When I found out I won an Interrail ticket, I was beyond excited! My dream of a solo trip around Europe was finally becoming a reality. I spent months carefully planning my itinerary, exploring every possible route, and binge-watching Interrail vlogs on YouTube for inspiration.
I finally settled on an adventure through the Alps: starting in France, then exploring Italy, Slovenia, Austria, Switzerland, and looping back to France. What followed was an unforgettable travel experience.
Traveling solo taught me so much about the world, but also about myself. I had to handle everything on my own, which helped me gain a new sense of independence and self-confidence. One of the biggest lessons I learned is that the beauty of travel isn’t just in the destinations, but also in the journey itself. Long train rides became moments of reflection, where I could take in the landscapes and take time to appreciate everything I was living.

Each country offered something special:

• In Italy, I tasted some of the best food I’ve ever had.
• In Slovenia, I hiked through breathtaking natural landscapes.
• In Austria, I dove into history and culture, visiting great museums and monuments.
• In Switzerland, I've seen beautiful views and got the chance to see the United Nations headquarters.

When I finally returned to France, I came back with a head full of unforgettable memories not just of places, but of people. The connections I made along the way, with fellow travelers and locals, were what truly made this trip meaningful. I found that traveling solo actually opens the door to more interaction with both locals and travelers.
I'm incredibly grateful for this first solo journey, and I encourage every young person to seize the opportunity DiscoverEU offers. There’s a whole continent out there waiting to be explored. Go for it!

Updated on Tuesday, 17/02/2026

I love being a European and I love taking advantage of what Europe offers. #DiscoverEU was no exception. I was eagerly waiting for my 18th birthday just so I could apply and was soooo happy to hear the good news!

My friends weren’t as lucky yet I could not waste the chance, so I decided to give solo travelling a chance. I had just wrapped up my first year at uni, packed my bags and embarked on an epic journey with quite an itinerary: Vienna-Munich-Zurich-Milan-Nice-Monaco-Genoa-Pisa-Florence-Rome.

I came back with a crying bank account but my heart full of joy and my head buzzing with incredible memories and hilarious stories. Just thinking about it now makes me smile. Vienna’s rich history, Zurich’s eye-watering prices, Monaco’s insane cars, Florence’s art literally everywhere – each place had its own vibe that I now carry with me in my heart.

My best advice: plan a little, go with the flow a lot. It helps to scroll TikTok an evening before and mark your must-visit places in Maps, but don’t turn it into a checklist. Let yourself wander, watch the locals go by, chat with (non-creepy) strangers, make friends in hostels, eat from random food spots where no tourist would dare to go and definitely take way too many photos.

A few more practical thoughts of wisdom:

• Book early. Last minute deals are rare, especially during summer time. Planning ahead will save you some money and give you a chance to visit the most popular places (some museums are booked months in advance).

• Do not overpanic but be safe. Most people are lovely and chatty, but creeps are out there as well. Share your location with someone you trust, stay away from sketchy areas, especially during night time, and don’t let your belongings out of sight.

• Keep calm. Things will go wrong - cancelled hostels, transport strikes, terrible weather - you will figure it out. Keep a bit of extra cash for the unexpected and channel your zen energy.

Whether you’re off on a solo soul-searching trip or finally having the trip that made it out of the group chat, it’s going to be unforgettable. Celebrate your youth, enjoy being European and go make those memories! <3

Updated on Tuesday, 17/02/2026

I first heard about Erasmus+ and DiscoverEU at the end of high school and immediately thought: This sounds perfect! I already had the idea of going on an adventure around Europe during my gap year, so it honestly felt like the opportunity just fell into my lap.

My friend and I decided to go together. We wanted to visit some of the countries whose languages we had studied in school – so why not make learning a bit more fun? Our route took us through Germany, the Netherlands, Belgium, and France, then on to Switzerland and Italy, before heading back home through Germany again.

In Lyon, we saw a poster for free walking tours at our hostel, and thought: Why not? It turned out to be one of the best decisions of the whole trip! Our guide was a young local who showed us hidden alleys, street art, taught us new words, and gave us the best recommendations for food and experiences – all sprinkled with fun stories. It was an amazing way to explore the city!

We tried a bit of everything: hiking in the mountains, nightlife in the big cities, visiting cathedrals, exploring charming villages, scenic harbors, and even a magic show! There were so many unforgettable moments. DiscoverEU also opened the door to a European travel community through their Facebook group. It was easy to connect with other young travelers, and that gave us the chance to meet even more interesting people along the way.

The train journeys were a highlight in themselves. They were easy, affordable, and gave us the chance to see places we otherwise would’ve missed. Some of the best moments were just sitting back and enjoying the views – from snow-covered Alps to golden autumn sunshine further south. It really put things in perspective and gave us a sense of how the landscapes and cultures changed along the way.

It was the first time we had ever planned a trip like this ourselves, and we learned so much – both about practical things and about ourselves. We came home with memories for life, from the amazing people we met to the many experiences we shared.

Updated on Tuesday, 17/02/2026

I've been abroad for a month now, far away from my family, my friends and my familiar surroundings and speaking a foreign language. I have asked myself several times why I made this decision. Was it because I was looking for adventure?

Yes, as a great romantic of life, I love to lose myself from time to time. It allows you to discover new turns in the road, meet unknown people and find parts of yourself that were hidden under the thick cloud of comfort. Perhaps the answer lies in this very thought. Didn't I just want to get lost in a new world to discover something new? Probably. But let's leave the questions aside for a moment and look at the path that led me here.

As I said, I've been living a new life for a month now. To begin with, I've learnt an incredible amount in a short space of time - I now know how to do the laundry and cook some of the delicious meals my mum used to make for me. I found out where I work, who my colleagues are, what tasks await me in this voluntary service and, last but not least, what the coffee in the office tastes like! (Luckily, it's good.) I also got to know the other volunteers who are in the same situation as me and with whom I will use the year to discover many corners of Austria and the neighbouring countries. These first experiences were not too difficult for me, as I was full of anticipation for everything new and was accompanied and lovingly cared for at every moment.

It became more difficult when I was gradually looked after less. Ah, independence! It's challenging because you have to find solutions on your own, dare to ask questions and deal with doubts that arise - sometimes that's not easy. Doing the dishes every day? Hm, not so great. But hey, it's more bearable with Beyoncé in your ear.

As for culture shock, I don't think I've experienced it yet. I've even asked myself if I have a culture at all. A very dramatic question that came to me when I realised that I was the only one who didn't see any cultural differences. But on closer inspection, yes, I do have cultural roots - maybe I don't see the differences so much with the Austrians, but I do with the other volunteers. So Ellie, don't worry, you have cultural roots. Phew.

To summarise, my experience here starts in a wonderful way, with the little ups and downs of life.

Updated on Tuesday, 17/02/2026

After college, I wasn't sure what I wanted to do. Would I start working already or continue studying? I decided to take a gap year to find out. I wanted to gain a longer-term experience abroad, where I could do something useful. Less than a month after my decision, I was already in Iceland, volunteering for the Red Cross with the European Solidarity Corps for 11 months.

At the Icelandic Red Cross, I volunteered for refugees. Here we had two integration projects. One was a language project, which allowed refugees to learn the Icelandic language. The other was a buddy project, pairing Icelandic volunteers with refugees. My job was to develop those projects. 

When looking for a volunteer project, I saw many programmes where you have to pay for it. I doubted whether that was well organised. Then I saw the European Solidarity Corps. I got a language course, a mentor, monthly meetings with other European volunteers, food and accommodation. I lived there with seven others from Spain, Portugal, Cyprus, Italy, Germany and Denmark. I'm still in touch with them.

Because of this experience I found out more about what I want in life. At the Red Cross, I found out that I really like this work and that I lacked some knowledge on how to do good research. That contributed to my decision to continue studying. I learnt a lot about myself, about who I am and what I like. 

You get the chance to see more of the world, gain work experience and meet people from all over the world. I would do it all over again and after my follow-up studies I probably want to do something abroad again. Every experience is different, but something good always comes out of it.

Updated on Tuesday, 17/02/2026

My Erasmus+ journey to Brussels was an experience that will forever hold a special place in my heart. Seven intense days allowed me to explore not only a fascinating city, but also new cultures and new perspectives. Participating in the Erasmus+ Youth Exchange ‘The Eye of the Wood’ in Belgium, in July 2023, was an extraordinary opportunity to grow, discover, and share.

One of the most impressive aspects was the group of participants, coming from Estonia, England, Italy, and Belgium. I learned that the beauty of such an experience lies precisely in encountering diversity, which enriches and opens your mind. Sharing moments, ideas, and laughter with people from such different realities is a transformative experience that allows you to see the world from another perspective.

The first part of the project saw us immersed in a two-day camping adventure. Far from the comfort and conveniences of everyday life, we had a unique experience of collaboration and adaptation in a natural environment that reminded us of the importance of teamwork and cooperation while respecting nature. Camping was a break from routine, but also an opportunity to strengthen our resilience and sense of solidarity.

Later, we visited Brussels and Leuven, two cities that provided the perfect backdrop for this exchange. One of the most meaningful moments was the intercultural dinner. Each participant brought a traditional dish from their country, creating an atmosphere of sharing and exchange. It was incredible to see how, despite our different origins, we were all united by the same desire to share a part of our culture. The dinner became an occasion not only to taste different dishes but also to talk about the traditions, habits, and stories that each culture carries. It was a moment of genuine connection where we realized that, despite our differences, we all had so much in common. Sharing food and stories made the evening special, breaking down language and cultural barriers and creating a strong sense of community among us.
The following days, we participated in various activities designed to encourage dialogue and creativity, and to get to know each other better and reflect on how we, as young people, can contribute to building a more open and inclusive society.

What I take away from this experience is much more than memories. I learned that travelling, engaging with other cultures, and stepping out of your comfort zone are opportunities that enrich your worldview. 
Before embarking on this adventure, my emotions were many and mixed. On one hand, I was excited about experiencing something unique, discovering new cultures, and challenging myself in an international context. On the other hand, I won’t deny I had some fears: I wondered how I would adapt to a new environment, how I would communicate with people from such different backgrounds, and whether I would be up to the challenges the project might bring.
Fortunately, I was not alone at the start of this journey. I travelled with some girls I already knew, which made the initial impact less daunting. Their presence was a point of reference, but at the same time, the international group I met encouraged me to step out of my comfort zone and form bonds with new people.

These expectations and fears transformed it into one of the most enriching experiences of my life, surpassing every expectation and teaching me that it is by confronting our fears that we discover new parts of ourselves.
I strongly recommend that all young people seize the opportunity to participate in a cultural exchange like this. The project taught me that meeting others is one of the most enriching experiences we can live, and that the world is more beautiful when we see it with open and curious eyes.

Updated on Tuesday, 17/02/2026

Hellò, I’m Lorenzo, 21 years old, from Bergeggi, a small town in northern Italy.

Thanks to the initiative DiscoverEU, supported by the programme Erasmus+, I went on a solo Interrail trip for two weeks, travelling through Munich, Prague, Budapest, Warsaw, Berlin, Paris, and London.

Every city had something special, but Warsaw amazed me the most with its mix of modern skyscrapers and the beautifully rebuilt old town. Along the way, I met great people, partied in Budapest, and had an unforgettable dinner in Prague with live accordion music and craft beer. 

Not everything went smoothly; my wallet got stolen in Berlin, and my train from Genoa was cancelled last minute. But these challenges taught me to solve problems on my own, whether finding an embassy, rerouting my journey, or navigating new cities.

Thanks to DiscoverEU, I had the opportunity to explore Europe affordably, experience different cultures, and connect with people from all over the world. This experience introduced me to a new way of travelling, more flexible, adventurous, and rich in personal growth. Travelling alone made me much more independent, adaptable, and confident in handling unexpected situations, even in countries where I didn’t speak the language fluently. 

Along the way, I also discovered other opportunities offered by the European Union, and learned about different projects and initiatives for young people.

This journey didn't just allow me to discover Europe, it also showed me a stronger, more independent version of myself and opened my eyes to many opportunities I hadn’t considered before. I came back with incredible memories and a greater awareness of what it means to be part of a united and diverse Europe.

Updated on Tuesday, 17/02/2026

My time with the European Solidarity Corps allowed me to work in my area of studies and improve my skills through practical experience. I had the opportunity to contribute to an interesting project that helped me apply my knowledge and gain new insights in my field. I also had the chance to work with people from different backgrounds, which made the experience more dynamic and collaborative. Working in such an environment allowed me to exchange ideas and approaches with others, which was valuable for both personal and professional growth. Additionally, the program provided an opportunity to meet people from all over and immerse myself in the life of a new country, making the experience both professionally and personally enriching. I would recommend the Solidarity Corps program to anyone looking for a hands-on opportunity to grow professionally while working on meaningful projects and connecting with diverse people.

Updated on Tuesday, 17/02/2026

This volunteering involved mainly dealing with wildlife crime and injured birds. During this year I had the opportunity to do a lot of work that you would never think of trying to do in your whole life: doing fieldwork investigation, collecting animals all over the island, and keeping an eye to make sure that migratory species can pass safely through Malta… You hardly ever can have a boring day in this job. The atmosphere inside this organization helped a lot to make this year more enjoyable, you can have difficult moments but it really felt to have a family to work with that supported you when it’s needed. If you care about nature conservation and you want to learn how an ENGO works in malta and what challenges It has to face this is an opportunity not to be missed!!

Updated on Tuesday, 17/02/2026

In the period between August 2023 and August 2024, I joined a wonderful organization called BirdLife Malta. I joined as a member of the Nature Reserves team, and was tasked with engaging and informing the visitors of the reserves and assisting in managing said reserves alongside the main manager. During my stay, I primarily worked in the Ghadira nature reserve also known as the biggest salt marsh of Malta. My working activities included: doing daily bird censuses, informing the visitors about the fauna, flora, and management of the reserves, leading small groups for a tour around the reserve premises as well as recording the visitor numbers, and gathering feedback.

Updated on Tuesday, 17/02/2026