When most travellers set off on an adventure, they do so with relaxation or excitement in mind. However, sometimes, they venture into a destination where something unexpected happens, leaving them with an uneasy feeling.
From haunted hotels to paranormal destinations, there are many spine-chilling travel stories that will surely keep some of you up at night.
Here are five of the scariest travel tales that will make you think twice before booking your next trip:
1. The Haunted Stanley Hotel – Estes Park, Colorado
The historic Stanley Hotel is a perfect spot for those seeking a mountain adventure in the Rocky Mountains. The Stanley Hotel’s location offers visitors a fully immersive experience, including dining options, music and theatre shows, and multiple outdoor adventure activities like ice wall climbing.
However, you might recognise it as the inspiration behind Stephen King’s The Shining. The Stanley Hotel has a long history of paranormal activity. Guests and staff still report supernatural encounters, including hearing children’s laughter echoing down the halls when no children are present. Room 217 is especially infamous, where ghostly maids are said to tidy the room, and lights mysteriously flicker on and off.
But as spooky destinations go, the Stanley Hotel remains an extremely pleasant stay for most. A Google review states, “Dog friendly, and the staff hands out homemade dog cookies at check-in.“
2. The Cursed Island of Poveglia – Italy
The Island of Poveglia is steeped in history, with records dating back to 421 AD. Located in the Venetian Lagoon, you might expect it to be a tourist mecca, but it is the opposite, being awarded the title of one of the most haunted places on Earth.
During its centuries of history, the island took a turn for the worse in the 17th century. With the Republic of Venice entering an extended period of war, Poveglia became a fortified island and checkpoint for all goods and people entering the lagoon. Eventually, two vessels were quarantined due to plague cases, and it didn’t take long for the island to become a confinement station where many passed away in a grisly manner.
In the early 20th century, the island became an asylum for the mentally ill, with rumours circulating that an alleged doctor performed experimental lobotomies on the island.
Sources suggest that between 100,000 to 160,000 individuals have been buried on the island.
While you must go out of your way to venture onto this island, many have reported that stepping onto it is a dark experience.
One traveller recounts: “As we explored the old hospital, we started hearing faint whispers echoing through the halls. It wasn’t until we felt an intense cold spot—like someone was standing right next to us—that we decided to leave. We’ve never been so scared in our lives.”
3. The Disappearing Village of Anjikuni Lake – Canada
Anjikuni Lake is located in the remote Kivalliq Region of Nunavut, Canada. This region is an icy desert with little to no vegetation on the ground due to the Arctic temperatures.
Mysteries are common in this part of the world, but one frozen tale stands out from the rest and has captured the attention of many.
In the 1930s, a fur trapper named Joe Labelle visited the remote Inuit village of Anjikuni Lake, only to find it completely deserted. According to fur trappers of the time, the villagers usually welcomed guests into their community. But this time, Labelle was greeted by no one. There were no signs of struggle, and all the villagers’ personal belongings—clothes, food, and tools—were left behind as though they had vanished instantly. Stranger still, newspaper reports from the time mention that the graves in the local cemetery had been dug up, and the bodies were gone.
However, in 1931, Sergeant J. Nelson, stationed in The Pas (a town in Manitoba, Canada), stated that Labelle was known for his colourful stories.
Modern authorities in the region doubt that a village as large (six tents for 25 inhabitants) as the one described in the tale was even possible in such a remote location.
4. Ghost Mountain Inn – KwaZulu Natal
Located in the shadow of Intaba Yemikhovu (Ghost Mountain), the small town of Mkuze is a region blessed with natural beauty. But the dramatic silhouette of the mountain, which is said to resemble an old woman or witch’s head, along with the history surrounding it, means there are plenty of paranormal stories in the area.
According to Zulu tradition, Intaba Yemikhovu is considered sacred and has long been associated with the burial sites of many brave chiefs and warriors.
The luxurious Ghost Mountain Inn is at the foot of this legendary mountain. Guests can book multiple safari trips, bird-watching tours, and cultural experiences that provide a deeper understanding of the region’s rich Zulu heritage.
However, many have described seeing shadowy forms moving across the surrounding plains, only to disappear without a trace. These sightings are often linked to the spirits of Zulu ancestors, who are believed to be guarding the mountain.
Others have reported hearing the sounds of drumming and chanting at night.
Whether you’re a sceptic or a believer in the supernatural, Ghost Mountain Inn promises an unforgettable experience.
5. The Ghost Ship of the SS Ourang Medan – Indonesia
One of the most terrifying maritime mysteries took place in the waters of Southeast Asia. In 1947, nearby ships picked up a distress call sent out in Morse code by the ship’s radio operator. The broadcast reached a Dutch freighter, pinpointing the signal near Malacca Strait.
The chilling message read:
“S.O.S. from Ourang Medan * * * We float. All officers, including the captain, dead in chartroom and on the bridge. Probably whole of crew dead * * *.”
After a few more incoherent dots and dashes, the words “I die.” were received.
When a rescue ship arrived, they found the crew dead (including their dog) with their faces frozen in expressions of sheer terror. Some describe the corpses as looking like horrible caricatures.
With no sign of survivors or visible signs of injuries on the bodies, the crew from the rescuer’s ship was preparing to tow the boat when a fire broke out. This forced the boarding party to evacuate the doomed ship hastily.
As the SS Ourang Medan sank, it exploded, which meant there was no evidence left behind to determine what caused the deaths of all on board.
While some scepticism surrounds the story of the Ourang Medan, it remains one of the most unsettling and unexplained maritime ghost stories in history.
Make Sure You’re Ready For Anything While Travelling
Whether you believe in ghosts or not, some of these tales could make you question what’s waiting for you on your next journey.
However, if your vehicle has a healthy battery, you can rest assured that you can always move to somewhere a little less spooky.
