So let’s say you’re a family, a couple, a group of friends looking to unwind or maybe just a single girl on the run… the question becomes, where to go? Common sense would say a nice beach, maybe an amusement park or a nice spa somewhere. However, if you just went to the usual places, you wouldn’t have very interesting horror movies. In fact, some of the best horror movies take something that would seem mundane or ordinary and transforms it into something terrifying.
With that, no matter what your circumstances, there are some places best avoided – sure, you probably figure that out only after the fact (and probably many gruesome deaths) but hindsight is 50/50.
The Overlook Hotel – You can look at this two way – the place might not be so bad during the actual vacation season, despite its history, but if you’re going to be spending extended time there during the off season, make sure you are well and truly prepared. Cabin fever is a very real thing, and when you happen to be a bit on edge as it is, well, blood pouring from elevators, old women in bathtubs and talking to ghosts can either be seen as truly paranormal events or just your own mind cracking under the stress. Still, there are plenty of real hotels out there with their own haunted history, and it always pays to do a little research before taking on a job and dragging your family along with you.
The Bates Motel – Not every roadside motel is a place of terror and unbalanced individuals, but Hollywood is sure keen to make them out that way. I could have gone with Vacancy or the aptly named Motel Hell, but nothing can out-creep Norman Bates and his “mother”. If you ever find yourself in a situation where you have to stop at a random place for the night and you get the uncomfortable feeling you’re being watched, trust your instincts and make for the nearest Comfort Inn or something.
Camp Crystal Lake – What could be better than reliving those days of summer camp with a group of friends – out on a nice lake no less? Yet when a local nut tells you the place has a “death curse”, maybe you shouldn’t disregard him. Also, when people start to go missing, don’t just assume they’re off skinny dipping or getting high – that’s when you end up with a poker through the neck or a machete in the head. In fact, just lay off the drugs and sex – it not only impairs judgment, but apparently is a magnet for undying, masked killers (or his mom, or some guy pretending to be an undying, masked killer).
Amity Island – Okay, I know I said a trip to the beach was a nice, safe choice for the family. Especially popular summer locations that locals and tourists alike flock to and enjoy. Yet there is one thing that will ruin any beach vacation: shark attacks. Now I know what you’re thinking – “Sharks in New England? That could never happen!” You’re right – probably just some unlucky victims of a drive-by boating – though those bite marks look suspicious. Don’t trust the officials to do anything – when beaches bring in that much cash, a few bodies now and then might not be so bad. At least until the kids start getting chomped. Well, the hotel pool is still open, isn’t it?
Spelunking Unknown Caves in the Appalachian Mountains – If you’re a group of determined, capable women looking for adventure, why go off and do something as inane as deciding to explore an unknown cave system, especially without telling anyone where you’re going. Yet that’s exactly what happens and whether you subscribe to the theory that there are group of subterranean creatures or one of the women simply goes mad, in the end, everyone still winds up, well, dead. Fear of the unknown is one of the greatest terrors mankind can face. But that doesn’t mean you have to go out and create your own horror movie.
Next time you plan a vacation – no matter if it’s with family, friends or even alone – make sure you’re prepared and know what you’re getting into first and, for the love of all that’s good in this world, tell someone where you’re going too.
Chris Kavan is the Community Manager of Filmcrave.com and his itinerary never includes death by misadventure.
