It’s been just over a month since three intrepid teams returned from their rail adventure around Europe.
We asked the girls to reflect on their trip, tell us their favourite parts, and give their top tips for travel.
Explore Europe 2023 – reflections
“I’ll never be sixteen and living on trains around Europe with such an incredible group of people again. This is honestly the best experience of my life.”
— Sophie, Sunsets and Cities
Favourite location: Venice, Italy, which all three groups visited. “It was so different to the UK, so it really felt like we were away, and there were lots of new things there.”
“This trip was easily the most amazing thing I have ever done. I’ve seen so many places and met so many incredible people through this experience, and I am so incredibly proud of myself for doing something like this, that is so far out of my comfort zone.”
— Amy, Rails and Rivers
Favourite activities: Paddleboarding and watersports were firm favourites, as well as sightseeing, history and experiencing new foods. “I loved exploring Europe through trains. I had learnt a lot through school but seeing it helped me understand more.”
“This trip gave me so much confidence and so many happy memories, it was such a unique and amazing way of travelling, with a group of people I had barely met doing things I have never done before.”
— Caitlin, Railblazers
Best travel advice: Pack light! “You won’t need half as much as you think, and you don’t want to carry a 17kg bag around for 2 weeks.”
