Halloween is little over a week away, and we've been seeing loads of related submissions. Just in time for fright night festivities, Forbes Magazine has compiled a list of the World's Spookiest Spots, including the infamous Gothic castle once inhabited by Count Dracula.
Instead of avoiding frightening situations, people are choosing to put themselves in them more and more, whether it be for extreme sports or travel, or, like we see here, places inhabited by tortured spirits.
For a blood curdling adventure, consider making the journey to one of the following haunted destinations.
Sleepy Hollow, N.Y. - Live shows are put on here every Halloween reenacting the Washington Irving's classic tale of The Legend of Sleepy Hollow, complete with Headless Horseman and other ghoulish characters.
Catacombs in Paris - An underground layer that housed bodies in the 18th century when the city's graveyards were overcrowded. Site goers have reported countless ghost sighting and eerie noises, including voices.
Tower of London - Another historical site plagued by tormented souls, this time by the wives of King Henry VIII. Anne Boleyn is said to have been spotted by several site visitors, walking the halls with her decapitated head in arm, seeking revenge on the husband that killed her to be with another woman.
Bran Castle, Transylvania - This Gothic Romanian site is also known as "Dracula's Castle," home of Prince Vlad the Impaler in the 15th century, the real life prince that inspired Bram Stoker's infamous vampire tale.
Also featured:
Loch Ness in Inverness, Scotland
Monte Cristo Homestead in Junee, New South Wales, Australia
Area 51 in Groom Lake, Nev.
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World's Spookiest Spots
Haunted Travel Picks
Trend Themes
1. Extreme Haunted Travel - Opportunity to create extreme haunted travel experiences that cater to thrill-seekers who want to put themselves in frightening situations.
2. Ghost Tourism - The growing trend of visiting haunted destinations and participating in ghost tours, creating opportunities for unique travel experiences and ghost-themed entertainment.
3. Dark Tourism - Rising interest in visiting sites associated with death, tragedy, and the supernatural, opening up opportunities for businesses in the dark tourism industry.
Industry Implications
1. Travel and Tourism - The travel and tourism industry can capitalize on the trend of haunted and dark tourism by creating specialized travel packages catering to those seeking spooky experiences.
2. Entertainment - The entertainment industry can tap into the demand for ghost-themed entertainment by creating haunted attraction experiences, films, TV shows, and immersive storytelling.
3. Hospitality - The hospitality industry can attract customers by offering haunted accommodations and ghost-themed experiences, creating a unique and memorable stay for guests.