Perhaps it's a sign of the times, but there's been a surge in dark tourism in recent years. Many travelers are abandoning tropical paradise getaways and lavish city attractions in favor of places that reflect the darker truths of being human. While there are plenty of locations where enjoying the macabre can be at once beautiful and safe, Netflix's Dark Tourist takes the travel phenomenon to the extreme.

Host David Farrier adventures to locations off-limits to most people, interviewing real-life characters it might be safer to learn about through some deep reading. Buckle up, put on a gas mask, and refrain from taking photos on this journey into the places on Dark Tourist that it might be best to avoid.

Note: If traveling to these places, remember that respect for fellow human beings should be the top priority. One major criticism of dark tourism is that it's exploitative. While there is nothing wrong with aiming to understand the 'why' and 'how' of things, it's essential to keep in mind the histories that make these places what they are and be mindful of what might be considered inappropriate behavior when visiting. 

8 Medellín, Colombia

Throughout the 1980s and early 90s, Pablo Escobar was the most powerful drug lord and narcoterrorist in the world. The "King of Cocaine" led the Medellín Cartel in Colombia and ruthlessly took out anyone who stood in his way. By the end of his reign, Escobar had either murdered or ordered others to murder thousands of people.

Farrier travels to "Medellín Sin Tugurios," known more popularly as El Barrio Pablo Escobar. Shrine-like murals cover the walls, and the residents behold Escobar with a quiet veneration. They point out how the druglord provided for them in ways the government never did, heralding Escobar as a sort of twisted Robin Hood.

Every year, "narco-tourists" visit Colombia to explore the places Escobar shaped during his stronghold in the area. Travelers are fascinated by the overgrown prison Escobar built for himself, La Catedral. They explore his hiding places, check out his mansion, and visit his museum. Though the dark chapter in Colombian history has ended, curious travelers still go to Medellín to learn about Escobar's lasting influence.

7 Fukushima Disaster Tour, Japan

In 2011, an earthquake shook Fukushima, Japan. The quake produced a tsunami that wiped out towns along the coast and caused a nuclear disaster whose long-lasting effects can still be seen today. Farrier embarks on a tour with a busload of other travelers to explore the places affected by the series of disasters. Each person has a Geiger counter, which measures radiation. The tourists insist on ending the trip when their Geiger counter readings greatly surpass what's considered safe.

Many towns have been dubbed "difficult to return to places," the wind stirring radiation-laden dust particles that make extended stays dangerous. Although areas around the power plant are still in the exclusion zone, determined nuclear tourists penetrate the boundaries to witness the abandoned residential areas that appear almost frozen in time. Those who want to explore the catastrophic effects of the Fukushima disaster should always follow the instructions of their educated tour guides, who are there to ensure your safety.

Related: How To Plan A Safe And Exciting Trip To Chernobyl

6 New Orleans (Just The Vampire-y Parts)

According to the Atlanta Vampire Alliance, there are nearly 5,000 people in the United States who identify as vampires. In Dark Tourist, Ferrier meets a group of self-proclaimed bloodsuckers in New Orleans, a place where it makes sense for vampires to live. Though going on a tour that dives into the centuries-old vampire lore in New Orleans would likely be a great time, those with sensitive stomachs might want to avoid encounters with "real" vampires drinking from their willing donors.

5 Aokigahara Jukai Suicide Forest, Japan

In 2017, the infamous YouTuber turned boxing "star," Logan Paul, went into Japan's Aokigahara Forest, where he felt compelled to film a body hanging from a tree. The callous exploitation of death tarnished his reputation. Farrier's trip to Aokigahara is more considerate and contemplative than Paul's, and it's easy to see why dark tourists are drawn to the site.

The Aokigahara is a beautiful, dense, fog-filled forest located at the base of majestic Mount Fuji. It's known for being a popular spot for suicide attempts, garnering it the name of "Suicide Forest." The high rate of suicides prompted officials to put up signs at the forest entrance to remind visitors of the preciousness of life and direct them to places that offer help. Respectful visitors can go to Aokigahara for self-reflection, to mourn the loss of family members who have taken their lives, and to admire the beauty of the "Sea of Trees."

4 Ashgabat, Turkmenistan

The capital of Turkmenistan seems strangely out of place, its luxurious white marble facades shining bright in the desert sun. The country gained independence from the Soviet Union and used its prosperity from oil and natural gas to rebuild its capital. In Dark Tourist, Farrier remarks on how empty everything seems despite the city hosting an Olympic event at the time.

Though shiny and new, the residents outside the capital live in poverty and are notably afraid to express political dissent. It's illegal for travelers to go to certain areas beyond city limits, and Human Rights Watch and other activists are not allowed in Turkmenistan. There are strict laws to ensure that no one questions the capital's pretense as an impressive modern utopia.

3 Varosha In Famagusta, Cyprus

Varosha was off-limits when David Farrier filmed his episode for Dark Tourist, but in 2020, portions of the ghost resort town reopened to residents. In its heyday, affluent travelers headed to the pristine beaches to enjoy a holiday in the sun. Varosha fell into disrepair after the Turkish military overtook the Cyprus city, and fearful residents left in a panic due to fears of impending violence.

For years, risk-takers have hopped the fences of the abandoned resort town to explore the crumbling hotels and rubble-filled streets of a place one revered for its luxuriousness. The beach is open, but visitors are gifted the background of decaying buildings and glassless windows, a constant reminder of political unrest's power to destroy.

Related: These Ghost Towns Are Downright Chilling

2 Orania

Located in the Northern Cape province of South Africa is a small town called Orania. The villagers welcome anyone who identifies as Afrikans (white, European descendants) to live and work there. Contending with criticism from the press is a near-daily occurrence, and a 2011 article in The National called Orania a "pathetic outpost of embittered racists." The town appears to cling to the apartheid that tarnished and divided South Africa for decades, but Oranians claim they seek only to build a safe place free from violence and crime.

There are plenty of more inclusive, more beautiful, and more progressive places to stay in South Africa. Anyone seeking an honest, culturally enriching experience should cross Orania off the list.

Related: Here’s What You Need To Know About Hiking Table Mountain In South Africa

1 McKamey Manor

McKamey Manor went about its business for too long, earning top spots on several haunted house lists. Several exposés revealed the alarmingly inhumane things going on that are all safeguarded by a lengthy 40-page waiver. For the opportunity to win a cash prize, guests have to agree to the possibility of several horrifying things, including being drugged, getting teeth and fingernails extracted, and having their bones broken.

The gruesome attraction in Summertown, Tennessee, continues to operate year-round, and admission is dog food to feed Russ McKamey's canine friends. Extreme adrenaline junkies push themselves to their mental and physical limits despite no one ever walking away with the cash prize promised to those who make it through the entire eight-hour experience.

Next: These Countries Are Best Known For Their Dark Pasts