In this episode, I share my personal journey walking 310 kilometers along the Camino Primitivo, the oldest route of the Camino de Santiago, followed by a trip to León, Spain, to witness the spectacular 2026 total solar eclipse. Together, they became two once-in-a-lifetime experiences that challenged my body, broadened my perspective, and deepened my appreciation for both nature and humanity.
Traveling alone did not mean being lonely. Solo travel offered the freedom to reflect, observe, and embrace uncertainty, while the Camino introduced me to an ever-changing community of pilgrims from around the world. Brief conversations, shared meals, encouragement on difficult climbs, and spontaneous acts of kindness reminded me that companionship often appears when we least expect it. The Camino has a remarkable way of turning strangers into companions, even if only for a few kilometers.
Whether you are planning your own Spain tours, considering walking the Camino de Santiago, or simply wondering what draws millions of people to this ancient pilgrimage, I hope this episode offers practical insight as well as inspiration.
In this episode, you’ll discover:
• Why the Camino Primitivo remains one of the most rewarding and challenging routes of the Camino de Santiago.
• What I learned from traveling solo across northern Spain.
• How companionship naturally develops among pilgrims despite differences in language, culture, and background.
• Why balancing solitude and companionship became one of the journey’s most valuable life lessons.
• How the Camino experience continued beyond Santiago with a trip to León for the 2026 total solar eclipse.
• Why a pilgrimage is ultimately about personal transformation rather than simply arriving at a destination.
The Camino de Santiago is far more than a hiking trail. It is a place where history, faith, nature, endurance, and human connection intersect. Every day brings new landscapes, new conversations, and new opportunities to discover not only Spain, but also yourself.
If you’ve ever dreamed of embarking on a Camino pilgrimage, planning a Spain tour, or taking your first solo adventure, I hope this story encourages you to begin.
Joanne Z. Tan is founder and CEO of 10 Plus Brand, Inc., a Silicon Valley brand strategy, executive branding, and thought leadership consultancy. She advises CEOs, executives, entrepreneurs, and organizations on building influential brands through strategic positioning, authentic storytelling, and high-authority content.
A speaker, interviewer, writer, photographer, and world traveler, Joanne combines analytical thinking with creativity to explore leadership, branding, culture, and the human experience. She is the host of Interviews of Notables and Influencers, featuring conversations with distinguished leaders, innovators, and experts from diverse fields.
Learn more:
https://10PlusBrand.com
Copyright © 2026 Joanne Z. Tan. All rights reserved. This podcast episode description is protected by copyright. No portion may be reproduced, distributed, or transmitted in any form without prior written permission from the copyright holder.
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