Found By Accident contains affiliate links and is a member of the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program. If you make a purchase using one of the Amazon links (or other affiliate links), we may receive compensation at no extra cost to you. See our disclosure policy for more information.
15 Spring Destinations Not Worth The Hype
Spring – the time of year when everyone seems to have the same idea: escape to the most talked-about destinations for that perfect getaway. Sounds dreamy, right? Until you arrive and realize half the planet had the same travel plans.
There you are, dodging tourists taking selfies, trying to see past the throngs of fellow humans, all while battling unpredictable weather that can’t decide if it’s in a winter hangover or a premature summer party.
Turns out, some of these famed spring hot spots aren’t exactly as magical as the glossy brochures promised. So, before you start packing your bags, let’s take a closer look at some places that just might fall flat. And hey, don’t forget to share your thoughts in the comments after… you know, because misery loves company.
Amsterdam, Netherlands
Tulip season sounds like a serene, floral wonderland until you realize it’s less “breathtaking beauty” and more “cold hands clutching an overpriced coffee.” April in Amsterdam treats you to a fun game called “spot the tulips while dodging raindrops” amidst temperatures that leave you wondering if you accidentally traveled back a couple months to winter.
And just when you think Keukenhof Gardens will be your peaceful escape, you’ll instead find yourself in a human traffic jam with other guests poking your personal space. If you visit, pack layers… and maybe an invisibility cloak to dodge the endless streams of tourists.
Paris, France
Paris in the spring – so romantic, right? Cue the poetic gray skies and a brisk breeze that will remind you to dust off that winter coat you optimistically stored away. Cherry blossoms in bloom might tempt you to linger at an outdoor cafe, but reality hits when you’re clutching your scarf tighter than your espresso.
And the iconic riverside strolls are more of a shuffle, accompanied by a soundtrack of honking horns and chatter from equally freezing tourists. Paris is still Paris, but maybe save the beret and flowy dress for a slightly warmer, less goosebump-filled season.
Tokyo, Japan
Cherry blossoms here are marketed like the Oscars – glamorous, fleeting, and nearly impossible to time perfectly. Arrive early, and you’re greeted with barren branches. Show up late, and your idyllic moment is replaced with scattered petals and regret.
And then there’s the crowd… think New Year’s Eve in Times Square but with more pink trees and fewer party hats. Hanami picnics sound dreamy until you’re awkwardly sitting on a tarp while strangers hover, waiting for your prime spot. Tokyo is a gorgeous place, no doubt, but those blossoms come with their own side of chaos.
Venice, Italy
Venice in spring is every hopeless romantic’s dream – until you’re ankle-deep in acqua alta (high tides that flood the city), wondering if 5-star rain boots are a thing. The canals may look picture-perfect, but navigating paddle-worthy flooding while dodging groups wielding cruise ship lanyards? Less enchanting.
Plus, the narrow streets are packed tighter than a Venetian gondola, making your would-be stroll more of a rush to escape from tourist traps. But hey, who needs space when you’ve got damp socks and endless gelato stalls to console you? Timing is everything here; maybe save Venice for drier, less crowded seasons.
San Francisco, California
San Francisco promises blooming flowers and cable car rides each spring, but mostly, you’re met with an icy wind that feels custom-designed to ruin your plans. Mark Twain may or may not have said something about the coldest winter being a summer in San Francisco, but honestly, spring is just as moody.
Oh, and don’t forget the fog – what’s more picturesque than a city that looks like it’s been wrapped in mystery (and a damp blanket)? Add in the ongoing urban challenges, and you might reconsider those plans to frolic through the famous hills.
New York City, New York
Spring in the Big Apple – where the trees in Central Park start to blossom just in time to remind you how allergic you are to nature. It’s still too chilly to sit outside comfortably, but don’t worry, you can still pay $20 for a mediocre iced latte indoors.
And if you thought spring meant lower hotel rates, think again. Between the prices and the crowds, you might end up wondering if that hot dog stand has a rentable bench because, honestly, that might be the most affordable seating in Manhattan right now.
Reykjavik, Iceland
Spring in Reykjavik? More like winter’s awkward encore. It’s April, and the roads to those photo-worthy waterfalls? Closed. The trails? A muddy obstacle course that’ll make your boots question why you bothered. And daylight? There’s more of it, sure, but it just gives you an extended view of the cold, soggy wilderness.
You’ll spot locals in T-shirts, though, because apparently 40° F feels tropical here. But don’t pack yours – you’ll stick out more than someone trying to pronounce Eyjafjallajokull with confidence.
Rome, Italy
The Eternal City… eternally packed. Tourists, school field trips, and probably half the population of Europe seem to gather here in the spring, forming the longest lines this side of a DMV. Want to see the Colosseum? Hope you brought snacks for the line because you’ll need them.
And the weather? One second, it’s picnic-perfect; the next, it feels like you’re being chased by an angry raincloud. It’s as if Rome decided chaos didn’t just belong in its history books; it belongs in its weather forecast, too.
Cancun, Mexico
Cancun in April is what happens when off-season meets a heatwave. Sure, you snagged a deal now that winter is over, but now you’re surrounded by a sea of humanity that also thought they were beating the crowd. Clearly, they weren’t.
The beaches are so crowded you’d think they were giving away free pina coladas (they’re not, by the way, and the ones you buy are overpriced). And the heat? It’s the kind that has you reapplying sunscreen by the hour and sweating through your fourth shirt of the day. Relaxing isn’t on the itinerary here.
New Orleans, Louisiana
Ever tried relaxing in humid weather that feels like walking into a big, sticky hug? That’s New Orleans in April and May for you. The tail end of mardi-gras season means smaller crowds, but the humidity has no intention of leaving the party early.
Mosquitoes are already acting like they own the place, leaving their own little “souvenirs” on your skin. And strolling past a jazz band in the French Quarter sounds romantic, but by the time you’ve wandered two blocks, you’re probably dripping, swatting bugs, and ready to camp out by an industrial fan.
Bangkok, Thailand
Visiting Bangkok in spring is an adventure in melting. You step outside your hotel and – boom – you’re instantly a human popsicle that’s been left out in the sun. The city’s notorious for its temples, street food, and, during April, temperatures that skyrocket above 95° F.
Trying to enjoy a tuk-tuk ride? Best bring a towel for the inevitable back sweat. Thinking of visiting the Grand Palace? Congratulations, you’ll be drenched in sweat before snapping even one photo. Songkran, the Thai New Year water festival, does help a little, though… random people throwing water in your face is suddenly the best thing that’s happened all day.
Sydney, Australia
Flying into Sydney during spring is like showing up to a costume party only to find out no one’s wearing costumes… you royally fudged up. Because guess what? It’s technically fall here. But good luck spotting any fiery red or golden leaves fluttering in the breeze. Instead, it’s all eucalyptus trees being their evergreen selves and, unfortunately, the occasional raincloud deciding to play spoiler.
The temperatures? Cooler, yes, but not sweater-weather crisp – more of an awkward “Do I need a jacket or not?” phase. Don’t worry; the beaches are still stunning, though.
Charleston, South Carolina
Charleston in spring is a trifecta of charm, cost, and critters. Yes, the cobblestone streets are still there, but so are the mosquitoes, aggressively reminding you who’s really in charge. The magnolias? Mostly done showing off by April, leaving you with some sad green leaves and a slight floral ghost in the air.
And good luck finding a decent hotel deal… apparently, Charleston in April is a hotspot for sweating through your sundress and spending $400 a night for the privilege. At least you’ll have plenty of warm evenings for sulking (er, I mean strolling) past overpriced restaurants serving “seasonal” shrimp and grits.
Los Angeles, California
Right, so Los Angeles sounds dreamy in the spring until you find yourself three hours deep in traffic, trying to muster nostalgia for a road trip that hasn’t moved. The famous coastline? A tad less photogenic when wrapped in blankets of “May Gray” that seem to also somehow happen in April.
And the smog? Lurking in the distance like a bouncer deciding whether to ruin your skyline view. Sure, the weather’s technically pleasant, but L.A. knows how to underhandedly keep things spicy, in the “Hey, is that overcast or pollution poisoning my sunset?” kind of way.
Athens, Greece
Ancient ruins meet renovation chaos and cloud cover during spring in Athens. The Parthenon might still look majestic… if you can spot it through the scaffolding or spectacularly unhelpful haze. Want sunshine for your ancient photo ops? Keep dreaming, because spring’s weather hands out gusty winds and gray skies like it’s going for a personal best.
Tip for staying warm during surprisingly cool evenings? Try huddling in confusion while deciphering maps to the nearest souvlaki spot.
Like Our Content? Follow Us On MSN (or click the Follow Button above) to see more from Traveling In Focus.
