9 Haunted Spots Every Traveler Should Know About
You don't have to believe in phantom spirits to love a good ghost story. Just in time for Halloween, we've scoured the globe for some of the most haunted airports, aircraft, train stations and ships on Earth — many of which you can transit through (or tour).
Whether you're in search of frights or you just have London Heathrow on your travel itinerary, be sure to watch out for apparitions if you find yourself in one of these spectral hotspots.
Denver International Airport in Colorado
Known as one of the most haunted airports in the world, Denver International (DEN) is actually trying to capitalize on the rumors. A recent tweet related to the airport's continued construction laughs at many of the conspiracy theories surrounding the airport — some of which include alien invasions and Illuminati world takeovers.
The theories start with the original construction of the airport. Apparently, the hub was erected on a Native American burial ground, which disturbed more than a few spirits. And supposedly, secret bunkers hidden under the airport are home to aliens.
The airport's peculiar art collection includes gargoyles at the baggage claim, apocalyptic paintings and stones referencing secret societies. The most notorious piece of art, however, is the giant blue stallion statue with piercing red eyes. On June 13, 2006, a chunk of the sculpture fell and killed its artist, Luis Jimenez. Jason Steele, TPG writer and Denver resident, said his young children love the statue — and so does he. But many others say that the ghost of Jimenez can be spotted lurking in the airport today.
Waterfront Station in Canada
Waterfront Station is thought to be one of the most haunted buildings in Vancouver. The station, built in 1915, is said to be haunted by many period ghosts, like a woman in a 1920s flapper dress who dances to piano music, then disappears. Many staff members have reported experiencing paranormal activity, such as desks moving on their own and clattering, unexplained noises.
One particular ghost, Hub Clark, haunts many of the tracks near the station. Clark was a brakeman who was decapitated by a train while working on the tracks. His headless ghost supposedly wanders the rails, lantern in hand, searching for his head.
North East Land, Sea and Air Museums in the UK
This UK museum is famous for having not one, but three resident ghosts that regularly appear. The ghosts apparently move planes, make banging noises and laugh at visitors and staff.
The site of the museum was part of a base that was once a target for the Luftwaffe in 1940, and some of the ghosts are thought to be the spirits of former RAF pilots. An old Westland Whirlwind helicopter sees much of the most paranormal activity in the museum.
Davis-Monthan Air Force Base Boneyard in Arizona
The Davis-Monthan Air Force Base Boneyard in Tucson is where old planes go to die: more than 4,400 retired military aircraft, to be exact. Plane cemeteries are just like regularly cemeteries, but they're haunted specifically by the spirits of the pilots.
If being out in the middle of the Arizona desert with a bunch of abandoned planes isn't creepy enough, you may also spot the phantoms of World War II pilots walking through security fences and flickering the lights. AvGeeks and ghost hunters alike are welcome to book bus tours of the boneyard.
SS William A. Irvin in Minnesota
Sailing from 1938 and retiring in 1978, the SS William A. Irvine is now docked in Duluth, Minnesota. The Duluth Paranormal Society did a "study" and reported conclusive findings that the ship is indeed haunted.
The ship, which carried steel along the Great Lakes for 40 years, is said to be haunted by a man killed in a boiler room accident. Today, the ghost's footsteps are often heard around the boat, as well as unexplained slamming doors and flickering lights. The SS William A. Irvin takes pride into its haunted history by offering haunted tours of the vessel each year in October.
Although the ship is currently closed for the 2018 season due to renovations, the tours will resume for the October 2019 season. The ship also takes volunteers if you want to really get involved in the spooky fun.
Dwarka Sector 9 Metro Station in India
Many publications have detailed the spookiness of this metro station in Delhi, Dwarka Sector 9, which is serviced by the Blue Line.
A woman in a white sari has reportedly been seen sitting just outside the station, chasing cars at night, as well as inside the station. She's typically disappears into oblivion after being spotted. Some people have even reported being slapped by her. Rumor has it she is the ghost of a school girl who was killed in the area, doomed to roam around looking for her murderer.
London Heathrow Airport in England
Seeing spirits may not be the first thing on your mind when rushing through this busy airport. But if you sense something eerie, it's probably one of the trio of ghosts that reportedly haunt London Heathrow (LHR).
The first is a man who appeared after a plane crash on the runway during thick fog back in 1948. Legend has it that, following the crash, a man asked airport staff if they'd found his briefcase in the wreckage. And then disappeared. So keep an eye out for a phantom man searching for a briefcase around the airport, or on the runway.
Travelers should also stay alert in the lounge, as a mysterious ghost has been spotted in various lounges, enjoying all the VIP services. When approached, he disappears. Who knew ghosts could also be Priority Pass holders?
The final and most famous Heathrow haunting is by Dick Turpin, a highway robber caught and sentenced to death in 1739. For some reason, he wanders the airport (he even haunted the grounds before the airport was constructed), so be on the lookout for a man in Georgian-era duds. Or, you may feel some hot breath on your neck, as he often approaches from behind. Eek!
The Queen Mary in California
Sailing across the Atlantic from 1936 to 1967, The Queen Mary has an impressive history, including several years as a WWII ship, transporting over 80 million civilian passengers and more than 16,000 troops.
But over the years, nearly 50 people have died on this vessel, and their spirits still appear around the ship. Although The Queen Mary is rumored to have many ghosts, the most common sights include a floating lady in white, one of the ship's engineers who died in the engine room and random children who haunt the pool area.
The ship, which is now docked and retired in Long Beach, California offers haunted tours, and travelers can spend the night in the most haunted cabin, Stateroom B340. Here, many guests have heard footsteps, toilets flushing and faucets sputtering on and off.
Bishan MRT Station in Singapore
This MRT station on the North South and Circle lines was built on the grounds of an old burial ground established in the 19th century. So naturally, it's haunted.
Many train passengers have witnessed headless figures roaming the station and hearing footsteps on the roof of the train. Coffin bearers have also been spotted inside the subway tunnels by staff and passengers. One woman even fainted on the tracks, later claiming she'd been choked — and groped — by invisible hands.
