Even with a name like Travel Off Path, there are some global icons we just fathom skipping over.
As a team of seasoned travelers, we love venturing off the typical tourist trail — from the Peruvian Amazon to Eastern Europe gems— but we’re not above following the crowd to popular paradises like Cancun either.
Given the throes of winter the past few months, we've been counting down the days for when we can visit some of Europe's most world-renowned cities.
As a light packer myself, the last thing I want to do is jam more clothes than necessary in my backpack. Therefore, spring is calling.
We're not alone either.
The Points Guy just revealed 8 of their top epic getaways that are surprisingly more appealing in spring than summer.
We handpicked the following 3 household names that never fail since they just so happen to be some of our own springtime favorites.
PLUS: We've built a quiz at the end of the article so you can find out which one is a perfect match for your travel style, so stick around!
Amsterdam: Less Crowds, Peak Scenery
We can't confirm nor deny the notion that Karens hibernate in spring.
Word on the street is Amsterdam is more inviting than ever after years of anti-tourism campaigns that, quite frankly, seemed to stop no one from visiting one of Europe's top cities.
Even if you do run into a few grouches hinting you should go home, we suggest taking the Mel Robbins approach and ‘let them'.
Amsterdam is too enchanting to waste time partake in a pity party.
Spring sees much more vibrant scenery and fewer crowds than the impending summer, where you may have around-the-block lines at such place as the Rijksmuseum and Anne Frank House.
Of course, it's hard to find a picture of Amsterdam without their sprawling flower fields.
Spring is peak season for tulips beginning to bloom, showcasing a kaleidoscope of colors from late March to early May at Keukenhof Gardens.
Obviously, exploring the canals is all but obligatory, but spring is the best time to score better pricing and shorter lines, especially if you're looking to book a boat ride.
Paris: Isn't It Always Packed?
Is there ever a perfect time to visit one of the world's most visited cities? Probably not.
Is there a preferred time? Absolutely — and that time is spring and not just for cherry blossom backdrops.
Even with so many people pouring into Paris daily, you'd be surprised by what's possible to accomplish.
I mean, The Louvre was robbed in broad daylight after all…
But safety signals are mixed in Paris. According to our latest Traveler Safety Index results, travelers feel moderately safe in Paris with a score of 75. That aligns with the State Department's own “Level 2: Exercise increased caution” designation.
That means you can follow our advice to explore beyond the norm of what's on most tourists' itineraries as long as you exercise normal precautions like you would in most destinations.
You know — Notre Dame, Versailles, and of course, that towering steel beam everyone loves to gawk at.
For example, when I visited Paris fairly recently, the architectural marvel that caught my eye more than any other had less than 10 people there — La Madeleine. It's gorgeous.
Though The Points Guy is hyping up 2 must-visit spots to avoid the usual crowds:
- Chateau de Vaux-le-Vicomte (the inspiration for Versailles)
- Giverny (day-trip getaway)
Truthfully, Paris is so massive that you get used to the buzz of constant footsteps and car horns pretty quickly.
You can still see all the sights and find one of what seems like thousands and thousands of sidewalk cafes to kick back, recharge, and watch the world go by with a buttery croissant and soulful cappuccino.
Venice: Beat The Heat & Summer Crowds
Venice is yet another European city plagued with overtourism concerns. But their campaigns have been more welcoming than those of the Netherlands.
Despite implementing entry fees, Venice has seen no slowdown. It's all but guaranteed that a rush of tourists will invade this UNESCO-listed wonder come summer, so that's all the more reason to make plans now.
Even though Venice boasts postcard-worthy canals, summers can feel like wandering through a humid maze of stone alleyways and packed bridges.
But it's best to save your swims to cool off at hotel pools if you don't want a one-way ticket out of town.
Your best bet for enjoyable weather and fewer crowds is during spring, with the exception of this May when Venice Biennale celebrates its 61st art exhibition that tends to draw hordes of visitors.
‘Til then, you can surely score better hotel deals, crowd-free canals now through April, and other amazing attractions like the staggering St. Mark's Basilica, without needing to plan well in advance.
Find Your Spring Escape
Summer in Europe means sweltering heat and massive crowds. Take this 3-step quiz to find out which iconic European city you should visit right now.
What is your ideal springtime backdrop?
How do you prefer to spend your afternoon?
What is your strategy for beating the crowds?
Your Match: Amsterdam
The Springtime Classic. You want vibrant scenery and fewer lines.
Why It Fits: Spring is the absolute peak season for Amsterdam. You will avoid the around-the-block summer lines at the Rijksmuseum, get better pricing on canal tours, and witness the incredible Keukenhof Gardens in full bloom!
Your Match: Paris
The Bustling Icon. You want massive sights and cafe culture.
Why It Fits: Paris is so massive that there is always something incredible to see. You can check off the Eiffel Tower and Versailles, then escape the main crowds by visiting La Madeleine or taking a spring day trip to Giverny.
Your Match: Venice
The UNESCO Wonder. You want to beat the sweltering heat.
Why It Fits: Summer in Venice is notoriously hot and crowded. By going in the early spring (especially before the massive Biennale art exhibition in May), you get to explore the canals and St. Mark's Basilica in comfort while scoring better hotel deals.
