If you haven’t already been adding cemeteries to your travel itineraries, then you’ve been missing out.

These quiet, contemplative places might be filled with the bones and ashes of the deceased, but they hold a lot more than meets the eye.

Cemeteries are full of history, both in terms of what (or, rather, who) lies beneath, and in the stories of their construction. Some were built by famous architects, others dreamt up by creative horticulturalists, and some were designed to invite people in as places of recreation.

These are not just places to remember loved ones. They are also places full of stories and teeming with life.

Today, Angie Orth welcomes Loren Rhoads, author of 199 Cemeteries to See Before You Die and Wish You Were Here: Adventures in Cemetery Travel. In the early ’90s, a travel hiccup forced her to alter her original itinerary, eventually landing her in a London bookshop, piquing her interest in cemeteries as travel destinations.

You’ll hear about what keeps drawing her to these sacred spaces, and how attitudes about enjoying cemetery grounds have changed throughout history. You’ll hear a few historical tidbits about some of the world’s most famous cemeteries, and why they’re encouraging people to visit. Loren also shares some of her favorite cemeteries in the US and abroad, and what made those visits so impactful.  

What You’ll Learn:

●     Why cemeteries should be added to your travel plans (2:49)

●     The real reason Père Lachaise is the most-visited cemetery in the world (4:38)

●     How a historic L.A. cemetery became a popular tourist destination (10:33)

●     The many ways to experience a cemetery (13:06)

●     Her top 3 unmissable cemeteries (15:51)

Connect with Loren Rhoads:

Website: https://lorenrhoads.com/

Facebook author page: https://www.facebook.com/LorenRhoadsAuthor/

Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/morbidloren.bsky.social

Twitter: https://twitter.com/morbidloren

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/morbidloren/

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCvTI4Zh74nsCLGmOBqulRRQ

Connect with Angie Orth:

Website + Blog: https://angieaway.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/angieaway/?hl=en

Connect with AAA:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/aaa-auto-club-enterprises

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/AAAAutoClubEnterprises

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AAAAutoClubEnterprises

Traveling with AAA Podcast: https://www.ace.aaa.com/travel/information/traveling-with-aaa-podcast

Plan your next vacation with AAA: https://aaa.com/travel