Plan Your Dream Trip Based on Your Interests: Halloween 👻🦇🎃
It may seem hard to believe, but Halloween is almost here! That means it's time to start considering how you'd like to spend your favorite holiday.
For some, Halloween is a year-round celebration. We're talking about the horror movie fanatics - the ones who know every scene from Nightmare on Elm Street, who display Stephen King memorabilia in their homes all year, and who eat, sleep and breathe the Conjuring franchise. If you're obsessed with all things haunted, this blog is for you!
Halloween isn't just about trick-or-treating and pumpkin carving—it's also the perfect time to explore destinations steeped in spooky history and festive fright! If you're looking to turn your Halloween into a travel adventure, we've got the ultimate guide to planning your trip. Here’s how to transform your spooky dreams into reality:
Step 1 - Choosing Your Haunted Destination
First things first: where will your Halloween journey take you? Here are a few destinations that guarantee a ghoulishly good time:
Disney World, Florida: Mickey's Not-So-Scary Halloween Party is a special ticketed event held at Magic Kingdom in Walt Disney World, Orlando, typically running from mid-August through Halloween. It's a family-friendly celebration with a Halloween twist, featuring themed parades, fireworks, character meet-and-greets in Halloween costumes, trick-or-treating around the park, and special shows like the "Hocus Pocus Villain Spelltacular." Guests are encouraged to dress up in their favorite costumes, making it a fun and festive atmosphere for all ages.
Salem, Massachusetts: Known for its infamous witch trials, Salem offers a blend of historical tours and modern-day witchcraft. Visit haunted houses, witch museums, and partake in the city's Haunted Happenings festival.
New Orleans, Louisiana: With its rich history of voodoo and haunted tales, New Orleans is a Halloween hotspot. Enjoy ghost tours in the French Quarter, visit historic cemeteries, and immerse yourself in the city’s elaborate Halloween celebrations.
Sleepy Hollow, New York: Famous for Washington Irving's "The Legend of Sleepy Hollow," this village offers horseman reenactments, haunted hayrides, and the Great Jack O'Lantern Blaze.
Transylvania, Romania: Dive deep into the lore of Dracula by visiting Bran Castle, often referred to as Dracula's Castle. The region's dark forests and medieval villages provide the perfect backdrop for a Halloween adventure.
Universal Studios: Whether in Orlando or Hollywood, Universal's Halloween Horror Nights are a must-visit. Experience thrilling haunted houses and scare zones designed to terrify.
Step 2 - Unveil the Spooktacular Events
Research the events and attractions your destination has to offer. From ghost tours to haunted houses, ensure your itinerary is packed with eerie activities. Here’s a glimpse at what you can experience in some of our top destinations:
Salem:
Salem Witch Museum: Dive into the history of the witch trials.
Haunted Walking Tours: Explore the most haunted spots in the city.
Salem Haunted Happenings Parade: Enjoy a festive parade with elaborate costumes.
New Orleans:
French Quarter Ghost Tours: Discover the haunted history of this vibrant area.
St. Louis Cemetery: Visit the tomb of voodoo queen Marie Laveau.
Halloween Night in the Quarter: Experience street performances, costume contests, and more.
Sleepy Hollow:
Horseman’s Hollow: Enter a haunted trail where the Headless Horseman roams.
The Great Jack O'Lantern Blaze: Marvel at thousands of intricately carved pumpkins.
Sleepy Hollow Cemetery Tours: Learn about the famous and infamous residents.
Step 3 - Crafting Your Itinerary
Plan your days to maximize the spooky fun. A well-thought-out itinerary ensures you hit all the must-see attractions and events. Here’s a sample itinerary for a 3-day trip to Salem, Massachusetts:
Day 1:
Morning: Start with the Salem Witch Museum.
Afternoon: Visit the Witch House and the Salem Wax Museum.
Evening: Take a haunted walking tour to get a feel for the city's eerie past.
Day 2:
Morning: Explore the House of the Seven Gables.
Afternoon: Wander through the Salem Maritime National Historic Site.
Evening: Join the Salem Haunted Happenings Parade for a night of costumes and fun.
Day 3:
Morning: Discover the exhibits at the Peabody Essex Museum.
Afternoon: Shop for unique Halloween-themed souvenirs.
Evening: Dine at a local restaurant with a spooky ambiance.
Step 4 - Finding the Perfect Haunted Accommodations
Choose accommodations that enhance your Halloween experience. Look for hotels or inns with a spooky history or a Halloween theme. Here are our top 5 -
1. The Stanley Hotel, Estes Park, Colorado
History: Opened in 1909, the Stanley Hotel inspired Stephen King’s "The Shining."
Hauntings: Guests report hearing children’s laughter in the hallways, particularly on the fourth floor, and piano music in the ballroom.
Activities: The hotel offers ghost tours and nighttime spirit tours.
2. The Emily Morgan Hotel, San Antonio, Texas
History: Built in 1924, the Emily Morgan Hotel is adjacent to the Alamo and was once a medical building.
Hauntings: Guests have reported sightings of a woman in white, unexplained noises, and feelings of being touched.
Activities: The hotel’s location offers easy access to the Alamo and other historic sites in San Antonio.
3. The Mizpah Hotel, Tonopah, Nevada
History: Opened in 1907, the Mizpah Hotel is a historic gem in the Nevada desert.
Hauntings: The hotel is reportedly haunted by “The Lady in Red,” a ghost said to be a former lady of the night who met a tragic end in the hotel.
Activities: The hotel offers a blend of historic charm and modern amenities, and Tonopah itself is known for its ghost town vibes.
4. The Marshall House, Savannah, Georgia
History: Built in 1851, the Marshall House served as a hospital during the Civil War and during two yellow fever epidemics.
Hauntings: Guests have reported seeing apparitions of soldiers, hearing children running in the halls, and faucets turning on by themselves.
Activities: The hotel offers historic tours, and Savannah is known for its numerous ghost tours and haunted locations.
5. Castelul Bran (Bran Castle), Transylvania, Romania
History: Bran Castle, often referred to as "Dracula's Castle," dates back to the 14th century.
Hauntings: Visitors and staff have reported strange occurrences, including cold spots, ghostly apparitions, and eerie sounds.
Activities: During Halloween, the castle hosts special events, including overnight stays, themed parties, and ghost tours.
Step 5 - Packing for the Perfect Halloween
Pack costumes, spooky-themed attire, and comfortable shoes for all the walking tours. Don't forget layers, as autumn nights can be chilly. Bring along any Halloween essentials, like makeup or props, to enhance your festive look.
Step 6 - Savoring the Spooky Flavors
Make it a point to not miss out on local cuisine and Halloween-themed treats. In New Orleans, indulge in beignets at Café du Monde or try a voodoo cocktail. In Transylvania, try out the Haunted Cheesecake (Papanași) or Dracula's Stew. Each destination offers unique flavors to complement your Halloween experience.
Whether you're drawn to haunted history, spooky attractions, or elaborate Halloween festivals, planning a Halloween-themed trip can be an unforgettable adventure. Choose your destination, research events, craft your itinerary, and dive into the spooky spirit. With the right planning, your Halloween travels will be full of frightful fun and lasting memories.