Čachtice Castle in Slovakia was the home and prison of the bloodthirsty Elizabeth Bathory. Photo / Getty Images
Čachtice Castle in Slovakia was the home and prison of the bloodthirsty Elizabeth Bathory. Photo / Getty Images
Vampires, Čachtice, Slovakia
Most of those in search of vampires travel to Romania, where former Transylvania can be found. But why not go to Slovakia for something different? In Čachtice you'll find the ruins of Čachtice Castle that once was the home, and later the prison, of Elizabeth Báthory. She contributed to the blood drenched history of vampirism, by torturing and killing hundreds of girls.
Palatín in Čachtice. Photo / Supplied
Situated in the centre of Čachtice town, Palatín offers self-catered accommodation. The surrounding area is great for hiking and cycling. Čachtice Castle, which was also used as the location for Count Orlok's castle in Nosferatu, is one mile from the accommodation.
Pluckley is said to be the most haunted village in Britain. Photo / Getty Images
With more ghost sightings reported per square mile than anywhere else in the world, the United Kingdom is the most haunted country on earth. According to the 1989 Guinness Book of Records, the most haunted village in Britain is Pluckley in Kent, with at least 12 ghosts apparently still haunting the area. There is the Screaming Man, who fell to his death, the Schoolmaster who hung himself, and the Highwayman who was pinned to a tree by a sword in Fright Corner. This place is a must-visit for any fan of fear.
Chilston Park Hotel, Lenham. Photo / Supplied
Stay at Chilston Park Hotel, Lenham — a grand Grade I listed property once home to politicians and Lords, surrounded by 22 acres of rural parkland. Lenham is a ten-minute drive from Pluckley, but if you're lucky, you might see a ghost in the hotel itself, as it's said to be haunted by the phantom of an 18th century footman.
Mummies, Valley of the Kings, Egypt
Beware the curse of the pharoahs if you visit the Valley of the Kings in Egypt. Photo / 123RF
If you want to know more about mummies, you should travel to the Valley of the Kings. In this Egyptian necropolis, where more than 60 tombs have been found, including that of Tutankhamun — but beware of the curse of the pharaohs. Shortly after Tutankhamun's tomb was opened, several members of the expedition suffered untimely and mysterious deaths. Don't say we didn't warn you...
The Hilton Luxor Resort & Spa. Photo / Supplied
Nestled on the banks of the Nile, Hilton Luxor Resort & Spa offers stylish rooms with uninterrupted views from the water's edge. The Valley of the Kings is just on the other side of the Nile, but by car it is still 38 kilometres because you need to cross the water. The temples of Karnak and the Mummification Museum are on the same bank and much closer.
Werewolves, Lozère, France
Lozère is known to be frequented by werewolves. Photo / 123RF
There have been werewolf sightings all over the world, but they seem to prefer France. One of the best-known cases is that of the Beast of Gévaudan (modern-day Lozère), that killed dozens of people in the 18th century, often by ripping its victims' throats out. At some point even the king got involved. The attacks stopped when a hunter shot an unidentified creature with a silver bullet.
La ferme de Félix offers accommodation in La Chaze-de-Peyre, Lozère. The best part? La ferme de Félix is a pet-friendly accommodation, so you can release your inner werewolf.
According to anthropologists Zora Neale Hurston and Wade Davis, zombies do exist and they live in Haiti — but contrary to popular belief they do not eat brains. Zombies are actually victims themselves, turned into slaves by 'Bokor' a Vodou sorcerer, using neurotoxins and hallucinogens. Wade Davis spoke to several zombies himself, including Clairvius Narcisse from L'Estère, who died in 1962, but returned to his village 18 years later.
Enjoy the tropical vibes of Haiti - but keep an eye out for zombies. Photo / Supplied
Royal Decameron Indigo Beach Resort & Spa is a beachfront resort located in Montrouis. An array of activities can be enjoyed on site or in the surrounding area, including table tennis and canoeing. It is about an hour's drive from L'Estère, and 75 minutes from Hôpital Albert Schweitzer in Desjardines where Narcisse "died".
