Experts at Audley Travel have analysed data from World Population Review, Tripadvisor, and Rotten Tomatoes to uncover some of the most haunted travel hotspots across the globe. Their findings highlight locations rich in ghost stories, castles, and even popular horror film settings, making them ideal destinations for thrill-seekers.
USA Tops for Ghost and Vampire Tours
The United States emerged as the leading country for ghost and vampire tours, offering more than 700 chilling experiences. According to Audley Travel’s data, the USA boasts 723 ghost and vampire-themed tours, far outstripping its nearest competitors. Canada, which placed second, has just 31, while India follows with 30.
Some of the most famous locations in the USA include the haunted streets of New Orleans, known for its deep-rooted connections to voodoo and the paranormal, and the infamous witch trials in Salem, Massachusetts. Monty Bampfield, a USA specialist at Audley Travel, commented on the variety of spooky experiences America has to offer: “Everything is bigger in the USA, and that includes the thrills and scares. For a classic ghost tour, I’d recommend a supernatural trolley tour of Boston. With its history and narrow cobblestone streets, Boston is an ideal setting for stories from New England’s darker chapters.”
The top five countries for ghost and vampire tours are:
- USA – 723
- Canada – 31
- India – 30
- Australia – 27
- Jamaica – 24
Japan Ranks Third for Castles
When it comes to castles, the United States also ranks first with 303, followed closely by Armenia with 293. Japan, however, takes a notable third place with 264 castles spread across its islands. According to Audley’s Regional Product Manager David Peat, Japan’s rich and turbulent history has left behind a wealth of defensive architecture.
“The Japan archipelago has seen a lot of strife in its history, and as a result, you’ll find many historic castles,” Peat said. “These fortresses not only offer a glimpse into Japan’s past but often come with their own eerie stories of hauntings and mysterious occurrences.”
The top five countries with the most castles are:
- USA – 303
- Armenia – 293
- Japan – 264
- Azerbaijan – 106
- Canada – 69
Top Locations for Horror Movie Settings
In addition to ghost tours and castles, Audley Travel’s analysis also examined the top 100 horror films of all time to identify the most common filming locations. Unsurprisingly, the USA dominates once again, with New York and California proving to be the most frequent backdrops for horror films. New York hosted seven of the top 100 horror films, while California was the setting for four. Japan and Canada each share four horror film locations, while South Korea appears in three.
“New York and LA are both major cinematic hubs,” said Karl, a representative from Audley Travel. “Add that to Americans’ love for the horror genre, and it makes sense that these states feature heavily in some of the most iconic horror films.”
The top five locations for horror movie settings are:
- New York, USA – 7
- California, USA – 4
- Japan – 4
- Canada – 4
- South Korea – 3
Audley Travel’s experts have also shared recommendations for those looking to add a spooky twist to their holidays, whether it’s a fully ghost-themed trip or just a haunting experience as part of a broader itinerary. With Halloween approaching, these destinations are bound to attract travellers eager for a thrill.
