Dark Tourism – 3 Things You Must Know

There’s a new sensation in the tourism sector, a new kind of experiential tourism referred to as dark tourism. Tourists are increasingly making pilgrimages to battle sites, places that once experienced history altering wars, devastating massacres and even natural disasters. This phenomenon has earned the definition “dark tourism”.

The experience is surreal, standing in a spot where hundreds if not thousands of people were killed by either an act of man or an act of nature. Tourists are travelling thousands of miles across the globe to access these tragedy sites all in the name of experiential tourism. So, what do you need to know before engaging in such escapades? Here are a few travel tips.

#1 You must be aware that these kinds of destinations attract controversy

As a tourist it is natural to want to document your travels. Everybody loves a good selfie. However, it is important to recognize that in dark tourism, you are visiting a somber site therefore smiling in that selfie may not go down well with some people. Always try to avoid entangling yourself in such controversies.

#2 You must be aware of potential dangers

Majority of the spots visited by enthusiasts of dark tourism were once war-torn areas or areas stricken by natural disaster and there is still a high probability of these recurring. As a tourist, you must be aware of the potential dangers and ensure to take all necessary precautions to keep yourself safe.

#3 You may be exposed to PTSD

Some psychology experts are of the opinion that tourists who make visits to sites of death and disaster may end up somehow disturbed by the visitation. Knowing that you are standing right on the spot where hundreds if not thousands of people were killed may end up inflicting some form of trauma. The jury is still out on this, I just thought it would be good to mention.