By Santiago Carneri
Copyright euroweeklynews
At just 21 years old, Yuri Fernández has set out on an adventure not often seen among young people on the northern Costa Blanca: a 15-day hitchhiking journey across Europe. Originally from Moncada (Valencia), but living in Denia for the past six years, this adventurer combines his job as an acrobatics instructor in Javea with his greatest passion – sport and personal challenges. “I’m always thinking about what the next adventure will be,” he says.
The idea came about spontaneously. After finishing the summer camp where he had been working, Yuri found himself with nearly a month of free time. Instead of staying at home, he decided to make the most of his holidays. With just a light rucksack, a summer sleeping bag and around €200 in his pocket, he set off with one clear goal: to get as far away from Spain as possible in 15 days.
His journey has already taken him to northern Germany, to a small student town near Lübeck, with Denmark now in sight. Along the way, he has met people from different nationalities and collected some remarkable experiences, such as driving a Romanian traveller’s car from France to Germany or sleeping in a hammock by the river in Frankfurt, not without a few worries about safety. “One night, two strangers stared at me for a while, so I stayed alert, but nothing happened,” he recalls.
Hitchhiking through Europe
Technology has proved to be an essential travel companion. “Without Google Maps it would have been almost impossible,” he admits. With portable solar panels and power banks, he keeps his phone charged to navigate and stay in touch with family and friends, while also sharing his journey on social media. Even so, he admits that concern from his loved ones is always present. “My family are much calmer because I speak to them more often so they don’t worry. They’re already waiting for me back home with a cake.”
The adventure has not been without difficulties. The German chill caught him off guard, as he only packed summer clothes. Luckily, a family welcomed him and gifted him a sweatshirt and jacket so he could continue on his way. “People are very kind,” he says gratefully. For Yuri, these gestures confirm that the trip is about much more than covering miles: it is about meeting, sharing and allowing himself to be surprised along the way.
Once back in Denia, Yuri is eager to read through the notebook in which all the drivers who picked him up have left messages. “I’m also really looking forward to seeing my family again, sharing every detail with my friends, and of course, already thinking about the next trip,” he reflects.
