What did you do when you were 18? Maybe you’ve just finished your A-levels. Maybe you took a gap year. Or did you go on a trip? Whatever the case, we’re a little jealous that we’re no longer 18. Because thanks to the Discover EU initiative, 18-year-olds have the chance to win free train travel across Europe!
Free of charge, that’s right. The initiative has been around since 2018 and it’s perhaps the easiest and cheapest way to explore our own little continent. Since 2018, more than 165,000 people have won such free train travel.
This year, another 35,000 free train tickets will be given away. So if you know someone who has just turned 18 or is about to turn 18, feel free to share the article and the info. Are your children 18? Are you 18 and already reading us (wow)?
So here are the facts: If you were born between January 1, 2004 and December 31, 2004 and are an EU citizen, you (or your children or acquaintances) can apply. Citizens of Liechtenstein, Iceland, North Macedonia, Serbia, Norway and Turkey are also eligible. You can apply either alone or as a group of up to 5 people.
If you (or your children or friends) win, you can travel throughout Europe by train for free for one month between March 1, 2023 and February 29, 2024. The Discover EU Card also offers numerous discounts on food and admission tickets.
Let’s be honest: think about how much there is to discover in Europe. The Mediterranean and the Alps. Portugal and Lithuania. Greek islands and French villages. Galleries in Denmark and the national parks of Croatia. We’re not overstepping the mark when we say that Europe may have more to offer in a smaller area than some other continents.
What is the application deadline? You can apply here until October 11. Good luck!
This article is based on Katherine Notman’s article for Secret Amsterdam.