If you happen to be 18 years old in 2024, and want to travel in Europe for free, now you may have an opportunity to do so. The European Union has a dedicated program called DiscoverEU that encourages young Europeans to explore their continent. The program has the budget to cover 35 000 rail passes to approved applicants. These lucky explorers have to cover their own accommodation and other costs, but transportation by train is free.
Applications for free EU train passes must be submitted by April 30th, 2024 at this web page.
The maximum time to travel with a free train pass is one month so that travel days are between 1 July 2024 and 30 September 2025.
You may apply for a free train pass if:
- You were born between 1 July 2005 and 30 June 2006.
- You are a resident of an EU country, or resident of Iceland, Liechtenstein, North Macedonia, Norway, Serbia or Türkiye.
- You have a correct identity card (ID), passport or residence card number on the online application form.
- You score well enough in a quiz that asks what you know about EU.
DiscoverEU expects something from the travelers in return.
- All approved applicants agree to become DiscoverEU Ambassadors. The idea is that travel experiences should be reported on social media, school and community presentations.
- An app has been developed for planning your trip, and for recording statistics about trains and destinations. DiscoverEU encourages to share this information on social media.
- After the trip, an online survey will ask feedback.
Euronews reported.