The Camino de Santiago, also known as ‘The Way of Saint James’, has welcomed Christian pilgrims, or peregrinos, for thousands of years. Its path across northwestern Spain to the Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela remains one of the most popular pilgrimages for people from all over the world, seeing spiritual seekers, adventurers, everyday travelers and more.

In this episode, actor, travel writer, author and director Andrew McCarthy joins Melissa to talk about his new book Walking with Sam: A Father, A Son and 500 Miles across Spain which details his second journey on the Camino. McCarthy shares his raw account of how the 500 mile trek transformed his life, and details the so-called gifts he received through miles of walking. He speaks about his fascinating career path –– from ‘Brat Pack’ actor to award-winning travel writer, including a job as the editor-at-large at National Geographic Traveler, and he and Melissa dive into the best ways to forge connections as travelers (hint: let go of expectations, and leave your phone at the hotel).

Melissa ends the episode with her personal takeaways from her own trek on the Camino as part of an Indagare Insider Journey (small, group trip). And in case you’re inspired to join Indagare for our return to the Camino on a future Insider Journey, you can find further details on the itinerary and sign up here.

Show Notes:

If you want more information about Andrew McCarthy and walking the Camino de Santiago, click the links below:

Camino de Santiago or “The Way of St. James” is the world famous 500 mile trek located in northwest Spain that was named a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1993.

If you want to learn more about Andrew McCarthy’s experience walking the Camino, check out his website www.andrewmccarthy.com and his latest book - Walking with Sam: A Father, a Son, and Five Hundred Miles Across Spain - which is available on Amazon, Barnes and Noble, and Indiebound.

Tips and helpful notes for walking the Camino de Santiago:

• There are seven paths to choose from when walking the Camino de Santiago:

o The French Way, the Portuguese Way, the Northern Way, the Original Way, the Silver Way, the English Way, and the Camino Finisterre

o The most popular route departs from Saint Jean Pied de Port in the Pyrenees mountains (in France) and arrives in Santiago de Compostela; this is the French way

o All Camino paths lead to Santiago de Compostela which is the final destination of the trek

• People of all ages and fitness levels can walk

• Remember to pack lightly and comfortably

• Try walking alone part of the way for a heightened personal experience

• Break your shoes in before the trip, whether they are hiking boots, trail running shoes, or well-cushioned sneakers

• Wear wool socks for extra comfort and apply Foot Glide or Vaseline to prevent blisters

• Take time to view the churches, cemeteries, and cathedrals along the way including one in Pontevedra that is particularly well known

• Stop in the Cathedral Santiago de Compostela for the Pilgrim's Mass

• Travelers have the opportunity to receive a Compostela certificate, a document verifying the journey that is awarded for completion. To do so, you must walk the last 100km and get at least two stamps per day in your booklet, called the Credencial del Peregrino.

To watch before you walk:

• Walking the Camino: Six Ways to Santiago

To read before you walk:

• Off the Road by Jack Hitt *This book inspired Andrew McCarthy’s first walk

If you’re interested in walking part of the Camino de Santiago, join an Indagare Insider Journey (small, group trip) this fall or next spring. To learn more, reach out to [email protected] and visit our website: http://www.indagare.com/insiderjourneys/.