Halloween Travel Ideas – Featuring Ghosts, Witches and Voodoo
Spooky season is finally upon us, and Halloween travel experiences are in full swing. To be honest it’s one of my favourite times of the year. I love the history, the tradition, the tales and the feeling of autumn being in full swing, winter slowly edging closer, the dark nights and the autumnal smells.
More and more people are now tying their love of the creepy and macabre into a Halloween travel experience. Whether it’s adding a ghost tour onto a city break, or travelling to some of the more spooky and haunted places in the world – there’s an experience for you. Here’s a round-up of some of the best Halloween travel experiences…
Salem, Massachusetts
Possibly one of the first places that comes to mind when you think spooky. Salem is the quintessential Halloween travel destination. Salem’s history is steeped in witchcraft. It is, of course, the location of the infamous Salem Witch Trials of 1692. Many people visit the town during Halloween to learn about this period of American History. Salem also celebrates a month-long event called ‘Haunted Happenings’ during October which features activities such as costume contests, parades, psychic fairs and haunted houses. You can explore the Salem Witch Trials Memorial, visit the Witch House and participate in ghost tours to uncover the city’s supernatural past. Be prepared – Salem gets super busy with visitors looking to get into the Halloween spirit.
Edinburgh, UK
Most cities in the UK (and Europe) offer some kind of ghost hunt, or spooky tour at this time of year. It’s a relatively cost-effective way of getting a bit of Halloween spirit into your city break. Edinburgh is often referred to as the ‘most haunted city in Europe’. Around Halloween, the city hosts the Samhuinn Fire Festival which draws inspiration from Celtic and Scottish traditions. It features fire performers, drumming and a costumed parade. There are so many different walks and tours all taking in different parts of the city. Visit Mary King’s Close to explore the underground vaults and streets. Or take a tour through Greyfriars Kirkyard and hear tales about some of the characters buried there.
Sleepy Hollow, New York
Many of us have probably heard the legend of Sleepy Hollow (or watched the film!), where the headless horseman rides through the night looking for his lost head (and decapitating others depending on which version you believe). The village of Sleepy Hollow lies 25 miles north of New York City. During Halloween, the town embraces its spooky reputation and hosts a range of events and activities that pay homage to the legend. Visitors to the village can visit the Sleepy Hollow Cemetery, take a hayride through the woods with eerie scenes and live actors, or attend the Great Jack O’Lantern Blaze where thousands of intricately carved pumpkins light up the village. If you have time, take a visit to New York City too for their Halloween parade and amazing, over-the-top Halloween decorations.
New Orleans
New Orleans is known for its history of supernatural legends including voodoo, vampires and ghostly tales. It’s a perfect Halloween travel destination. Take a tour of one of the city’s many cemeteries, explore the French Quarter’s historic streets and haunted houses, and learn all about the mysterious world of Voodoo. New Orleans hosts the Krewe of Boo Parade, which is a Halloween-themed parade featuring elaborate floats and costumes. This is a family-friendly event suitable for all ages. They also host Boo at the Zoo at the city’s Audubon Zoo where children can trick or treat, visit the haunted house and create some festive decorations. New Orleans is well known for its music scene. There are always plenty of Halloween-themed performances featuring jazz, blues and other local genres.
Transylvania, Romania
Transylvania is the ultimate pilgrimage for people who love the Legend of Dracula. Visitors can explore Bran Castle, which is often associated with Count Dracula’s home. The castle often hosts special events, guided tours and costume parties during Halloween. Another stop on the list should be Sighisoara, the birthplace of Vlad the Impaler. As you would imagine there are many companies offering Dracula-themed tours which take you to various locations around the city associated with the legend. For something a bit different, you can also take a guided tour through the Carpathian Mountains, where you can explore dark, mysterious forests, visit some of the little villages and hear spooky tales from the region.
New England, USA
New England is an amazing place to visit in autumn (see my October Destinations blog post), but it can also be combined with an exploration of all things spooky. Salem is one of the major draws of the state, but you can also take a road trip through the state stopping off at haunted lighthouses, and historic graveyards and spending some time soaking in spooky tales in some of the small towns dotted through the state. Many of the towns host pumpkin festivals, hayrides and corn mazes, apple picking, Halloween parades and go to town with the spooky Halloween decorations. So, wherever you find yourself on your road trip, there should be some Halloween-themed fun in store.
Mexico City, Mexico
While Halloween is celebrated in Mexico City, it’s overshadowed by Dia de los Muertos (the Day of the Dead). The celebration spans from October 31st to November 2nd. I absolutely love the concept of the Day of the Dead and think it’s such a beautiful celebration of life and death. Mexicans honour their deceased loved ones with elaborate ofrendas (altars) in their homes, cemeteries and public spaces. I’d love to visit Mexico City for the Day of the Dead celebrations where there’s a huge parade through the city, with the most amazing costumes. Artisan markets dotted around the city often sell Day of the Dead related crafts and traditional figurines. The atmosphere in the city is super vibrant with decorations of marigold flowers, candles and sugar skulls. It looks fascinating and colourful and seems such a unique way to remember those no longer with us.
York, UK
York is another UK city which lends itself to ghostly takes and tours, with its ancient streets, medieval architecture and rich history. There are plenty of ghost walks and tours that will take you through the city’s dark and eerie past. You can explore ancient buildings, alleyways and cemeteries while hearing spooky tales from York’s history. York also has plenty of museums to explore which have a slightly murkier theme such as the York Dungeons, Jorvik Viking Centre and the York Castle Museum. All of these also offer Halloween-themed events and activities for all of the family. Just outside of York, there is the York Maze and several pumpkin-picking farms for a fun family-friendly Halloween experience. And of course, the city is decorated for Halloween. It’s always great to wander around looking at the decorations.
Venice, Italy
In Italy, All Saint’s Day and All Soul’s Day (1st and 2nd of November) are a big deal. All Saint’s Day celebrates is a religious holiday celebrating all saints. Whereas All Soul’s Day is the day Italians remember the dead, bringing them flowers and lighting candles in the graveyards. It’s similar to the Day of the Dead in Mexico. One of the best places to experience this celebration is in Venice. While it might not seem like an obvious Halloween destination, people who live there spend the day dressing up in costumes and visiting the haunted islands around the city. There are usually a number of masquerade balls. You can also visit Corinaldo which calls itself the Italian Capital of Halloween. The town is full of Halloween-themed attractions. It also holds a fire festival every year on the evening of October 31st.
Disney Parks
For something a little more family-friendly, and spooky with a side of fun, Disney run Halloween events and parades every year. Visiting Disney theme parks during Halloween is a magical experience, they go all out to create a festive and spooky atmosphere with special events, decorations and activities for all ages. Many of the Disney parks hold special ticketed events such as Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party and the Oogie Boogie Bash. These events include entertainment, character meet & greets and special Halloween-themed fireworks shows. Guests are encouraged to wear costumes to Disney’s Halloween parties and events. They also run trick-or-treating sessions where children can collect sweets and treats at various parts of the park. Disney definitely offer some spooky fun without the risk of nightmares!
How far will your Halloween travel take you?
You don’t have to go far! Many pubs, clubs, hotels and local attractions hold Halloween-themed events around the 31st of October. So, wherever you find yourself to be this Halloween there will be an event for you.
Of course, there is the argument that Halloween has become far too commercial, the pressure to have the best costume, the most decorations, throwing a party etc. But I do think that if you’re someone who finds the darker side of history fascinating, or enjoys a good spooky tale or exploring the traditions of a destination, then Halloween can be the perfect time for a getaway.
However, if you want to plan a spooktacular trip for next Halloween – get in touch! Fill in my request a quote form here, or hop over and like my Facebook page here.
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