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A First-Hand Experience Of Taking A Red Eye Flight!

A First-Hand Experience Of Taking A Red Eye Flight!

Oct 19, 2023

Last Updated on: Sep 22, 2025

Red eye flights are those overnight journeys that take off late in the evening and land in the morning.

Now, you might be one of those travelers for whom this means sacrificing a good night’s sleep. this, which can lead to that telltale fatigue. And, of course, you will get red eyes after landing.

Interestingly, these flights tend to be longer and are more common in regions outside the Western world.

This is largely because many airports have strict curfews that limit flight schedules, like in:

Europe

Australia

North America

That said, it’s not like airlines in the Western world shy away from red-eye flights entirely. In fact, when it comes to westbound transatlantic routes, red eyes have become something of a standard among both European and American carriers.

In this article, I’ll dive into the reasons why red eye flights exist and will weigh their pros and cons. By the end, you’ll feel like you’ve experienced what it’s like to take a red eye flight for yourself!

What Is A Red Eye Flight?

Whether you enjoy these nighttime hauls or not, red eye flights are quite a regular thing for people flying long distances.

They depart from their home terminal at night and reach their destination in the morning.

They are so named because of the physical toll it takes on the passengers, causing them to get red eyes.

Most of these red eye flights take off when flying to the east side. For instance, when you fly from Los Angeles to New York or from New York to London.

But there are exceptions to such flights, such as when you are flying north or south between long distances.

For example, if you fly between North and South America or Europe and Africa.

The whole idea behind red eye flights is to save daylight and maximize your time spent at home and at your destination.

Flying through the night helps you avoid losing a day in travel. It also helps save money spent on a night stay at a hotel. They are cheaper than day flights, too, making it a cost-effective option for budget travelers.

In some cases, there are actually no other options but to take a red eye flight because your origin and destination do not have day flights to begin with.

My Red Eye Flight Experience From Bahrain To London

Recently, I had the experience of taking three flights for one destination. I flew three different classes of travel on a single ticket.

I bought a Premium Economy round-trip ticket from London to Bahrain ten months before my flight. In this firsthand red eye flight experience, I will share my pretty good experience with Lufthansa during my return journey from Bahrain to London Heathrow, which involved a layover in Riyadh.

The expenses of Lufthansa flights to the Middle East did not follow a linear increase as the departure day approached. I have included two charts below to show how the price of my flight changed leading up to the day of departure and after the flight’s schedule was revised.

Lufthansa operates a daily flight from its ground base in Frankfurt to Bahrain International Airport with a layover in Riyadh.

This is a usual setup as it’s a daily flight to Dammam via Kuwait. So, I couldnt book Both Bahrain-Riyadh and Kuwait-Dammam as fifth freedom flights.

Intriguingly, Lufthansa continuously adjusts its schedule for destinations in the Middle East. According to Routes Online, Lufthansa would originally fly to Bahrain via Doha in 2014, but it stopped in 2015 when services to Doha were renewed and and operations to Muscat instead.

Before Lufthansa stopped all flights to Doha in 2017, they operated Frankfurt-Kuwait-Doha flights. In 2017, flights to Bahrain were via Dammam, and in 2018, they were via Kuwait. When I bought my ticket in August 2018, my planned route was Heathrow-Frankfurt-Kuwait-Bahrain, but it changed to Heathrow-Frankfurt-Riyadh-Bahrain in September 2018.

Lufthansa used to operate Riyadh as a non-stop flight without onward legs in 2015, but after discontinuing Doha in 2017, they started flying Frankfurt-Riyadh-Dammam while also initiating flights to Bahrain via Kuwait. However, things were changed again in 2018.

Flight 1: Premium Economy, Bahrain To Riyadh

When I was at Bahrain International Airport via Uber, I made it through passport control and security within 15 minutes.

The aircraft assigned for the flight was D-AIKN, which is an A330-343X. Boarding began at 23:20.

This was slightly late, but it didn’t matter since only 20 passengers were boarding the red-eye flight A330.

In fact, the gate push-off time was 11.42 pm, eight minutes early. The Premium Economy section of the plane had four rows with seven seats each.

There were only seven passengers, resulting in a load factor of 25% in this segment.

The legroom was spacious enough, allowing the passenger in front to recline without any pressure on the person seated behind.

The amenity kit for the Premium Economy included a toothbrush and toothpaste, a refreshment towel, a sleeping mask, earplugs, and a thick pair of socks.

Although the earplugs were weak and the face mask didn’t isolate light fully, the socks were comfortable. The IFE system was not as good as Emirates’, but it had decent options.

One of the few features was live GPS tracking of the aircraft. During the Bahrain-Riyadh journey, they played the movie “100 Things,” a 2018 German film.

Despite leaving Bahrain eight minutes early, the plane arrived in Riyadh five minutes late, as we had to wait for other people to vacate our gate.

Flight 2: Business Class, Riyadh To Frankfurt

During the second flight from Riyadh to Frankfurt, since it wasn’t a fifth freedom flight, passengers traveling to Frankfurt from Bahrain were not required to leave the aircraft in Riyadh.

After being told to stay seated for ten minutes while they were refueling the plane, a representative from Lufthansa’s Riyadh airport asked me to follow him into Business.

They gave me seat 10H since the Premium Economy and Economy classes were ready to fill up with passengers for the Riyadh-Frankfurt flight.

The flight from Riyadh to Frankfurt was entirely full in Economy, Premium Economy, and Business.

The headphones provided by Lufthansa in Business were exceptional, as they blocked out all noise.

The sound quality from the IFE was also excellent, allowing me to sleep soundly. They attached the headphones to the seat, so I couldn’t remove them.

My red-eye flight departed from Riyadh King Khalid at 2:10 am, 15 minutes late, and arrived in Frankfurt at 7:14 am, one minute early. The average delay for the flight LH637 is ten minutes.

Flight 3: Economy, Frankfurt To London Heathrow

Regrettably, the last flight of my three-flight sequence was delayed despite arriving early from its previous flight.

The reason for the delay was that the aircraft, which was Lufthansa’s first A320neo with the registration D-AINC, took over an hour to clean.

Although I managed to secure an emergency exit row window seat, which I chose for free during check-in, the legroom on short-haul flights with Lufthansa was a bit disappointing for me.

Moreover, the sandwich served on the flight contained cream and cheese, which was not suitable for me as I do not eat dairy. Unfortunately, there were no alternative options available for me.

Another slight disappointment was that I didn’t get any water from the crew before takeoff. So, I had to wait for a long time before we took off due to the delay.

The flight was full in Economy and Business class, and despite the plane being on time on average, we arrived 40 minutes late at our destination in London after pushing off from Frankfurt 29 minutes late.

Additionally, we spent a considerable amount of time circling around London. It was not a big inconvenience, but the service was not as good as my previous flights with Lufthansa.

However, I must acknowledge that Lufthansa quickly and smoothly compensated me with 600 Euros for the missed connecting flight during my outbound journey.

What Are Some Common Health Issues Associated With Red Eye Flight?

When it comes to red-eye flights, there are definitely some health concerns to keep in mind.

The term “red-eye” highlights the common experience of passengers landing with bloodshot eyes, often from feeling exhausted, dealing with jet lag, and battling dehydration.

1. Fatigue

strikes when you can’t get a decent night’s sleep. Unfortunately, finding that restful sleep on a plane can be quite challenging without taking some extra steps to make it comfortable.

2. Jet lag

It is something we typically think of with quick shifts in time zones, but it hits even harder on overnight flights. However, if you’re savvy about your body’s internal clock, you may be able to ease some of the negative effects of jet lag during these journeys.

3. Dehydration

It’s not as rare as you might think on flights. While cabin crew are usually attentive to serving food and drinks, red-eye flights might have fewer staff on duty, making it tougher to stay hydrated when you need it most.

If you often find yourself on these overnight flights, it’s important to be aware of the potential long-term health implications.

Regularly missing out on good sleep can weaken your immune system and lead to serious issues like sleep disorders, depression, and even an increased risk of heart attacks and cancer.

So, while those red-eye flights can be convenient, it’s wise to take care of your well-being.

Which Class Should You Choose While Opting For Red Eye Flight?

When it comes to red-eye flights, the health risks might sound pretty daunting, but thankfully, there are some effective ways to cope with them.

One of the most crucial steps you can take for your well-being during a night flight is to select the right class.

Sure, economy tickets can save you some cash, especially on these overnight flights, but there’s a reason they’re cheaper.

The lack of comfortable seating can make it really tough to catch some quality sleep. Plus, the passengers usually cram the economy sections, which only adds to the noise and can disturb your rest.

On the other hand, if you opt for business or a higher class, you’ll find much better seating and more appropriate lighting, and flight attendants who will cater to your needs by:—

Serving meals
Providing pillows
Helping you stay hydrated

You can manage some of these comforts on your own. Stil, I would say that investing in a better class ticket can definitely make a difference in how well you handle that long, overnight journey.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Are Red Eye Flights More Dangerous?

No, red-eye flights are not inherently more dangerous than daytime flights in terms of safety; if anything, they are generally safer due to less air traffic and pilots flying more on instruments.

2. Are Red Eye Flights Cheaper?

Yes, red-eye flights are often cheaper because airlines price them lower to fill planes during off-peak overnight hours. This makes them attractive to budget-conscious travelers.

3. Is Red Eye Flight Booking Difficult?

Not at all. You can just visit an airline’s website or a flight comparison site. Then, you have to enter your origin and destination. Finally, you can filter for flights departing after 9 PM and arriving early the next morning.

Get Ready For Your Upcoming Red Eye Flight!

Honestly, their customer service impressed me so much that I would choose Lufthansa for all my future connecting red-eye flights.

If you have thoughts to share or questions to ask, please leave a comment below! We would love to hear from you!

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Sibashree Bhattacharya

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!

Flair Airlines Review: This Is How I Feel About Flair Airlines!

BY Abdul Aziz Oct 5, 2023

For the longest time, Air Canada and WestJet have been dominating the Canadian airline industry, which has led to the prevalence of high airfare. However, with the emergence of new contenders, things are finally changing. Flair Airlines is one such competitor of the legacy airlines that have a strong hold on the Canadian Airline industry. It is a low-cost carrier that has been expanding its operations during the pandemic to include U.S. travel hotspots like Arizona, Florida, California, and Nevada, continuing to operate on an extensive Canadian route network that covers most major cities in the country. Here is my brief take on the Flair Airlines experience I had. Keep reading because this is going to be very useful. My Experience Of Flair Airlines Image Source: assets.bwbx.io Here is a first-hand experience or a Flair Airlines review of the recent travel I had flying from Toronto to Montreal. Read on to know if it was worth it. Booking Image Source: thepointsguy.global.ssl.fastly.net I booked my flight on Google Flights, searching for the cheapest flight from Toronto to Montreal. On my date of flight, both Flair and Air Canada had early morning flights, and yet Flair was priced at half of the Air Canada ticket. There was, of course, the added benefit of a full-size carry-on bag but even on a standard fee, Air Canada would be charging for seat selection. Flair is a solid selection if you are traveling light, even if it includes seat selection. The Flair Airlines baggage policy is a little icky if you are traveling heavy instead. A one-way flight on December 15 via Flair costs 40. Whereas WestJet’s and Air Canada’s cheapest flights are $135. I had to pay a minimum of $7.90 for seat selection. Check-in Image Source: thepointsguy.global.ssl.fastly.net It was a simple experience checking in at the Toronto Pearson International Airport. All of Flair’s Toronto flights depart from Terminal 3, so that is where I did my check-in. Flair has a few baggage drops and check-in counters located in the center of the terminal. Ground Experience Image Source: thepointsguy.global.ssl.fastly.net My flight was supposed to depart from Gate B38. I cleared my security in under 10 minutes. The airport was mostly empty, given the wee hours we were departing (7:30 a.m.) There were some shops open despite the timings, so I got a coffee and yogurt from Starbucks and sat away from the crowd for some uninterrupted breakfast. Flair does not have its own lounges. Cabins And Seats Image Source: thepointsguy.global.ssl.fastly.net The flight was one of Flair’s three 737-800 (read tiny) aircraft. The airline operates with economy-only cabins suited for its ultra-low-cost carrier. The interiors were nondescript and spotless. It is simply designed without any frills like over or seatback displays. The flight was made with the intention of taking a passenger from point A to point B. The seats were comfy enough at the cost I paid. They did not recline, but they were not as slim as other similar carriers in the U.S. The extra padding on the seats helped ease the other small space. The leg room was commendably larger than its other similarly ranged carriers. It also had a full-size tray that could easily fit a 16-inch Macbook Pro. Spirit Airlines offers only a small drink tray. Flair Airlines Amenities Image Source: thepointsguy.global.ssl.fastly.net There are no inflight amenities or entertainment. There is no wifi, streaming services, or outlets on the 737-800. Keeping that in mind, have your devices on a full charge and make sure to get a window seat to keep yourself entertained for these otherwise short flights. The food and beverage services could get you to pay $2.75 for a soda and $5.50 for a Molson beer. A coffee would cost $2.35. All that after currency conversion. My Verdict Image Source: runwaygirlnetwork.com I did not have much qualms about flying with Flair. It was a regular journey from one place to another. The airline’s internet service is also set to launch soon so that too can be an attraction for travelers. Flair’s rapid expansion is on its way to breaking through the expensive air carrier industry with its budget-friendly approach. Flair Airlines Tripadvisor Reviews Image Source: media.flyflair.com I told you what I felt from my experience. But if you want to know what others are saying about Flair Airlines, here are some of the Flair Airlines reviews left by real flyers on Tripadvisor. In case you are asking yourself, “Is Flair Airlines good” or “Is Flair Airlines safe,” here are all your answers: "My mom and I traveled to edmonton in the beginning of July to a convention, it was my first time on plane and was understandably nervous. The folks when I arrived at the gate was friendly and welcomed us! Everything was on time and found our seats okay, we will definitely upgrade next time but being it was only an hour 1/2 flight it was fine. If you are flying and bringing more than 1 bag and carry on, one thing I recommend to save $ is to purchase a package online and pre book. It's the one thing I wish I knew before hand. Otherwise baggage is pricey. Coming back from Edmonton it was a great experience too! Given the option I will choose Flair again to travel within Canada. Prices are good and the staff are very friendly. Even better, our flights to and from were 10 minutes early. So bonus!" Ashley P "After reading some questionable reviews about Flair i was convinced i was not going to have a good experience. I am blown away by the level of kindness and overall attentiveness of the flight attendants, along with the customer service i had received over the phone. Had bought our seats prior to both flights and we had no problems with keeping those seats unlike some other airlines that tend to mess that up every time. I highly recommend this airline to everyone and will gladly be returning!" Stefanie b "I am tired of people complaining in this industry. Covid changed many things, but I am grateful to travel again. We took a family trip out to Vancouver Island with Flair. Captain Tyler McDermot was wonderful and after the flight, I was invited for a picture with him. The crew were wonderful, check in was quick and our flight on time. Great job Flair!!!" Gail G "Booked online and purchased carryon only. Checked in online to avoid paying checkin fee at airport. Downloaded movies and brought my own snacks. People need to realize that Flair base prices only include your seat. Their website clearly states all extra costs. It would be great if Flair continues their Windsor to BC route throughout the whole year. I booked taking a chance, after reading all of the negative reviews about cancelling, I guess I was one of the lucky ones. It's nice to have a direct flight to BC from Windsor and avoid paying three times more, with other airlines and having connections, at either Pearson or Metro.” monicahumenny Wrapping Up Have you taken a Flair flight recently? How was your experience? Do you like how budget-friendly it is? Or do you feel like they could add something more to their services? If you have thoughts to share or questions to ask, please leave a comment below. We would love to hear from you! Read Also: This Is My Experience With Eva Air! This Is What I Felt About Aruba Airlines! Fly In Style: Your Ultimate Guide To Lot Polish Airlines Adventures! Journey To The Skies: Exploring The Legacy Of Northwest Airlines!

A Day At Olympic National Park: Making The Most Of The UNESCO World Heritage Site

BY Sibashree Dec 18, 2024

Designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1981, the Olympic National Park covers an area of 922,650 acres. Also, 95 percent of this national park is designated wilderness. Further, it is a rare coexistence of temperate rainforest and Alpine highlands. Also, you will find many lakeshores here. Moreover, when at the park, you can see the Pacific Coastline, which is pristine and wild. In addition, the National Park is home to snow-capped mountains like Mount Olympus, Mount Deception, and Mount Constance. It will be an endless discussion if I talk about the attractions in the Olympic National Park. So, I decided to write an account of how I spent my day here. Entry Fee: $10 for Each PersonEntry Fee for Vehicles: $25Visitor Centers: Hoh Rain ForestHurricane RidgePort AngelesLake Quinault A Day At The Olympic National Park: Exploring The Best Views And Trails The Olympic National Park, with its designated wilderness, has many amazing viewpoints. Of course, the Hurricane Ridge is the best sport to cherish a 360-degree view of the park. Further, if you are here for some serious adventure, you can trek to Mount Storm King for a panoramic view of the park and its surroundings. Moreover, hiking through the steep trails and switchbacks is completely worth it. As you conquer the elevation of 609 meters, you will find the surreal Lake Crescent below. The water of the lake looks deep blue. Also, if you want to visit the shores along the Pacific Coast, you can visit Kalaloch and Ruby Beach. In addition, these are the places or hotspots in the Olympic National Park. 1. Hurricane Ridge Hurricane Ridge, a famous spot in the Olympic National Park for beautiful views, is also home to Olympic marmots. It comes with an elevation of 2064 meters, and it is at the epicenter of many adventurous activities in the park. Snowboarding and skiing are the most popular adventure activities here. Moreover, in the spring season, Hurricane Ridge gets filled with wildflowers. 2. Lake Crescent The thousand-year-old lake at the Olympic National Park will take you on a time travel. You can have the most immersive experience her,e looking at the icy blue water of the lake. Further, if you are looking for something adventurous, you can try camping, boating, and hiking here. Moreover, Lake Crescent is home to the Crescenti Trout. You will hardly find this species of fish anywhere else in the world. Beardslee is another species of fish only found in Lake Crescent. You will find many hiking trails near Lake Crescent. I loved the walk to Marymere Falls. 3. Sol Duc Falls The Sol Duc Valley in the Olympic National Park comes with many hiking trails. Among them, the path leading to the Sol Duc Falls is the most beautiful. You have to walk for around a mile to reach the waterfall. You can even hike to Mink Lake or the Lover’s Lane to see Sol Duc Falls. However, these are longer routes in comparison to the trail starting from the Sol Duc Valley. Moreover, as you reach the Sol Duc River here, you will find coho salmon in abundance. If you visit the place from late October to late November, you will find salmon leaping over the waterfall to reach the river. The place is famous as Salmon Cascades Overlook. 4. Peabody Creek Trail The Peabody Creek Trail is a short nature trail near the Olympic National Park Visitor Center. The trail starts from the parking lot, and it is a path in the park that you can access year-round. As you walk through the trail, you will find many picnic benches. So, it is a great place to explore with your family. The trail loop with a moderate difficulty level will take you to Peabody Creek. Once you reach the destination, you can stick to the North and start hiking on the adjacent Aldwell Nature Trail to return to the Visitor Center. Overall, it is a 5.2-mile hike and back journey. 5. Mora and Rialto Beach When you are immersed in the beauty of Lake Crescent and make a further move, go to the southwest. At a distance of 40 miles, you will find Mora and Rialto Beach. Here, you will experience how powerful nature can be. Also, the experience I had here is “dramatic” or “intense.” Moreover, when you are at Mora and Rialto Beach, you will see the best marine animals, like whales, sea lions, otters, eagles, and different seabirds. If you want to spend longer at this pristine place and soak in the energy here, you can plan camping. You can even hike through the James Pond Trail. 6. Staircase The Olympic National Park has this staircase on its southeastern corner. As I visited this place, it felt like entering a kingdom of douglas fir. Further, here, you will find the Skokomish River. Many hiking trails run along this river to the forests. You must take a walk through the trail over the bridge leading to the North Fork Skokomish River. Hiking through the old forest is the most serene experience you can expect. The Shady Lane Trail is another path, and at the end of this trail, you will find the most beautiful Lake Cushman. Moreover, if you are ready to walk those extra miles and take some serious challenges, you can plan a hike to Flapjack Lakes. When you are tired of hiking or exploring the Staircase at Olympic National Park, you can enjoy a relaxing bath at the swimming spots. 7. Olympic National Park Main Visitor Center And Wilderness Information Center https://www.instagram.com/p/CvP2IpYLM8o/?img_index=1 The Olympic National Park Main Visitor Center And Wilderness Information Center will be your first stop as you start exploring the national park. Here, you will see the “Mosaic of Diversity.” It is an orientation film about the diversity and beauty of the park. Further, if you are traveling with kids, they will have the most amazing time at the Discovery Room. After knowing about the cultural and natural history of the park, you can make your move to visit the other attractions. The Visitor and Information Center remains open from 8 AM to 5 PM every day and the knowledgeable rangers and staff there will guide you in your journey to the park. As you step out of the visitor center, you will find two short nature trails leading to different parts of the park. Also read Why Include Whale Watching In Your LA Itinerary. Traveling On A Budget: Tips For Affordable Adventures. From Cocktails To Kickflips: Must-Try Activities In San Diego.

Top 11 Dark Tourism In USA Destinations

BY Sibashree Sep 30, 2024

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 (?). 11. The Texas School Book Depository https://www.instagram.com/p/Cz8zbSjqb6P/?img_index=1 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. 12. Museum Of Tolerance https://www.instagram.com/p/CqqbS30PyIa/ 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. Also read Top 10 Most Popular Paraguay Food That You Must Try. Top 13 Famous Wonders Of India That You Must Visit! 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