UK residents, spring is the perfect time to shake off winter blues and explore Europe's lesser-known gems via rail. The key to a stress-free journey lies in discovering hidden treasures before the crowds arrive.
The best tip from Tom Hall of Lonely Planet will bag you £200 towards a Coolstays stay. To stand a chance, submit your 100-word travel tale describing an uncharted destination that can be reached by train. If you have a relevant photo, share it too – just keep in mind your words are what we're judging.
The competition closes on February 9 at 10am GMT and is only open to UK residents. Visit the form below to share your story, or click here if you need assistance.
Spring Break in Europe: Uncover Your Hidden Gem
As the days grow longer, the sun shines brighter, making spring an ideal time to explore Europe's southern cities and coastal towns without the crowds. What makes early spring a great time to visit? It offers a unique blend of pleasant temperatures and fewer tourists.
If you're looking for advice on how to make the most of your sunny spring break in Europe, share your tip using the form provided. Take a moment to tell us about an incredible rail journey or a charming destination that's off the beaten path.
The best tip from Tom Hall of Lonely Planet will bag you £200 towards a Coolstays stay. To stand a chance, submit your 100-word travel tale describing an uncharted destination that can be reached by train. If you have a relevant photo, share it too – just keep in mind your words are what we're judging.
The competition closes on February 9 at 10am GMT and is only open to UK residents. Visit the form below to share your story, or click here if you need assistance.
Spring Break in Europe: Uncover Your Hidden Gem
As the days grow longer, the sun shines brighter, making spring an ideal time to explore Europe's southern cities and coastal towns without the crowds. What makes early spring a great time to visit? It offers a unique blend of pleasant temperatures and fewer tourists.
If you're looking for advice on how to make the most of your sunny spring break in Europe, share your tip using the form provided. Take a moment to tell us about an incredible rail journey or a charming destination that's off the beaten path.
. I mean, what's really going on here? They're just looking for any old story about some train ride or whatever and offering a measly £200 in return? It don't add up, if you ask me... 
. Mark my words, this contest is just a cover for something bigger...
! I've always wanted to explore Europe without the tourist crowds, and now there's a chance to win £200 towards a Coolstays stay just for sharing my travel story 
. I'm thinking of submitting a tale about exploring Croatia's lesser-known islands via train - it was such an underrated experience last year 
. The fact that they're looking for hidden gems makes me think we can all contribute some cool finds to the community 
. Who knows, maybe someone will stumble upon my fave little spot in Bulgaria and share it with the world 
!
There's something so magical about discovering new places before they get too touristy. I think spring is the perfect time to do it, the weather is still pretty chill and you can enjoy the scenic routes without freezing your bums off.
. I've been thinking of taking a train journey through Italy or France, maybe somewhere like Tuscany or Provence 
... but you know what's even better? Discovering those secret spots first before everyone else finds out 
! Enter me for the £200 travel competition - I have just the story in mind about this tiny village in Croatia that's a total off-the-beaten-path destination 
. Still, it's a great excuse to plan a trip and explore some new places with friends or family 
. Just don't expect it to be a life-changer or anything...
What's your fave hidden European destination?
It's like something out of Harry Potter - you know, when they take that magical train to Hogwarts? 
Anyway, I think the UK residents should totally take advantage of this opportunity. There are so many amazing places in Europe that people usually overlook. Like, have you ever heard of Interlaken in Switzerland? It's like a dream come true for outdoor enthusiasts! 
The scenery is breathtaking and the rail network is super convenient. I'm definitely entering this competition - my 100-word travel tale is going to be epic! 
... I mean, who doesn't want to write about some obscure place and risk their entry being lost in the noise? It's not like there are better ways to spend your time. But hey, if you're into that sort of thing, go for it! Just don't expect any prizes for originality or creativity – we'll just be looking for something "off the beaten path" because, you know, everyone and their grandma has been to Paris 
. i've always wanted to explore those lesser-known train routes that take you to hidden gems. like, have you ever been to annecy france? it's this adorable little town on the french alps that's like a fairytale come true 
... and there's a train station just in front of the old town, so easy to get around 
plus a cool story to share 
. it's like, the perfect excuse to plan a spring break adventure 
. just gotta keep in mind the compo closes on feb 9 so get submitting ASAP 
!