In this Camino Conversations episode, Debbie Bartolomucci shares how a spontaneous spark—one she can’t even trace—pulled her toward the Camino de Santiago. From navigating fears about safety to discovering the unexpected magic of walking solo, Debbie opens up about the moments that shaped her 500-mile pilgrimage across northern Spain. If you’ve ever wondered what actually happens when you walk over the Pyrenees alone, how the Camino compares to legendary long-distance challenges, or why so many pilgrims return home forever changed…this conversation is full of the insights and stories that will make you ask yourself, “Could I do this too?”
How do people first hear about the Camino—and what makes some of them say “I have to do that”? (00:00:00)
What finally pushes someone from dreaming about the Camino to actually booking the flight? (00:00:39)
How do nine friends shrink down to “me, myself, and I”—and what does walking solo change? (00:01:48)
Is the Camino really safe for women walking alone? Hear what Debbie experienced. (00:02:54)
Why do some seasoned hikers say you should walk the Camino alone at least once? (00:06:00)
What unexpected “Camino classroom moments” teach you more about yourself than any guidebook could? (00:07:02)
How prepared do you actually need to be before your first day on the trail? (00:10:00)
Is packing really the hardest part of the entire Camino? Debbie makes a surprising case. (00:11:19)
Why do some pilgrims carry everything…and others send their bags ahead? Which choice reveals more about you? (00:12:58)
What’s it really like navigating food, hunger, and nutrition while walking 500 miles? (00:24:41)
Does bread in Spain magically “fix” gluten sensitivity? One pilgrim shares her surprising story. (00:29:18)
What can nature teach you when your only job each day is to walk? (00:30:45)
Why does Spain feel so different from the U.S.—and why do many pilgrims long to return? (00:33:37)
What cultural shifts do Americans need to embrace to truly enjoy Spain? (00:37:19)
How do you even get to Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port—and why is getting there its own mini-pilgrimage? (00:19:12)
Why do so many pilgrims stretch their Camino longer the second time around? (00:22:14)
What makes someone finish a Camino and immediately start planning the next one? (00:20:47)
And finally…what would you say to someone who’s intrigued by the Camino but scared to try? (00:40:09)
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🥾Ready to start planning your Camino?
Rebecca Weston
Camino Planning & Preparation Guide (for People 45+)
Rebecca@TheCaminoCalls.com
Your Camino adventure should feel exciting, not stressful — here are some ways I can help you get ready:
🎥Watch Camino Conversations for practical tips and advice from my guests who have done the Camino (or more than one!).
🗓️ Camino Planning Session (45 min): Get answers to your top questions and a notes doc created during our call.
📞 Full Camino Experience: 6 coaching calls with detailed notes to plan your trip with confidence and ease.
🥾 Walk With Rebecca: 7-day hybrid Camino walks — 3 days guided, 4 days independent, private rooms, preparation classes, and optional check-ins. Click here to be the first to be notified about my next trip.
About me: I walked my first Camino in 2012 . Since then, I have walked over a dozen Caminos—alone or with others; in spring, summer and fall; in Spain, Portugal, and France. I’ve also spent many days volunteering along the trail, and if I’m not walking one now, I’m planning the next—and would love nothing more than to help you plan yours, too.
