Warning from the Guardia Civil: Take note if you are going to do the Camino de Santiago

Leisure Warning from the Guardia Civil: Take note if you are going to do the Camino de Santiago Marta Vicente Friday 25 June 2021 8 minutes After the restrictions on mobility and confinements, what we Spaniards are most looking for is to be able to enjoy the outdoors and feel free. Thousands of pilgrims have been walking the Camino de Santiago since the Middle Ages, following its routes to make the pilgrimage to the tomb of the Apostle Saint James in the Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela. The motives are diverse: religious, spiritual, sporting and adventurous. Many even consider this route as a therapy for all kinds of problems thanks to its healing power, even claiming that it surpasses any medication. And, with the pandemic, we need this more than ever. That is why, through Twitter, the Guardia Civil (@guardiacivil) has decided to remind all pilgrims who are encouraged this year the following: "When you do the Camino de Santiago frequently inform your family and friends of the place where you are. If a serious incident arises we will have references to locate you. We are at your disposal in the new mobile offices of attention to pilgrims. Telephone: 062". It is estimated that this year there will be an increase in the number of travellers. For this reason, the authorities decided to reinforce security a week ago with the creation of the new unit of Attention to the Pilgrim to offer assistance to those who need it. In this line, the body of Security has recalled the importance of the pilgrim to warn at all times to their loved ones about where they are on the route. To do this, they insist that you carry a mobile device on you, make sure you charge it at night and do not use it too much, so that the battery lasts all day. At the same time, the mobile phone allows you to be located and to be alerted in case of emergency. The Guardia Civil also points out that you can have another tracking and geolocation device, such as those available for hikers. These are the rest of the safety tips from the Guardia Civil on their website: Download the AlertCops app Along with the importance of always carrying your mobile phone with you, the Guardia Civil indicates that, before starting your walk, you should download the free AlertCops application: a security alert service through which the user can communicate quickly, easily and free of charge with the State Security Forces and Corps. It has several utilities and, through it, you can alert about any emergency in real time and your position is immediately sent to the police operational centres so that you can be attended to as quickly as possible. Better in company and during the day There are many people who see the Camino as a journey alone with yourself, but if you are afraid, or if you are one of those who think that everything tastes better with company, you have many alternatives. The Camino de Santiago is so popular that it is very easy to find groups to join. In fact, group departures from different parts of Spain are common. You can ask at travel agencies, hiking groups, sports or religious associations, etc. But, if you are not lucky, you can always start on your own. During the Camino you will meet many people, both on the routes and in the accommodation. The Guardia Civil advises you to try to travel with more people and during the day, during daylight hours. It is preferable to spend the night and days with bad weather conditions resting and making cultural visits. If you are going to do the Pilgrim's Way to Santiago, it is better to travel in company. Be wary of strangers Although it may seem contradictory to the previous advice, it is not. Many criminals take advantage of people's kindness to rob them, so make friends with people you trust, but always be alert to those who approach you to ask you something or offer to carry your backpack, as well as those who bump into you by chance or those who ask you to recommend off-route services, as pointed out by the security forces. To this we can add the recommendation to always keep an eye on your belongings, especially personal effects: documentation, electronic devices, money and valuables. It is best not to carry large amounts of cash and to distribute it among your equipment, keep it in your clothes or in hard-to-reach places such as your inside pockets. Don't advertise that you are doing the Camino. This can be an invitation to your home. If you communicate that you are going to do the Camino on social networks or in public places, it may reach the ears of thieves who decide to take advantage of your absence to steal from your home. So, be careful about telling strangers. Measure your strength and avoid excesses Translated with www.DeepL.com/Translator (free version)