Dear Atlas is Atlas Obscura’s travel advice column, answering the questions you won’t find in traditional guidebooks. Have a question for our experts? Submit it here. * * * Dear Atlas, I want to explore some abandoned buildings and ruins. What do I need to pack? What tips should I keep in mind? There’s something magical about visiting the world’s forgotten places, from deserted mining towns like the Okanogan Highland Ghost Towns in Molson, Washington, to abandoned Italian mansions like Villa de Vecchi in Cortenova. However, exploring these fragile places…
