Connections
Welcome on a journey of discovery as we take you inside some of our favorite destinations, places and unique experiences around the world.
Haunted happenings around the globe
Halloween may be the one time of year when spooky stories, haunted houses, and a good scare take center stage. But for those who wish the season lasted just a little longer, some places keep their mysteries alive year-round.
Think eerie castles, medieval cities full of folklore, and landmarks with tales of restless spirits –here are some of the world’s most famously unsettling destinations worth exploring…
Savannah, Georgia
Savannah has long inspired stories of unexplained encounters with supernatural beings. With Victorian-era mansions and ancient cemeteries tucked beneath canopies of moss, the city can feel haunting even in broad daylight.
Edinburgh, Scotland – Edinburgh Castle
Perched high above Scotland’s capital, Edinburgh Castle is rooted in stories of mysterious figures said to wander the ancient halls and grounds. Keep an eye – and an ear – out for some of its most storied residents, from the Headless Drummer to the phantom dogs.
Pompeii, Italy
Legend has it that visitors who take artifacts from ruins may also bring home bad karma. Those who have walked away with rubble from the ruins have reported financial despair, familial loss, and tragedy in their own lives.
Transylvania, Romania
Few places are as steeped in mystery as Transylvania, Romania – a region closely associated with the legend of Count Dracula. In his 1897 novel Dracula, Bram Stoker brought the fictional count to life. Today, with its medieval castles, mist-covered mountains, and centuries-old folklore, Transylvania continues to captivate travelers.
London, England – Tower of London
The Tower of London has stood witness to centuries of imprisonment, execution, and royal intrigue – leaving behind plenty of chilling legends. Among its most famous is the ghost of Anne Boleyn, who is said to wander the historic grounds where she spent her final days.
New Orleans, Louisiana
Sitting at or below sea level, New Orleans is known for its distinctive above-ground tombs and cemeteries, often called “Cities of the Dead.” Holding centuries of tragedy, these maze-ike graces make many feel uneasy.
Paris, France – Paris Catacombs
Far below the lively boulevards and iconic landmarks of Paris stretches a labyrinth of dark, narrow passageways – including the famous Catacombs, where the remains of millions of former Parisians line the walls. Legend says that every November 3, Philibert Aspairt looks for a way out, haunting many visitors.
Mexico City, Mexico – Xochimilco Canals
According to local folklore, the former caretaker of the Island of the Dolls in Mexico City’s famous scenic Xochimilco Canals began hanging discarded dolls from its trees after becoming haunted by the memory of a young girl who had drowned nearby. Over time, his collection grew – and weathered dolls with missing limbs and vacant faces came to cover the island…
Banff, Alberta – Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel
Behind its grand appearance, Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel is known for its many ghost residents and local lore. From Sam the Bellman to missing room 873, you’ll want to sleep with one eye open here!
Ontario, Canada – Niagara-on-the-Lake
Behind the charming streets of Niagara-on-the-Lake lies a turbulent past shaped by the War of 1812, when the town became the setting for conflict and destruction. Over the years, that history has become intertwined with local tales of unexplained encounters with spirits.
Traveling with the best – nothing compares to our Tauck Directors
Personal, caring service and a true sense of community are hallmarks of every Tauck Director. And when travel becomes unpredictable, these traits come through more than ever.
Weather shifts plans, belongings get left behind, and unexpected moments arise along the way. When they do, Tauck Directors are quick to adapt – finding thoughtful solutions and often going above and beyond to turn the situation into something memorable.
Here are just a few of the many stories:
Making lemons out of lemonade
Tauck Director Jim Hahn turned a change of plans into a night to remember on Spirit of the Desert. When flooding made the group’s planned Grand Canyon hotel unavailable, guests stayed about an hour away in Williams, Arizona, along historic Route 66.
Making the most of the detour, Jim planned a surprise cocktail party at a classic Route 66 bar. The group raised a glass, shared plenty of laughs, and even left their mark on Williams – quite literally, by signing their names on the bar’s wall.
Not all heroes wear capes
Sometimes, it’s the smallest gestures that leave a lasting impression.
Following a bike ride through the Wachau Valley on a Danube River cruise, one guest watched as a cherished alumni cap blew away, landing on a rocky incline along the riverbank. Just as he was ready to leave it behind, Tauck Director Andrew Haringer stepped in – climbing down the rocks to retrieve it.
It’s a small moment that speaks volumes about the care Tauck Directors bring to every journey.
More than a guide
From taking care of the details to bringing each destination to life, they make every moment feel seamless, personal, and entirely focused on your experience.
Read more about traveling alongside our Tauck Directors.
Stories from the road
These stories shared from the road are a testament to the endless joys of travel in some of the world’s best destinations.
A holiday surprise like no other
Tauck patron Bobbie Estrada and his wife quickly became Tauck superfans after taking their family on their first Tauck Bridges journey, Wonders of the Canadian Rockies, in 2025. Eager to keep the adventures going, they had an unforgettable Christmas surprise waiting for their granddaughters.
The girls embarked on a treasure hunt filled with clues leading to their big gift. The final reveal? The family was heading on a Tauck river cruise together.
Read Bobbie’s story and discover where the family went.
Tauck writer Tess St. John’s take on thoughtful tourism
“And when done thoughtfully, travel has the power to build up the very communities we visit.”
Tauck writer Tess St. John recently shared her perspective on what it means to be a thoughtful tourist, looking beyond the souvenirs we bring home to the people and stories that give a destination meaning.
It’s not just the lace in Venice, but it’s the generations of lacemakers behind it. It’s not just a historic road, but the footsteps of families who walked it centuries before. Read more about how travel can give back on the United States Tour Operators Association website.
In the news
Fall is always a busy season at Tauck, and there’s plenty happening around the world, too! From a historic milestone in Barcelona to a behind-the-scenes look at river cruising in France, here are a few stories that caught our attention.
A Historic Milestone for Barcelona’s Sagrada Família
Nearly 150 years after construction began, Barcelona’s iconic Sagrada Família reached a remarkable milestone. On June 10, 2026, Pope Leo XIV officially blessed and inaugurated the Tower of Jesus Christ, marking a historic moment for Antoni Gaudí’s architectural masterpiece, 100 years after the architect’s death.
With its soaring towers and extraordinary facades, the Sagrada Família continues to shape Barcelona’s skyline and captivate visitors from around the world. Experience the architectural wonders and vibrant spirit of this remarkable city on A Week In… Spain andTreasures of Spain and Portugal.
Step Inside a Tauck River Cruise with Travel + Leisure
Ever wondered what it’s like aboard a Tauck river cruise? In late July, Travel + Leisure offered a glimpse with the debut of Step Inside, its new YouTube series.
For the premiere episode, the team joined us on Rendezvous on the Seine, one of our most popular river cruises through France, and gave viewers a closer look at ms Serene, one of the newest additions to our river fleet.
Missed the premiere? Watch the full episode and see the Tauck river cruising experience for yourself.
In case you missed it
Picture Worth Celebrating: Our Elephant Photo Contest Winner
In August, we announced the winner of our World Elephant Day photo contest! Congratulations to Gail P., who captured a memorable moment while traveling with Tauck in Kenya & Tanzania. In her honor, Tauck Impact will make a donation to the International Elephant Foundation, supporting efforts to protect these magnificent animals.
Travel Your Way in 2027
Discover more ways to explore the world with Tauck in 2027. Our women-only departures bring together like-minded travelers on our signature journeys, creating opportunities for shared discoveries, new friendships, and plenty of laughter along the way. And new for 2027, our wellness-focused departures add thoughtfully curated experiences designed to inspire relaxation, renewal, and well-being.
Stay tuned for more about our women-only and new wellness travel experiences.
Save the Date: Oberammergau 2030
A remarkable tradition returns in 2030! The world-famous Passionsspiele (Passion Play), performed just once every ten years in the Bavarian village of Oberammergau, offers a cultural experience unlike any other. Mark your calendar and look forward to being part of this centuries-old tradition.
Celebrating 110 Years of America’s National Parks
August 25, 2026, marked the 110th anniversary of the National Park Service! Since 1916, the NPS has helped preserve America’s extraordinary natural landscapes and cultural treasures for generations to enjoy.
Tauck has been exploring America’s national parks with guests for more than 90 years. Here’s to the remarkable places we’ve discovered together and the adventures still to come!