Haunted Holidays: 7 Chilling Days Out Around the World
If your idea of 'holiday chilling' involves poltergeists rather than pina coladas, this article is for you.
The world is replete with spooky ships, haunted hotels, and terrifying towers - many of which you can visit on your next getaway (and even stay overnight!).
When considering the following daring days out, be warned, 'Spirit Possession' is not covered by the majority of travel insurers!
Isla de las Muñecas
Located among the canals of Xochimico just south of Mexico City lies Isla de las Munecas - or the Island of the Dolls.
Hundreds of dolls hang from the trees of the island, in various states of disrepair: limbless, blanked eyed, and even headless dolls greet visitors brave enough to visit.
The island's doll story began, so legend has it, when a young girl drowned in the canal. She was found by the island's caretaker, who spotted a doll floating nearby - and assumed it was hers. He suspended the doll in a tree to please the girl's spirit. Haunted by the girl, the caretaker hung more and more dolls in the trees.
The tale took another tragic turn in 2001, when the caretaker too was found drowned - near the spot the girl died.
Ever since, Island of the Dolls became a tourist attraction.
The island is certainly spooky during the day, but is truly terrifying at night!
Bhangarh Fort in Rajasthan, India
Looming out of the wilderness is Bhangarh Fort in Rajasthan, India. It's so haunted that it's closed between sunset and sunrise - presumably when most of the ghostly goings-on occur.
The first of the two stories behind this spooky fortress involves a sorcerer who placed a curse on the fort after its princess rejected his advances.
A second hypothesis relates to a religious leader who didn't want the fort built near his house, since it would cast shade over his favourite meditation spot. Clearly, the leader's mindful practice had done nothing to soothe his temper, because he set about destroying the fort after it was built!
Despite being ruined, Bhangarh still has a certain chilling majesty: just don't visit at night because it will be shut - and very, very spooky.
Poveglia in Venice, Italy
Visiting the haunted island of Poveglia is even more restricted than Bhangarh Fort. Indeed, it's completely closed - although people have been known to use their own boats to reach it.
The island got its spooky reputation after it was used as a plague quarantine zone many centuries ago.
More recently in the 20th century, it was the location of a psychiatric hospital. Needless to say, both events seem to have sparked a lot of paranormal activity over the years!
Top tip: Finding a gondolier willing to take you here will be tricky.
Queen Mary, Long Beach, California, USA
This majestic ocean liner spent 30 years at sea before coming to rest in Long Beach, California.
It is said to be one of the world's most haunted vessels because at least 55 people have died onboard since 1936, when it began plying the North Atlantic. We say 'at least', because death records were not kept during World War Two, when the ship was used as a troop transport (and during which many others are thought to have died).
The ship has appeared on many ghost-based TV shows, including Most Haunted.
Adult tickets cost $25, but seeing this historic ship up close is a thrilling - and quite possibly chilling - experience.
You can also stay overnight, if you dare!
The Stanley Hotel in Estes Park, Colorado
The Rocky Mountain National Park is already known as one of the most chilling places in America during winter, but a visit to Stanley Hotel is sure to make it doubly so.
Horror novelist Stephen King drew inspiration from Stanley Hotel for his book The Shining. The story goes that the 'Maid from 217' continues to roam the hallways, packing visitors' suitcases when they're not looking.
Mercifully, ghoul-spotters can book ghost tours of The Stanley Hotel - as well as stay overnight.
Opened in 1909 and boasting 140 rooms, this colonial revival hotel is a delight in itself - even if you don't have your bags re-packed by the ghoulish help!
Credit: kirkikis - stock.adobe.com
The Lizzie Borden House, Fall River, Massachusetts
More stateside spookiness comes in the form of The Lizzie Borden House in Massachusetts.
The story goes that in 1892 businessman Andrew Borden and his second wife, Abigail, were murdered by Borden's daughter, Lizzie. The case dominated headlines for months as Lizzie's trial took place. Ultimately she was acquitted, but numerous paranormal sightings have been made ever since.
Sounds like your cup of tea? If so, you can book a ghost tour - or even an overnight stay - at Lizzie's House and undertake your very own ghostwatch!
Château de Brissac in Brissac-Quincé, France
The unique architecture of this 17th century Loire Valley castle is reason enough to visit. After all, it incorporates two mediaeval towers that existed long before the castle itself was built.
But there's more to this eye-catching structure.
Legend has it that Jacques de Brézé, the Duke of Bressac, caught his wife with the hired help in the south tower, and promptly dispatched them to the next world. In the following centuries there have been countless sightings of 'The Green Lady', so called due to the colour of her dress.
If you're feeling brave you can visit Château de Brissac yourself. It's a great day out if you're holidaying in the stunning Loire Valley.
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