For some travellers, a typical beach holiday just doesn’t offer the same allure as a journey into the shadows. Haunted travel destinations have become an appealing choice for thrill-seekers eager to explore the eerie and supernatural. Thanks to a rise in interest around ghost tours, horror film locations, and historic haunted sites, there are now more ways than ever to incorporate a spooky twist into a holiday.
According to Audley Travel, interest in haunted holiday destinations has soared, with data sourced from World Population Review, Tripadvisor, and Rotten Tomatoes to reveal some of the most spine-chilling spots. From haunted towns in the USA to ghostly castles in Japan, these destinations offer an experience that lingers long after the trip ends.
For horror film enthusiasts, visiting iconic movie locations can add an extra thrill to any holiday. Audley Travel’s recent study on the top 100 horror films revealed some popular filming spots that fans can visit to relive their favourite terrifying scenes. The analysis found that New York and California are among the most common settings for horror movies, with New York leading with seven horror films and California with four.
The United States tops the chart for ghost and vampire tours, boasting an impressive 723 such experiences nationwide, per Audley Travel’s recent analysis. American enthusiasm for Halloween and all things horror fuels an array of ghostly tours and events. Salem, Massachusetts, often called “Witch City”, is an iconic destination in this realm. Its history of the infamous 1692 witch trials adds a chilling backdrop to walking tours that explore sites associated with this dark chapter.
Another prime location for supernatural tourism is New Orleans, Louisiana. Known for its eclectic culture, the city also holds a reputation as one of the most haunted in the country. Visitors can embark on ghost tours that weave through historic cemeteries and the French Quarter, with tales of spirits that haunt these areas. Monty Bampfield, a USA specialist from Audley Travel, notes,
“Everything is bigger in the USA, and that includes the thrills and scares. Ghost and vampire tours are easy to find across the country, each offering its unique take on the supernatural.”
For those looking for something classic, Boston offers a historic ghost tour by trolley. Bampfield highlights this as an exceptional experience, where travellers traverse narrow, cobbled streets and visit historic graveyards under the guide of seasoned storytellers. It’s a chance to step into New England’s past and hear chilling tales rooted in America’s colonial history.
While the USA claims the most ghost tours, Japan stands out in the rankings for haunted castles, with an impressive 264 historical castles scattered across the country. Japan’s architectural approach to castle-building differs greatly from the stone fortresses of Europe. Wooden castles, resilient to the frequent earthquakes in the region, offer a unique, eerie atmosphere.
One standout experience is Ozu Castle, located in Ehime Prefecture. This restored castle offers an overnight stay for travellers looking to immerse themselves fully in Japan’s feudal history. David Peat, Audley Travel’s Regional Product Manager, explains that guests can expect a warm but traditionally themed welcome.
“The entire staff wear 17th-century clothing and treat you the way a samurai would’ve been treated, immersing you fully in the history of the period. You’ll be greeted with taiko drums and a formal ritual, and even have the chance to don armour or kimonos.”
Staying at Ozu Castle provides visitors with an authentic, cultural experience wrapped in the history of Japan’s storied past. This destination exemplifies the way haunted holiday spots can offer not only ghostly legends but also a deep dive into cultural heritage, making it an unforgettable travel experience.
