The beauty of travel is in the journey not the destination

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 segunda-feira, 19/05/2025