1. Dresden, Germany

Looking to avoid the bustling towns of Munich, Berlin or Prague? Dresden is a unique alternative in the middle of this triad of tourist traps. Get ready to see its rich tapestry of baroque architecture, world-class art, and the chance to relax on the banks of the Elbe without the crowds. 

This open-air museum of a town is within walking distance of the station - arrive early for a self-guided tour of the palace grounds and city centre before the shops and cafes open. Dresden consists of the Neustadt and the Altstadt – with the River Elbe providing the boundary. Although the Allies destroyed most of the city in WWII, you'll find that the buildings have been restored to their former glory.

How to get there: It's easy to reach Dresden with your Eurail Pass from Munich or Berlin. You don't have to pay for a mandatory reservation for most trains in Germany, but you can pay extra to reserve a fixed seat on ICE trains. 

2. Zell am See, Austria

Mother Nature wasn't short on inspiration when she created Zell am See with its snowcapped mountains, flower-strewn meadows and crystal-clear waters. This hidden paradise is so idyllic you won't need an Instagram filter to capture the beauty of this Austrian town on Lake Zell. 

While most of the crowds make a beeline for Salzburg or Vienna, you can enjoy total tranquillity as you hike up Austria's impressive Schmittenhöhe mountain range in search of wild goats, eagles and deer. 

In the summer months, you can swim in the gin-clear lake at Strandbad Thumersbach or in the solar-heated swimming pool - the perfect way to cool off after hiking through green meadows, rocky ranges and lush flower-strewn pastures. 

How to get there: By train, you can reach Zell am See from Salzburg in 96 minutes or Vienna in just over 4 hours. You don't need to pay a supplement on regional trains in Austria with your Eurail Pass. 

3. Mont Saint Michel, France

It's no secret that France boasts a rich tapestry of enchanting towns, villages and peninsulas. Still, the holy island of Mont-Saint-Michel in Normandy has captured the imaginations of pilgrims, writers and artists for hundreds of years.

You'll feel like you've stumbled into a dream when you see the gravity-defying abbey at sunset. Legend has it that the Archangel Michael told Bishop Aubert to build a church on the top of the tiny island - it's impossible to verify if this happened. Still, you could only reach the island at low tide for centuries, so it's an absolute miracle that this vision is now a reality. 

Although this pilgrimage site is a popular tourist destination (it's also a UNESCO World Heritage Site), it's a much less crowded alternative to Paris, Lyon or Nice. 

How to get there: You can take a regional train from Rennes to Pontorson station and then catch the direct shuttle bus to Mont-Saint-Michel (the bus takes 15 minutes). 

4. Jesenice, Slovenia

Stunning scenery, green-blue lakes, limestone canyon? Check. Ready to escape the hustle and bustle of Slovenian cities like Ljubljana and Maribor? Head to the pretty town of Jesenice by train to reach one of Europe's oldest parks instead. 

Here you'll find Triglav, Slovenia's highest mountain (2864 m), overlooking the country's largest protected national park. You can enjoy hiking through stunning woodland and Alpine valleys, canoeing on crystal clear lakes and babbling brooks. Remember to pack a change of clothes and a pair of binoculars to spot the resident deer, bears and wolves (preferably from a distance).

Get ready for the perfect Alpine destination to relax, unwind and get close to nature. As a bonus, you can take plenty of envy-inducing photos of this fairytale location. 

How to get there: You don't need a reservation to take the direct train from Ljubljana to Jesenice, but you do need to take a private transfer or bus to reach the National Park (own expense). 

5. Ghent, Belgium

Instead of heading to the bucket list destinations of Bruges, Antwerp, or Brussels, why not hop off the train in the overlooked city of Ghent?

You can walk from the station into the city if you're feeling adventurous, but it's best to pay for the tram if you have lots of luggage. You'll find that Ghent is the perfect place to linger for longer as it's a mecca for delicious Belgium beer, waffles and chocolate. 

You won't be disappointed with the backdrop of historic buildings (such as the medieval castle overlooking the city) and picturesque canals that rival the typical tourist traps of the Benelux region. Ghent has three gothic towers dominating the skyline on Limburgstraat—the Gothic masterpieces of the Church of St. Nicholas, St. Bavo's Cathedral, and the Belfry. 

How to get there: You can travel all over the Benelux without a reservation on trains run by the respective national railway companies (NS, SNCB, CFL).