Spooky Travel Destinations for National Geographic 100 Haunts Book

I’m thrilled to announce that I’m writing the upcoming National Geographic title 100 Haunts of a Lifetime! This project blends two of my lifelong obsessions: travel and all things spooky, haunted, or creepy. (And yes, I will be visiting some of these places to do some on-the-ground reporting!). The book is scheduled for a fall 2027 publication date. My outline is due in a few short months, and that’s where you come in. I’d love to hear about any spooky destinations you know about, whether it’s a haunted hotel or graveyard; creepy ghost town; or an entire city (New Orleans, I’m looking at you!). I’ve created this Google form [https://substack.com/redirect/0cb435a8-e241-40b9-a2a6-3dbd33b2fe8f?j=eyJ1IjoiMWpiZ3ZrIn0.Wuq6H8WRYsisUB-myw11ZWkKfQ9M41dwUqGCDM-baYE] to track responses. A good gauge for your picks: Does this place make the hair on the back of your neck stand up or give you goosebumps? If so, I want to hear about it! A few things to keep in mind: - Think beyond just ghosts: Destinations associated with local legends/myths around cryptids; aliens; or other unexplained phenomena are all fair game! I'm casting as wide a net as possible with my research. - No “dark tourism" destinations tied to genocide or mass murder (I know many spooky places are associated with death and violence, so this is admittedly complicated.) - Please ABSOLUTELY NO seasonal hotel packages, haunted hayrides, trick-or-treating events, etc. Think places, not once-a-year events. You can also pitch me separately at [email redacted] (please, no responses to this newsletter or to my other email address; I’m trying to keep this project organized and contained.).