What I Discovered in Lithuania at 15 Years Old

Fast forward to today, I am a volunteer of the Travel Different for Future (TDFF) programme. This initiative plays a vital role in promoting tourism that is sustainable, responsible, and culturally enriching. Through workshops, storytelling, and digital communication, TDFF empowers young people to use their voices and creativity to inspire change in the way we travel.

For me, that week in Lithuania was the first step toward a journey of mindful and meaningful travel that connects us with local communities, respects traditions, and builds awareness of our impact on the planet. By sharing my experiences, I hope to encourage others to join projects like TDFF and discover how volunteering and travel can go hand in hand in shaping a better future.

Living the culture, not just observing it

What made the experience unique was how deeply we were immersed in the Lithuanian way of life. We weren’t just tourists. We were welcomed into a community that wanted to share its traditions, food, and stories with us.

We danced traditional folk dances, tasted dishes I had never heard of before, such as Cepelinai, and explored natural and historical places that held meaning for local people. What struck me most was how much pride Lithuanians have in their cultural heritage. It made me reflect: “How well do I even know my own country’s traditions?”

This experience showed me that we don’t always need to travel far away to discover something new. Exploring our own culture, local traditions, and nearby places can be just as exciting and meaningful. So, I invite you to ask yourself: how much do you really know about your own country’s heritage and the stories it holds?

Sharing my identity

One of the most valuable parts of the Erasmus+ youth exchange was getting the chance to present my own culture. It was intimidating at first. How would I explain my identity in a few minutes? But curiosity and respect of other participants made it easier for me.

That moment helped me understand that cultural exchange goes both ways. It’s not just about learning; it’s also about teaching. When we travel, we are not just guests; we also serve as ambassadors for our own communities.

This connects directly with the TDFF philosophy, which views travel as a tool to foster intercultural understanding, mutual respect, and empathy. By sharing who we are while listening to others, we build mindful and meaningful connections. Exchanges like this prove that travel can go beyond tourism; it can create bridges, reduce prejudice, and inspire us to act more responsibly. In this way, cultural exchange is not only personal growth, but also a contribution to making the world a more inclusive and connected place.

A first taste of responsible travel

When I was 15, I didn’t think about sustainability or responsible tourism, even though we learned to respect the local environment, to use resources more thoughtfully, to avoid acting like typical tourists, and most importantly, to act together as a group with shared values.

Now, as part of the TDFF programme, when we talk a lot about sustainable tourism, I’ve come to understand that my Erasmus experience in Lithuania marked the beginning of a more conscious way of exploring the world, one rooted in curiosity, respect, and cultural awareness.

Looking back, I can see how those early experiences abroad shaped the way I now contribute as a volunteer in this project. Through workshops, blog writing, and social media content, I try to share the same values of sustainability that I first discovered in Lithuania. It’s not just about travelling differently, but about inspiring others to rethink their own travel habits as well.

Why this experience still matters

Taking part in this exchange didn’t just make me a more conscious traveller; it made me a better person and motivated me to become a part of something bigger, such as the TDFF programme that cares about the future and new generations. It opened my eyes to the richness of other cultures, the importance of curiosity, and the need for empathy. I realised that travelling isn’t just about places, it’s about people, perspectives, and connection.

As I grow older, I’m more aware of the environmental and social impact of travel. I still love exploring new places, but I do it with more care and consciousness.

Travel differently, even when you're Young

My Erasmus experience in Lithuania taught me something powerful: you don’t need to be an adult to start thinking differently about the world. Even at 15, I could feel how important it was to listen, to learn, and to respect.

Now, as part of a project that promotes sustainable travel, I know that these values matter more than ever. So, here’s my message to anyone thinking about joining a youth exchange: Go! Say yes! Be curious! And don’t just visit, connect!

Travel isn’t about how far you go. It’s about how deeply you engage.