Dark tourism, black tourism, grief tourism, thanatourism — they all refer to tourism associated with atrocity, death or human distress. On the lighter end, dark tourists might visit a Jack the Ripper-themed carnival ride or attend a witch-themed festival in New England. Other dark tourists head to more somber destinations like Nazi concentration camps or the site of the Chernobyl nuclear disaster. But regardless of the destination or experience, dark tourism isn't like other types of travel, and has its own specific and important etiquette rules.
* Do your homework in advance and learn about relevant religious traditions, local culture and what might be expected of you.
* Avoid foul language, inappropriate comments, or talking loudly about unrelated things.
* Don't touch, lean against, or sit on grave markers. When you visit burial grounds, behave as if your own loved ones are buried there.
* Be respectful of people around you and never take photographs of people who are experiencing moments of grief.
* Don't laugh at inappropriate times or joke about victims of tragedy.
* Dress appropriately. Consider the weather and terrain, a site's religious or cultural significance, and whether a particular garment could be considered offensive or distracting.
* Don't use a site as a backdrop for a photoshoot or selfies to post on social media. If photos are permitted, stick to shots that deepen your understanding of the historical event and the real people who were impacted.
* Use your trip as an opportunity to learn and grow as a person.
