u/Artistic-Decision140

Hi everyone, in April I was asked to join my friend (travels for a living basically) to join her on the Camino De Santiago in Portugal/Spain. I live in the USA. I originally told her no (wayyy out of my comfort zone), but my fiancé really encouraged me to do it, we’re young and have the time & ability/once in a lifetime opportunity/etc. I eventually let my friend know that I’d love to join her.

We’ve spoke about it daily for the past 4 months & have been so excited. I’ve been nervous but excited also as I’ve never traveled “alone”. We’re living out of backpacks, staying in hostels, and walking 10-15 miles per day. And staying for 3 weeks. So this is something that’s so far out of my comfort zone. The only time I’ve been out of the country was in Greece for my sisters wedding, I had my entire family with me, and we were there for 12 days. Day 10, I was ready to be home, but never felt homesick or anxious.

First night here, I became extremely homesick. Crippling & debilitating. It hit me out of nowhere. Leading up to the trip, I never once had a thought that I may become homesick. Obviously, I was low on sleep, jet-lagged, and it was my first night. Of course I may feel anxious and uncomfortable. However, it’s my third night and I’m miserable. I miss home so much, I feel like I can’t enjoy my time. I haven’t ate (one banana today :/), my stomach is in shambles, and I feel myself becoming sick (sore throat/sinus pressure/body aches).

I’m really considering cutting my trip short and only staying for 8 days instead of 3 weeks. But I feel ashamed, embarrassed and weak. Anyone would trade places with me. Portugal is beautiful, and the Camino was supposed to be a refresh/restart for me. Am I being ridiculous? Has anyone felt this way/cut a planned trip short?

I find myself becoming relieved when I think about changing my flight to leave in a week. It gives me a good week to enjoy and explore, and to have fun, but then I’m ready to be home. I’d really like insight, honestly too. I feel very humbled. I also don’t want to upset my friend, as we’ve talked so highly about how much we can’t wait for our trip.

We have a group of about 15 people. We are looking to reserve day beds/cabanas (about 6/7 of them) to hang out by a beach. We are looking to chill, not really party. What would be a good recommendation? And how do we go about reserving this?

Also, any ideas on cost?

Thanks!