay in hotels. Some walk 30 kilometres a day, some walk 15. Some walk alone, some make friends immediately.

There is no single formula. Your camino doesn't need to look like anybody else's. And if a smaller backpack means you can look up more often, notice the landscape, stop for coffee, talk to another pilgrim and arrive with enough energy to enjoy the evening...

Maybe that's exactly the right choice for you.

Walk light.

Walk your way.

Hope these tips get you in the mood for your next adventure, and you found some useful information. If you still need more details or build up confidence and courage for the planning and start of your journey, don't hesitate to contact me or email me, I'm happy to help.

You can also find me on social media with more useful advice and travel pictures at @wander.with.dora name. Contact me for a free call on wanderwithdora@gmail.com 

Safe travels everyone. Buen camino!