Looking for a European break but keen to avoid the hordes? Traveller Luke Hoogmoed (@lukepatrickh) – who has built up an Instagram following of 393,000 with his travel content – is here to help.
In a video posted on social media, the 25-year-old adventurer from the Netherlands shared 10 underrated European destinations that he thinks you won’t have heard of. And here he reveals more about his choices.
He tells MailOnline Travel: ‘Most of the destinations in my video are located in Eastern Europe. When I travel, I like three things: safety, hospitality, and beauty.
‘And I think Eastern Europe, despite the prejudices many people have about it, is far ahead in these things compared to the other side of Europe. In all of these destinations I felt completely safe.
‘The big Western cities are often more organised in terms of infrastructure and overall facilities, but those are not things I prioritise on my trips.’
Find out which underrated European gems Luke recommends adding to your bucket list below, from a city where locals will ‘welcome you with open arms’ to a ‘fairytale town’…
![TRENCIN, SLOVAKIA: Luke Hoogmoed shared 10 underrated European destinations he thinks people won't have heard of in a social media video, and reveals why he chose them to MailOnline Travel. He's pictured above in Trencin, Slovakia, which he describes as a 'typical Slovakian village'. He remarks: 'The first thing I noticed was how clean it was and how much it reminded me of a fairytale town. The castle [pictured immediately above] is the highlight in this city - very well-maintained and huge as well. It¿s a small town, so two nights is enough, but it¿s definitely worth visiting'](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2025/02/18/14/95327565-14408317-TRENCIN_SLOVAKIA_Luke_describes_Trencin_as_a_typical_Slovakian_v-a-96_1739889721694.jpg)
TRENCIN, SLOVAKIA: Luke Hoogmoed shared 10 underrated European destinations he thinks people won’t have heard of in a social media video, and reveals why he chose them to MailOnline Travel. He’s pictured above in Trencin, Slovakia, which he describes as a ‘typical Slovakian village’. He remarks: ‘The first thing I noticed was how clean it was and how much it reminded me of a fairytale town. The castle [pictured immediately above] is the highlight in this city – very well-maintained and huge as well. It’s a small town, so two nights is enough, but it’s definitely worth visiting’
VELIKO TARNOVO, BULGARIA: Luke explains he was drawn to Veliko Tarnovo, the historic capital of Bulgaria that’s often known as the ‘City of Tsars’, as he’s a ‘history enthusiast’. He reveals: ‘The fortress (pictured) is one of the best-preserved structures from its time in Europe, and the views you get from there are amazing’
HERCEG NOVI, MONTENEGRO: Luke describes Herceg Novi (pictured) as ‘a beautiful town on Montenegro’s Adriatic coast’. The traveller reveals: ‘Most people go to Kotor and skip Herceg Novi and that’s why it’s so underrated. The old town and the fortress are gorgeous’
GIJIROKASTER, ALBANIA: Luke, who’s a self-confessed fortress fan, describes Gjirokaster’s fortress (pictured) as ‘insanely well preserved’. He explains: ‘It’s a very distinct city in terms of architecture, it’s called the ‘City of Stone’ for a reason, and I think it’s the best place to experience authentic Albanian culture’
![JAJCE, BOSNIA AND HERZEGOVINA: Luke says that 'not many people have heard of' the Bosnian town of Jajce. He reveals: 'The main attraction here is a gigantic waterfall [pictured]. There's also a very clean and picturesque old town'](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2025/02/18/14/95320099-14408317-JAJCE_BOSNIA_AND_HERZEGOVINA_Luke_says_that_not_many_people_have-a-99_1739889721697.jpg)
JAJCE, BOSNIA AND HERZEGOVINA: Luke says that ‘not many people have heard of’ the Bosnian town of Jajce. He reveals: ‘The main attraction here is a gigantic waterfall [pictured]. There’s also a very clean and picturesque old town’
OLOMOUC, CZECH REPUBLIC: Olomouc is the ‘perfect alternative to Prague’ for people who want to escape the Czech capital’s crowds, says Luke. He adds: ‘The old astronomical clock was my favourite part of town. The people are very welcoming too. They’re not very used to travellers here so they’ll welcome you with open arms’
![ESZTERGOM, HUNGARY: Luke describes Esztergom as the 'perfect day trip' destination from Hungary's capital, Budapest. He reveals: 'The Basilica [Hungary's largest church, pictured] is one of the craziest buildings I have ever seen. I loved the Esztergom Castle Museum as well, [it's] a very well-maintained medieval building'](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2025/02/18/14/95320109-14408317-ESZTERGOM_HUNGARY_Luke_describes_Esztergom_as_the_perfect_day_tr-a-102_1739889721699.jpg)
ESZTERGOM, HUNGARY: Luke describes Esztergom as the ‘perfect day trip’ destination from Hungary’s capital, Budapest. He reveals: ‘The Basilica [Hungary’s largest church, pictured] is one of the craziest buildings I have ever seen. I loved the Esztergom Castle Museum as well, [it’s] a very well-maintained medieval building’
TRAKAI, LITHUANIA: Trakai is a ‘perfect day trip’ destination, according to Luke, who recommends visiting from Lithuania’s capital, Vilnius. He explains: ‘Trakai’s unique selling point is its lakes. I took a boat tour there and loved it. There’s also this beautiful villa where you have a gorgeous view of the lake and a beautiful backdrop for romantic photos. It’s called Užutrakio dvaro sodybos rūmai’ (pictured)
EZE, COTE D’AZURE, FRANCE: Luke describes Eze as a ‘beautiful authentic old town’. He says it’s a ‘place where you can find actual local food and authentic French culture in an area that’s very overrun by tourists’
CHUR, SWITZERLAND: Chur is the ‘oldest village in Switzerland’ says Luke, and tourists can board the scenic Glacier Express train there. Luke describes it as ‘authentic’, adding that it’s even ‘nicer during winter’ when it has ‘incredible Christmas markets’