Alone or with someone?
I often see people asking whether they should walk alone or with someone. There’s no simple answer; it depends on the experience you’d like to have and your personal preference. Both options have advantages and drawbacks.
If you choose a popular route such as the Camino Francés or the Camino Portuguése, you’ll seldom be completely alone. There are usually other pilgrims around, and you can decide how much—or how little—you want to interact with them.
Walking by yourself can give you plenty of opportunities to make friends along the way. Some friendships may last only a day or two; others may last for weeks or even a lifetime. It’s also easier to find one bed than two, and you can make decisions based on your own needs and preferences. Walking alone gives you more time for reflection and self-discovery, though you may miss having a companion to share the experience with when you return home.
Walking with a friend or loved one can deepen your relationship, but it also means making room for another person’s needs and preferences. You may find it harder to connect with other pilgrims, especially if you’re walking as a couple. Other pilgrims may be less likely to approach you, so you may need to take the initiative if you want to start conversations and share experiences.
If your walking companion has a different pace or agenda, that can sometimes cause friction.