Your next Camino: should you book with a tour operator or plan on your own?

If you are still looking for the right answer for you, here are some factors to consider.

Before the trip: 

Setting a budget, designing the perfect itinerary, booking your accommodation, being well-equipped for the road, securing the best travel insurance, and packing smart are just a few of the tasks a tour operator can do for you – or to take care of if you go solo.   

Planning and designing your itinerary  

Some people genuinely enjoy planning their trip: researching destinations, finding the perfect accommodation, deciding where to stop, what to see and how far to walk each day can be almost as exciting as the trip itself. There are countless guidebooks, websites, blogs and forums offering a wealth of information for self-planners.

If you recognise yourself in this approach, a tour operator might even take away part of the fun.

On the other hand, relying on a tour operator is the perfect solution if you don’t have time to plan, feel overwhelmed by too many options, or simply want to enjoy your holiday without worrying about the details — and just need someone to answer your questions and guide you towards the best option.

An expert can clear all your doubts, speaks the language of the destination, and has walked the routes before — not only famous Caminos, but also many different types of walking holidays, from food and wine itineraries to nature-based routes.

They can help you choose the most suitable trip not only based on your experience and fitness level, but also on your preferences:
do you prefer the sea or the mountains? cultural landscapes or wild nature? a food-focused trip or something more physically challenging?

And if you are looking for something very specific, they can design a tailor-made trip just for you — like a perfectly fitted suit.

 
Artificial intelligence? A useful tool, but…
Artificial intelligence is becoming increasingly present in many areas of our lives, and it’s only natural that you might be tempted to use it when planning your travels. Recently, there have been many examples of AI creating itineraries and organising holidays, giving the impression that it could completely replace the expertise of a tour operator.

We suggest taking a moment to reflect on one important point: it’s not guaranteed that everything AI suggests is accurate or reliable. It may rely on outdated data, lack awareness of specific local information or regulations, or simply make mistakes — as it often does.

There is also something else to consider: human connection, empathy, and above all the ability to truly understand your needs and preferences and translate them into a meaningful travel experience. This is something that cannot be replaced. AI cannot fully determine whether a trip is right for you, nor can it effectively support you in detailed, personalised planning.

It can certainly be a helpful tool for research and organisation, but when it comes to something as valuable as your holiday, we believe that the human expertise of a specialist still makes a real difference.

It’s worth thinking about.

Budget and Accomodation

One of the first questions to ask yourself is: how much do I want to spend on this trip?

Planning your trip independently and booking accommodation yourself can be a good way to keep costs lower, especially if you are planning a long journey with a limited budget.

However, booking with a tour operator also means paying for a package with clearly defined inclusions (a set number of nights, meals, services), reducing the risk of unexpected costs during your trip. Most of your holiday is already paid for, leaving you to manage only extra expenses.

The type of accommodation you are looking for is another important factor.

Independent travel allows you to stay in hostels, choose simpler accommodation, or decide last minute to upgrade your stay if your budget allows. Pre-organised trips offer less spontaneity, as accommodation is booked in advance and changes may involve additional costs.

On the other hand, if you value comfort, privacy and rest at the end of the day, booking with a tour operator guarantees a private room and bathroom — a quiet space where you can truly recharge after walking.

Insurance

Most tour operators include a basic insurance in their packages, usually covering medical expenses and the commercial value of your luggage (up to a specified limit) in case of loss or damage.

They will also offer optional cancellation insurance, allowing you to be reimbursed in case of last-minute cancellation due to reasons beyond your control — such as illness, natural disasters or unforeseen obligations.

If you travel independently, you will need to choose and manage your insurance yourself, including handling any claims or issues.

During the Trip

The support offered during the journey is one of the main reasons why many travellers choose a tour operator instead of organising everything themselves.

Let’s take a look at what this support actually means — and whether it’s something you feel you might need.

Agents usually offer a 24/7 support number to call  

Navigating on the road:

A walking holiday package includes everything you need to find your way: route descriptions, maps or guidebooks (depending on the trip), and often a dedicated navigation app that works offline.

On very well-marked routes (such as the Camino de Santiago) this may seem unnecessary. However, many other walking itineraries — especially less-known routes or certain sections — can be more challenging to navigate than expected.

Having clear, reliable tools helps reduce stress and allows you to focus on the experience itself.

On the road: support and emergencies

We all hope for a smooth journey, but unexpected situations can happen: bad weather, fatigue, small injuries, delays, or simply the need to adapt your itinerary.

When travelling independently, managing these situations requires time, energy and often some familiarity with the area or the local language.

With a tour operator, you have a 24/7 support number to call in case of need.

They can assist you, book an additional transfer for you or your luggage, help you find a doctor or hospital, and mediate in case of language barriers.

They can also help you adjust your itinerary: shorten a stage, suggest alternatives using public transport, or reorganise your route so that you can continue your trip in the most enjoyable way possible.

In this sense, the goal is not to eliminate unexpected events — but to minimise their impact, so they don’t turn into stress or negatively affect your experience.

 
On very popular Caminos such as the Camino de Santiago, you may feel constantly supported by the presence of other travellers and local infrastructure.

On other itineraries — or on less-travelled walking holidays — you may spend hours or even days without meeting anyone. Locals may be less used to dealing with walkers or may not speak your language.

If you are a first-time walker or tend to feel anxious while travelling, knowing that help is always available can be very reassuring.

Conclusion: a personal choice

As you may have understood, there is no right or wrong answer — only the one that is right for you.

Our suggestion? Be honest with yourself about your planning skills, your knowledge of the destination, your level of experience and your ability to deal with unexpected situations.

Also consider your destination, your expectations and what you truly want from your trip — the most important thing is to make a choice that allows you to feel relaxed and confident.

You may decide to postpone your trip and save money to book with a tour operator if you feel that would give you more peace of mind. Or you may step out of your comfort zone and start planning your journey independently, perhaps choosing a well-known route that offers more flexibility.

Either way, there is only one right way to plan your trip:

the one that allows you to truly enjoy it.