Martine and Caroline on interrail with DiscoverEU
Martine, Denmark, Age 18It 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.
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 Miércoles, 21/05/2025