Not every vacation or trip is like something out of a dream. Around the world, there are gorgeous beach settings, ancient ruins full of history, medieval wonders that transport us back in time, and mountainscapes that resemble a painting... But what about those destinations that aren't any of those things? What about the places where the hair stands up on the back of our necks, or where we feel as though we're being watched even after looking over our shoulder time and time again? Contrary to what the world of travel entails, there are locations that stay with us long after we've boarded the plane and gone home.
Certain places seem as though they're infiltrated and filled with a mystique and wonder that goes beyond normal perception. When you hear that a place has a reputation or negative energy about it, suddenly, it all makes sense - these places aren't just creepy, they're actually cursed.
The Ancient Ram Inn, England
The Ancient Ram Inn is said not only to be cursed but to be one of the most haunted places in Europe. The inn's history is grizzly and gruesome and much of it was unearthed in recent times - after it was already open and operating as a place where guests could spend the night. This one building was said to have been the site of a pagan burial ground, and its owner, John Humphries, also discovered adolescent skeletons buried under the staircase. Since then, there has been a slew of paranormal investigators who spent time at the inn and each one walked away feeling as though this place is, indeed, cursed.
Achill Island, Republic Of Ireland
Achill Island is the last remaining reminder of the famine that struck Ireland during the 1840s. During that time, many people, mostly farmers and agricultural workers, dwelled in 100 cottages that were scattered around the area. When the famine struck, they were forced to leave and abandon everything they had, including their homes, leaving behind an eerie reminder of what life was once like. Now, those who have been to the island and know of its history claim that it, too, is haunted by the ghosts of those who fled.
Lawang Sewu, Indonesia
Lawang Sewu grew to have a worse reputation as time went on and while the complex was first built by Dutch colonists, it eventually fell into the hands of the Japanese army in 1945. From that point on, it served as a detention camp where prisoners were tortured and executed in unimaginable ways, leaving a dark stain on the building's history. Since then, it has been deemed the most haunted place in Indonesia, making it easy to understand why this land would be considered cursed for those who know of its tragic history.
The Island Of Dolls, Mexico
Even the name of this island is enough to send a chill down anyone's spine. Located on Lake Xochimilco in Mexico City, this island has long since been rumored to be cursed. It's also considered to be one of the most haunted places in Mexico with visitors claiming to have seen the dolls move or heard them speak. The dolls were first hung all over the island as an effort to ward off spirits, done by Don Julian Santana, who lived on the island for over 50 years. Since 2001, the island has been open to visitors who have come back with many stories about the deserted, cursed land.
Eastern State Penitentiary, U.S.
Another destination that has been on many paranormal investigator's lists is the Eastern State Penitentiary in Pennsylvania. This prison was the first to introduce the idea of solitary confinement and it's said that the treatment of its prisoners was more than harsh, and some believe it's that same negative energy that makes this place so uncomfortable to visit. It's open for tours regularly although those who have been there claim to have seen ghostly apparitions heard cackling laughter, and felt things they simply can't explain.
Edinburgh Castle, Scotland
Edinburgh is an old city with a rich history and while Edinburgh Castle is a popular tourist destination, it also has a reputation for being haunted. Many people wouldn't believe that it's one of the most haunted places on earth if not the most haunted place and its dark history has everything to do with that. The castle itself was the site of many a violent act and those who have visited or investigated were said to have been pushed, felt things they can't explain, or simply felt emotions that overcame them to the point of discomfort.