Top 10 Dark Tourism Destinations to Visit
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What is Dark Tourism?
It is a branch of tourism which is becoming increasingly popular and involves travelling to cities and countries that have experienced major natural disasters and/or human tragedies.
These events are always negative in nature, for example mass murders or radioactive explosions.
If you are interested in world news, history and culture, then discovering the positive and negative aspects of a society are vital in creating a balanced experienced.
Here are out top picks of 10 destinations that represent dark tourism.
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Dark Tourism Destination #10: Devil’s Island, French Guiana
Source: Instagram – @jessheadley
The convict island is open for dark loving tourists. Discover the stories and conditions of the prison that was open from 1852 to 1953. The conditions were so harsh that the death rate on Devil’s Island rose to a staggering 75%. The island population included some notorious criminals, find out all about them during a tour on the island.
For a great trip to Devil’s Island, we suggest staying in Cayenne. The Hotel des Palmistes is a 3-star hotel, with a restaurant and free WiFi. From here you can take a tour to the island.
Dark Tourism Destination #9: Eyjafjallajökull, Iceland
Source: Instagram – @icelandiclavashow
Do remember when all flights over Iceland were grounded because of the epic smoke clouds from an erupting volcano? It was massively disruptive. Now, you can visit that very volcano. I like any excuse to book a trip to Iceland, and this is a good one!
Taking a tour isn’t for everyone. If you prefer to hire a car to explore for yourself, take a look at the rental offers available on Expedia.
Dark Tourism Destination #8: Aokigahara, Japan
The eerie forest of Aokigahara is more commonly known as the suicide forest. Its not a place to visit alone, so visit as part of a group. Sadly, many people take their own life here either by hanging or overdoses.
Apparently, rates increase in March. Many believe this is because of the stress related to the end of the tax year.
Wherever you choose to travel, be sure to do it with the PreParture App! It’s the only travel accessory you’ll need. To find out more watch our video: PreParture for Travellers and Tourists.
Dark Tourism Destination #7: Ground Zero, New York City, USA
Many of us remember the devastating day of 9/11, in 2001.
Since then a breath-taking memorial garden has been built and 2 giant water features stand on top of where the twin towers stood. This is a sober place to visit and read the names of all those that were taken.
Make sure you visit the “Survivor Tree.”
Related: 10 Free Things to Do in New York City, USA
Dark Tourism Destination #6: Pont de l’Alma Road Tunnel, Paris, France
Princess Diana dancing with John Travolta
The first dark tourism destination from Paris, on this list, is the tunnel in which England’s rose, Princess Diana tragically died in a fatal car accident.
The story around her death has created many conspiracy theories, including a secret murder mission from the Queen. You can visit the Pont de l’Alma Road Tunnel and come to your own conclusions.
To visit Paris, you can purchase affordable flights with CheapFlights.com. They work with more than 300 partners to bring you better travel deals.
Related: Dark Tourism: US Death Sites of the Rich and Famous
Dark Tourism Destination #5: Catacombs, Paris
Paris isn’t all about romance. The Catacombs of Paris is an underground tomb system that contains the remains of 6 million people.
This huge cemetery was created to help with above ground overflow. When you visit, you’ll learn interesting facts about how the catacombs were used in World War II, by both sides and the benefits of farming in the area.
Related: 10 Free Things to Do in Paris, France
Dark Tourism Destination #4: Auschwitz Concentration Camp, Poland
We all know about the awful conditions hundreds of thousands of men, women and children were forced to endure while in a concentration camp. Actually, most of us don’t!
Until you are face to face with the harrowing reality of this horror you can never truly understand. Visiting Auschwitz, will help to open your eyes, and most likely your tear ducts to the historic facts of concentration camps.
On a happier note, it will give you a greater appreciation of your life today.
You may also enjoy reading: How to Prevent, Minimise and Fight Jet Lag!
Dark Tourism Destination #3: Hiroshima, Japan
The events of Hiroshima, Japan are perhaps on a parallel with Auschwitz, as one of the most devastating events in human loss. In fact, Hiroshima means man-made tragedy.
The nuclear blast here killed more people in one instant than anywhere else. You can visit the city, which now is a major promoter for peace, and discover more about the atomic bombs and their lasting effects.
If you travel to Japan, may want to read: How to Survive a Long-Haul Flight.
Dark Tourism Destination #2: Pompeii, Italy
Situated 150 miles south of Rome, you can visit the famous site, Pompeii. It was in Roman times (79AD) that Mount Vesuvius erupted and destroyed Pompeii.
When you visit this area combine a trip to the town, volcano and national park of Mount Vesuvius. We suggest hiring an official tour guide or at the very least an audio tour, so that you don’t miss out on any interesting stories and facts.
Dark Tourism Destination #1: Chernobyl, Ukraine
This Ukraine town became famous in April 1986, when a nuclear reactor exploded and exposed thousands of people to radioactivity.
A huge area, known as the exclusion zone, is now open for tourists to explore. On a visit to Chernobyl you can learn about the devastating event and explore the deserted areas that were once home for many.
Does Chernobyl feature on your travel bucket list? Check out this 5-star full day tour of Chernobyl and Prypiat, Kiev.
Neha
June 23, 2019Its really nice but some places are really horrible in this. But its interesting to go there. Keep sharing this types of articles with us.
Helen
June 27, 2019Thanks for the feedback Neha. Where would you most like to visit?
shubham
July 21, 2019Thanks for sharing this information with regarding dark tourism destination. I really found this very interesting and I should like to visit some places as well.
Helen
September 15, 2019Thank you Shubham. Let’s know which dark tourism destinations you visit.