12 Paranormal Trip Ideas for 2023
I get messages from time to time asking for paranormal trip ideas. If you are thinking about taking a paranormal trip this year and don’t know where to start, check out this quick list that I made. It includes destinations both in the US and abroad.
THE LALAURIE MANSION, NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA, USA
The notorious LaLaurie Mansion......the story of what happened there in the early 1800s is the thing nightmares are made of. Delphine LaLaurie, a wealthy socialite, was known to be cruel to her slaves and servants.
In 1834, one of the slaves started a fire and it was then that her atrocities were discovered. Slaves were found in what has been described as a torture chamber. Multiple mutilated bodies were discovered locked in that room. The LaLaurie's fled to Paris. There is no record that they ever faced prosecution for the atrocities that occurred within the LaLaurie Mansion.
Tours are NOT available but the mansion is a stop on many of the walking tours.
Say cheese!
Paris Catacombs
CATACOMBS OF PARIS, FRANCE
The Catacombs are absolutely fascinating. I thought my kiddo might be freaked out but nope.....she enjoyed it. Internments in the Paris Catacombs started in the mid to late 1700s because of major public health problems that came from overflowing city cemeteries. So began the transfer of the remains to an underground site.
Myrtles Plantation front view March 2023
Myrtles Plantation rear view March 2023
MYRTLES PLANTATION, ST FRANCISVILLE, LOUISIANA, USA
The Myrtles Plantation is a place that people ask about a lot. I have been three times already but I was blessed to go again with a group early March 2023. The Myrtles Plantation offers 6 rooms within the main house but they also have other accommodations on the property. If you can't (or don't want to) stay, you can enjoy a guided tour.
I rented the entire house for the group so we could investigate it throughout the night. We sat out in the rockers on the porch in the afternoon, and had dinner out in the courtyard. We had just a great time.
Stanley Hotel 2018
Stanley Hotel 2018
STANLEY HOTEL, ESTES PARK, COLORADO, USA
The Stanley Hotel opened in 1909 and was quite luxurious. It is known for being the inspiration for the hotel in the famous move “The Shining.” If you seek a haunted room, check out rooms 217, 401, 407, and 428. Since they are often sought out, you will want to plan ahead to secure one of those rooms.
Alleged haunts include Mrs. Stanley, a housekeeper, a child, a former employee believed to reside in the tunnel system, and even a couple of ghost animals.
CHATEAU DE BRISSAC, BRISSAC-LOIRE-AUBANCE, FRANCE
Brissac is a gorgeous château belonging to the same family since 1502. with descendants living in the home to this day. It has seven floors, 204 rooms, and a fascinating history. Yes, you can visit!
It is said to be haunted by a woman in a green dress. It is believed she was part of a love triangle and subsequent double homicide that occurred in the castle and she is frequently seen roaming the halls.
ANCIENT RAM INN, WOTTON-UNDER-EDGE, ENGLAND
The Ancient Ram Inn at nearly 900 years old is the oldest building in Wotton-under-Edge. It was home to John Humphries and it functioned as a guest house. They host public events if you and your group don't want to try it on your own but they do allow private investigations.
Alleged haunts include John Humphries, children whose remains were found on the property, and a woman believed to be burned at the stake. Evidence of devil worship and sacrifice were found onsite as well.
The Ancient Ram Inn is less than 3 hours from London depending on your preferred method of transportation.
THE QUEEN MARY, LONG BEACH, CALIFORNIA, USA
The Queen Mary had her maiden voyage on May 27, 1936, departing from Southampton, England. She was known to be quite luxurious with a grand ballroom, multiple bars, five dining areas, an infirmary, and multiple swimming pools. She sailed until 1967, then subsequently became a hotel.
There is a great deal more history to the Queen Mary so you definitely will want to check it out if you are a history lover. Stateroom B340 is known for its paranormal activity. They have a free tour but availability is limited and you have to register for it in advance.
I had a great time exploring the cells at Eastern State Penitentiary.
EASTERN STATE PENITENTIARY, PHILADELPHIA, PA, USA
I don't know what it is about prisons but I LOVE THEM. Eastern State Penitentiary was known long ago as the most famous and expensive prison in the world. It was home to some notorious criminal including the infamous Al Capone. It closed as a penitentiary in 1970 but you can visit, take a tour, and see the dark hallways, empty cellblocks, and guard towers.
Its been a few years since the team and I went for a private investigation but I wouldn't mind going back.
DRAGSHOLM CASTLE, ZEALAND, DENMARK
One of Denmark's oldest castles, this 800 year old beauty has seen times of prosperity and war. Dragsholm Castle now serves as a hotel (since 1937) with 41 rooms, multiple restaurants, and conference venue. It was built in the early 1200’s by the Bishop of Roskilde, and during the Middle Ages, it was changed from a palace to a fortified castle,
It isn't too long of a drive from Copenhagen (I kick myself for not making the drive when I was there!) so it shouldn't be too hard to arrange for the transportation. With it's long history, there must be a spirit or two residing there!
Leap Castle upon entry to the property
Leap Caste interior
LEAP CASTLE, COUNTY OFFALY, IRELAND
This one is, hands down, my fave. It was a dream for me to be able to visit and it did not disappoint. It was built by the O’Bannon clan in the early 1500’s. It is believed that the site was used by Druids before the current castle was built.
The castle is believed to be haunted by a variety of spirits including a priest, a governess, the Red Lady, and a whole host of ghosts within the Bloody Chapel. The Bloody Chapel and oubliette had my imagination running wild and they gave me chills.
The owner, Sean Ryan, still allows tours but you will need to contact him directly. I hope to get back there again soon.
SEDLEC OSSUARY, KUTNA HORA, CZECHIA
The Sedlec Ossuary, the Cemetery Church of All Saints, was a part of a Cistercian monastery in Bohemia which was founded in 1142. The church itself was built in the late 14th century.
In the 15th century the cathedral and monastery were destroyed. Later bones from abolished graves were moved into the Ossuary. According to legend, the bones and skulls were arranged and stacked by a half-blind monk. His eyesight was restored afterwards.
Day time and night time tours are available. Sign me up for the night tour!!!
HOIA BACIU FOREST, CLUJ-NAPOCA, ROMANIA
So friends and I will be in Romania this September and I am hoping we can make time to visit Hoia Baciu Forest! It has many reports of paranormal activity including light anomalies, apparitions, strange sounds, and UFO sightings. The forest was made when a member of the military photographed an UFO above it in the 1960s.
There are day and night tours available through a variety of tour companies. Are you brave enough to visit the haunted forest?
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I can only attest to about half of these locations from personal experience but the remainder are on my list. If you make it to any of these locations, I hope you will comment and let me know about your experience.
Make this beautiful day count!
Annette