The 5 Spooky Trips Every Halloween Lover Should Take
Welcome, ghouls & goblins! If you're looking for extraordinary Halloween experiences around the world, you've come to the right place. As a travel advisor with a penchant for all things spooky, I've curated a list of five must-visit destinations for those who desire a hair-raising Halloween adventure. Prepare for indulgence, extravagance, and a touch of the macabre as we explore these luxury Halloween experiences.
Salem, Massachusetts, USA
Salem is infamous for the Salem witch trials of 1692. During this dark period in history, numerous people were accused of witchcraft, and several were executed. The tragic events have left a lasting impression on the town, and the lingering memory of the witch trials has contributed to its haunted reputation. Salem embraces its supernatural reputation and hosts a variety of annual events related to Halloween and the occult, attracting people interested in the paranormal from all over the world. This legendary town boasts several historic and reportedly haunted locations, such as the Joshua Ward House and the Witch House, both known for ghostly activity and eerie occurrences.
Check into the historic Hawthorne Hotel for an authentic experience. This luxury hotel, with its stunning Georgian architecture, is said to be haunted! Join a private, guided witch trials tour to learn about Salem's dark history. Then, visit the famous Salem Witch Museum. Dine at Turner’s Seafood at The Lyceum, a reportedly haunted restaurant offering exquisite New England seafood dishes in a creepy-cozy atmosphere.
Edinburgh, Scotland
Enjoy the awe-inspiring architecture and grandeur at the luxurious Balmoral Hotel, situated in the heart of the city. Explore the city's spooky history on a private ghost tour. The most famous ghostly inhabitant is that of a headless drummer boy who is often seen in the vicinity of Edinburgh Castle's battlements. There are also tales of ghostly bagpipers, prisoners, and even a phantom dog. The castle offers regular ghost tours and is a popular destination for those interested in the paranormal.
Edinburgh, as a whole, is known for its numerous haunted sites, including the Royal Mile, Mary King's Close, and Greyfriars Kirkyard, which are also associated with a variety of ghostly legends and reported sightings.
Transylvania, Romania
Stay in Bran Castle, the site often associated with Dracula. It's a unique experience, offering a luxurious blend of history and horror. Take a guided tour of Bran Castle and delve into the legend of Dracula. While Bran Castle may be the most famous haunted location in Transylvania, the region as a whole is filled with historic sites and stories that contribute to its reputation for the supernatural. When visiting Transylvania, you may come across lesser-known haunted places with their own unique charm and tales of the paranormal, such as:
Corvin Castle (Hunyad Castle): Located in Hunedoara, this stunning medieval castle has a dark history and is said to be haunted by spirits from the past. The eerie atmosphere and legends surrounding Corvin Castle make it an intriguing destination for paranormal enthusiasts.
Sibiu: The historic city of Sibiu has its fair share of ghost stories. The city's medieval architecture and winding streets contribute to its haunting charm, and various buildings and locations in the city are believed to be haunted.
Biertan: The Biertan Fortified Church in the Sibiu County is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is rumored to have its own share of ghostly legends. It's an architectural marvel with a rich history.
Hunedoara: This town is not far from Corvin Castle and is known for its own ghostly tales and supernatural experiences.
New Orleans, Louisiana, USA
Many elements, combined with a unique and enchanting atmosphere, have helped solidify New Orleans' reputation as a city with a rich supernatural and haunted history. Visitors come to the city to explore its haunted locations, listen to ghostly tales, and immerse themselves in the mystique of the Crescent City. Make the Ritz-Carlton New Orleans your upscale base in the French Quarter from which to explore this spooky city. Learn about Voodoo rituals and join a nighttime ghost tour to learn about New Orleans' mystical past—the one I took a few years ago creeped me out in the best way! Don't forget to explore the legendary above-ground cemeteries.
Enjoy Creole and Cajun cuisine at Muriel’s Jackson Square, a renowned restaurant known for its take on New Orleans classics...and the supernatural! Muriel's has embraced its haunted reputation and even sets a table for the ghost of Mr. Pierre Antoine Lepardi Jourdan every night, complete with wine and bread, to appease his spirit. The restaurant's seance lounge, located on the second floor, adds to its mystical and eerie ambiance.
Venice, Italy
Venice is a city with a rich and complex history dating back over a thousand years. The city has witnessed various significant events, including plagues, wars, and political intrigue, which have left behind a sense of mystery and melancholy. Stay at the opulent Belmond Hotel Cipriani in Venice and take in the views of the Venetian lagoon. Explore the haunted ruins of Poveglia Island, famously referred to as the "Island of Madness." Isola di Poveglia, although not part of the main city of Venice, is known for its eerie and grim history. It was used as a quarantine island for plague victims during the Black Death and later as a mental asylum. The island is rumored to be haunted, and many believe it to be one of the most haunted places in Italy. While the island is not typically open to the public, there have been some guided tours and special events organized for those interested in exploring its dark history. Expect spine-chilling tales and a truly unique & ghastly experience.
These destinations offer the perfect blend of extravagance and spookiness for discerning travelers. Whether you're exploring the witch trials of Salem, the ghostly legends of Edinburgh, the history of Dracula in Transylvania, the voodoo culture of New Orleans, or the eerie isolation of Poveglia Island, these experiences are sure to leave you with unforgettable memories and thrilling tales to tell. Embrace the darker side of luxury travel, and have a spooktacular Halloween adventure! CLICK HERE to start planning!
