Please refer to the following checklist with information to assist you in the preparation for your upcoming adventure with us.
After booking confirmation:
[ ] Confirm Your Travel Plans
To participate you need to have a current passport valid for at least '6 months rule' (i.e the passport is set to expire at least six months after the final day of travel).No travel visa is required for entry into Spain for this adventure - anyone extending their journey will need to check with the relevant authorities. It is the participants responsibility to make their own travel arrangements to ensure they arrive at the hotel in Madrid on the day before the scheduled trek departure by 2pm (local time) ready to attend the first briefing at 5pm.
[ ] Travel Insurance Details
As agreed to in your booking terms and conditions, please reply to this email with your travel insurance details (i.e. insurer's name, your policy number and insurer's emergency contact details).
[ ] Review Terms and Conditions
Please review your copy of the digital terms and conditions, which you agreed to during the booking process. No further action is required, however if you have any questions or concerns, please let us know.
[ ] Review Inclusions & Exclusions
Take a few minutes to review your Camino 2025 trek adventure package inclusions and exclusions, which are detailed on our website. If you have any questions, require clarification of these details or wish to change any of your booking preferences, please contact us.
Our adventure packages are very comprehensive however, participants are still subject to additional costs, which are determined by their personal circumstances and interests. Please let me know if you require further clarification in this regard.
3-4 Months Prior to Departure:
The next step is to review the following information and commence your tour specific training program.
[ ] Obtain Medical Clearance
Although Our Spirit does not generally require proof of medical clearance, we recommend that all participants consult their general practitioner prior to commencing our training program. Obviously, disclosure of Medical Considerations must be made to Our Spirit in a timely manner to ensure individual needs can be met.
[ ] View Hiking Footwear Options
There are many brands of hiking boots available on the market today, so to help you choose boots that will fit and work correctly for you, we have created a Boot Selection Guide. Trekking or trail shoes, such as Merrell's or Salomons are an alternative choice to hiking boots on the Camino terrain. We recommend you choose either a boot or shoe suitable for your physical requirements and of course make sure you have sufficient premium trekking socks to minimise blisters.
[ ] Backpacks on Camino
Trekkers have the choice of carrying their full backpack, or using a light day pack on the walk. If the second option is preferable, trekker's full backpack (or equivalent size/weight luggage - maximum 18kg) will be transported daily to the next accomodation awaiting your arrival.
Please review our Backpack Selection Guide to assist you in determining the right backpack for your trek. You will also benefit from reading the following information on Backpack Fitting.
[ ] Print Trekking Equipment Checklist
We recommend that you print a copy of our comprehensive Equipment Checklist, which highlights essential and optional items to take on this adventure.
Ready to Start Training:
Once you have your boots and backpack and you're ready to commence your training program. We recommend that you review the following comprehensive information about all aspect of training to ensure you are physically fit for the challenge ahead. If you have any questions or concerns about your training/physical preparation for your upcoming adventure, please contact Aidan Grimes directly on 0414 521531 or send him email aidan@ourspirit.com.au
[ ] View Training Guide
Please refer to the Training Guide for information about the FITT principles, the phases of training and how to monitor your performance and preventing injury.
[ ] Complete Stretch Program
We recommend that you print out the Stretch Program for easy access. These stretches will help you maintain your felxibility throughout the training program.
There are literally hundreds of bushwalking tracks throughout Australia which you can utilise to prepare yourself for the Camino. If you would like information on appropriate training areas proximus to your residence or workplace contact us for specific details.
[ ] Review Nutrition Guide
It is important to maintain a healthy diet in order sustain your increased activity throughtout your training program. Therefore, we have developed a Nutrition Guide to set you on the right path.
6 Weeks Prior To Departure:
At this stage of preparation, you should have completed all the forms and profile information; sourced most of your equipment and be well underway with your training program. Your departure date is getting closer, so the following information will be useful to you at this time.
[ ] Travel Insurance
If you have not already done so, please reply to this email with full details of your travel insurance policy (i.e. Insurer's name and emergency contact details, your policy number and dates of coverage) so your trek leader can assist you in the event of an emergency.
[ ] Updated Travel Itinerary
Please refer to your Camino travel itinerary for preliminary details on your upcoming adventure. If you have any questions or concerns, please let us know.
[ ] Read Women's Guide
We have provided a separate Women's Guide specifically to address the health & hygiene considerations for women hiking the Camino.
Requests to share with another trekker can be entered into the personal preferences section on your booking or by replying to this email and copying each roommate.
[ ] Final Payments
To enable us to meet our payment commitments with the hotel, we ask that you urgently make arrangements to pay the final balance for your adventure, if you have not already done so.
[ ] Read Our Backpack Packing Instructions
Its a good idea to practice packing and unpacking your backpack, which you will need to do throughout the adventure. Here are some instructions and helful tips on Backpack Packing.
1 Week Prior To Departure:
Okay, nerves usually start kicking in at this point and that's perfectly normal so, if you have any questions or concerns, please don't hesitate to contact us.
[ ] Read Reminders
Please review the Equipment Checklist again to ensure you have all personal supplies required for this trip.
[ ] Share Your Journey
Please inform your family and friends that the trek leader be intermittently posting photos and adventure details on the Our Spirit Facebook pageand Instagram, so they can follow your journey.
Thank you for taking the time to read our preparation information.
If at any stage you have questions or concerns about your upcoming adventure with us, please contact our office and the appropriate team member will reply to you as promptly as possible.
