Book a First-Hand Encounter with the Supernatural: A Look at the World’s Most Haunted Destinations

by Jan Mauer | Oct 10, 2017 | European Travel, Luxury Travel, Small Group Tours, Travel Adventures | 0 comments

With All Hallows’ Eve just around the corner, a post about haunted locations around the world seems particularly apt. If you’re into encounters of the spine-tingling variety, you’re part of a small but passionate group of travelers. “Paranormal Travel” enthusiasts participate regularly in online forums, and there’s even a small cottage industry that specializes in highlighting travel to spooky destinations. If this interests you or someone you know here’s a quick list of some of the world’s most haunted destinations.

Night guards claim to hear pacing footsteps, strange voices, and blood-curdling screams.

Castle of Good Hope, Capetown, South Africa

This bastion fort built in the 17th century is said to still terrify the soldiers who guard her ramparts by night. Sentries claim to hear pacing footsteps, strange voices, and blood-curdling screams. Less gruesomely, this castle is also said to be home to a supernatural canine that jumps up on guests as they walk the halls!

The Tower of London is haunted by a dark history (here the Tower Bridge is shown looming in the background).

Tower of London, England

The Tower of London, part of which was built as early as 1078 by William the Conqueror, has served as a royal residence, an armory, and, most famously, a prison. It is here that people claim to have seen the headless ghost of Anne Boleyn, the ill-fated wife of Henry VIII, wandering the halls and gardens with her head cradled in her arms.

Dolls photographed on the Island of the Dolls by Esparta Palma [CC BY 2.0 (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0)], via Wikimedia Commons

Island of the Dolls, Xochimilco, Mexico

The story of this haunted isle is particularly eerie. In the 1950s, a man named Julian was the caretaker of the island. Julian is said to have sensed the spirit of a young girl who had drowned on the island. In an attempt to calm her spirit, and bring her peace, he bought hundreds of dolls and hung them from the trees. Some say he was driven mad by the thought that he could not save her. Later, Julian was found drowned in the same spot the girl had died. Today, residents of the island say many spirits haunt the dolls.

The Banff Springs Hotel is a dramatic destination that many believe is haunted.

Banff Springs Hotel, Alberta, Canada

This majestic hotel, set against the dramatic and moody backdrop of the Canadian Rockies, claims a few friendly spirits and a few cranky ones. One kindly ghost is a former bellhop who reportedly offers to help guests with their luggage. Visitors have also reported seeing a spectral bride dancing alone in one of the ballrooms.

These four are of course just the tip of the ghostly iceberg. Lists abound, ranging from the quirky to the macabre and everything in between. One thing is for certain: There’s a haunted place to explore in every corner of the globe.

Whether your travel interests include the supernatural, or you simply prefer the majesty of the natural world and interacting with people on this side of eternity — I’d love to hear more about what kinds of destinations make your heart race a little faster. More than that, I can help you get there! Contact me today by clicking here.

Jan Mauer

With professionalism and her consistent ability to curate exceptional travel experiences for her clients, Jan Mauer of Exciting Vacations has built her reputation as a Travel Agent who specializes in luxury. Jan has spent more than three decades as trusted advisor to those who require both opulence and exoticism during their world travels. Her expertise about international culture and 5-star getaways ensures that every travel adventure of which you partake is a bespoke experience fulfilling your unique requirements for both luxury and authenticity. Call Jan at (732) 613-8640 or email her here for one-on-one guidance from one of luxury travel's foremost experts.