The main aim of this project was to give young people, many of whom would not normally have the opportunity to travel across Europe independently, the chance to experience new cultures, build confidence, step outside their comfort zones and develop life skills through a youth-led DiscoverEU journey. The project was built around inclusion, independence, cultural exploration and youth participation. A lot of the young people involved had never travelled in this way before and for some, this was their first time navigating airports, trains, metros and accommodation without parents or family. The project also aimed to: • Increase young people’s confidence and independence. • Develop teamwork, communication and problem-solving skills. • Support intercultural learning and understanding. • Give young people ownership over planning and decision making. • Create opportunities for young people with fewer opportunities to access European travel. • Strengthen friendships, peer support and youth participation. • Help young people develop practical life skills around budgeting, navigation and organisation. Participants were heavily involved in planning routes, researching destinations, booking accommodation, budgeting, preparing travel plans and discussing safety and wellbeing before travel. As one participant said before departure: “I’m excited and a bit nervous but will still be fun. I feel like I’m prepared enough.” Another young person reflected: “This grant is a real opportunity to travel when it might not otherwise be an option.”