With curiosity being the primary driving force of dark tourism, it has often taken us to the places of macabre. Further, its association with the eagerness to know about human tragedies and pay respect to war heroes leads our path to war memorials and historic places.
The USA has no dearth of such sites thanks to the massive impact of the Cold War and nuclear testing or deployment. Also, the country had ED Gein and many other barbaric serial killers of recent times. So, it is no wonder that with a 1.5% expected CAGR between 2024 and 2034, it is one of the topmost countries in dark tourism.
The sites for dark tourism in USA are countless, covering almost all aspects, such as thanatourism, ghost tourism, warfare tourism, disaster tourism, etc. Here, I have picked places like Alcatraz Island, Alcatraz Prison, and Ed Gein’s Farm Houses that will offer you the most unusual experience.
So, it’s time to be a dark tourist in the USA!
THESE Are The Best Dark Tourism In USA Destinations
The USA has probably experienced the most significant human tragedy in the 21st century. It was 11th September 2001, and the hijacked Flight 11 and Flight 175 struck the Twin Towers, taking the lives of 2977 people.
The 9/11 Memorial & Museum was built after 11 years of this devastating incident. It was a tribute to the survivors of the 9/11 attack and the terrorist attacks of 26h February 1993. It also marked the anniversary of the end of the recovery and rescue work of the 9/11 devastation.
Today, it is one of the biggest draws for dark tourism in the USA. But what about the other sites that are drenched in tragedy, paranormal acts, history, and more? Let’s explore them!
1. Alcatraz Island And Alcatraz Prison
Alcatraz Federal Penitentiary, or Alcatraz Prison, was one of the most infamous prisons in the history of America. It was located on Alcatraz Island in the San Francisco Bay of California.
Alcatraz Prison, or Alcatraz Island, goes into the history of American criminal justice thanks to its association with famous criminals and their attempts to escape the most secure walls. Today, the prison, preserved for tourists, gives you an overview of the lives of the guards and inmates.
This Is Why Alcatraz Prison Is A Famous Tourist Destination
Operating as a Federal Prison from 1934 to 63, Alcatraz Prison had inmates like Machine Gun Kelly and Al Capone. Further, the prison was famous as “The Rock” because of its impeccable construction and security measures.
Even after the stringent security measures, there were many escape attempts to go beyond the walls. The Anglin Brothers and Frank Morris managed to escape the prison. However, what happened to them afterward is still a mystery.
Moreover, Alcatraz Island tells tales from the 19th century when it functioned as a military fort. In the late 1960s, the Native American activists used Alcatraz Island as their base to be vocal about the rights and cultural preservations of the Native Americans.
2. Salem
On the North Shore of Massachusetts, Salem is a place of witch trials, historical architecture, and mystical intrigue for the modern followers of Paganism and the Wiccan Community. The air here is heavy with the cry of the women being executed in the infamous Witch Trial of 1692.
Further, the cobblestone street and historical structures scream about injustice, paranoia, supernatural practices, and more. The museums and preserved sites here offer an immersive experience, especially if you are a woman with an independent mind. Witch Hunting has always been a way of patriarchal control since time immemorial.
Why Salem Is A Popular Site For Dark Tourism In USA
Salem is a popular site for dark tourism in USA for multiple reasons.
The Witch Trial of 1692
As I just mentioned, it is the site of the Witch Trials 1692. Many people, especially women, were suspected of practising Witchcraft. They were executed, registering one of the most brutal incidents of American Colonial History.
Recently, the city has owned its history of the 1692 Witch Trial and emerged as a hub of paranormal tourism.
The Historical Sites of Salem
The city has preserved its colonial buildings and structures well. Even the cobblestone streets of the city’s historic district have a unique charm.
A walk through these streets is an experience for any dark academia enthusiast or a dark tourist interested in American Colonial History.
Modern Wiccan Community And The Acceptance Of Various Belief Systems
As the place of the Witch Hunt of 1692, Salem has attracted many Pagan and Wiccan Communities across the globe.
Today, the city practices and promotes tolerance of various religious beliefs and practices. Even practicing modern Witchcraft is allowed here.
Halloween Celebrations
Salem has become the most happening destination for dark tourism in USA during Halloween. In the month of October, the city has many Halloween-themed events and a tour of the spooky or haunted houses in the locality.
3. Gettysburg National Military Park
Gettysburg National Military Park is one of the rarest dark tourism destinations in the USA, and it is a place of history, haunted stories, and ghost tours.
The Gettysburg National Military Park is associated with the Battle of Gettysburg, one of the most important battles of the American Civil War. The three-day-long 1863 battle from July 1st to 3rd led to the loss of around 6000 human lives.
What Happened At The Battle Of Gettysburg?
The Battle of Gettysburg was a major conflict between the Confederate Army of Northern Virginia and the Union Army of the Potomac.
General Robert E. Lee led the Confederate Army, and General George G. Meade led the Union Army. The Union Army grabbed victory in the battle, which was the biggest blow to the Confederate Clan.
5. Ed Gein’s Farmhouse
Ed Gein’s farmhouse in Wisconsin was witness to the heinous acts of serial killers in the 1950s. Gein was obsessed with his mother, and his ultimate aim was to make a skinsuit to quasi-resurrect her.
His heinous acts include killing women and making household items using their body parts. When police searched Ed Gein’s farmhouse, they found a sofa made of human skin, a lampshade made of human face, and many other disturbing stuff.
The deeds of Ed Gein have inspired many films and documentaries, and his farmhouse today is a popular place for dark tourism in USA.
The place is attached to gore, inhuman crimes, and also a complex understanding of human psychology. Further, it is an account of rural American life in the 1950s.
6. Bonaventure Cemetery
The Bonaventure Cemetery in Savannah, Georgia, is a popular dark tourism destination because of its ethereal charm. Apparently, it looks like a somber cemetery with beautifully carved statues, camellias, azaleas, and draped oaks.
However, the moment you enter the cemetery, you will feel like being in an unknown era. Its statues and relics start whispering the stories of people buried here.
The most famous person to be buried here is Johnny Mercer, the American songwriter. This cemetery also houses the life-size marble sculpture of Little Gracie Watson. It is one of the few funerary monuments in Georgia to depict the exact likeness of the deceased.
7. The Cecil Hotel
“I am beyond good and evil. I will be avenged. Lucifer dwells in us all. That’s it.” – That was the words of Richard Ramirez, one of the most notorious serial killers of the USA. The next destination I am going to discuss is related to him.
Richard Ramirez was a guest of The Cecil Hotel in Los Angeles, and it was also the location of many mysterious deaths.
As a popular dark tourism spot, the Cecil Hotel and its storied halls give visitors goosebumps. It’s captivating, indeed!
8. Ground Zero
Ground Zero, or the World Trade Center Site, is one of the topmost sites for dark tourism in USA. The World Trade Center was a commercial complex spanning 16 acres in lower Manhattan. The 9/11 attack in 2001 crashed it into dust as two hijacked planes struck the Twin Towers.
Al-Qaeda, an Islamic Extremist Group founded by Osama bin Laden, was behind this attack and the greatest human tragedy of modern times. As I have mentioned, 2977 people lost their lives in this incident.
Today, the place is important for dark tourism in USA for its educational and historical value. It is also a place to reflect upon the lives lost and how America has risen from this tragedy. It shows the grit and excellence of America as a nation.
What To Do At Ground Zero As A Dark Tourist?
Visit the 9/11 Memorial dedicated to the victims.
Spend some time near the 9/11 Survivor Tree.
Walk through the 9/11 Memorial Glade.
Visit the 9/11 Museum.
Pay a visit to Saint Paul’s Chapel.
Do you know that the 9/11 Museum here has more than 10000 objects collected from the debris of victims and other people who offered rescue services after the attack? It opened in May 2014 and offers the most moving experience documenting the details and history of the 9/11 attack.
9. Badlands National Park
The Badlands National Park in South Dakota is “surreal,” for lack of a better word. The erosion of nature for millions of years has resulted in the eeriest formations here. Further, these formations cast the longest shadow during the Sunset, giving you a chill down the spine.
Further, the ridges and canyons here tell tales of ancient tribes who lived here. The wind rustling through the ridges sounds like the ancestors’ whispers from a bygone era. Moreover, you will lose count of the time in this most beautiful, desolate land.
10. Area 51, Nevada
Are you a fan of conspiracy theories? Area 51 in Nevada will be the best dark tourism in USA destination for you. The mystery of this place revolves around the tales of extraterrestrials found here.
For the dark tourists, it is a place of intrigue related to military secrets and alien attacks (?).
The Texas School Book Depository in Dallas, Texas, is where the assassination of President John F. Kennedy took place. The assassination of the president on 22nd November 1963, had deep national and international implications.
Lee Harvey Oswald allegedly shot the president, leading to one of the most tragic incidents in American history.
The Museum of Tolerance in Los Angeles was built in 1993. Simon Wiesenthal was a holocaust survivor, and his human rights organization, the Simon Wiesenthal Center, built this museum.
This museum has many exhibits recording the most notorious stories of intolerance worldwide.
The mission of the museum is to “remind us of the past, so that we may forge a better, more harmonious future.” That is what dark tourism should aim to achieve by triggering positive moral emotions.
Here is a list of the permanent exhibits in the museum.
The Holocaust (a 70-minute dramatic presentation taking you to Nazi-dominated Europe between the 1920s and 1945)
The Tolerancenter (shows major issues of intolerance faced in our everyday lives)
Finding Our Families, Finding Ourselves (exhibits of Americans with interesting personal histories)
Para Todos Los Niños or For All The Children (a depiction of the struggles of Latino families in Southern California)
The Exhibit of Anne Frank (a representation of the iconic diary of Anne Frank, depicting her plight in multimedia formats)
Overall, it’s a museum that depicts the exploitation of women and children, terrorism, social media violence, and much more! Moreover, anyone interested in the American civil rights movement will find it a significant destination for dark tourism in USA.
Meet Sibashree Bhattacharya, a travel enthusiast who has a decade-long experience in transcending virtual barriers with her words! Her deep love for travel is apparent from her travel escapades to the mountain, often taking her readers on a journey, her words acting as Portkey! Fun fact: Sibashree loves to dive deep into the history of the places she is about to visit, making her travels even more wholesome. If you were wondering how her articles are not short of time travel, this answers it!
Canada is renowned for its breathtaking landscapes, featuring mountains that resemble a winter wonderland and stunning lakes located in various regions.
It has a natural beauty that many people appreciate, and fortunately, anyone can see these works of nature by train.
Unlike driving, rail journeys are often far more relaxed, where you can get uninterrupted views. Someone else will be doing the driving, and all you have to do is soak in the majestic scenery while remaining comfortable in your seat.
You can be an adventurer for days and discover majestic waterfalls in faraway mountains, and everything is in full color.
See the jagged peaks of the Rockies and revel in the tranquil lakes of Banff. The train routes are going to take you into the parts of the country that can be inaccessible by car.
It can be your first time as a tourist in Canada, or you’re wondering if you can see the country from a new perspective, and regardless of the reason, a Canadian train vacation is going to help you unwind and experience an enjoyable journey.
Why Is A Canadian Train Vacation Special?
Credit: Rocky Mountaineer
Trains are very immersive in Canada, and you can be face-to-face with the country’s grandeur that no plane ride can match.
Enjoy the entire trip by looking at the amazing landscape and not just focusing on arriving at a destination.
Every mile is meant to be savored, and many travelers may often find themselves spotting eagles overhead or catching glimpses of the Northern Lights.
Enjoy a community while you’re on board the train and share meals with fellow passengers between stops.
These trips are great for fostering a connection and encouraging slow conversations. It’s a travel experience that feels human, and everything is often unhurried and full of wonder.
1. About The Rail System
Canadian trains are going through rails that connect major cities located in remote regions. This is going to give you a scenic view that many may not experience.
There are rugged coastlines that feature high cliffs and dramatic rock formations. These Canadian train trips often glide past the snow-dusted mountains and stop in historic towns so you can take a lot of pictures.
Travelers are going to find it to be an ideal option during their vacation because they won’t need to do long drives.
Also, the trip is very flexible, and you can choose multi-day expeditions or opt for shorter two-day regional routes depending on your schedule.
Many travelers may be looking for luxury tours with gourmet meals, while others may prefer a more budget-friendly option that can still provide them with incredible views.
Regardless of your travel style, you can definitely find a journey that fits what you want with the right tours.
2. Top Routes On Canadian Train Vacation That Showcase Canada’s Natural Wonders
Many luxury trains are going to show you the diverse landscapes that Canada offers. When you embark on this journey, you can see towering mountains and then bustling cities that are changing colors according to the season.
Many routes offer access to cultural landmarks, but it will still depend on you on the type of adventure that you want to explore.
Some will let you spend around 11 days on the tour, and you can board the train for a scenic view. Watch the transformation of forests and prairies and head to lakes to appreciate the alpine beauty better.
Go to national parks and ride gondolas with a specific itinerary from the experts. See more information about the location of these companies, where you can book the tours below:
What Are The Benefits Of Choosing A Canadian Train Vacation?
If you’re still wondering whether a train trip is right for you, consider the many advantages it offers:
Stress-Free Travel: You won’t have to deal with traffic or go through a lot of airport security lines. In trains, you just sit back and enjoy all the views that you’re seeing.
Eco-Friendly Option: This kind of traveling often produces lower carbon emissions compared to driving long distances by automobile.
Unmatched Scenery: Get access to large windows with open observation decks and take pictures of the diverse landscapes that you’re seeing.
Flexible Itineraries: Select a schedule that matches your vacation days. Opt for longer routes if you want to explore more of the country.
Planning The Perfect Rail Journey For The Ultimate Canadian Train Vacation
Credit: VIA Rail Canada
Now, before rushing to book your ticket, you need to determine the type of experience that you want in the first place. You might want a luxurious escape where budget isn’t a problem.
Fortunately, there are train trips that can give you that along with a scenic adventure. Others would want to discover the charm of Eastern Canada on a budget, and if so, compare your options and do your research.
Plan well and learn about the changing seasons. Summertime can generally offer lush greenery, while wildlife can also be viewed from the train windows.
In the meantime, winter routes are often magical, and you can discover snow-covered trees and a cozy train interior that’s perfect for sipping hot cocoa.
Why Is It More Than Just A Vacation?
Overall, this is more than a trip, but it’s a storytelling where each town has a tale to tell. Each moment on the train becomes a wonderful memory of quiet mornings or bonding with your loved ones.
Watch the sparkling stars from your window and revel in the things that nature is capable of.
These Canadian trips are going to allow you to reach destinations that you might have only dreamt about previously.
They can give you a chance to rediscover the art of traveling without rushing.
I just planned a road trip last month. It was a pretty bold step, and my daughter kept reminding me, “Mama, you will throw up again.” She was referring to an earlier road trip last year.
It’s hard to miss the allure of a long-planned road trip, especially when it’s about celebrating the post-exam fun with my daughter. But I do have motion sickness and nausea, giddiness, and throwing up are the common problems I face.
Thankfully, with time, I have learned how to manage motion sickness and still enjoy the ride.
So, in this article, I will break down how you can take control of your symptoms and get the most out of your trip.
It begins with talking to your doctor and sharing your symptoms of motion sickness. Sometimes, these medications help to alleviate your discomfort.
Common medications include:
Dramamine
Meclizine
Scopolamine Patches.
For more details on how to manage motion sickness during traveling, continue reading below.
Understanding Motion Sickness And How Treatment Works.
Any treatment for motion sickness blocks the neurotransmitter associated with motion sickness. Here are some signs of motion sickness you must pay attention to.
Nausea
Feeling Warm
Sweating
Vomiting
Feeling Drowsy
Stomach Unrest
Salivating More Than Usual
You can talk to your doctor and look out for more indications that it may be at work.
How To Manage Motion Sickness When You Are On A Road Trip?
So, you are all set for the road trip. I usually start my trips in the morning, but you can start them at any time of the day.
Now, whenever I go out on a trip, I eat light. However, it does not mean that you have to start the trip with an empty stomach. Just have your usual staples and preferably something with a high carb quotient, low fat, and spices.
Then, drink enough water and take the medications. Now, I have my BP problems. So, I cannot start a day without it.
It’s time to start the car. However, there are some other important aspects of how to manage your motion sickness on a road trip.
So, here are the details.
1. Strategically Plan For Prevention
Dress in lightweight clothing to offset feelings of warmth and overheating if you do experience symptoms.
Take a sweater with you if you do get cold, but stick to breathable, lightweight fabrics and footwear while you're traveling..
Sitting on the passenger side may make it more challenging to avoid seeing visual movement because of the wider windowscape you have access to from that seat.
2. Avoid Activities That May Exacerbate Symptoms
Additionally, avoid activities that may aggravate your symptoms. Activities to avoid include reading, using your phone or other devices to watch videos, or scrolling.
Do not engage in drinking or late-night eating the day before traveling to ensure you’ll feel healthy for your trip. Experiencing a hangover or poor digestion can easily exacerbate motion sickness symptoms.
However, to keep your mind relaxed, you can always listen to your favorite road trip songs.
3. Get Good Sleep The Night Before
When we don’t sleep well, it is harder for the body to regulate body temperature.
You may find yourself feeling overheated after a night of poor rest. Since feeling warm is already a symptom of motion sickness, make sure you get good rest the night before traveling to avoid worsening these symptoms.
Get to bed early and block out any lights that may interrupt your sleep cycle. Further, to calm your nerves and get a sound sleep on the day before your road trip, you can drink chamomile tea. It works for me!
4. Take Your Medications On Time
Take the motion sickness medications recommended to you by your doctor to prevent the onset of symptoms as best as possible.
Follow the timing directions for your medications to get the most benefit before heading out on your road trip.
For example, prescription Scopolamine patches might be applied 30-60 minutes prior to traveling in order to work.
Talk to your doctor to determine when it's the best time to take your medications in order to manage your motion sickness.
5. Look For Balancing Visual Cues
Looking at a stationary object as you travel can help your brain and inner ear find a constant understanding of motion, making you less susceptible to motion sickness symptoms.
If you do find yourself feeling woozy, rest your head on the back of the seat to promote physical stability.
You can help establish a greater balance by keeping yourself grounded in your seat. Close your eyes to reduce visual exposure to any changing movement in front of or to the side of you while in the car.
6. Take Short Breaks, Use Soothing Herbs, And Avoid Triggers
I take short breaks throughout the trip to get fresh air. Furthermore, ginger and peppermints are my best friends to keep my stomach settled.
Caffeine is a big NO for me when I am traveling. Also, it’s better to avoid smoking and using devices on the go.
Moreover, I avoid wearing strong perfumes or using any strong odor in my car when I am on a road trip. This is my little secret on how to manage motion sickness on a road trip.
7. Take A Nap If You’re The Passenger.
When I am not driving the car, I prefer to take a short nap. It may sound boring, but it works!
If you can’t sleep, at least get some shut-eye by using an eye mask. Thus, your brain will get the signal of a consistent reality, and it will be easier for you to offset symptoms.
Get Road Trip Ready
Medication
Use of Peppermint, Ginger, and Lemon
Eating Right
Taking Short Breaks
All these help to manage motion sickness on the go. However, your symptoms can be different from mine or vice versa. So, for medications and tips to alleviate the symptoms, you need a prior medical consultation.
Get road trip ready by doing all you can ahead of time to manage your symptoms.
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Thanksgiving Road Trips With Kids: Tips For A Fun And Safe Journey
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In the modern era of business, the ability to get from one location to the next as quickly and conveniently as possible is paramount to your success. Efficiency is important in every aspect of business, including travel. For professionals and executives, time is always money. Maximizing productivity and minimizing downtimes are key components of success.
One way to get the most efficiency out of your travel experience is to consider a private jet charter. Once thought of as a means only for the ultra-wealthy and connected, this avenue of air travel is now open to a much broader market. It offers unparalleled advantages over commercial air travel, while providing a level of comfort and ease unmatched by any other mode of transportation.
Advantages Of Private Jet Charters
At times, you might feel that private jets are for the wealthy, but trust me it is no more! it is famous and powerful but if you have the bucks, you can definitely book a private plane. It is easier if you are traveling for business because it is a fast paced world.
Be it for a networking event, meetings in another country or conferences, private jets will help you get there in tiptop condition. However, there are some side effects of the private jet charter services. Here we are sharing both the aspects of the practice.
For those who would like to explore this option further, we consulted with our air travel experts to uncover the 5 biggest perks that accompany using a private jet. Let’s take a deeper look at the benefits of chartering your own aircraft for business travel:
1. It Saves Massive Amounts of Time and Energy
One of the most valuable assets in business is undoubtedly time. Unlike commercial flights that are dictated by fixed schedules that usually require lengthy security lines and check-in procedures, private jets offer guests the convenience of selecting their own departure times according to their own schedules. This eliminates the necessity to get to the airport hours before take-off.
Additionally, private aircraft have access to a large number of smaller airports, many times much closer to your preferred destination. This means you can have direct, location-to-location travel without having to deal with connecting flights and layovers. This saves busy executives and businessmen valuable hours that can be used to prepare presentations, conduct meetings, or engage in confidential conversations en route.
2. Total Privacy and Luxurious Amenities
Another benefit of a private jet charter is the level of solitude they offer. This is especially beneficial during long trips. By providing a level of luxury and comfort unrivaled on even first-class commercial flights, long trips can seem like they go by in an instant.
Passengers on private flights enjoy much more spacious cabins and comfortable seating all while taking advantage of the custom-tailored amenities. This gives you the option of conducting business privately when traveling or simply unwinding and relaxing while enjoying the trip.
3. A Customized, Personalized Travel Experience
As mentioned in the previous section, these charter flights provide numerous amenities that can be tailored to meet your personal preferences. Discerning travelers need not put up with a one-size-fits-all approach to luxury; a quality private jet provider will meet your individual needs when booking your trip.
From custom entertainment options to gourmet catering, you’ll have the freedom to personalize every aspect of your flight. These providers usually have a dedicated concierge to handle everything from the travel details to itinerary planning to ground transportation and even last-minute changes.
4. Enhanced Safety and Security
There is nothing more important in aviation than safety, especially for business travelers. Private jet charters must abide by strict safety regulations and standards, guaranteeing the highest levels of security for their crew and passengers.
These aircraft undergo extensive maintenance and rigorous checks and inspections, oftentimes far above and beyond the typical industry requirements.
5. Cost-Effective Solutions for Travel
This is the benefit that often surprises business travelers the most. While chartering a private jet might seem over-the-top at first, a more careful look into the financial details of this form of travel reveals a tremendous amount of value.
When you combine the money saved in wasted air travel hours, delayed flights, connections and layovers, as well as the inability to conduct business during the trip itself, the tangible savings add up quickly. By committing to this form of travel over the long run, you can see notable improvements in your overall bottom line.
Functional Part Of Private Jet Services For Business
In addition to several advantages of private charter there are several reasons due to which travelers are informed about the right way! I am not trying to discourage you from accessing private jets for business but there are some factors which might impact the business side of it!
When traveling by private jet, you have to pay the price for it! However, for business purposes, if you can access a private jet with the help of your organization, it is still acceptable.
Either you hire a jet on your own or you get it through a third party, you will have to pay a hefty amount of it! It is due to several factors such as expenses related to flying the private plane, landing it along with regular maintenance!
you can also have a safe flight without the hassle of any overcrowded airports! As a traveler you need to develop an understanding of the way a private jet functions accordingly to help you evaluate the value and the effectiveness of a private aircraft!
Read about the concerns that you might feel when you use private jet services for business. Bad weather is a risk that is not taken in private flying. Hence, there is a high risk of getting delayed or completely canceling the trip negatively impacting your business.
How Business Travelers Benefit From Private Airplane Service!
Route, flight timing and schedule and refueling, catering and other checks of the equipment are all under you. You will be completely in control of what you might think that it is quite easy, especially when you have the whole place to yourself.
When it comes to commercial airlines, you get everything fixed. starting from the seat prices to the departure time, you just need to follow them however, with private flying, you need to develop and plan everything on your own.
You will be more in control of what travel plans you can develop from the overall purpose of reaching the destination earlier! for long distance journey, you will learn about how to resolve disruption and delays.
If you are on a business trip then suffering from weather delays can cause a serious impact on your schedule! In storms, jet planes can get significant impact as compared to commercial airlines.
Settling for Nothing Less Than The Best on Your Private Jet Charter
As you can see, the benefits of private air travel cannot be matched by any other traditional transportation methods. Whether it’s the time-saving aspect, the luxury and comfort, or the enhanced privacy and security, this method of transportation beats all others hands-down.
By selecting this option for your business, you can minimize disruptions and distractions, elevating your overall travel experience.
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