> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://use-it.gitbook.io/use-it-wiki/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://use-it.gitbook.io/use-it-wiki/get-started/use-it-what.md). # USE-IT what? ## Our objective USE-IT is the quality label for no-nonsense tourist info for young people. Over the last 20 years, over a 100 cities made a USE-IT map. They all publish free maps, most of them have an Instagram page, some have a website, or even run an info desk for young traveller.
Cover image

Made by locals

We don’t work with travel journalists but with local people.04.png

For young people.

Our maps are not meant to please everybody, we have a specific target group: people from 18-30, or people who feel that age).01.png

Not commercial.

Nobody pays to be included on the map.06.png

Free

It's as simple as that.03.png

Up-to-date

New editions are made every 18 months.02.png

Supporting sustainable travel and creating a sense of place.

It’s about the life and soul of the city.05.png
Every USE-IT team is largely independent. They find funding to run the project, usually from local authorities (city, province, region) and other local funders. USE-IT Oslo is paid with Norwegian money, USE-IT Prague with Czech money, and so on. USE-IT Europe can advise in this and help with tips on where to find funders, how to build a budget, how to start approaching funders and how to talk to authorities. Within the network, everybody shares the USE-IT principles and philosophy and is a member of the same European organisation called USE-IT Europe. ## A brief history USE-IT started in 1971 (in hippie times) in Copenhagen as a low-budget info desk for young travelers. The first USE-IT brochures (not maps yet) were made there and distributed in an alternative youth centre called Huset. Travellers pronounced it as ‘use it’ and that’s probably how the name stuck. Nobody knows for sure, though. Other initiatives followed later in Oslo, Rotterdam and Ghent, always with the same philosophy. In 2005, the first USE-IT Map for Young Travellers – as we know them now – was developed in Ghent (Belgium). In 2007, an international organisation called USE- IT Europe was founded in Belgium to support the current and future USE-IT initiatives, and also to protect the USE-IT principles. Since then, more and more cities have joined the network. In 2021, the old organisation quit and a new one started in France, to continue the work. This organisation holds the current Board, who hires the Editor-in-chief. {% content-ref url="/pages/xJvnPKSwjE5npg94DcA9" %} [what does USE-IT Europe do?](/use-it-wiki/about-use-it-europe/what-does-use-it-europe-do.md) {% endcontent-ref %} *** {% hint style="success" %} EXPLORE OUR ARCHIVES\ [use-it.travel/archives-map](https://use-it.travel/archives-map) {% endhint %}