Holidays are generally perceived as times for fun, relaxation, and excitement. However, there are instances when mishaps occur, leaving individuals with terrifying tales they’ll never forget. Here are nine true scary vacation stories. These real tales are proof that even the most thrilling journey can turn horrifying.
7 True Scary Vacation Stories
The Conjuring House in Rhode Island
Back in 2023, someone decided to visit the infamous Conjuring House—the one that’s been featured in those spooky horror movies. At first, they didn’t believe in any of the ghost stories. But as soon as they stepped inside, things started to feel… off. While squeezing through a tight, closet-like hallway, they suddenly felt a hand press against their lower back. When they spun around, nobody was there.
Later on, a rocking chair began to sway gently all on its own. Not long after, a toy train rolled across the floor, seemingly pushed by an invisible force. Down in the basement, a strange, pungent smell filled the air—like something had died—but oddly, no one else seemed to notice it.
The scariest part came in a long, dim boiler room. There, a shadowy, slender woman appeared—almost otherworldly. The fear was so overwhelming that their daughter had to pull them away. After the tour ended, rocks tumbled from the chimney, and they swear they heard their name whispered in the wind. A photo snapped in the library later revealed a ghostly white mist hovering nearby.
That night, strange rustling noises and faint whispers kept them from sleeping. The ceiling fan flickered on and off, even though it wasn’t turned on. It wasn’t until later that they learned the room above where they stayed was the site of a tragic event. This visit didn’t just spook them—it changed how they saw the whole idea of the paranormal forever.
The Haunted Historic Hotel in Adelaide, South Australia
About a decade ago, Ron found himself in Adelaide for a convention, staying at a hotel with a long history dating back to the late 1800s. His room was tucked away at the end of a quiet corridor, where he barely crossed paths with anyone else during his three-day visit. Yet, each night after midnight, strange sounds stirred him awake—voices of a couple arguing, punctuated by thuds and crashes, as if furniture was being tossed about. The commotion would last about half an hour before fading into silence. Curious and unsettled, Ron asked the staff about the noise on his second night. To his surprise, they told him the adjacent room had been empty for months, and only a handful of guests were staying in that wing. Even the housekeeping crew admitted to hearing those mysterious voices. Feeling a chill he couldn’t shake, Ron decided to leave as soon as his convention ended.
The Heavy Feeling in the Arkansas State Capitol
In Little Rock, Arkansas, a visitor took some time to explore the state capitol building during a break from a conference. The exhibit on crime and punishment caught their eye, showcasing notorious figures like Bonnie and Clyde alongside prison uniforms and artifacts. But when they stepped into one particular room, a sudden heaviness gripped their chest, making each breath feel like a struggle. The oppressive weight was almost suffocating, urging them to leave immediately. As they turned to exit, their eyes landed on a retired electric chair, a grim relic of past executions. The chair’s presence seemed to deepen the room’s dark atmosphere, pushing the visitor to hurry away.
The Creepy Airbnb Basement Near Boston
Not far from Boston, a traveler booked an Airbnb basement for a short stay but barely made it through the first night. Their Uber driver had already warned them about the neighborhood’s sketchy reputation after dark. The listing photos promised a cozy space, but the reality was different—dirty, cramped, and unsettling from the moment they stepped inside. About half an hour after arriving, a woman appeared unexpectedly to “switch laundry.” When the traveler called the host, they were told she was the cleaner, but no prior warning had been given. Feeling trapped and too nervous to venture out or even order food, the traveler stayed put. Later, strange sounds like a party echoed from a locked room nearby. The eerie noises and uneasy vibe pushed them to check out as soon as they could.
The Ides of March in Rome
Two women were on a girls’ trip to Rome, enjoying wine and gelato on their last night there. They laughed at how little they knew about Ancient Rome until they realized they were there on the Ides of March—the day Julius Caesar was assassinated. Curious, they pinpointed the exact location of Caesar’s stabbing. All of a sudden, the warm spring air chilled, the moon hid behind the clouds, and the night turned cold and forbidding. It was a weighty, uncanny moment when history seemed to be knocking on their door.
The Creepy Guy on the Bus Station
A solo traveler perceived a man stalking her on a bus journey. The man appeared at every stop, standing silently and staring without saying a word. The woman continued to feel uncomfortable, but they never confronted the man. By the time she reached the next station, which was very full, she hurried off the bus and lost sight of the stranger. The experience shocked and scared her, and she no longer travel alone.
The Murder-Suicide at the Work Trip Hotel
On a work trip, a group of colleagues stayed at the same hotel, unaware that tragedy had unfolded there during their absence. While they were all at their jobs, a murder-suicide occurred somewhere inside the building. When they came back that evening, the hotel was a chaotic scene—police officers, ambulances, and a coroner’s van filled the area. Despite the eerie atmosphere, the group decided to stick to their plans and went out for dinner. But upon returning, three of them, including the person sharing this story, stepped into the lobby just as the bodies were being carried out. There was no announcement or closure of the hotel; the bodies passed so close by that they could have reached out and touched them. The whole ordeal left a heavy, unsettling feeling hanging over them, yet they had no choice but to retreat to their rooms and get ready for the next day’s work.
My Thoughts on These Real Scary Vacation Stories
These scary vacation stories reminded me of how utterly unpredictable travel is. You must remain vigilant about your surroundings and trust your instincts if something feels unsettling. Scary as all these experiences are, to me, they produce memories that certainly stick with you. I think sharing it prepares other people for what could happen. For my part, I’d still love to travel, albeit with a little caution after hearing these tales.
Did you get some goosebumps? If not, check these 15 best scary movies of all time. And tell you favorite scary story on our Facebook, Pinterest or Instagram pages.
Sources
- www.buzzfeed.com/ravenishak/spookiest-travel-experiences
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Articles from MyViralBox’ contributors and guest bloggers.
