(closed) Win a Trip to Relive Your Eurail/Interrail Adventure! 🚆✨

I went to Rome this sumemr with my younger brother and it was a wonderful experience. Rome is a very beautiful city with much to see. We took the nightjet on sunday, so we arrived in Rome the next day in the morning. I will never forget how breathtaking it was when we saw the Colloseum for the first time. The architecture is wonderful. We also visited many other sights like the Trevi fountain or the spanish steps. Of course we also tried the yummy food in italy.😋 On our second day we went to Vatican and we were surprised how beautiful everything is. We only have seen pictures online or heard about the architecture and when we finally saw it with our own eyes, it was one of the best experiences we ever had. The Petersdom was surely the highlight of our journey. We hope that we get the chance to visit rome soon and maybe we can explore more unforgettable things. 

I chose to do my first solo interrailling trip last year and decided to go around some of the European Christmas markets as I've been to a few in the UK where I'm from so wanted to see how amazing the European ones were.

It took me a while to plan my trip but it was so exciting looking at the app and planning my routes. I wanted to do as much as I could in the week I had off. I'd been to Cologne years ago with school and remember how amazing it was so I definitely wanted to go back. 

Looking at the routes, I decided to board the LNER Azuma from York to London, then hop on the Eurostar to Brussles. I had the most comfy joggers on and the journey down was lovely, I enjoyed watching a few series I'd downloaded onto my tablet.

I stayed the night in Brussles then had an early start to Cologne where I stayed in a hostel for 2 nights. I've always found train travel so exciting so to see the different trains in Europe just made my trip.

I absolutely loved all the amazing Christmas markets in Cologne, I then had a short stop at Frankfurt to try and retrieve a friends electric toothbrush that he'd left at a hotel (the things you do for your friends) before carrying onto Prague, Czech Republic where I stayed at Botel Vodník. I met my friend there and had a lovely 3 night stay there seeing more amazing Christmas markets and trying my first ever Chimney cake.

My final stop was Zurich in Switzerland which just blew me away, the city was so picturesque with all the mountains in the distance and the Christmas markets were out of this world.

My journey back was interesting as I got stuck in Basel as my train cancelled but I found a way of getting back to Strasbourg by getting a local train and tram. Back on the ICE to Paris to get my Eurostar back to London before the Azuma back to York.

Travelling by train brings me so much happiness and it was my best solo holiday ever. I'm already planning a trip to Italy and France...the world with the interrail app is my oyster :)

My Interrail-experience

My Interrail trip was unforgettable and also challenging because it wasn’t just about the places I visited, but about what I learned along the way. I started in Berlin, traveled through France, made my way to Barcelona, and continued to Mérida before heading by Flixbus to Lisbon for my semester abroad (note to all people who work on railsystems: the connection really deserves some improvement – let’s just say my patience was also on a journey).

In Mérida, I learned the value of taking a day off to simply rest and soak everything in. When I finally arrived in Lisbon, I discovered that the Portuguese even have a word for this kind of peace and balance: calma. It has become my life motto, and I’m trying to keep it with me throughout my exchange semester here.

This trip also taught me to reach out more to people, and that it’s not a weakness to ask for help when I need it. Even though I couldn’t see as many places as I initially hoped, I enjoyed the views deeply and took the time to really be present.

I’d love to share an experience like this with a close friend in the future, because the joy of traveling multiplies when it’s shared.

Hi, so I went on my first Interrail trip this summer, and it was probably one of the best experiences I’ve ever made. We never really went on holiday when I was little so I was really looking forward to this trip, it was definetily unforgettable because we saw so many great things and I never imagined that Europe was so beautiful and mind blowing, we’ve met so many nice people and even though it was a bit challenging sometimes, we always worked our way through it and I’m really thankful for that because i definitely improved my time management skills hahah.

 My friend and I went this August and started our journey with a nightjet travel to Rome, since it was August, the weather was great, of coure we visited the colosseum and many other attractions. We then travellled to Milano, which was also great but we didn’t see much cause we just stayed for a day. Then we took the train to Cannes, and I can definitely say, that Cannes was my favourite city from the whole trip, it was such a wonderful city and everything was just great, we also went on the Les Plages Festival and enjoyed the view from the rooftop stages. It was kind of depressing at the trainstation, when we realised that we had to leave this city. But of course it wasn’t that bad since we still had alot ahead of us. The next stops where Lyon and Paris, but Lyon was just for one night and due to the heat we didn’t see as much as we planned, but Paris was great, we spent three night at a hostel just 15 minutes away from the Eiffel Tower, so of course that was the first thing we went to see, we also spent a day just walking through the city, shopping, taking pictures and talking to the locals, it was really nice cause everyone was so nice and helpful. After Paris we went to Amsterdam and that was probably my second favourite city of our trip. We spend the night at a hotel near the center, so we never had to take long walks to see great things. I was overwhelmed by the culinaric expierience, i think i never ate so many good things like i did there. The next day we went to Hamburg for two nights and it was also a great city, we visited the Elbphilharmony and the Speicherstadt, which was great. The next stop was Sankt Peter Ording, a small town at the North See, and I was overwhelmed, I definitely spent way to much money on the souvernirs there but it was all worth it. Our last stop was Berlin, we stayed there for three nights and even got our ears pierced. Berlin was just an overwhelming city, so many nice people, food spots and bars, we will definitely go there again one day. I defintely recommend everyone to take an interrail trip, because it’s a great way to expierience Europe in it’s whole beauty and meet many new people. I’m already planning my next trip for the holidays and can’t wait to hop on the train. 

Last year, I won a DiscoverEU pass — and that’s where my love for solo Interrail travel began. With that ticket, I explored 8 different countries, which completely changed how I see travel and sparked my dream to visit every European country one day.

Before that, I had traveled very little. In fact, before last summer I had only been to 9 countries in total (including my home country, Estonia). Now that number has grown to 29.

This summer, I took it to the next level: a 4-week journey starting with a flight to Portugal, where I stood at Cabo da Roca — the westernmost point of Europe — and within three weeks reached Nordkapp, Europe’s northernmost point, without flying.

Along the way, I traveled through Portugal, Spain, Andorra, France, Monaco, Switzerland, Liechtenstein, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Denmark, Sweden, Finland and Norway, while also passing through Italy, Belgium and Germany. In total, I set foot in 16 countries.

It was exhausting at times — I even got sick twice — but it was also unforgettable. This trip has made me far more independent and confident, giving me the courage to take on big plans by myself.

I met so many new people and experienced countless “firsts”: my first time surfing in Portugal, my first hike in the Alps, and endless spontaneous connections in hostels and on trains.

There are still places left on my list — many Balkan countries, the microstates within Italy, and the Atlantic islands like the UK, Ireland, and Iceland — but this journey taught me something important: you don’t have to be afraid of traveling alone.

If you want to go somewhere but can’t find anyone to join you, go anyway. Solo travel doesn’t mean you’re always alone — it’s actually one of the easiest ways to meet new people, because it pushes you out of your comfort zone and encourages you to connect with strangers and create memories together.

In the summer of 2022, I experienced one of the most beautiful and transformative adventures of my life. It is still hard to put into words, but whenever I think back to my Interrail journey, made possible through the DiscoverEU program, I am filled with joy. At that time, I had just graduated from high school, and since I didn’t get into university on my first try, I decided to apply and travel to places where I could discover new perspectives and immerse myself in art.

It was the very first time I traveled completely on my own. I spent three unforgettable weeks exploring Milan, Naples, Paris, Barcelona, and Madrid. Moving from hostel to hostel, I stumbled into exciting situations and met wonderful people. With them, I admired the fireworks of July 14th from the banks of the Seine in Paris, and together we shared magical stories. But I will never forget those early-morning train rides that projected images around me I had never experienced before.

Along the way, I learned how to rely on myself, solve unexpected problems, improve my English, and connect with extraordinary people and places. It was also on this trip, three years ago, that I met my Italian boyfriend – my love – who remains an essential part of my life still today. He took me some places in one day during the time I was in Napoli, that i was not even planning to see, fulled me with joy when I saw all the view around Naples from the top, and a night visit to the beautiful see side at the Amalfi coast.  I carried a small sketchbook everywhere I went, filling its pages with drawings: from the castle in Milan, to the masterpieces of the Louvre in Paris, to spontaneous moments like splashing in Spanish fountains with a German and an American friend. The sense of freedom was so overwhelming that I never wanted to return home – and ever since, I haven’t wanted to stop traveling.

Now, at 23 years old, I have graduated in my dream field: costume and set design. My life revolves around art, observation, creation, and the worlds of film and theatre – all closely tied to travel, which my first Interrail adventure sparked within me. I spent a year studying in Rome, learning Italian and embracing its culture. Today, I am still searching for my place and my dreams: sometimes in Budapest, sometimes in the lively chaos of Naples with my partner, and currently in Oman, where I work on ans opera project as part of my intern job, while collaborating with the costume designer.

Whether I am behind or in front of the camera, I am always sharing visions, emotions, and images with the world. My creative, imaginative self longs for another journey, another adventure – especially if I can share it with others through a vivid and exciting film. I believe my cheerful, modern, and dreamlike personality could add something special to this project. And if possible, my Italian partner would join me as well, so that together, as an international duo, we could offer two unique points of view. So I am Kamilla, and this is my story in a nutshell, I was always dreaming of making a film or video about this kind of interrail advantures, seems now the oppurtunity. To the end I let my pictures tell more stories. Best wishes. 

In July, we finally embarked on our family’s first Interrail trip, taking us through Germany and the Netherlands. Travelling with my two teenagers. A European rail journey had been on my mind for years, but somehow I had never made it happen. In my youth, I had taken a four-week bus trip in Australia from Sydney to Cairns, but Interrail was still on my bucked list.

When we started planning the trip, everyone got to choose one destination. My daughter picked Munich, I wished for the Alps, and my son chose Amsterdam. These wishes shaped the route, and we bought four-day Interrail passes.

Munich was already familiar, but there’s always something new to discover. From Munich we took a day trip to Garmisch-Partenkirchen and Lake Eibsee. The Eibsee water was crystal clear, pretty cold, yet wonderfully refreshing, and the alpine scenery was breathtaking. One of the most memorable moments was chatting in German with a local lady while swimming – my German language skill were a bit rusty, but it worked out.

The journey from Munich to Amsterdam, with a change in Frankfurt, was long and comfortable. The trains were spacious, and with plenty of snacks, the ride went smoothly. Amsterdam charmed us with its canals, picturesque houses and countless cyclist – you really had to watch out for them. At Tony’s Chocolonely everyone got to create their own chocolate bar. We also made a trip to Zaanse Schans to admire the windmills. Out time in the Netherlands was short, and we left wanting to return some day.

From Amsterdam we continued Bremen, where the pastel-colored houses made the city center feel like a fairytale. In a small shop, an elderly lady sold handmade wooden decorations and figurines. Each of us picked out a wooden decoration as a keepsake from the trip. And once again I got to test my German skills as the elderly lady spoke no English. But we understood each other just fine. The encounter left us feeling good. Our Interrail ended in Berlin – gritty, diverse and fascinating.

Travel tips:

German trains were almost always late, but since we had prepared for this, it didn’t spoil our holiday mood. The Interrail pass proved especially useful as it allowed you to change routes and connections easily if delays or cancellation happen. And one key tip when travelling with teens: they are always hungry. Be ready with snacks, extra nerves and patience when their blood sugar drops.

This journey gave us wonderful memories and inspired us to continue the tradition. Next route is already in mind and our family will definitely go Interrailing again.

Our trip across Sweden, Italy, Switzerland, and The Netherlands this past summer was an incredible experience, being a grand send-off just before going our separate ways to college.

Let me set the stage: on the trip was myself, an experienced trip planner and heading to The Netherlands for college; two friends who had never been to Europe before; and a Swede who was with his family in Sweden just before the trip.

This trip had been in the works for two years at this point, and we knew from the start that we wanted to do it all by train.

We started in Stockholm first, and we loved the city at first sight. From the cobbled streets and colorful buildings in the old town (Galma Stan) to the work of art that is the metro. The three of us met up with our Swedish friend, who had been around the country with his family the week prior. His family guided us to all the best spots and treated us to some incredible and authentic Swedish meals.

The four of us united, we flew down to Rome and began making the utmost use of our rail pass. We first headed north to the quaint villages of Umbria, with the same beauty as those in Tuscany but few of the crowds. We based ourselves in the capital of the region, Perugia, with its gourgeous main square, aqueduct through the middle of the city, and hilltop views. We stayed in an apartment right in the center, with a lovely local host. We also stopped in Orvieto for a day trip, a town perched atop a cliff with quiet, narrow streets.

Our next stop was Bologna, often considered the food capital of Italy, and home to one of the oldest universities in the world. The historic center was full of porticos, making every building an incredible photo op. Our date of arrival into Bologna was very intentional: it was my birthday, and there was no better place for an exquisite dinner than this gastronomic capital. The local dishes were cooked to perfection, and the outdoor seating under the porticos was the cherry on top.

The next day, we made our way to Verona, exploring the historic castles and piazzas, before taking a short train ride to Lake Garda to cool off with the Alps behind us.

We continued our trip on Lake Como, in the quaint town of Varenna, walking along its lakefront paths and enjoying the gardens of local villas.

The next part of the trip was what we had been looking forward to the most: the Swiss Alps. We started the journey with a bang, crossing the Bernina Pass on a train with open-air carriages. The scenery was the most incredible I’d ever seen from a train; we snaked up the side of the mountain and passed several large glaciers, the closest I had ever been to one. After crossing the pass, we changed trains and traveled down the gorgeous Albula Valley line, with massive stone viaducts contrasting beautifully with the bright red train. Our next couple of trains took us up the Rhine gorge and to the second high point of the day: the Oberalp Pass. We opted to take the Glacier and Bernina Express lines by regional trains, all in one day, ending in the mountain town of Kandersteg for the night.

In Kandersteg, we went on, by far, the most beautiful hike we had all ever been on: the Oeschinensee. The massive, turquoise-blue lake could be seen throughout the entire hike, both from hundreds of meters above and from the lakeside. Midway through, we stopped to have delicious milkshakes at a mountain hut, fresh from the cows just a few dozen meters away. We also couldn’t come to such a gorgeous lake without going in, so we swam across the lake and back, despite the ice-cold glacier water!

The next couple of days were spent in the gorgeous Lauterbrunnen Valley, with its numerous waterfalls falling from the tall cliffs. Our next hike was on the adequately named “Mountain View Trail,” offering spectacular views of the massive Eiger, Mönch, and Jungfrau peaks.

Our Eurail passes included the famous steamboat cruises on Lake Thun and Lake Brienz, which we took full advantage of. It was for good reason: the mountains rising steeply from the turquoise-blue waters were a sight to behold. We then took the scenic (but lesser-known) Luzern-Interlaken Express, spending some time in Lucerne and Zurich that afternoon and evening. We happened to visit Zurich on the day of the Street Parade, a massive electronic music festival; it was certainly different from how I remembered the city, but a unique and unexpected experience nonetheless!

We took the Nightjet from Zurich all the way to Utrecht, where we based ourselves as we explored The Netherlands. We visited the gorgeous, canal-filled town of Delft (and cycled from there to The Hague), took the train north to famous Giethoorn, and did a day trip by bike to the former fortress town of Naarden from Utrecht. Finally, we spent a day exploring Amsterdam, a lovely place to spend the last hours of our time together. Being in The Netherlands was a unique part of the trip for me: as my new home for college, I felt almost like an ambassador showing my friends around the incredible sights of the country, especially those that were lesser-known.

The following day, my friends began the long journey from Amsterdam to Stockholm, to catch their return flight. Leaving Amsterdam early in the morning, I stayed with them until Hamburg, where we said our heartfelt goodbyes; this being the last time we would see each other for likely many years.

Over the next couple of days, as I stopped in the German towns of Hamburg, Bremen, and Münster on my way back to The Netherlands, I reflected on what an incredible and transformational trip this had been for all of us. We all returned home (or to our new homes) with memories that could last a lifetime, and a desire to come back to Europe again very soon.

Hello everyone!

I’m Isabella, and at 19 I decided to embark on a solo adventure thanks to Interrail.

I set off with just a carry-on bag, no real plan, and absolutely no idea what the future had in store for me.

And honestly — it turned out to be the most beautiful experience of my life.

Before leaving, I was a little scared. I didn’t know much about the countries I was heading to, and I didn’t feel completely ready.

But the moment I started traveling, I felt this incredible sense of strength and freedom.

That feeling of being on my own quickly became something truly precious to me.

For the first time, I was completely out of my comfort zone — and slowly, I learned how to really make the most of it.

Along the way, I met amazing people who will forever have a place in my heart.

I absolutely loved the hostel life — there’s something magical about the international atmosphere, filled with inspiring young people and fascinating stories.

Every time I left a city and said goodbye to the people I met, part of me felt a little sad.

But at the same time, I was filled with energy and excitement to keep exploring and discovering more.

This spirit of adventure is something I’ll carry with me for the rest of my life. 💛

I’m Carolina Rizzotto, a filmmaker and storyteller from Brazil. After 10 years living abroad, I set out on a journey to travel to every country in my DNA to learn more about the world, and consequently, myself.

In 2023, I was living in New York City, with an incredible resume and network, yet I felt deeply disconnected, with no community and no sense of who I was outside of 60-hour work weeks.

So I stopped and asked myself: “what really matters to me?” to which I replied, “my family… but how much do I even know about my family?”

That’s when I decided I could learn more about myself through my ancestry. A DNA test revealed roots across Europe, Brazil, and even parts of Africa, which is a heritage far more diverse than I had ever imagined. Yet common in Brazil, where we all look so different.

Feeling the deep need to dive into this self-discovery journey, 2 months later, my project called “DNA: Discovering New Ancestry” began, and I ventured off into a 6 month solo travel journey through Europe.

I documented the journey and turned it into a multi-episode series on YouTube, where I interview locals, explore history, and share my process of self-discovery.

Traveling allows you to learn about a different culture, question where you come from, and define who you are on your own terms. It empowers you to seek different paths, and build your own.

This journey brought me back to life. Being in places where my worth wasn’t tied to my job showed me the beauty of human connection across cultures. It also showed me my purpose as a creator: to tell stories that help us understand each other more deeply, and remind us that traveling isn’t just about places. It’s about finding yourself, and finding each other.

• Why was your Eurail/Interrail trip so unforgettable and transformative? 

One of the most surprising parts about traveling by train in Europe is how as soon as you cross the boarder, you access a completely different universe. A new language, new culture, new experiences, and so many more opportunities for human connection. The people you meet along the way are definitely the most important part, and one of the reasons I’ve learned 5 languages throughout my life.

Coming from Brazil, where there’s no proper train transportation, it’s a blessing that Eurrail makes adventures available to any social class. Sometimes, when the budget was tight, I took very long routes like a train from Munich to Milan. Yet the trip didn’t feel long at all. I got to edit videos on my computer, stretch my legs, and was gifted with the most beautiful, unexpected views.

Traveling by train really makes you feel like you’re in a movie. I’m so grateful.

• Do you want to share this experience with someone else? If so, who and why? 

I would want to share this experience with my sister, since we have the same ancestry and she’s going through her own self-discovery journey at the moment. She’s even considering moving to Europe, but too scared to take that final leap of faith after building a career in Los Angeles.

My sister has been living in the USA for the past 13 years. I think exploring her ancestry in Europe is exactly what she needs to reconnect with who she is, and to learn about a different way to live. Sometimes, we work so hard we start thinking our profession is our identity. Traveling alone through Europe has showed me I’m so much more than that. I want my sister to experience the same.

• Where did you travel to? Include any photos or videos—the more descriptive your responses, the better! 

I traveled to Denmark, Latvia, Estonia, Portugal, Spain, Germany, Italy and Austria. I have a bunch of professional photos on my instagram feed, and elaborate story videos of each country I visited on my Youtube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@CarolinaRizzotto/videos 

Out of these countries, the ones I do have DNA from are: Latvia, Portugal, Germany, Italy and Austria. I’d love to relive this travel experience, this time also visiting smaller cities which show an even deeper part of the identity of each country 🙂 I highly encourage you watch the Youtube videos. They show what the experience was all about.

Thank you for your time :)

Our Interrail adventure began right after finishing school – just four friends with backpacks, train tickets, and a wild sense of freedom. What made it unforgettable was exactly that: nothing we had to do, everything we chose to do. Traveling first class gave us little luxuries like free coffee and tea, but the real magic happened far beyond the train aisles.

The most breathtaking stop was the Lofoten Islands. Standing on those rugged shores, daring each other to jump straight into the icy water “just because we could,” is something I’ll never forget. It was raw, cold, and absolutely alive.

Yet the quiet, unexpected moments shaped the trip just as much. Like one night in Haparanda, at an almost abandoned station where only three other Interrailers sat nearby. We shared a simple meal of goulash we had meal-prepped the day before. No fancy restaurant could ever match that feeling: laughter echoing across an empty platform, the smell of food mixing with the cool northern air, and the sense that we were exactly where we were supposed to be.

I would do this journey again in a heartbeat, with the very same group. Traveling that way deepened our friendship in ways I didn’t think possible—turning ordinary train rides and improvised dinners into memories I’ll carry forever.

September 1st: the day school started again (video, click on the title) 

While my brother went back to school and my mom returned to work, I put my backpack on my shoulders and set off on the greatest journey of my life.

I’m Aster, 18 years old, from Bruges, and since I was sixteen I’ve been dreaming of an Interrail adventure through Europe. I hoped to win a ticket through the DiscoverEU initiative, but unfortunately, I wasn’t one of the lucky ones. My friends did win their tickets and started making exciting plans for an Interrail trip in September. This had always been my dream too, so I decided to buy a ticket myself. Looking back, I can say it was one of the best decisions I’ve ever made.

Munich

In Munich, we visited Marienplatz and the Residenz Palace, followed by a traditional German market where we tried local specialties. Afterwards, we did some shopping and cooked together at our hostel. The next day we explored the Haus der Kunst, where an exhibition about childhood made us feel like kids again — we even got to draw on the floor! Later, we headed to the Englischer Garten for a picnic. There, we joined the locals by jumping into the icy-cold river and letting the current carry us along. We even watched people surfing on the river’s waves. We ended the day with games in the park, and, as a funny twist, even babysat a puppy for someone who also wanted to go swimming.

Bologna

The journey from Munich to Bologna wasn’t without challenges: we had to unexpectedly pay extra, and due to technical issues our train never actually arrived in Bologna. Eventually, with some delay, we made it to the beautiful Italian city, and from the start we were immersed in its atmosphere. On our first evening, we had an amazing dinner at Osteria Da Fortunata after stumbling upon a powerful demonstration for Palestine.

Our days in Bologna were filled with culture, delicious food, and warm moments. We explored squares, churches, and charming little streets, enjoyed pizza for only €1.70, and discovered a hidden Venetian-style canal through a small window. At local markets, we bought jewelry and later organized our own Italian night with homemade appetizers. Of course, we couldn’t leave without tasting gelato from the best gelateria in town. In the evenings, we savored pasta at a restaurant and sang along with a street musician playing Italian classics.

Bled (my favorite)

The journey from Bologna to Bled turned into quite an adventure: delays caused us to miss our connections, so we decided to take seven different small local trains, sometimes with just a few minutes to switch. It was stressful, but we eventually made it safely to our hostel in Bled.

In Bled, we fully enjoyed nature and tranquility. We walked all around the lake, went for a refreshing swim, and tried the toboggan run with breathtaking views. The next day, we visited a stunning gorge, helmets on, and hiked deep into the forests and mountains, where we even came across a herd of horses that we stopped to pet. The evenings were just as special: eating together at the hostel, making new friends from the UK, and baking pancakes while singing and dancing in the kitchen.

Rijeka

Our trip to Rijeka started with heavy rain — both there and in Bled it poured down, and by the time we arrived at our Airbnb our shoes were completely soaked. Luckily, the weather cleared up the next day and we went shopping and swimming at a nearby beach. Since it was my last evening of the trip, I cooked pasta for everyone — a warm and cozy way to say goodbye.

On day twelve we traveled via Zagreb, where we spent the afternoon exploring. That evening, my friends took the bus to Split while I boarded the night train to Munich. Sleep was impossible, but the next morning I continued my journey home via Frankfurt and Brussels, finally arriving in Bruges where my mom was waiting for me at the station.

Closing

This trip was absolutely fantastic and unforgettable. It was my very first time traveling through Europe in this way, and I loved discovering a new place every few days. It gave me such a sense of freedom and adventure to move around, experiencing so many different cultures, landscapes, and moments all in one journey. I would recommend it to anyone.

Because this journey was so special to me, I would now love to relive it — but this time with my mom. She truly deserves to experience it: to discover new places, feel the freedom of train travel, and create unforgettable memories together.

We’ve just graduated high school 🎓, and to celebrate, the four of us set off on an Interrail trip through Europe. After finishing school side by side, it felt only right to start this next chapter of life together as well. Somewhere along the way, we stopped being just friends and became a little family on the road.

Two places have stood out the most so far: Svolvær in the Lofoten Islands, with its breathtaking landscapes that felt almost unreal, and Skagen in Denmark, where the two seas meet and the horizon feels endless 🌊.

This journey has already taught me a lot — especially to accept situations as they come and to keep going, even when things don’t go as planned. And if we were lucky enough to win this giveaway, we’d pack our backpacks again in a heartbeat and set off together for the next adventure 🚆✨.

I just wrapped up my first Interrail trip — and wow, what an unforgettable and unique experience! It wasn’t my first time traveling (I’ve been traveling since I was a little kid, thanks to my family that loves to travel) and not even my first “solo” trip (I was <18, so my previous “solo” trips were trips without my family, but I had an adult responsible for me), but I’ve never felt this free before. It was exactly what I needed. The world felt big again.

This Interrail trip reminded me of a bunch of things I had forgotten: I’m responsible, I  know how to plan and figure things out, I actually love being on my own, but I also love meeting new people — and honestly, I’m pretty great at choosing the right companions (if I may say so myself).

One of the highlights of my trip was being part of a DiscoverEU MeetUp in Norway. I wanted to join one of these so badly from the moment I heard about it, but I didn´t think any would fit my schedule. Turns out, one did — and I’m so glad it worked out. In short, I can say that I feel so lucky to have been part of the DiscoverEU, I am so lucky for the chance to join a MeetUp, I am so lucky to have gotten flight tickets on top of the trains, I feel so lucky to be reminded that people are generally good, and I’m so lucky for the incredible people I met along the way. I just feel very lucky.

My 20-day trip started on Agust 28th in Lisbon, flying out to Reykjavik, where I spent 5 days exploring Iceland on my own. I stayed in a hostel, got around by bus, joined a day trip, swam between tectonic plates, and even hitchhiked a bit. From Iceland, I flew to Norway and from Oslo airport I hopped on a train straight to Røros for the DiscoverEU MeetUp. After two amazing days we headed back to Oslo for two nights to explore the city. Next stops: Sweden (Stockholm), Denmark (Copenhagen), and Germany (Hamburg — where I had my very first Couchsurfing experience, and it was great). From Hamburg, I took a night train to Brussels to meet up with friends. From Brussels, I squeezed in an 8-hour stop in Paris — just enough time to see the Louvre (free for under 21!) and the Eiffel Tower. Finally, I made my way back to Lisbon by train, passing through Perpignan, Madrid, and Badajoz.

Do I want to share this experience with someone else? Definitely. I haven’t stopped talking about Interrail — to strangers, friends, literally anyone who’ll listen. But if there’s one person I’d love to take on a trip like this, it’s my 14-year-old brother. We are Brazilians who have been living in Europe for a year now. Brazil is beautiful, and we are lucky to know many places there, but traveling around Brasil, just the two of us, would be hard without a car and on a tight budget. That’s why, ever since we moved to Portugal, we have been dreaming about a trip together.

I would love to give him the chance to go a little crazy, try new foods, and explore wherever his heart takes us. He is weird, creative, and smart — basically just like me. I know that his adventurous side would lead us to amazing places. Of course, I’d love to show him some of the places I visited during my Interrail, but I also believe he will find his own path to some of those places in the future. For now, I know he would want us to discover new things together. So yeah — I would love to “get lost” in the world again, this time with my little (but not so little anymore) brother.

I think my/our first interrail trip was a kind of top-secret honeymoon, without being married and without my parents knowing we were a couple (heteronormativity covered us? I guess? But, long story short, now they know and support us, yay) 

SO,

one day I asked to my partner: what if I make a very detailed plan to travel by interrail just me and you to stroopwafelslandand (=the Netherlands), I think we could take a night train in a bed compartment with some strangers that will take off without telling us and you'll be sad because you like greeting people met even just some hours earlier? *breath* And what if, before that train, we happen to be in Zurich just during their Lgbt pride parade, feeling safe and happy for the first time in a while? We may visit Amsterdam, Rotterdam, The Hague, Schiedam, Frankfurt, Basel.. I can't wait to go out to get icecream with you, wearing pajamas! I also can't wait to almost win (=lose) at the weirdest minigolf ever! *longer breath* What if we visited some very cool museums? Even the Van Gogh one! Your obsession just a couple of years ago! It could seem a stressful trip, maybe it will be, but in the next years you'll love watching our silly selfies, you will even print them to put on the wall of our home!!!

. 

. 

You'll get her answer in the pics ;)

​​​​​​

Spoiler: we fell in love with travelling.

And stroopwafels. z

My very first and only Interrail trip was a special one to Switzerland. Squashed in the Easter holidays between my university assignments. I was abroad without family for the first time, a trip planned by myself, to celebrate the second year of my anniversary with my boyfriend. I had no clue what I was doing: all I knew was that we were staying in a stranger’s cabin in the mountains. All I had was a backpack full of Sainsbury’s brioches and granola bars to get me through the week, and a digital camera with some winter clothes.

Thick, beautiful snowflakes in Kandersteg ravaged us on our hike but that meant we could build a most dapper snowman. The boiling sun had us scrambling for bubble tea in Bern as we explored the cobbled streets (my boyfriend almost got ran over by a tram). It was my first time wobbling around in a cable car to Mt. Pilatus (which we used Interrail to snag an amazing discount.) We took shelter from the rain in the ice-age old caves of Oberwil Im Simmental, chopping wood and screaming at cave spiders. I staggered across a long bridge that towered clouds above a tumbling river and climbed ice-cold ladders and down wonky, suspicious steps. We threw big pebbles into the river and also walked alongside an ancient blue one in Aareschlucht Gorge, whose rock walls rendered us closer to ants than humans.

We strolled down the peaceful streets of Interlaken, eating a cheese, cucumber and tomato sandwich. (I fed a duck my last tomato but since he thoroughly enjoyed it I don’t regret it). I went on a cable car for the first time in Luzern! My boyfriend took a sip out of a stream that ran down a mountain, but I changed my mind quickly when I saw a swimming little critter in his water bottle. We had a snowball fight which led to red fingers and aching shoulders the next day (I obviously won). We also had a walk around some haunting ruins in the woods after dark, had a serious spook and - yes, I unfortunately peed myself out of terror, full bladder and everything. Luckily I am the type to bring twenty pairs of underwear and socks for a week-long adventure. Did I mention that my hiking boots broke halfway? Thus, I recycled plastic shopping bags as socks in an attempt to keep my feet dry.

I would love to experience this with my boyfriend again. The caves we explored and hikes we went on have become our special little memory. We used 4 Train days in a week to explore a lot of the country, which we loved. Because of Interrail, we could get a 50% discount for climbing Mt. Pilatus to the top. But there are so many more mountains out there that we would love to explore. Perhaps next time, we’ll head closer to the Italian border or take the iconic Bernina Express!

My husband and I have been travelling on trains together for over 50 years as he doesn’t fly. After our retirement we were able to travel more and used the interail global pass to travel through France , Austria and Switzerland over many years. Our favourite place to go has been Switzerland where we have returned to often. This year we decided to treat ourselves to a 1st class global pass travelling from home to London then onto Paris on the Eurostar. We stopped over in Paris and travelled on to Switzerland on the TGV the following day. We decided not to have a paper pass this time and found the internet passes to be a real challenge but we managed it in the end 👍. Hopefully next year we can remember what we did and will find it a little easier 🤞🤞. Travelling by train around Switzerland we think is one of the most magical of adventures and I hope our photos reflect just how beautiful a holiday touring around there is. 

 My Interrail trips have been truly unforgettable and transformative because they allowed me to experience the richness of Europe in ways that went far beyond simple travel. Each journey was not only about discovering new destinations but also about deepening my relationships with the people I love most. I have been fortunate enough to go on two Interrail adventures—one in the summer and one in the winter—and both have become some of the most cherished memories of my life.

During my summer Interrail, I travelled with my sister, her husband, my partner, and my mum. Together we crossed central Europe in 30 unforgettable days, each destination offering something magical. From the fairy-tale Neuschwanstein Castle and the serene beauty of Lake Lucerne in Ennetburgen, to the lively streets of Zurich, our trip unfolded like a dream. We slept under the stars on a NightJet sleeper cabin bound for Ljubljana, wandered along the emerald waters of Lake Bled, and immersed ourselves in the charm of Zagreb, Budapest, Bratislava, and Vienna. The journey carried us through the culture and vibrancy of Berlin, Rotterdam, Brussels, and Paris, before ending with the coastal beauty of Marseille. Every stop revealed a new rhythm of life, a new flavour, and a new story to share as a family.

The winter Interrail was equally magical, though in a very different way. This time, I travelled with my mum—my best travel buddy and the person I admire most. As a single parent, she raised me and my siblings with incredible strength, and exploring Europe together was deeply meaningful. We began in Zermatt, gazing at the Matterhorn before boarding the iconic Glacier Express to St. Moritz. From there, our adventure wove through Basel, Zurich, and onto another sleeper train that carried us into Berlin. We continued north to Hamburg, then Copenhagen, before crossing into the Arctic magic of Lapland. Standing under the northern lights, bundled against the snow, felt like stepping into another world. We concluded in Helsinki, Oslo, and Bergen, where fjords met snowy peaks. Experiencing different cultures and customs with my mum made the trip profoundly special, strengthening our bond and filling me with gratitude.

Now, I dream of embarking on a third Interrail journey—this time with my entire family. It would be our first adventure all together: my sister, her husband and 3 children, my brother who lives in Australia (and whom I haven’t seen for over a decade), my mum, my partner, and even our golden doodle. All of us live in the UK except my brother, so this would be the first time in years that no one is left behind. We would love to explore Bruges, Tuscany, Cannes, and many more destinations, celebrating the joy of togetherness and the freedom of travel. I’m calling this vision #LolaGoesAbroad, a campaign to show that every family—pets included—can create unforgettable memories while discovering Europe by train.

Winning Interrail passes and the cash support would make this dream possible. It would relieve the costs of such a large family trip, allowing us not only to reunite after so long but also to experience more of Europe together as whole family. After what I’ve learned from my first two Interrail journeys, I know that this third one will be the most extraordinary yet—an adventure of love, discovery, and the joy of travelling as a complete family for the very first time.

My very first and only Interrail trip was a special one to Switzerland. Squashed in the Easter holidays between my university assignments. I was abroad without family for the first time, a trip planned by myself, to celebrate the first year anniversary with my boyfriend. I had no clue what I was doing: all I knew was that we were staying in a stranger’s cabin in the mountains. All I had was a backpack full of Sainsbury’s brioches and granola bars to get me through the week, and a digital camera with some winter clothes.

Thick, starry snowstorms in Kandersteg ravaged us on our hike but that meant we could build a most dapper snowman. The boiling sun had us scrambling for bubble tea in Bern as we explored the cobbled streets (my boyfriend almost got ran over by a tram). It was my first time wobbling around in a cable car to Mt. Pilatus (which we used Interrail to snag an amazing discount.) We took shelter from the rain in the ice-age old caves of Oberwil Im Simmental, chopping wood and screaming at cave spiders. I staggered across a long bridge that towered clouds above a tumbling river and climbed ice-cold ladders and down wonky, suspicious steps. We threw big pebbles into the river and also walked alongside an ancient blue one in Aareschlucht Gorge, whose rock walls rendered us closer to ants than humans.

We strolled down the peaceful streets of Interlaken, eating a cheese, cucumber and tomato sandwich. (I fed a duck my last tomato but since he thoroughly enjoyed it I don’t regret it). We almost had a heart attack when we saw deer bounding through the woods, thinking it was a bear. My boyfriend took a sip out of a stream that ran down a mountain, but I changed my mind quickly when I saw a swimming little critter in his water bottle. We had a snowball fight which led to red fingers and aching shoulders the next day (I obviously won). We also had a walk around some haunting ruins in the woods after dark, had a serious spook and - yes, I unfortunately peed myself out of terror, full bladder and everything. Luckily I am the type to bring twenty pairs of underwear and socks for a week-long adventure. I had so many I used every single pocket to store my socks. Did I mention that my hiking boots broke halfway? Thus, I recycled plastic shopping bags as socks in an attempt to keep my feet dry.

If I could go again, I would absolutely bring my boyfriend. It’s a special place in our memory that represents our love and dedication to each other. As our first trip together and my first time abroad in years, it’s an unforgettable experience. Perhaps next time I would explore near the borders of Italy and the Italian mountains too! I will definitely bring my red coat again I can’t be seen anywhere without it!

https://youtu.be/HZYYBGiSNeA?si=WDFRn-WSwBJJKmxX

Hi, I’m Hana, and this summer I traveled around Europe with an Interrail pass – it was amazing. My boyfriend, who traveled with me, actually got me into the idea of Interrail. At first, the thought of this kind of traveling honestly scared me – I was like: it’ll be cold, it’ll rain, I’ll be stuck on trains all the time, we’ll end up arguing somewhere in the middle of Turkey… and then what?
But well, we already had the tickets, so I just wanted to give it a try. And, well, on the very first day it rained, there were mosquitoes everywhere, we almost got robbed in the Italian mountains (or who knows what it was), just a perfect holiday idyll. But no, I’m just being dramatic. It was great!

We started out from the Czech Republic – since it was only 16°C and raining here (pure paradise…), I declared that our first stop had to be south, through Austria into Italy. Surely it must be hot there! And it was – together with the best €5 Aperol for breakfast. In Italy we almost got robbed, but that’s just a minor detail. We survived – a local priest hid us in his church and then invited us for coffee and a croissant in the café next door.

Through Switzerland we got to Lake Brienz. Why? Because that’s where Crash Landing on You was filmed – a Korean soap opera I’m obsessed with. It was gorgeous, and we even tried the ferry and the cable car, which were included in the Interrail pass. Honestly, that was one of the most beautiful experiences of the whole trip. Unfortunately, Switzerland isn’t exactly cheap (as everyone knows), so we had to move on to France.

That didn’t start so well – I forgot the batteries and charger for my camera on the train, we booked absolutely terrible accommodation, and our train was delayed by 4 hours. I really considered giving up and just going home. But the thought of nearby Spain motivated me to keep going. We traveled through southern France, which was lovely. For example, we arrived in Nîmes at 10 p.m., wanted to go to the hotel, but the road led through a wine festival… so of course we stopped and tasted some. I loved that spontaneity – being able to change plans at any moment, that feeling of freedom.

We spent the rest of the first part of our Interrail trip in Spain. Our goal was to make it to Valencia – and we did it! I was so proud of us.

The second part of our Interrail was supposed to be Eastern Europe, since the first one was west. I was expecting a lot, but still wasn’t prepared for Eastern Europe. It’s such a different culture, a different system – I was shocked. We just rushed through Hungary, Romania, and Bulgaria, because we planned a longer break in Istanbul. And I recommend Istanbul the most (together with Switzerland). It was beautiful – just don’t make the same mistake as us: don’t book just one night in a hotel thinking you’ll figure the rest out later… In Turkey, Booking.com is blocked – which of course we didn’t know. So we had to awkwardly call my parents using the university Wi-Fi and ask them to send us photos and info of about 10 places we had saved in our “favorites” back in Romania.

It was kind of hilarious, especially trying to explain to locals that we were boyfriend and girlfriend. They kept asking: “But how come you’re not married?” In Turkey, the concept of dating before marriage isn’t really common. So we were such an oddity that soon the whole market in the Fatih district seemed to know us.

We spent a wonderful week in Istanbul, but then it was time to head home…
Haha, yeah, right...

We took a night train to Sofia (the most beautiful and the cheapest train of the whole trip!). In Sofia we were greeted by casinos, rude ladies at the train station who tried to convince us that our train had been only 30 minutes late, not 4 hours, as we said. After 2 hours, we finally got them to give us confirmation of the delay (because od our Interrail compensation). From Sofia, we had no plan – we thought, well it’s the capital city, there must be trains going somewhere… Nope. Basically one train a day. :D So we managed to get at least to the Bulgarian–Romanian border, where apparently no one has built a bridge over the natural border – the Danube – since Roman times! Well, I’m exaggerating a bit, there is one, but only for cars and it’s a toll bridge.

Luckily, at a gas station we met a super nice Bulgarian–Brit called Vladimir, who drove us across the border. He was great, gave us homemade kofte, we chatted – though we kept the car light on the whole time, which drained the battery and broke the car. But around midnight, somewhere in the middle of Romania, we managed to fix it. Vladimir, who turned out to be a railway engineer (what are the odds?), drove us to the train – and from there we went straight to the capital of the Czech Republic, back home to Prague 😊

You can see more on my Youtube channel (I have even a better version of these videos, but i couldn’t put it on Youtube:( :

Interrail part I

Switzerland

(Interrail part II - Eastern Europe coming soon:)))

Lugano

Istanbul

My first interrail adventure was in May 2024, when I travelled from the UK to Malmö to attend Eurovision there. I’m a huge fan of the contest, and I meet up each year with the many friends I’ve befriended through it at whichever host city is hosting.

This particular trip was an especially significant one for me, as I needed to do something to help me recover from the previous challenging year. My Dad had had terminal cancer, and during Eurovision week of 2023, my parents were involved in a serious car crash and were both very badly injured. I had to give up work to move in with them to care for them after they were discharged from hospital, and Dad sadly died a few months later. It was a gruelling time, and the responsibilities were weighing heavily on me.

I was desperate to escape for a while and, as I boarded the Eurostar at St Pancras International the next May, I could feel the pressure lifting. 

After an overnight stop in Brussels, I spent the next day on the mammoth journey up to Copenhagen and Malmö, breaking the 14 hour journey up by spending a couple of hours in Wuppertal (near Köln), home of the amazing Schwebebahn, the 125 year old sky train. If you ever get the chance to take a trip on it, I’d recommend it. It’s astounding.

The week in Malmö for the contest allowed a little lightness to my life that had been missing for a year. But the fun didn’t end there. I took the long way back to the UK, visiting Hamburg (a walk around the Außenalster lake at twilight on the evening of my arrival will always stay with me), Leipzig and Berlin, travelling on the European Sleeper back to the Eurostar terminal in Brussels. This night train was very basic and crowded (1980s Slovakian rolling stock with no air conditioning or showers), but I had a wonderful time chatting to my fellow couchette car companions: a German MEP and her family who were travelling to London and back for a long weekend. It was a real adventure.

I returned home feeling as if the weight of the world had lifted from my shoulders.

My second Interrail trip, this May, was to the host city of Basel, and my pass enabled me to experience the stunning Mount Pilatus and Lucerne. Other incredible sights on the extended journey back were seeing a zeppelin cruising over Lake Constance, the space age university library in Stuttgart, the jaw-dropping Monument to the Battle of the Nations in Leipzig and meeting up with Stephanie, a close friend of my brother (who died when we were both teenagers), who now lives in Nuremberg. It was wonderful to be reunited with her.

And now it’s time to plan my third, for which I will be joined by my friend Conrad for our trip to Eurovision in Austria next May. We want to try out the new pods on the Nightjet service from Amsterdam to Vienna!

My only regret has been that I didn’t go interrailing earlier in my life (I’m now 56). I missed out on so much. So now I’m eager to catch up! My Dad would have loved to have heard about these adventures - he worked on the railways in Nottingham in his twenties and remained passionate about them for the rest of his life. He was in my heart as I crossed the continent…

A twilight walk around the Außenalster lake in Hamburg 

Hazel Brugger and Michelle Hunziker, presenters of Eurovision 2025 in Basel 

The university library in Stuttgart 

Reunited with my late brother’s friend Stephanie in Nuremberg

My boyfriend and I have travelled twice with the Interrail Pass and both trips were absolutely amazing and life-changing. This year was the second year we did it in a row and we loved it!

The first time we decided for a “safer” trip since it was our first time backpacking, so we started our journey from Italy and we arrived in Belgium (Bruxelles) after a 14 hours-train-trip.

In Belgium we had the chance to visit Gand (which was surprisingly beautiful), Bruges and Anvers.

After that we reached the Netherlands and we decided to sleep with a tent in Delft. In this small city I’ve seen one of the most wonderful sunset I’ve ever seen. And it was also my first time camping! Even though our tent was very small, it wasn’t that easy to bring it with us in our backpacks.

We also visited Den Haag, which we reached by bike, Amsterdam and Leiden. In Den Haag I could see one of the paintings I’ve always wanted to see which was the Girl With a Pearl Earring and in Amsterdam we enjoyed strolling down vintage shops and parks. We really love parks and we search for the most beautiful ones in every city we visit.

Then we went to Berlin, where we saw the Wall and we also decided to go techno-dancing (my boyfriend’s favorite kind of music). From Berlin we headed to Wien for 24 hours and even though we spent the night on the train we managed to visit all we planned to, including seeing the famous The Kiss from Klimt.

It was also my very first time in hostels. During this trip I had a lot of first times and it was a really great experience, especially because I did it with my boyfriend.

This year we decided to go to a country that has always been in our mind: Norway. I couldn’t believe it! We started our trip from Oslo, where we also dove into Norwegian waters after a sauna and where we visited two Munch’s museums. I could see The Scream, which was surely better than how it looked in my art books’ pictures.

We reached Bergen by train and the journey Oslo-Bergen was undoubtedly breathtaking. Every landscapes we saw was magical! We didn’t expect to like Bergen this much. But it is really pretty, especially by night.

Then we took the ferry and we went to Stavanger, where we slept in a very cosy house. There we decided to go to Preikestolen. It was a perfect choice because, although the struggle of reaching the top of the mountain, the one we saw was the most incredible view of all time. We were also able to see a fjord!

After Stavanger, we went to Sandefjord from where we needed to take another ferry to go to Sweden. In Sandefjord we had the luck to sleep in a vegan woman’s house (I’m vegetarian and sometimes it’s really difficult to find vegetarian food while travelling). It was amazing, because we could talk to her all evening and even the morning after, when she cooked us a delicious breakfast.

We headed to Göteborg and it was a very funny city, full of young people and cool restaurants. We enjoyed it a lot! From there we took our third ferry to go to Standby, a very small city. We decided to visit the Skagen’s beach where we saw a seal in the middle of the rain! We also visited Aalborg and then we went to Hjørring. We went to Løkken’s beach and to Lønstrup by bike.

We headed to Copenhagen and it was definitively the best city! It was full of activities and we had so much fun there. We enjoyed to walk without taking the bus to reach every corner of the city. It was even better than we had imagined.

After four days in Copenhagen we went to Utrecht, which was also an amazing city. Even though the weather wasn’t good we enjoyed our time there and we managed to visit all the places we had planned to.

At the end, in order to come back to Italy, we visited Köln, in Germany, and Strasbourg.

I love travelling and I had always dreamt doing it backpacking. That’s why my first Interrail trip was so special. But the second one was undoubtedly my favorite because I could see places I’ve always dreamt about and doing it with a backpack on my shoulder was something really emotional.

I wish I could do it again and again and I can’t wait to plan another trip like these. My boyfriend and I are both studying and we try to save all the money to travel. I’m forever grateful to Interrail for giving me the chance to travel in such a wonderful way!

Right after my graduating from high school in 2019, I had the opportunity to go on an Interrail trip on my own. It was an opportunity I seized, and it turned out to be a formative experience. Traveling alone for the first time, without familiar routines, with only a backpack, a ticket, and the freedom to make my own decisions was something completely new for me. On the road, I had to learn to find my way around unfamiliar cities, constantly reorient myself, and react flexibly to situations. Things didn't always go smoothly. And that's exactly what made it so special. That not everything could always be planned. Accommodations had to be rebooked spontaneously, and sometimes plans changed completely because I met new people and traveled with them for a while. All of this taught me to be flexible, to let go, and to go with the flow. Each of these situations was like a little test, and in the end, I realized that I could rely on myself and that it was precisely the spontaneous, unplanned things that created the most beautiful memories. This realization gave me an incredible amount of self-confidence. What particularly stuck with me was a feeling that I hadn't been so aware of before, namely a strong sense of belonging to Europe. Whether in Italy, France, or later in the Netherlands, everywhere was different, and yet it felt connected. I experienced that Europe is more than borders or politics, that diversity can make you feel both foreign and familiar at the same time. This awareness of being European felt truly tangible to me for the first time on this trip.

This makes me want to have the chance to go on a trip like this again even more. This time with my best friend. Discovering new places together, creating memories that will stay with us both, and experiencing adventures that will bring us closer together would be something very special. We are both currently writing our final thesis for our studies, and before we start our preparatory service as prospective teachers, a trip to mark the end of our studies would be a valuable experience.

Attached are photos from my Interrail tour back then. I still vividly remember the sun in Rome, the moment I tasted the traditional delicacy Tartufo di Pizzo at the inventor's. It was surreal to sit in street cafés in the middle of winter under blue skies, when I was used to nothing but rain and cold in Germany. My birthday, which was also in December, was unforgettable, spent barefoot on the beach in Italy collecting shells, while at home in Germany people were wearing winter coats. It was even more special to spend Christmas in Montpellier in France shortly afterwards. Strolling through the narrow streets in a T-shirt, shopping at the market in the evening, and later enjoying the sunset with friends over a glass of wine. Spending such a warm Christmas far from home was a special and memorable experience that will stay with me forever. Finally, the trip took me to Amsterdam, where I soaked up the special atmosphere of this city between canals and bicycles. It was the perfect ending. It was not just a trip, but an important step in my development: becoming more independent, more open to new things, and more aware of what connects me to Europe. I hope I will be able to have such a special experience again!

Hello İm Asli. To be honest, I received this email and thought I had a chance. I've always wanted to buy an Interrail ticket. Until now, I've tried to hitchhike. I'm a girl living in Türkiye, financially struggling, and have always had to travel with limited resources. So, I won't share my interesting Interrail experiences, but I have a lot of hitchhiking memories, and I'd like to include Interrail in that list. I wanted to travel with my Uzbek boyfriend, who's been my life for three years. Even going hungry is so much fun. We can always find something to talk about. October 31st is my birthday, so maybe I'll encounter a surprise. May luck be with us 🥰 My hitchhiking trips were the first visa-free countries I've visited. Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Albania, Montenegro, and Georgia.

Me and my friend Rob are rail enthusiasts and we decided to 1st class interrail from the UK to Switzerland. We wanted to see as many of the Rhatische Bahn and Matterhorn Gotthard Bahn trains as possible, while seeing the awesome scenery in October 2023. The views were simply stunning! The trains have huge windows and you can save so much money even using a first class interrail on regular trains compared to paying for the Glacier Express trains - you travel on the same tracks! We travelled on most lines of the Rhatische Bahn from Chur to Klosters, Davos and St Moritz moving on to the MGB from Disentis/Muster to Brig. 

As soon as I returned to the UK I told my girlfriend, Lorna, how awesome the scenery was, especially if the mountains would be covered in snow and we should 1st class interrail together in Switzerland in the future. This is a perfect opportunity to do just that!