Voting – My DiscoverEU Story 2026
Public voting is open from 10 May 2026 until 31 May 2026.
Note: Each person can vote once. The voting system may use cookies and IP verification to prevent multiple votes.
Winners will be announced by 5 June 2026 on the project platform and/or social media channels of the organisers.
STORIES
#34 Karen
I want to start sharing some essentials for your interrail!
-Light raincoat for a sudden rain on the Irish cliffs.
-Swimsuit for the crystal clear beaches of Croatia.
-Sleep mask for sweet dreams on a long train journey (pro tip: take a night train before 00:00 to save a travel day!)
-Portable charger and a big SD card for a gallery full of memories!
I did my interrail two summer ago and I went solo travelling most of my interrail but you meet so many people at hostels, trains and discovereu meetups that you are never actually alone. But it does get tough when you miss the last train in a small city that doesn't speak English very well. However, it's exactly with these challenges where I finally felt completely independent having to organise and find solutions solely by myself!
#33 Gabriela
day 4. I am laying on the top of Petrin, with wind blowing onto my hair, looking at the angelic buildings of Prague. Exhausted, I am eating my fourth miodownik of the day, recalling recent events in which I overcame my fears. Just yesterday morning, I watched the sun rise on a train in Poland, and in the evening- a girl at a bar played the piano for me. It felt like music spoke over our language barrier. Tomorrow, I’ll be in Vienna, greeting unexplored places and listening to music with strangers, breaking my walls and speaking in languages which I always wanted to learn. As I take bites, I feel grateful thinking of this journey, which had only just begun. Today, I’ll join locals on a hiking trip and watch the sunset with new-met friends. In a few days, who knows where I’ll be?
#32 Hanna
Beverwijk, Netherlands was not a stop we planned to make . After our accommodation in Amsterdam fell through, we were wandering the streets feeling uneasy, as two young girls. The vibes were gone, so were our money.
As a last resort, we turned to long-time-no-see relatives, who emmigrated years ago. Turns out that polish hospitality does not grow weaker even that far from the border. They happily took us in for a few nights, even ironed the bedsheets(!), which almost made me cry, after mamy nights in cheap hostels.
And we saw the see. The wind almost ripped my head off, it was randomly pouring every 15 minutes, not a single soul in the town. And it was absolutely magnificent.
It is my favorite memory from the whole trip. You plan, you stress, you schedule like crazy. But sometimes it's all for nothing. Thankfully. That's when you can just be.
#31 Aleksandra
My DiscoverEU was an incredible experience... I started without expectations and came back with inspiring ideas and memories. I overcame the social barrier as a person who is shy when meeting new people. I was a group leader, which taught me to always treat people with respect and make no assumptions before meeting them. The girls in my group were amazing, but we came from different backgrounds. To really get along with each other, we needed to listen without judgement and get to know one another. I think it's extremely important if people want to make real connections and friends. Eventually, we spent wonderful time together travelling, helped each other in need, and created memories and inside jokes that I remember to this day. I'd advise everyone not to be afraid of getting to know new people, you can be surprised how much you can learn about others and yourself.
#30 Piotr
This selfie was taken in Naples, right after saying goodbye to friends I met during an Erasmus+ project. Now alone and on a tight budget, I posted it on a traveler-networking site, starting what would become the best experience of my entire life.
DiscoverEU allowed me to experience six European cities, but what matters the most, it allowed me to meet people from all around Europe and make friendships that last to this day. A family, that I approached in Naples, that invited me to their home. My countrymen living in Rome for 30 years, who approached me emotionally moved when I sang on the street in his mother Polish tongue. Tino from Munich, who hosted me in ,,Isarathen" and many other, wonderful people, that I met, that helped me throughout my journey and taught me how we, as a society can change the world by personal acts of kindness.
#29 Gabriela
My trip was almost two years ago and best way to describe it, i believe, is ferris wheel. The reason for that was change in emotions, i was incredibly excited to participate in program but at the same time there were many challenges we faced. Just to name some, we missed our station while riding a night train, we got lost in more than one city and we climbed steep hill in flip-flops. Despite those challenges the memory of my trip is very dear to me. We learned from those mistakes by adapting, we spoke with local people, asked for directions and explored before we went anywhere. Dont let that discourage you from going on trip like this because challenges are inevitable and they make for the funniest stories. So take my word when i tell you that its worth it and more.
#28 Stanisław
Our DiscoverEU journey stretched from Budapest and Ljubljana to Verona, Florence and finally Capannori — a small Italian town with a global idea. Together with four friends and our mentor, we travelled across Europe by train to meet Rossano Ercolini, founder of the worldwide Zero Waste movement. Sitting in his workshop and later speaking with the town’s mayor showed us that even a small community can inspire international change.
Not everything went smoothly. In 40°C heat, our accommodation suddenly cancelled and we had to quickly organise another place to sleep. In Munich, we accidentally stayed in the gardens after closing time and thought we were locked inside for the night. We solved both situations by staying calm and working together.
My biggest travel hack: speak with locals, even through language barriers. Those conversations taught me more about Europe than any guidebook ever could.
#27 Bartosz
Switzerland feels like the only place on Earth where one pair of eyes simply isn’t enough.
Every direction you turn reveals something breathtaking, as if the landscape refuses to let you look away. It’s the kind of beauty that demands your full attention… and then asks for more.
That’s why I created this panorama in Brig, a quiet town where cows wander freely and the grass seems impossibly green. It was one of those rare stops during my DiscoverEU journey that stays with you long after you’ve moved on. Even now, I can almost hear the bells echoing softly through the valley and feel that calm again.
#26 Ana
During my DiscoverEU trip, I visited Paris and had an unforgettable experience. I really stepped out of my comfort zone by talking to strangers, meeting new people, and even traveling with people I had just met. At first, it felt a bit scary, but it quickly became exciting and rewarding.
One challenge I faced was communication, but I realized that a smile, basic English, and a little effort go a long way. I also learned some travel hacks, like always keeping a portable charger and planning routes in advance.
What stayed with me the most were the cultural differences and the openness of people. This trip helped me become more confident, independent, and open-minded. It wasn’t just about visiting a new city, but about personal growth and creating meaningful connections.
#25 Chiara
I set off in July 2024 on a DiscoverEU interrail trip to explore Europe, traveling through cities such as Paris, Brussels, Aachen, Berlin, Vienna, and Prague, with a theme: inclusion. This photo shows me at the European Parliament in Brussels. This journey was full of adventures, discoveries, and moments of reflection to share our fears. For me, it was a time of growth, a chance to open up to others and to myself. Across Europe, I discovered the beauty and importance of diversity. I explored my limits, recognizing them only after overcoming them. I learned not to take things too seriously. I realized we need to ask for help, because there are obstacles bigger than us, that become stepping stones to grow stronger. We discover ourselves as fragile, yet unique. A quote by James Joyce on our backpacks read: “mistakes are the portals of discovery.” For me, it was that.
#24 Ana
During my DiscoverEU trip through Germany, I visited Munich, Stuttgart, Dessau, Weimar, and Berlin, and I gained an experience I will remember for a long time. Each city was unique in its own way, but Berlin left the strongest impression on me because of its energy and diversity. During the trip, I learned how important it is to be flexible, because plans often change, but that’s when the best moments happen. We managed to navigate trains, sometimes with a bit of stress, but we always figured things out in the end. I especially enjoyed experiencing different cultures and ways of life. I realized how important communication is, even when you don’t speak the language perfectly. This trip helped me step out of my comfort zone and become more independent and confident.
#23 David
My DiscoverEU trip to Paris was an unforgettable experience that pushed me out of my comfort zone in the best way. One of the most useful travel hacks I learned was to pack light and stay organized, especially when moving between different places. I also found it helpful to always carry a portable charger, since my phone battery drained quickly from taking photos and checking directions.
One challenge I faced was communicating with locals at times, since not everyone spoke English fluently. However, with a bit of patience I managed to get by.
This journey taught me to be more independent and open to new experiences, and it’s something I will always remember.
#22 Luka
During his DiscoverEU trip, he visited Paris and Luxembourg. This photo was taken in front of Disneyland Paris and was one of the best moments of the whole trip. Traveling with friends made everything more fun, from exploring the cities to enjoying random moments like this.
When we arrived in France, we had to make videos, and the topic was the eight competences, which was not easy. Sometimes we didn’t know what to film or where to go, but we managed with each other’s help and being creative.
I also learned to stay flexible and always check the timetable because delays can happen. This experience made me more confident and open to new things and I will always remember it.
#21 Simone
This discoverEU journey for inclusion entitled 'On the Trail of Santa Claus between Digital, Culture, and Nature' was a complicated 21-day trip, from the South of Italy all the way to Finnish Lapland. The strongest emotion was crossing the Arctic Circle and meeting the real Santa Claus, thinking that I had made it.
#20 Lea
During my journey through Munich, we were given a free day to explore the city. We found out that Adele was performing there and, even without tickets, we decided to try to go.
That evening, we went to the venue just to see it. A large crowd was outside—many without tickets—listening from afar. While asking about the entrance, a security guard noticed us. He came over and asked if we had tickets. We said no.
He smiled and said, “Just go in—straight ahead and then left.”
At that moment, everything felt unreal. Our hearts were racing as we walked inside, completely overwhelmed with excitement. We kept looking at each other in disbelief, unable to process what was happening. It felt like a dream. It was one of the most unexpected and magical moments of my entire journey—something I will never forget
#19 Stjepan
During our journey through Romania, visiting castles was one of the main highlights, but for me, it also meant facing a personal challenge. Living with cerebral palsy, stairs were something I knew would be difficult. I was aware of that before the trip, but I didn’t want it to stop me. There were moments when I stood at the bottom of long staircases, unsure how I would manage. But I was never alone. The friends I met along the way stayed by my side, helping me step by step, with patience and understanding.
And guess what, I did it!
By the end of the journey, I realised that challenges don’t have to isolate you. With the right people around you, even the hardest steps become possible and worth it.
#18 Antun
The DiscoverEU I was invited to was truly the definition of perfect. Although we had a few rocks along the road, they were all solved in a matter of minutes. The people who came along were truly some of the best people I ever had the chance to meet; the experience was unforgettable. The amount of pure happiness I still feel whenever I remember the trip is surreal. I loved every single aspect of it, even when it challenged my comfort zone. To whoever gets a chance to go, take that leap, trust me, you're not going to regret it in the slightest. The emotions I felt were absolutely positive. I'm so thankful for everything. If I had the chance, I would do it all over again, not because it was perfect, but because it changed me.
#17 Paola
Although many people think travelling is easy, my experience showed me otherwise. During my Erasmus in Romania, I learned that travel isn’t about having everything planned, but about accepting the unexpected. One moment that stayed with me the most was visiting the Rose Garden. I imagined it in full bloom, but when I arrived, the roses hadn’t blossomed yet. For a second, I felt disappointed. Then I stopped and looked around. The quiet river, the elegant benches, and the calm atmosphere made everything feel almost unreal, like a scene from a movie. Travelling by train also changed my perspective. Slow journeys forced me to pause, observe both beauty and imperfection, and truly be present. That experience taught me something simple but powerful: even when reality doesn’t match expectations, it can still be meaningful if you allow yourself to see it differently.
#16 Petar
At the beginning of this trip, fear was the strongest thing I felt. When we arrived in Budapest, it hit me the hardest. I felt out of place and questioned whether I even belonged there. Surrounded by new people, I started doubting myself more than ever. Instead of withdrawing, I reached out to the project leaders. Those conversations made me feel seen and gave me a sense of safety in an unfamiliar environment. Then came Timișoara. After an exhausting 8-hour journey, we arrived late at night, tired and drained. It would have been easy to avoid everyone, but instead, we stayed. We talked, joked, and slowly, people began to open up. That moment changed everything. Conversations felt natural, and the people who once intimidated me became the ones I felt closest to. This experience taught me that fear doesn’t disappear by waiting; it disappears by facing it.
#15 Hubert
We visited cities from Berlin to Venice, discovering new cultures, food and people. The biggest challenge happened in Barcelona when our hotel booking was suddenly cancelled. For a moment, it felt like everything had gone wrong and we had nowhere to stay. But instead of giving up, we stayed calm, worked together and found a solution in time. That experience taught me something I will remember for the rest of my life - there is always a way out of every difficult situation if you keep thinking, stay strong and do not panic.
During the journey, many strangers helped us despite language barriers, especially in Spain. Their kindness showed me that people across Europe are more connected than we think.
DiscoverEU was more than a trip. It gave me confidence, independence and memories that will stay with me forever.
#14 Gustavs
Ireland-early April. My time in the emerald isle was filled with exploring everything-from the crowded streets of Dublin, to the country lanes near Dundalk on a rented bicycle. But, what I wanted the most was an aithentic Irish experience, so I went to support the local football team and embrace the culture with a pint of Guiness as well. I fully recomend attending sports events, since those provide the most authentic glance and how people feel the world around them and, as a fan, supporting the same team, it is easier than ever to bond with the locals. Tourism isn't about seeing everything as fast as possible, but as best as possible-it's about connecting and understanding the people and the place they call home.
#13 Maarja
My DiscoverEU journey taught me far more than how to read a train timetable. I quickly learned practical travel hacks, like always downloading different maps in case there is no WiFi and never underestimating a portable charger. But not everything went so smoothly. I missed a connection in Poland, where I did not speak the language and the workers did not understand English, and for a moment I felt completely lost. Instead of panicking, I asked for help from other youngsters. That is when I discovered how kind and helpful people can be. Each country brought something new: different food, traditions, and ways of thinking. Talking with people from different cultures opened my mind and challenged my assumptions. DiscoverEU showed me how to adapt, connect, and grow. I did not just explore Europe, I learned how to navigate the world and myself with more confidence and empathy.
#12 Piotr
Hi, in September 2025, I used my DiscoverEU ticket. I visited many cities and met some very nice people. I fulfilled my dream of seeing Munich and the Allianz Arena. I also visited Berlin, Prague, Budapest, Bratislava (which you can see in the photo), and Vienna. I recommend looking for direct trains from city to city because if it's a longer route, you can relax. Unfortunately, my phone's internet connection stopped working in Munich, and I didn't know how to get to Motorworld. Luckily, I met some wonderful people in a restaurant who lent me Wi-Fi and explained how to get there. I tried delicious dishes in each city, and I have to say, I fell in love with dumplings in the Czech Republic. I visited many cultural sites, such as the Berlin Cathedral. DiscoverEU is not only a great travel option but also very helpful support and people.
#11 Fernando
The moment I took the first train of my Interrail trip, I was very nervous but very excited.
It was a night train, and I was ready to relax, but when I got to the next station, I saw a train on the track next to mine that was much faster and was supposed to be fully booked. I will never forget the adrenaline I felt when I got off my train, grabbed my backpack, and ran to the conductor to ask if I could board with my pass. He happened to speak my language and arranged a cabin for me!
I was extremely lucky, and I feel very grateful to this day. A perfect start to my Interrail, and I reached my next destination, enjoying a pizza for breakfast. I really liked how confident I became, all the places I discovered, and the friends I made. 10/10 experience.
#10 Julia
I won the ticket after finish high school and it was my first travel abroad without parents or teacher to supervise me. It was an amazing journey full of learning and gaining experience. Without this contest I would probably never bought that ticket and go for a full month of travelling just after turning 18. Thanks to that now I know a lot of things to make my travel safer and better such as: checking the neighbourhood of accommodation before booking, considering my comfort in terms of booking hostels, checking if I really have unlimited internet in some countries (big thanks to Monaco and big bill afterwards). It all kind of shaped my way of travel nowadays and how I define myself. It also helped me fall in love in southern cultures which are totally different from my own. I don’t know where I would be now without this chance.
#9 Marharyta
This was an unforgettable experience, and I feel very lucky to have had the opportunity to take part in it.I especially recommend it to people under 26, as many places offer free entry or large discounts with a student card for example the Louvre, Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris, the Sagrada Familia in Barcelona, the Atomium in Brussels, the Duomo in Milan. It is worth planning ahead, preparing carefully, and booking tickets for trains, museums, and attractions early.During this trip, I visited many countries and saw incredible places. Even people with disabilities can benefit, as many attractions offer free entry for carers.I also discovered that some of the most interesting places can be found just by walking around the streets.
This experience helped me learn teamwork and adaptability, especially when facing unexpected situations like delays.The organizers were always supportive, responsive, and well-prepared, which made the whole journey smooth and enjoyable.
#8 Ena
If I could choose one photo from my trip to represent it, it would be this photo taken at Marienplatz on 25 August 2025, capturing the beauty of the New Town Hall, the sky and greenery in Munich. It was the first day of my 12-day journey full of excitement and curiosity. Throughout the trip I realised how much I love travelling, meeting new people and experiencing different cultures. I sent hundreds of photos to friends and family because I couldn’t believe the beauty in the world. I learned that travel does not have to be expensive and that small moments like conversations, food and views matter most. I fell in love with every city I visited and now my fridge is full of magnets reminding me of memories, and I can’t wait to add more. I learned to pack light, carry water bottle, stay flexible with delays and locals.
#7 Aleksandra
I was in Italy. It was a school trip by flexibus. About 25 hours one way. I am a person who has motion sickness, it was a challenge, so everyone who has it, definitely be ready for hell. I drove from Poland through the Czech Republic and Austria. I was amazed by history of Italy and the beauty of how nice people there are. I don't know what Italians have in their genes, but I loved them even more after this trip! Especially when a gentleman from the store taked a spider out of my backpack. I'm terrified of them, and he didn't even laugh at me for it. It was the nicest and most stressful event that happened to me on that trip. And I would definitely go back there, especially since I didn't see everything I wanted. Besides, I'm in love with their pasta!!
#6 Julia
The eighth day of our journey.
When we arrived in Barcelona, we knew we’d need to change our plans, as our transfer to Nice turned out impossible. Soon we realized there was no alternative. It took a whole stressful day to fix everything: hours at the station, help from two French speakers and one response to our desperate Facebook post.
When it finally worked out, we celebrated by climbing to Bunkers El Carmel viewpoint with new Moroccan friends. Unfortunately, it was locked - but we climbed over the gate anyway. I tripped in my skirt and scraped my knee real bad tho.
Still, the night view, Uno and wine made it unforgettable. Looking around, I felt peace - and knew I’d remember this day most.
It worked out for us well, but remember: check transfers, avoid fences in long skirts, and trust that people will help:)
#5 Ida
Somewhere in Luxembourg, deep inside what felt like a medieval tunnel, we found this cannon and immediately decided we were its new, highly unqualified crew. None of us knew what we were doing, but that never really stopped us during our DiscoverEU journey.
This trip wasn’t just about places, it was about moments like this, laughing until it hurts, getting lost together, and somehow turning confusion into adventure.
A small tip: don’t stress about having the perfect plan. The best memories often come from random stops, wrong turns, and inside jokes that make no sense later. Somewhere between trains, tunnels, and terrible navigation skills, I didn’t just discover Europe I discovered how good it feels to truly live in the moment.
#4 Olga
Rainy Milan and us few seconds after brushing our teeth in world's oldest active shopping arcade! This day was so crazyy, it's started, I think is hard to say when it's started, because this part of our trip started in Nice, we left France at 8 PM then visited Monaco and moved towards Italy. We arrived to Turin at 1 A.M and needed to get to FlixBus station, praying that the small cafe there will be open, because other way, we would need to stay alone as 2 girls on the bus station for few hours at night. Fortunately it was open! We drank coffee, then took bus to Milan. After such a crazy night, we needed to freshen up. We didn't have hotel there, so the best solution was a free toilet and you know what there are free toilets on the last floor in Emanuele Vittorio Galleria!
#3 Rugilė
Our 14-day DiscoverEU journey was more than just a trip—it was a real-life lesson that took us from Warsaw to Berlin, Amsterdam, Brussels, Paris, Luxembourg, Dresden, and Wrocław, each city offering something unique. Traveling together, including students with special needs, made the experience even more meaningful and taught us to support each other and work as a team.
We relied on trains, the DiscoverEU app, and Google Maps to navigate. One valuable tip we discovered: always take photos of important documents and tickets—this simple habit can save you in unexpected situations.
Not everything went smoothly—one phone with our tickets stopped working, and we once spent three unexpected hours at a station. Instead of stressing, we adapted and treated it as part of the adventure.
We noticed accessibility differences across Europe, with Brussels standing out as very inclusive. This journey taught us empathy, independence, and inclusion.
#2 Camilla
My first destination was Barcelona, I met up with my friend who is an international student from England. We decided to head to Casa Mila and get a good view of the beautiful Catalan architecture. On the rooftop however, we encountered two other Danish tourists. We overheard and understood their conversation, they happened to talk about how the chimneys, in fact, looked like giant turds. So we went up to them, and asked in Danish if they would like to take a picture for us, at the said, “giant turd”. We had a good laugh at it and ended up with a lovely photo. Afterwards we grabbed dinner together and exchanged socials. Great start to the journey if I say so myself. A lesson to be careful with your words even if you think that no one understands your native language.
#1 Paweł
The DiscoverEU was a great adventure. I travelled solo, but I met other Discover travellers during my trip. I visited the United Kingdom, France, Switzerland and Italy. My trip was a unique occasion to meet new people and experience other cultures. Contact with nature and beautiful cities like Edinburgh, Paris or Lucerne were awesome. It was also an excellent occasion to see and ride the famous European trains - Caledonian Sleeper from Inverness to London, Eurostar from London to Paris, TGV from Paris to Strasbourg and high-mountain trains in Switzerland. I had also the opportunity to fulfil one of my biggest dreams - to visit Zermatt and see the Matterhorn. That is where I took the photo I uploaded. My trip took place in August 2025. I recommend everyone to try DiscoverEU. It created unforgettable memories.
