This fall, the American Society of Travel Advisors (ASTA) asked industry pros which destinations were their favorites for “thrilling, eerie and enchanting Halloween escapes.” From iconic legends and colorful customs to creepy locales and hair-raising stories, spooky season is here, and these iconic spots are sure to get visitors in the spirit.
Transylvania, Romania
Famous for its connection to Dracula, Transylvania and the spooky ooky go hand-in-hand. Visitors can explore the legends and lore of the fanged fiend for themselves when they visit Bran Castle, the only castle in Transylvania matching the description of author Bram Stoker’s Dracula Castle — high above a valley, overlooking a river. While neither the “prince of darkness” nor Vlad the Impaler ever truly called Bran Castle home, the historical spot still leans into its creepy reputation making it a great destination for fall travel.
Salem, Massachusetts
Lovingly referred to as “The Witch City,” Salem, MA is an especially magical escape once the leaves start to change. Whether they opt to explore the region’s dark history, hunt for things that go bump in the night on a guided ghost tour or visit the Salem Witch Museum, this east coast destination is full of tricks and treats all year round. Adding to the town’s overall mystical aesthetic is the enthusiasm of its visitors who, according to Jull Dosouto of Just Beachin Vacations, love dressing up in elaborate costumes, specifically around Halloween.
Riviera Maya, Mexico
While the beaches of Mexico might not be the first to come to mind when one thinks “spooky season,” Karen Shelton, president and owner of My Path Unwinding Travel, told ASTA the Riviera Maya is a fan favorite come October as travelers look to experience Dia de los Muertos. A colorful and joyous celebration, Mexico’s “Day of the Dead” honors deceased loved ones with beautiful altars, mouthwatering food and vibrant festivities. Despite the constant reminders of death in the form of sugar skulls and paper mache skeletons, travelers will find Dia de los Muertos to be a moving and heartwarming experience.
Savannah, Georgia
Ghouls, ghouls, ghouls. As the site of countless bloody battles, deadly disease outbreaks, tragic fires, mysterious murders and a dark history with slavery, Savannah, Georgia is one of America’s most haunted cities. And it is that same creepy reputation that attracts hundreds of tourists to Savannah each fall in search of paranormal activity in its cemeteries, Civil War-era forts, historic homes and old saloons. Alternatively, for family fun in Georgia’s First City, advisor Dina Farmer of Lily and Magnolia Travel told ASTA about the Noble Bones Scavenger Hunt, a spooky scavenger hunt hosted by the Georgia Department of Natural Resources that takes place every Saturday in October at Wormsloe State Historic Site.
New Orleans, Louisiana
One of the spookiest destinations of them all, New Orleans, with its voodoo queens, vampires and specters, is the ultimate fall escape for lovers of the strange, dark and unusual. And, as they marvel at ornate cemeteries and browse Crescent City’s trinkets and oddities, Nicole LeBlanc, owner of Mon Voyage LLC told ASTA visitors won’t want to miss sinking their teeth into classic Creole cuisine, something they can sample in the iconic French Quarter and beyond.
Sleepy Hollow, New York
Situated just an hour north of NYC, Eileen Wolejsza, owner of Eileen’s Escapes LLC, told ASTA that no Halloween season is complete without experiencing the legend of the Headless Horseman in the charming village of Sleepy Hollow. Here, October is a month to remember as the entire town embraces its spine-chilling lore with haunted hayrides, lantern tours of historic graveyards, festive treats and more.
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