Book Review: Travels Of Terror by Kelly Florence and Meg Hafdahl

Book: Travels of Terror: Strange and Spooky Spots Across America
Authors: Kelly Florence and Meg Hafdahl
Book Review Score: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️, 5-star, I loved it! Would definitely read/watch it again or highly recommend it to a friend!
Genre: Nonfiction, Travel Guidebook, Horror, True Crime
Places Featured: United States (see below for full list)

A Surprising and Spooky Travel Companion

I wasn’t quite sure what to expect when I requested this book on NetGalley—and I was very pleasantly surprised. Kelly Florence and Meg Hafdahl’s Travels of Terror is not your typical travel guide. It’s an eerie and intriguing collection designed for lovers of the macabre, horror, and the paranormal—and while I don’t usually consider myself a huge fan of those genres, I found it to be a fascinating guidebook packed with valuable insights for anyone who enjoys discovering unique destinations.

The book seamlessly weaves together true crime stories (which I am a fan of), movie filming locations (also something I love), and local recommendations for places to eat, sleep, shop, and visit—making it an unexpected gem for travelers seeking something beyond the ordinary.

An Engaging Blend of Horror, History, and Humanity

Despite the dark subject matter, the writing remains approachable. It’s warm and conversational—like chatting with two friends sharing their favorite secret travel tips. Florence and Hafdahl balance their fascination with eerie legends and real tragedies with empathy and respect. The result is a guide that’s both informative and deeply engaging, never reading like a dry list of facts.

It’s so enjoyable, in fact, that I found myself jotting down several new book titles to add to my TBR pile—another surprising benefit of reading this guide!

Women Who Shaped the Shadows

One of the features I appreciated most is the recurring “A Woman You Should Know” section. These spotlights introduce readers to fascinating women from each region—many of whom have been overlooked by history. These stories don’t just add context; they give the book an empowering, human touch that elevates it beyond a standard guidebook.

For Horror Fans and Curious Travelers Alike

Florence and Hafdahl write not only for horror buffs but for curious explorers who enjoy the thrill of the unknown. Their recommendations are useful for all types of travelers—from those who love haunted places to those who simply seek out-of-the-way attractions with great stories (that’s me!).

Each destination is thoroughly researched, but the tone stays light and conversational. It feels like you’re hearing travel tales from a friend who loves both history and mystery.

The Perfect Gift for True Crime and Travel Lovers

This book would make an excellent gift for anyone fascinated by true crime, spooky history, or unusual travel experiences. (It’s also full of unique gift ideas for fans of the genre!) Whether recommending local shops for memorabilia or helping you choose the best place to stay, Travels of Terror balances its fascination with the dark and strange with practical, down-to-earth travel advice.

I’m already planning a trip based on some of their suggestions—though I won’t tell you which one yet; you’ll have to follow along to find out!

Recommended Partner: U.S. Ghost Adventures

If Travels of Terror inspires you to explore haunted or historic destinations, I highly recommend checking out U.S. Ghost Adventures. They offer ghost tours, haunted pub crawls, and paranormal experiences in many of the cities featured in the book—including Salem, St. Augustine, and Savannah. Their tours are informative, entertaining, and a great way to bring the stories from Travels of Terror to life.

Final Thoughts

For anyone who enjoys the darker side of life—or simply loves an offbeat adventure—Travels of Terror is an absolute must-read. It’s packed with information, inspiration, and genuine enthusiasm for discovery. I’ve already recommended it to several friends—not just horror fans, but anyone who loves finding unique and unusual travel spots.

It’s more than a guidebook—it’s a conversation starter, a travel planner, and a book you’ll truly enjoy reading.

Destinations Featured in the Book

• Salem, Massachusetts
• Los Angeles, California
• Marietta, Georgia
• Portland, Oregon
• Providence, Rhode Island
• Austin, Texas
• New York City, New York
• Duluth, Minnesota
• Las Vegas, Nevada
• Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
• St. Augustine, Florida
• Athens, Ohio

*I was given a version of this book for free in exchange for an honest book review.  Thank you to @netgalley and @sourcebooks. The book was released on 10 September 2024.