By Karen Espig
When it comes to travel, I gravitate towards picturesque and historical sites. But, for those of you looking for something a little spooky, scary, or down-right dangerous, these five should get your heart racing.
Several come with a health warning, so be sure to give yourself a medical and psychological once-over before you sign up. And don’t forget that travel insurance. Good luck!
Let’s Jump Into An Active Volcano…
…Said no one sane, ever! But if you are looking for this kind of trip, check out Mount Villarica in Pucón, Chile. It is an active volcano and one of only 5 in the world with a crater lake. Its most recent major eruption was in 2015, but the molten lava gurgles and glows ominously, with minor eruptions occurring every 3 to 6 years.
For the dare-devils, one company offers bungee jumps from a helicopter into the volcano crater, dangling a mere 700 metres above it. What could go wrong? This experience requires an excellent state of physical health, and guess what? You’ll be signing a waiver. While this is not for the faint of heart, it certainly is a once-in-a-lifetime experience–and you’ll get a T-shirt!
If you decide the bungee jump is beyond your limits (or budget), various hikes and climbs get you close to, but not into, the volcano, which is part of the vast Villarrica National Park.
Walk Among The Not So Yummy Mummies
If you are more into spooky than dangerous, check out the Capuchin Catacombs in Palermo, Italy. It was built as a mass grave in the late 1500s when the cemetery at the monastery became full. When still more room was needed, and the bodies were exhumed, they were found to have been naturally mummified.
Visitors can get up close and personal with the more than 1500 mummified figures. Corpses are displayed in various positions (sitting, standing, lying down), attached with wire to the walls, and in the traditional clothing of their times.
The last body entombed (in 1920) was 2-year-old Rosalia, known as “The world’s most beautiful mummy”. And while Rosalia represents the most “realistic” mummification, the varying methods of preservation over the years and environmental factors reveal a range of conditions. Some corpses are in a grizzly and macabre state with drooping or missing bones and decomposed dress. Still, all of them contribute to a macabre atmosphere.
This fascinating and disturbing destination comes with a modest entrance fee of under 5 euros.
Take A Death-Defying Walk Across A Perilous Foot Bridge
In Hussaini, Pakistan, the bridge of the same name is known as one of the most dangerous bridges in the world. Measuring 672 feet in length with 472 individual planks, the spaces in between reveal the deadly drop of between 50 and 100 feet to the Hunza River below.
This suspension bridge was originally built in 1968 but was rebuilt in 1994 after being washed away in floods. It continues to be used by locals to move between Husseini village and the region of Zar Abad. It is estimated that at least 10 people have fallen to their death from the bridge, and in the summer of 2022, it was briefly closed for investigation when a tourist did just that.
While the structure of the new bridge may now be safe, the strong winds cause it to sway, and holding on to moving ropes is unnerving at the very least. The gaps between the boards must be navigated mindfully, and if you fear heights, this should be a hard pass for you.
Survive A Haunted Forest In Transylvania
West of the city of Cluj-Napoca in Romania is the forest of Hoia-Baciu, also known as the “Bermuda Triangle of Transylvania”. It is named after the shepherd who disappeared there, along with the 200 sheep he was herding. Nothing grows in an area called The Clearing, and warped trees form an oval shape around it.
In 1968, the mystique of this area deepened when Emil Barnea, a military technician, claimed he had photographed a UFO. He lost his job at the time as a result of his claims.
Present-day visitors report feeling anxious or nauseous in some areas, and many experience electronic interferences. The forest seems harmless during the day, so be sure to book one of the night tours to really amp up the fear factor.
Go Jump Off A Cliff
I’ll end this list on a scenic note. Try cliff diving in Dubrovnik, Croatia, for a scary yet breathtaking activity. Several jump heights are on offer, ranging from 15 to 60 feet; you can even jump from the notable “King’s Landing” location from the Game of Thrones series.
The coolness factor might make this scare doable for me…Or I could just watch from one of the viewing platforms.
Whatever your thrill level, be mindful of your health level and choose wisely. Life can be an adventure, but be my guest if you wish to scare yourself senseless!