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Camino Preparation & Planning — 1:1 Online Support

Created by Colleen | Updated : 22 July 2025 | ,

Are you feeling overwhelmed trying to plan your own Camino? Would you just love to ask a Camino veteran about your plans, your travel, your itinerary or your pack?

Well I’m your someone!

I’ve walked the Camino 22 times and already planning 23 and 24.  I’ve walked in France and Spain and Portugal and other hikes around the world.  I’ve guided 100’s of pilgrims and have been running Camino Planning workshops since 2019. 

And now I also offer 1:1 Camino planning to help you make confident, informed choices about your Camino.

I’m not a travel agent not do I offer generic guidebook answers. You get to sit down with me and chat – with someone who’s done it already and who genuinely wants to help you succeed.

I’ve Just finished a wonderful hour of Zoom with Colleen. She’s lovely-fun, easy to talk to and a font of information. I’m feeling better equipped for my Camino in September!

sign post on the camino saying don't stop now

Why I’m Offering One-To-One Camino Coaching

I’ve walked thousands of kilometres on the Camino de Santiago, and shared my journeys via my blog for over 12 years. BUT I was once a first timer too.  I was once unprepared, nervous and also overwhelmed with planning and training and booking and kit lists. 

I started Then We Walked because I want to share what I’ve learned and it’s now read by over 500,000 people a year — my Facebook community is also busy and active. But even with this and my online workshops, some pilgrims still reach out as they simply need to talk to someone.

Folks come to me because they want personal Camino advice, from someone who understands their issues.

If you are asking yourself :

  • How do I plan my stages?
  • How much should I budget?
  • How do I find accommodation?
  • Should I book the flight, the bed or the bus?
  • Should I join a group or self guided or go alone?
  • Is my pack list correct?

or a thousand other questions – then I can answer them and offer you some direction and peace of mind!

You taught us everything we would ever need to know about walking the Camino. You gave us so much information help and advice that I know we will have a far better experience on our walk than we ever would have before. Your presentation was so professional and all of the handouts are invaluable 

colleen riding a horse on the Camino

What You’ll Get During Your One To One Session

When I decided to offer this I didn’t want it to be just an hour on Zoom. I wanted to offer some real Camino support, so booking with me means you’ll get :

  • An on-boarding questionnaire and a few initial emails to ensure that we focus on what’s important for you and so that I do my homework and have the answers you need when we meet.
  • A 60-minute 1:1 session to talk through your Camino—your route options, timelines, packing, planning—whatever you need. And I’ll be honest – most of my sessions over-run and that’s ok!
  • A follow-up email with notes, custom recommendations, and resources.
  • Space to ask more: I don’t cut you off once the call is over and most folks come back with a few questions and that’s fine too.   

I really enjoyed our visit you helped tremendously. I’m going to order those recommendations!  I’m eager to read the links you’ve provided. Stay awesome Colleen x

Salomon boots beside the Camino marker in St Jean Pied de Port

Why Work With Me : What You Gain From 1:1 Coaching

It’s true that the internet is full of advice — much of it is excellent but sometimes you need to talk to someone one-on-one. You don’t really need a reason to book a session with me – but I’m pretty confident I will help.

Folks often get in touch when :

  • They’re feeling a little nervous about pushing the button on the flight and would like to just go over the plans and have some reassurance
  • Life is super busy –  juggling work, life, and family needs.  They want to finalise the details but just don’t have the time and the Camino is fast approaching
  • They know they want to walk but are at the beginning of the journey and don’t  know where to start or what’s essential
  • They need honest, practical advice, tailored to their walking style, budget, and schedule
  • They are looking for suggestions for accommodation, services, bag transfer and transport
  • They want answers to your specific questions — the ones Google can’t quite solve

If this is you…then I’m your person.

We learned so much and had fun too! It was a ton of info but all important and we have homework to do. We talked about you and your kind nature and generosity at dinner tonight. Wonderful!

Then We Walking Club at the enormous yellow arrow marker outside Esposende

Are You Ready to Book Your Camino One to One?

I’m ready if you are! It’s easy to book your slot.  Click the link to find my calendar.  Pick a time that works for you, pay the session fee and I do the rest!

For anybody interested in walking the Camino both the beginner or the experienced there is much to learn and discuss. Colleen not only has great skills, her enthusiasm for the subject is overwhelming and her depth of knowledge is very impressive. For me time very well spent. Thanks Colleen

leaving St Jean Pied de Port in the Rain with Then We Walking Club

What I Can’t Offer

One to one coaching is more like the advice that I’d give to my family and close friends. Legally there are things that I cannot offer.  I’m not a travel agent or tour operator and I’m not a doctor or medical expert.

I cannot :

  • Book your trip or make reservations for you
  • Upsell any kind of travel package, or any other travel related services
  • Provide any form of medical advice or recommend a specific insurance provider

Want to learn more about the Camino? Then hop over to my Free Private Facebook Group | Walking The Camino De Santiago.

Then We Walked escorted walk to Santiago 2022

Frequently Asked Questions About one to One Support

What is a Camino coach?

A Camino coach offers personalised planning support, practical advice, and emotional reassurance before your walk. It’s not about selling a trip — it’s about guiding you based on experience and helping you prepare with confidence.

Can someone help me plan my Camino de Santiago?

Yes! Whether you need help choosing a route, breaking up the stages, or managing logistics like accommodation or bag transfer, a one-to-one session can help you feel calm and prepared.

Do I need a travel coach for the Camino?

Not everyone needs one — but if you’re feeling overwhelmed, unsure, or short on time, a travel coach (especially one experienced in the Camino) can save you hours of research and provide peace of mind.

What do I get in a Camino planning session?

You’ll get a 60-minute 1:1 video call with me, a personalized follow-up email with notes and recommendations, and space to ask extra questions afterward. It’s more than just a Zoom—it’s real support from someone who’s walked the walk.

Can you book my flights or accommodation?

No—I’m not a travel agent, so I can’t make bookings. But I’ll help you feel confident about what to book, when, and why—saving you time and stress.

What’s the difference between a Camino coach and a tour?

A Camino coach supports you in planning and preparing for an independent walk. Tours are group-based and usually pre-arranged. Coaching gives you the freedom to walk your own way, with tailored support beforehand.

Can I ask about flights, insurance or gear?

Absolutely — I’ll share what’s worked for me, how I find flights, and my personal experience with gear. I can’t give official medical or insurance advice, but I’ll point you toward resources which may help you find more expert answers.

Want to learn more about the Camino? Then hop over to my Free Private Facebook Group | Walking The Camino De Santiago.

So – Is One To One Coaching For You?

The Camino has genuinely given me more than I can say.  I love helping others and I love trying to find way to help people make their way along the Camino de Santiago.  I have my online guides, my Facebook community, my walking club and very soon my online Camino Planning workshops. 

You’ve read to the end of this post which tells me that you’re ready to get started.  If time is of the essence then you don’t need to waste hours scrolling, searching online, reading forums or second-guessing every choice.  You don’t need to buy unnecessary gear or take unnecessary journeys.

You just need me – and you’re ready for some one to one support.

Caminos I’ve Walked

(Many of these, multiple times!)

Camino Francés · Camino Portugués Central · Camino Portugués Coastal · Spiritual Variant · Camino del Norte · Camino Aragonés · Camino Primitivo · Camino Inglés · Camino Lebaniego · Camino Sanabrés · Via de la Plata · Rota Vicentina · Camino Vézelay

Ready to take the next step on your Camino journey?

Come and walk with us in our fabulous private Facebook group (it’s totally free!) or sign up for our newsletter to get more Camino inspiration straight to your inbox.

And if you want some route specific details then I have stage by stage guides for :

Wherever you are on your journey, you’ll find a warm welcome here!

Gerry walking from St Jean Pied de Port to Roncesvalles on the trail amongst the sheep that graze in the mountains

Don’t Forget Travel Insurance

Whenever you travel, you should have great travel and medical insurance.  None of us expect anything bad to happen, but in the event of an incident, you want to be sure that your insurance will cover you.

I’ve ended up in hospital in Peru, Indonesia, Portugal, Japan and Ireland. Every time my insurance took care of everything. I would never leave home without full and comprehensive insurance.

MondialCare : Due to increasing limitations, mainly due to age, we have recently switched to MondialCare for our travel insurance. We have taken an annual policy at a very reasonable cost that includes medical and other travel cover. There are no trip length limits and the upper age for cover is 84. For Camino walkers and travel in Europe they have a low cost Schengen policy with no age limit.

TrueTraveller : We have used this policy and were very happy with the cover, especially considering our ages and pre-existing conditions.

Globelink: We have used and recommended Globelink for years and not heard of any issues. They are a great choice for European and UK Residents.

Genki : This is an EU based company offering long term policies for nomads and travellers. Their monthly rates are very competitive for longer trips too.

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Colleen in Salamanca on the Via de la Plata

Hey I’m Colleen. I’m married to Gerry, we’ve three fabulous kids and been living in France for almost two decades. I fell in love with Spain in the 1980s and I’ve walked 1000s of miles along the Camino de Santiago. Now we’re exploring and walking the world and I can’t wait to share what we’ve learned!

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