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10 Of The Scariest Places You Can Travel

Scariest Places You Can Travel

Introduction

Are you a thrill-seeker looking for an adventure that will leave you with goosebumps? Look no further! In this article, we’ll take you on a journey to the 10 scariest places you can travel. These spine-chilling destinations are not for the faint of heart, but if you have a taste for the eerie, the paranormal, and the macabre, you’re in for a treat. From haunted hotels to abandoned prisons, each location has a unique and unsettling story to tell. So, pack your courage and let’s embark on this hair-raising expedition!

Be sure to take a look at our other guides to Dark Tourism , such as 8 Haunted Places in Europe and Thanatourism vs Dark Tourism. Enjoy!

Paris Catacombs
Catacombs of Paris with over 6 million skeletons

Key Takeaways

  1. Eerie Locations Worldwide: The article introduces readers to 10 spine-chilling destinations across the globe, from the UK and the United States to Colombia and Vietnam. Each location offers a unique and unsettling experience for those seeking thrills and the supernatural.

  2. Paranormal Encounters: It highlights the eerie and unexplained phenomena visitors have reported at these destinations, such as ghostly apparitions, phantom footsteps, cold spots, and mysterious sounds. These encounters add to the overall mystique of these places.

  3. Historical and Cultural Significance: Many of these locations have a rich history, often tied to tragic events, notorious figures, or abandoned structures. The article delves into the historical significance of each place, providing context for the paranormal activity.

  4. Safety and Guided Tours: It emphasizes the importance of exercising caution and respecting rules and guidelines when visiting these places. Additionally, the article recommends taking guided tours led by experienced guides who can share the history and legends associated with these locations.

  5. Thrilling Adventure: The article encourages adventurous travelers to step out of their comfort zones and explore these destinations, whether they are believers in the paranormal or skeptics. It highlights the spine-tingling experiences that await those who dare to visit these 10 scariest places around the world.

A Haunted Hotel Attic in Rye, U.K.

Mermaid INN
Mermaid INN

If you find yourself in Rye, U.K., and are intrigued by the supernatural, you must visit the haunted hotel attic at the Mermaid Inn. This place has been the subject of countless ghost stories and paranormal investigations. It is said that the restless spirits of former guests linger here, creating an eerie atmosphere that will send shivers down your spine.

Notable Features:

  • Mysterious footsteps and whispers.
  • Cold spots that defy explanation.
  • Guests have reported seeing apparitions in Victorian-era clothing.
  • Featured on Most Haunted tv show

If you’re brave enough to stay the night, prepare for an unforgettable, spine-tingling experience.

A Paranormal Funeral Parlor in Cleveland

House of Wills - Cleveland
House of Wills - Cleveland

Cleveland, Ohio, may not be the first place that comes to mind when you think of paranormal activity, but the city harbors a hidden gem for ghost hunters. The paranormal funeral parlor in Cleveland “The House of Wills is notorious for its unsettling occurrences. Once a thriving mortuary, it is now a hotbed for supernatural encounters.

What to Expect:

  • Disembodied voices and phantom footsteps.
  • Objects moving on their own.
  • Frequent apparition sightings, often caught on camera.

Prepare to be spooked as you explore the eerie remnants of this once-bustling funeral home.

An Eerie Old Jail in Charleston, S.C.

Charleston Old Jail
Charleston Old Jail

Charleston, South Carolina, is known for its historic charm, but it also houses an old jail with a dark history. The Charleston Old Jail, with its foreboding architecture, is a hotbed of paranormal activity. Built in the 19th century, it has witnessed countless tragedies and executions.

Notable Hauntings:

  • The ghost of Lavinia Fisher, America’s first female serial killer.
  • Unexplained cold spots and strange noises.
  • Visitors often report feeling an oppressive presence.

Step into the past and experience the spine-tingling history of this eerie old jail.

A Bed-and-Breakfast with Bad Energy in Glastonbury, U.K.

George and Pilgrims Inn
George and Pilgrims Inn

Glastonbury, U.K., is famous for its mystical and spiritual energy, but not all energies here are benevolent. There’s a bed-and-breakfast in Glastonbury that has earned a sinister reputation. Visitors have described feeling an overwhelming sense of dread and unease within its walls.

What to Watch Out For:

  • Unexplained shadows and flickering lights.
  • Objects moving without human intervention.
  • A pervasive feeling of being watched.

If you’re seeking an otherworldly experience, George and Pilgrims inn is the place to be, but be prepared for the unsettling energies that await.

Recommended Scary Tours

The Skull-Lined Paris Catacombs

Paris catacombs
Paris catacombs

Beneath the romantic streets of Paris lies a catacomb that’s anything but romantic. The Paris Catacombs are an underground ossuary holding the remains of approximately six million people. Walking through these bone-lined tunnels is an experience that’s both awe-inspiring and chilling.

Noteworthy Features:

  • Walls adorned with neatly stacked skulls and bones.
  • An extensive maze that can be disorienting.
  • Occasional reports of ghostly apparitions.

Explore the eerie beauty of the Paris Catacombs and contemplate the mysteries of life and death.

Shades of 'The Shining' in Banff, Alberta

"The Shining" Hotel
"The Shining" Hotel

Banff, Alberta, is known for its stunning natural beauty, but it also hides a hotel that seems straight out of a horror movie. The Banff Springs Hotel, often called the “Castle in the Rockies,” is rumored to be haunted by several restless spirits.

What to Look For:

  • A spectral bride who roams the halls.
  • Unexplained sounds and flickering lights.
  • Guests have reported feeling an icy presence.

If you’ve ever watched “The Shining” and wondered what it’s like to stay in such a place, a visit to the Banff Springs Hotel might provide some answers.

An Abandoned Lighthouse on a Scottish Isle

Flannan Isles Lighthouse

Off the coast of Scotland, on a remote isle, stands the Flannan Isles abandoned lighthouse that has intrigued adventurers and ghost hunters alike. This desolate structure, shrouded in fog and mystery, is a place where time seems to stand still.

Notable Mysteries:

  • Eerie, unexplained sounds and voices.
  • Disappearing and reappearing objects.
  • The lighthouse’s tragic history of shipwrecks.

If you’re up for a spine-tingling journey to the Scottish isles, make sure to include this enigmatic lighthouse on your itinerary.

A Narco's Luxe Prison in Medellín, Colombia

Helipad at La_Catedral
Helipad at La_Catedral

Medellín, Colombia, is infamous for its drug cartels, and there’s a prison in the city that takes eerie to a whole new level. The La Catedral prison, once home to the notorious drug lord Pablo Escobar, is now abandoned and said to be haunted by the ghosts of its dark past.

Haunting Occurrences:

  • Ghostly apparitions of inmates and guards.
  • Unexplained cries and whispers in the night.
  • The oppressive atmosphere of a once-feared penitentiary.

Explore the eerie remnants of this luxurious yet chilling prison and uncover its disturbing history.

An Unfinished Water Park in Vietnam

Creepy-abandoned-water-park
Reclaimed by nature: Step inside an imperial city's abandoned water park

In the heart of Vietnam, there’s an eerie attraction that never saw its grand opening. The Ho Thuy Tien Water Park, abandoned during construction, stands as a haunting reminder of what could have been.

Spooky Sights:

  • A massive, graffiti-covered dragon sculpture.
  • Empty, stagnant pools with a sense of foreboding.
  • Reports of eerie sounds and apparitions at night.

Dare to venture into this surreal and abandoned water park, where nature has begun to reclaim its territory.

A Claustrophobic Cave in Upstate New York

Howe caverns

For those who fear the dark and tight spaces, Upstate New York offers a terrifying challenge. The Howe Caverns, though a popular tourist attraction by day, transform into a claustrophobic nightmare at night.

Creepy Encounters:

  • Pitch-black tunnels that seem to go on forever.
  • Unexplained echoes and whispers.
  • The eerie sensation of being followed.

If you’re an adventurous soul seeking to conquer your fears, a visit to the Howe Caverns will push you to your limits.

Recommended Haunted Tours

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

While these places are open to visitors, it’s essential to exercise caution and respect the rules and guidelines set by the authorities. Some locations may have restricted access during certain times or for specific reasons.

Yes, many of these places offer guided tours led by experienced guides who can share the history and legends associated with these locations. It’s highly recommended to join a tour to fully immerse yourself in the experience.

Age restrictions may vary depending on the location and the nature of the tour. It’s advisable to check with the specific attraction beforehand to ensure it’s suitable for all ages.

Most places allow photography and videos, but some may have restrictions, especially in sensitive areas. Always ask for permission and follow any rules regarding photography.

The best time to visit these places may vary. Some are more atmospheric at night, while others offer a unique experience during the day. Check with the attraction or tour operator for the best times to visit.

Final Thoughts

If you’re an intrepid traveler seeking a dose of the supernatural, these 10 scariest places around the world should be on your bucket list. From haunted hotels to abandoned prisons and eerie caves, each destination offers a spine-tingling adventure that will leave you with lasting memories and perhaps a few ghostly encounters.

Remember to approach these places with respect and an open mind. Whether you’re a believer in the paranormal or a skeptic, the stories and histories behind these locations are undeniably captivating. So, gather your courage and embark on a journey into the unknown. The 10 scariest places you can travel await your exploration! 💀 

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Related articles: What is Dark Tourism? , Travel Guides Europe , Most Haunted Places in the UK

Recommended websites: Visit Britain , Visit Europe , About Dark Tourism

Dark Tourism

Here you will find all our guides to Dark Tourism and Haunted Places
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Nick Harvey

Hi, I am Nick! Thank you for reading! Northern Wanderers is a resource designed to help you navigate the beauty of travel. Throughout our site you'll find our best tips and itineraries to help you live a more adventure-filled life.

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Nick Harvey CEO
Hi, I am Nick! Thank you for reading! Northern Wanderers is a resource designed to help you navigate the beauty of travel. Throughout our site you'll find our best tips and itineraries to help you live a more adventure-filled life.

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