Travel Europe for Free | The Best Opportunities for Young Travellers

Introduction

Traveling around Europe can be an exciting adventure, but it can also be expensive. Fortunately, there are several programs that offer young people the chance to travel Europe for free or at little cost.

In this article, we will introduce you to DiscoverEU, the European Solidarity Corps, Workaway, and Couchsurfing.

Each of these programs has its unique features, making travel accessible and affordable.

So keep reading and find out more about these programmes!

DiscoverEU

DiscoverEU is a European Union initiative that offers 18-year-olds the opportunity to travel around Europe for free.

If you’re lucky enough to be selected, you can receive a travel pass that allows you to explore various European countries.

The goal of DiscoverEU is to help young people discover Europe’s rich cultural heritage, meet new friends, and gain a sense of European identity.

Applications open twice a year, and thousands of passes are given out, so keep an eye on the application dates!

Check out the DiscoverEU website, discover more about this opportunity and apply!

European Solidarity Corps

The European Solidarity Corps (ESC) is another fantastic program that provides young people aged 18-30 with the chance to volunteer across Europe.

Participants can engage in projects that benefit communities, such as helping in schools, working with refugees, or participating in environmental conservation.

The best part is that the ESC covers travel costs, accommodation, meals, and even offers a small allowance for personal expenses.

This way, you can make a difference while exploring new places and cultures.

Visit the European Solidarity Corps website to learn more and sign up!

Workaway

Workaway is a platform that connects travelers with hosts who need help with various tasks.

While Workaway does charge a small membership fee, it offers countless opportunities to work in exchange for free accommodation and meals.

You could find yourself helping on a farm, teaching a language, or assisting in a hostel.

This program allows you to immerse yourself in local life and culture while saving money on travel expenses.

Visits the Workaway website to learn more about this opportunity!

Coachsurfing

Couchsurfing is a community of travelers who offer free accommodation to each other.

By staying with locals, you not only save on accommodation costs but also get an insight into the local culture.

Couchsurfing also hosts events and meetups, making it easy to connect with other travelers and locals.

Although it’s not a structured program like DiscoverEU or ESC, Couchsurfing provides a budget-friendly way to travel and make new friends across Europe.

Find out more on the official website!

Conclusion

As we saw, traveling around Europe doesn’t have to be expensive.

With programs like DiscoverEU, the European Solidarity Corps, Workaway, and Couchsurfing, young people have plenty of opportunities to explore the continent affordably.

Each of these programs offers a unique way to travel, from free travel passes and volunteering to work exchanges and free accommodation.

What do you think? Have you ever tried one of these programmes or are you planning to do it? Let us know in the comments!