120. Halloween Haunts That Prove Luxury Travel Can Be Spine-Tingling

Ready to trade your ordinary autumn for a Halloween adventure you’ll never forget? In this episode, I’m sharing Halloween Haunts that prove luxury travel can be spine-tingling in all the best ways. We’ll explore family-friendly festivals filled with pumpkin patches and trick-or-treat trails, grown-up getaways like Salem and New Orleans where history meets haunted fun, and legendary destinations like Transylvania and Edinburgh for the ultimate ghost story come to life. You’ll hear insider tips on where to stay, when to book, and how to add those little extras that turn spooky into spectacular.

Other Episodes Mentioned:
Episode 15: Not So Scary: Have Fun AF at Mickey's Halloween Party 2023
Episode 16: Halloween Horror Nights AF
Episode 75: 5 Bucket List Destinations for Every Halloween Fan

Connect with Michele on IG: @jetsettingwithmichele or on Facebook: www.facebook.com/groups/MMTinsiders

Contact Michele to plan your next vacation: www.makinmemoriestravel.co/contact

This episode was produced by The Podcast Teacher: www.ThePodcastTeacher.com.

Transcript

Hello jet setters and welcome back to another episode of Jet Setting with me. Happy August. Guess what this means. Fall is in the air. Okay, I know it isn't really, but it is at many places that we want to travel to for Halloween. That's right. Halloween starts, you know, the beginning of August. And it just so happens that Halloween, the actual day, October 31st, is my birthday.

So let's all start celebrating Halloween right now in August. It is that magical time of the year when everything gets a little bit spookier and a lot more fun. This year, Halloween is not going to be just about pumpkins and costumes. It is going to be our passport to extraordinary adventures around the world. So whether you plan on traveling with tiny trick or treaters, I would never craving family friendly fun or gathering with friends or grownups for more of that ghostly glamour. Or maybe you want to chase those spine tingling thrills in legendary haunted locations. This episode is the ultimate guide to your halloweentravel list. But before I go any further, there is of course some housekeeping to be done.

So first of all, Southwest Airlines has officially begun selling reserve seating. That is correct inventory dropped in late July for flights that start on January 27th or later. And if you're buying a ticket for 2026 travel starting on January 27th or later of 2026. That's why it's confusing. It's January 27th, 2026 as in the date the 27th, not the year, then you are going to be paying more if you want to choose your seat. Now I haven't had time to dig in and look at how their pricing tiers change, but just know that that has officially started. And then a little more housekeeping. There are only three hotel rooms left for the Nordic Wonders from Helsinki to the Northern Lights, the trip that I in February of 2026.

So if you have ever wanted to see the Northern Lights, ride on a sled being pulled by huskies, or have the absolute best chocolate and coffee you've ever had in Estonia and see the KBG Spy Museum, then you definitely need to join us. Info on the trip is in the show notes. Finally, this is a Halloween episode and you are hearing it in August. But tickets for every single one of these events that you are going to hear about in this podcast, they are all on sale right now. So if I mentioned that Halloween travel spot that makes your spine tingle and you are like yes, get on it. Today is the day to let me know we are going to dive into Halloween right now. Get your travel dreams extra spooky extra extraordinary. And then you are going to contact me and we are going to book it this week.

Okay, let's get in the mood. Imagine that pumpkin spice latte in your hand. The crisp autumn air and the cool wind. Can you smell it? I know it's still 100 degrees where I am too. I can't smell it. But we can pretend. Now, I always do a Halloween episode. This is my, let's see.

Since this is my third year in a row to do Halloween episodes, the older ones are all listed in the show notes. And this year I'm doing something different. Rather than doing the best places to go for everyone for Halloween, I'm breaking it down. So we have some family friendly places. We have some more adults only gal pal, bachelor, bachelorette, singles, more adult beverages, let's say Halloween type vacations. And then we've got the actual like let's go on the real life ghost tour. Let's really take some adventure Halloween. And I will tell you right now that every single one of these is a place that I would go with or without Littles.

So let's start with those family friendly places for Halloween. And of course we have to start on the west coast with Disneyland's Oogie Boogie Bash. Yes, I said the West Coast. And I said Disneyland. So if you came to this episode wanting to hear all the tips for Mickey's novel so scary Halloween Party, I direct you to previous episode number 15 and you can get all the insider tips on that Oogie Boogie Bash and is the exclusive Halloween party that's actually held at Disney's California Adventure Park. It has those immersive trick or treat trails just like the more familiar east coast theme park has character encounters. It has spectacular projection shows all the things it's named after the villain Oogie Boogie from the Nightmare Before Christmas. Now it is a limited ticket event and as you heard, tickets are already on sale.

So early planning I. E. Now is key. Now this party is a perfect mix of spooky but kid friendly fun. You're going to find your photo ops with the characters specific backdrops. Now this party is going to be the perfect mix of spooky and kid friendly fun. Now you can get into the park two hours prior to the party time. So you can take advantage of the early entry to get the photo ops with the characters with those lines that get very long because I mean, who doesn't want a picture of Minnie and Mickey in their Halloween best.

And of course my first love, Donald. So you want to take Advantage of early entry and get those photo ops with the characters done before the party starts or wait until much later in the night when the lines might be shorter. So same kind of strategy that we always give you for Disney Parks. Now there is the Oogie Boogie Bash Nighttime Spectacular and the parades. And for those the best spot is going to be near Cars Land or Paradise Pier. You want to get there a little early about 30 minutes prior to the parade time. Those areas have the wide viewing spaces so they're less congested than the hub. Consider of course plussing it up for the Oogie Boogie Bash dessert party at Sonoma Terrace where you will there have reserved seating for the nighttime entertainment and of course Halloween treats that would include of course Halloween decor Rice Krispie treats.

Does it get any better? No, it does not. And of course I'm going to tell you that you need to stay on site. The hotel suggestion is actually the Disneyland Hotel. Although you can stay at Disneyland's Grand California Adventure, have access directly to the park if you want exclusive pool parties, character dining. The Disneyland Hotel is really going to be a great spot for maximizing your time and experience. And a little bit of trivia here. Did you know that the character Oogie Boogie who's inspired the event is was voiced by Ken Page? May he rest in peace. Ken Page is most famous for his role as old Deuteronomy in the Broadway and film version of Cats.

Moving to the next place we are staying mostly out on the west coast, but pretty much actually anywhere there. The Legoland Halloween Brick or Treat so among several Legoland parks in the U.S. california, Florida and New York, the those resorts seem to do the creme de la creme for Brick and Treat. And we're going to talk mostly about Legoland California Resort, but this information is transferable to any of their parks. But here's why I picked California. A we were already out on the west coast talking about Oogie Boogie Bash but B I love California in the fall. It's got a mild climate, pleasant fall weather makes outdoor evening events comfortable enjoyable. California's Legoland offers the most extensive Halloween makeover.

It's got elaborately themed brick or treat trails and they do interactive shows. There's special Halloween activities that are focused on light hearted Halloween fun appropriate for even the youngest of children. And the park rolls out exclusive kids centric stage shows and character meet and greets that feature Lego themed Halloween characters that are unique to this event. There's the Fun Town stage that has a cozy sweet spot for you and your littles to relax between activities. Of course you want to arrive early for front row seating at that fun town stage. There will be the usual trick or treat stations, interactive shows, but also Lego build challenges and there are themed rooms and packages. So if you want to stay at a Legoland Hotel. P.S.

i am Legoland Hotel trained by the way. Thanks to my friends from Visit Central Florida. Adjacent to the park, you'll find actually spooky themed rooms offering a complete immersive experience. And then you do get that early park access. Now we're going to head all the way across the United States to Massachusetts and the Storybook Pumpkin Festival. The Storybook Pumpkin Festival is is in Massachusetts and it's exactly the kind of family friendly fall celebration that is in all of our dreams. It is perfect for families or anyone who wants to experience away from the thrill seeker spooks and the crowds. Now, many people think the pumpkin patches and harvest traditions are age old traditions, but actually the modern pumpkin patch as a fall attraction became popular only in the early 20th century tied to American agricultural enthusiasm rather than ancient customs.

Now here at the Storybook Pumpkin Festival we are going to have family friendly pumpkin patches, hay rides and craft workshops. So what does that look like? Your little ones, maybe your taller ones, Maybe even, you know, taller adults who want to be littles get to pick a perfect pumpkin from the patch. You can then partake in creative pumpkin decorating workshops, seasonal crafts, you know what I mean? It's going to inspire imagination for all of us. Then the hay rides, which I can't do because of horrible allergies and they do use real hay. Meander through the scenic fall landscapes. It is often paired with enchanting storytelling sessions, not necessarily ghost stories because these are meant to captivate young minds instead of scare them. And the festival of course is going to invite in the local community with local vendors, live music, seasonal treats. I know it's hard here in August, but think of that warm apple cider and those fresh baked pies that add to that charm of a cozy New England autumn leading from October right into the wonderful fall feeling of the holidays.

Now, this festival is held over multiple weekends in October. Again, it's ideal for younger children and parents who want a cozy Halloween experience. And my insider tip is to book your tickets and your workshops. Early spots for the crafts can fill up fast, especially of course on the weekends. So let me reserve a stay nearby for you. In a classic New England inn, we can soak up the full fall atmosphere and of course enjoy pumpkin pancakes in the morning for breakfast. Finally, for the final entry into our family friendly Halloweens, I picked. I know we're going back to California.

Sleepy Hollow Harvest Festival. Now, this is not in the real Sleepy Hollow, which will come shortly in the a different category. This is the quaint, community focused Halloween celebration that is in a small Sierra Nevada foothill town. It's in California. It offers families a genuine, cozy fall experience away from the hustle and bustle. Now, unlike any big commercial events, this festival embraces the small town charm and the local involvement. So we've got pumpkin picking, hayrides, costume contests and craft stations all providing hands on fun for kids. We've got that same warm apple cider and fresh pies and autumn fare alongside the crafts and the artisan booths showcasing local talent.

So think a farmer's market with a pumpkin patch in the middle of October and you've got the scene in your head. It's got that wholesome taste of fall. There are fall staples where you can again enjoy scenic rides through the golden countryside. The costume contests allow for your littles to shine. They get to showcase their Halloween creativity in a friendly and welcoming environment. And there are seasonal tunes and live storytelling and music. Those are captivating tales from professional storytellers. I love great storytellers.

They're amazing. And then my insider tip is again, let's plan your accommodations early. This cozy town fills up quickly. It's small and quaint, so be assured. We're also going to check the local calendars because there are special evening events or special harvest dinners that are going to add that extra layer of festive spirit for you. Now that we've covered the little ones Halloween joy, let's step into the eerie, enthralling world of adult only escapades. So Here we go, Massachusetts. Salem.

I mean, it wouldn't be Halloween without Salem, Massachusetts and the historic witch trial legacy. So Salem's dark 1692 witch trials are the backbone of its fame. And you can walk through the cobblestone streets. You can actually visit the Witch Trials Memorial. There is a Salem Witch Museum. And there is Witch House. Witch House is the only structure still standing where the trials judge once lived. Beyond history, Salem hums with ghost tours that explore haunted houses, eerie cemeteries and graveyards.

You'll find everything from classic walking tours to the thrilling after dark adventures that are designed specifically for grownups. The Salem Witch Trials did not ignite because of real witches running wild. Rather, it was a mix of local politics, personal vendettas, and just pure mass hysteria. So no Practicing witches were ever found guilty and the city today actually embraces its history as a lesson in justice. So imagine walking through that witch trials memorial at dusk, feeling the weight of the history mixed with the flickering glow of lanterns, all while hearing tales that remind us. While Salem's story is far more complex than just witch hunts that the movies portray, it's that blend of real history and legend that creates an adult Halloween experience that is truly unlike any other. The city transforms itself in October with witch themed cocktail bars, haunted pubs and even late night soirees. Costume balls, cabaret shows and live performances give you plenty of sophisticated ways to celebrate.

We're going to want to book a witch themed historical walking tour with again those great storytellers who are going to bring the past to life. And of course I'm going to tell you to plus it up with the VIP museum access it allows you to bypass the crowds. You're going to gain deeper insight and it would not be Halloween to me, AKA my birthday if it did not offer charming downtown boutiques selling witchcraft inspired art, crystals, potions and of course seasonal eateries serving up pumpkin infused adult cocktails and locally sourced fare. The Haunted Happenings festival fills October with parades, film screenings, there's psychic fairs, there's themed workshops. It makes Salem a non stop Halloween hub. Now the best viewing is for the Witch Trials memorial ceremony is early evening near Witch House before the streets get really busy. The hotel tip I have for you is the Salem Waterfront Hotel and Suites. It's got modern comforts but it has easy access to the main events and then it quiets down in the evenings after the big hustle bustle.

Bonus tip, dine late. Look for the restaurants offering the late night witches drinks that takes us to New Orleans, Louisiana, which I do speak frequently about an episode number 75 and all of its Halloween goodness. And I've also talked about how New Orleans could be a great last minute summer vacation. So of course let's put it all together. New Orleans is famous for its voodoo, its haunted history and it ties to the voodoo culture really run deep. So there's a lot of haunted house tours year round, voodoo shops and spellbinding stories. You can go through the French Quarter any time of year and see the shadowy streets. Think Princess Tiana and the Voodoo doctor.

Oh my God, I dressed up as him for Halloween one, the villain doctor. I can't think of it. You guys can all picture him and it is very stereotypical and I'm sorry, I don't mean to offend anybody, but I did dress with him for Halloween once cause he's got those vibrant colors, the purple and the green, and I loved it. Anyway, venture through the French Quarter shadowy streets. Visit those historic cemeteries where legends of spirits abound. Now there are special ghost and voodoo tours. Again, these are actually year round but they plus it up. For Halloween you can do walking tours.

There are haunted pub crawls, there are even riverboat ghost cruises that explore the city's spectral side in style. Now the famous voodoo queen Marie Laveau. Her burial site is in St. Louis Cemetery number one and it is marked with a massive tomb. But many locals actually believe her real resting place is a secret, adding to the mystique and the ghost stories that surround her legacy. And you can hear lots more of that when you go the New Orleans Halloween costumes are legendary. There are grand balls, masquerades and theme parties. It's like one day of Mardi Gras for Halloween, but this one has lots of jazz and blues music.

Fill in the night air During October, clubs and bars are going to host those special Halloween themed concerts that evoke the city's passionate spirit. And of course in the past when I've talked about New Orleans, it is always in reference to its unique culinary scene. But for Halloween except expect the seasonal cocktails to be infused with pumpkin, lots of spices and local flavors that are going to complement the rich Creole and Cajun cuisine and make dining an actual integral part of the Halloween experience. There's voodoo music and art experience. The city is going to overflow with activities that are going to blend culture and Halloween fun. And because as I mentioned, this is an adult excursion for AKA me, there is shopping. You can explore the locally owned vendors for authentic voodoo souvenirs or mystical trinkets, or get handcrafted art that echo the city's mystique all along. The street fairs.

My insider tip is to make sure that when booking a tour it is private or small group and consider the VIP option that delves deeper into the lore of the city and offers personal encounters with the city's historical and paranormal tales. Stay in the French Quarter. Choose those older hotels and the historic inns to soak up the atmosphere with easy walking, access to all of the night life and major attractions. And then plan for late nights. Anytime you're going to New Orleans, plan for late nights. New Orleans truly doesn't come alive until after dark, so encourage everyone in your party, pace yourself and embrace the late night culture for the absolute fullest experience. Now I do include Although Mickey's not so Scary Halloween Party is not on this list. Universal's Halloween Horror Nights is.

And again, I refer you to episodes number 16 and 75 where I talk specifically about Universal's Halloween Horror Nights in great detail. I'm not going to do that this year. Every haunted house has an elaborate backstory. They're written by dedicated teams of writers and designers who actually work year round to make Halloween a more immersive theater than just a quote unquote haunted house or scare attraction. And for those of you who don't know when I say there are scores of people and designers and writers who work year round, that is on both coasts. Halloween Horror Nights is in both the east coast Orlando theme park and the west coast Hollywood theme park. There are scare zones throughout the park. They do have the elaborate fog effects, the scary music, the lasers.

Anybody who gets sensory overload, this is not the Halloween party for you. There are nightly shows that give you true adrenaline highs. Now for those of you who want to skip the long waits in the most popular haunted houses, consider the front of the line pass. There is an express pass for Halloween Horror Nights. There's also the Stay and Scream. So if you have a daytime ticket and you're already in the park, you can quote, stay and scream. You don't have to leave the park and come back in. And that allows you to enter holding area within the park before the actual opening of the Halloween Horror Nights haunted houses.

This way you can get a head start. There is a premium scream night. Now this is new for this year and this is in Orlando. It's one night only. It's Thursday, August 28th and you can be one of the first to scream at the Halloween Horror Nights at that exclusive event. Of course, along with the haunted houses, the scare zones, the outrageous live entertainment, you get all of the Universal Studio attractions that you can always brave. There are some additional I quote spined tingling extras such as shorter wait times, earlier access all you can enjoy non alcoholic beverages. Select alcoholic beverages are available for a separate charge and new for 2025 they are allowing costumes.

So take advantage of the only opportunity to wear your costumes to during Halloween Horror Nights is on that one evening in August. See, it's not that far away. I told you. You will get a souvenir credential and a lanyard complimentary self parking. And it's the way to plus it up. Now finally a new entry here for our adult only. Actually, it's not quite new because I did mention the Halloween cruises last year. I probably talked about the ones on Disney, but This year I'm including the Virgin Voyage adult only luxury cruise line which does some fun Halloween themed parties and immersive entertainment.

You can have your ocean view and themed dining experience with a side of spooky. It is definitely a unique way to celebrate Halloween. And did I mention it's adults only so they do full on costume contests. You can win a prize for best dressed do it yourself Genius and group ensemble. They have a festival stage which is a rotating cast of comedy, magic, music, dance acts and of course the special Halloween twist. And as if their food and beverage wasn't good enough on a Virgin Voyage, they are going to have spooky specialty cocktails and menu items strictly for the Halloween voyages. And then there's this little twist in the fun. On October 10th, Valiant lady will embark on a five night true crime voyage with podcasters on board from the shows stuff they don't want you to know, betrayal and buried bones.

And that particular sailing, aside from all the other good Halloween stuff, is going to have live podcast recordings, meet and greets and even podcasting lessons. So yes, if you didn't already know how bad I want to go on that, I do. I really really do. Now finally, we have now explored sophisticated, spine tingling Halloween experiences that are perfect for grownups with a dash of history, maybe a splash of the supernatural. We've talked about family friendly. Let's dial up the thrill factor that is right for those of you who crave heart racing adventures, legendary hauntings. The stories leap off the pages and into the shadows. Literally.

Our next Halloween travel destinations really do deliver the fear factor and the unforgettable memories. So let's dive into the ultimate haunted escapes for your adventurous spirit. I mentioned Sleepy Hollow before it was a pumpkin patch in the Sierra Nevada of California. But let's check out Sleepy Hollow, New York. The quintessential Halloween adventure destination. It is steeped in American folklore. It's the home of the Headless Horseman. It is truly the village that inspired Washington Irving's the book the Legend of Sleepy Hollow and the autumn season brings the story to life.

It has reenact and haunted happenings. Friends who have attended this actually rave about the creativity and the detail of the pumpkin sculptures that are a part of this. They seem to come alive as night falls. I mean really, can you imagine crunching leaves underfoot when surrounded by eerie beauty? It is really a perfect mix of adventure and charm. For Halloween lovers or history buffs, this event, Halloween at Sleepy Hollow is punctuated by the great Jack o' Lantern blaze. This is a dazzling festival. Thousands of hand carved pumpkins are illuminated along trails in the historic Van Cortlandt Manor. It creates mesmerizing and a slightly spooky display.

It features the largest collection of hand carved pumpkins illuminated at one time. There are over 7,000 of them and each year the artists have to create entirely new designs based on a different theme. So it really turns into a living piece of Halloween art. Kind of reminds me of the ice hotel where they literally start over every single year and carve based on a new theme. Now you can get your adrenaline going with the guided tours that go through the Sleepy Hollows Cemetery which is the resting place of legendary figures. Of course there are going to be lantern lit boat rides, there are live performances and there's immersive theater experiences that bring ghost stories right off the page. As I mentioned, gorgeous fall foliage is going to add to the atmospheric magic. It's perfect for daytime exploration before the sun goes down.

It's got quaint inns, restaurants serve seasonal fare and cozy lodging. So it's an all around immersive getaway. Of course you're going to want to stay at the Castle Hotel and Spa with the most elegant accommodations, but also happens to be closest in walking distance to all the events and it's got a touch of that old world charm for that truly spooky stay. Of course you have to see Jack O' Lantern Blaze at dusk for a jaw dropping artistic pumpkin sculpture. Excellent viewing spots are near the entrance of Cortlandt Manor. Book early that Jack O Lantern Blaze sells out nightly all of October so we need to secure your tickets now. And of course if you go at dusk, stay until the sun goes down. Evening visits are the best.

That is when the haunted tours really get spooky. Soak up that entertainment. Now this one I was so close to going this year because I have travel agency friends who are going, but it's just not yet. Haven't made it yet. But I will get there. And that is Transylvania. This is the destination for Halloween adventure seekers who are craving a true Halloween vacation that has the old world history and mystery and even a touch of the supernatural. Trivia Time Dracula is based on Vlad the Impaler.

He was a brutal 15th century ruler, but Vlad himself never drank blood and he was never accused of being a vampire. Bram Stoker's novel popularized the vampires myth which blends folklore and fiction into Transylvania's haunting landscape. The legendary Bran Castle is located in Transylvania and it is often dubbed Dracula's Castle. Now this medieval Fortress has a tantalizing glimpse into the lore of vampires. But beyond its history as a royal fortress, it's an epicenter for gothic legends. Especially in October when Halloween events begin to unfold. You can take both private and twilight tours of Bran Castle and they are going to delve into the legends, the castle secrets, and there just might be some theatrical performance to heighten the spooky vibe. The whole town does mystic gothic.

You can explore the entire medieval towns that are nearby like Brasov and one I can't pronounce, Sighasoara, which has the, you know, cobblestone street, the centuries old architecture and of course atmospheric cafes. Perfect for you to soak in that eerie ambiance. October has unique festivals that celebrate the vampire myths along with traditional Romanian customs. Of course, Halloween themed cultural events, local guides that share the chilling tales of vampires, werewolves, ancient curses, and often in the candle light taverns or the historic inns. So you can kind of like do an in crawl and walk in and hear a story. Adventure seekers outside of Halloween can actually indulge in daytime hiking, but there are nighttime forest explosions, there's talisman shopping in the local market. So it makes it the perfect blend of outdoor excitement and mysterious. The authentic Romanian cuisine offers hearty traditional dishes like mamaliga and sarmali, of which I know nothing.

But I do know that you pair it with the local wine or the plum brandy and it is plum brandy. Chef's kiss served warm is even better. The best time to tour is actually the late afternoon or the twilight hours. That way it has an eerie glow, but it's still light enough for a private guide can open some of the secret passageways. Of course. My insider tip is to always book a private tour and we'll give you the ultimate Dracula experience. It's with again local guides. So they've lived there, they've grown up with these legends.

They can tell you more. They can show you the secret tunnels and they can tell you why their town is famous and all the folklore. You can stay in historic guest houses like Casa Wagner. That's in that nearby town that I mentioned, Bra Sauv. And that's again got the modern comfort with the medieval ambiance. And most importantly, plan for cool weather and early nights. October in Transylvania can be chilly, so be sure to dress warmly and embrace the early sunset so you can get the full effect of the spookiness. Isla de las Minucas, otherwise known as island of the Dolls in Mexico.

So this one's an an offbeat Halloween adventure. The island is near Mexico City's Ocho Mico canals which are famous after a man named Don Julian Santana Barrera began hanging dolls he found floating in the water to appease the spirit of a drowned girl. The dolls, many are missing eyes or limbs, create kind of an unsettling, fascinating atmosphere that's turned the island into a macabre open air museum of sorts. It is definitely unique, it is definitely off the beaten path. And unlike typical Halloween spots filled with crowds, this island is really truly a raw, isolated experience which is steeped in Mexican folklore and as I said, eerie beauty. I haven't yet set foot on the island dolls, but as I researched it, I connected guides who describe the atmosphere that visitors feel when they're surrounded by these weathered dolls hanging on every tree. Each doll has its own eerie story, so it is not your run of the mill Halloween stop. It's a cultural encounter and it sounds like it chills and fascinates and it is steeped in local legend and mystery.

Again, visitors report strange sensations and the guided tours include the tales of the spirits and the local myths which just to the mystique, you can actually get a tour to the island from Xocho Miilco by a small boat. Itself is called a Trajanera Trajanera and you can ride through the canals to the island. That's a scenic, historic journey unto itself. Most tours just last one to two hours, including the boat ride and the island exploration. So it's a good experience excursion for those of you who are heading to Mexico City to experience that last minute summer escape. And the food, of course, you are advised to respect the site's cultural significance and the well being of the fragile dolls. These dolls are often considered a vessel for spirits, so ask permission before taking photos and do not touch. The surrounding attractions around Xocho Miilco are colorful floating gardens and lively markets.

So it is, as I said, easy to combine this adventure with a broader cultural day trip. Definitely want to visit in the early morning or the late afternoon to avoid the crowds and the worst heat of the day. Also, that will give you the best light and you will get to experience the quieter, more mystical vibe. Private boat tour allows you more time on the island and the personalized storytelling experience and you should combine it with Mexico City. Spend a few days in Mexico City before or after and of course in Mexico City explore the cuisine as I mentioned, but museums and other cultural sites and I know this episode has gone really long, but I have one more. This is the final one and that is Edinburgh, Scotland Edinburgh's reputation as one of the most haunted cities on earth is not just spooky folklore. It's again deeply rooted in its history. Edinburgh's old town dates back to the 20th century, the 1100s.

It became notorious for its overcrowding, the narrow alleyways, the tenement buildings, the entire families that were often crammed into those tiny spaces. It led to poor sanitation, disease outbreak, tragic deaths, which many believe left lots of of restless spirits behind. And like many European cities, Edinburgh suffered through multiple plague outbreaks in the 16th and 17th century. So in some cases, the bodolies were hurriedly buried or abandoned. So this layered history, mixing plague, poverty and superstition has created a truly fertile ground for ghost stories and paranormal folklore. The architecture itself has with dark, close underground vaults, ancient graveyards, and that provides settings that are going to definitely make you your spine tingle. Over centuries, storytellers, tour guides and locals keep the legends of Halloween Edinburgh alive. They blend the real history with the chilling tales passed down through generations.

Storytelling, culture, the blend of grim historical realities and Edinburgh's commitment to preserving those stories through tours and museums mean you're not just hearing a ghost story, you are hearing someone's true story. And you're going to walk through the places that hold centuries of palpable energy. Mary King's Close is a famous underground network of streets sealed off in the 18th century due to fears of the plague. But today you can explore those they are preserved, hearing firsthand stories of the sightings, mysterious sounds and the lives of those who once called those cramped spaces home. It's called the City of the Dead. There is Ghost and Ghouls tour, which is of course a small group after dark tour that's going to take visitors into the hooden vaults, old cemeteries and the legend that are part of this mystery. In Edinburgh, there are going to be hunted pubs and nightlife that embrace the spooky heritage. Themed nights, ghost stories by the fireside and unique drink menus.

You can visit the National Museum of Scotland and learn about the city's history, including the darker tales. There are special Halloween exhibits and talks throughout the season. And of course it wouldn't be on my list if it didn't have traditional taverns with hearty food and local whiskey to warm up from your eerie adventures. Insider tips. Just like we mentioned in New Orleans, evening is everything. Plan your ghost tours and your haunted visits for after dusk to experience the full experience. That spine tingling ambiance, the daylight just doesn't do it. Take the ghost tour magic.

It's called the City of the Dead Tour and stay at the Witchery by the Castle. That's the name of the hotel, Witchery by the Castle. It's a luxurious, atmospheric hotel. It is perfect for people like me who love Halloween and crave Gothic grandeur. It's called by the Castle because it is near Edinburgh Castle. So whether you are dreaming of magical nights with your little ones at Oogie Boogie Bash, or delving into the history and hauntings in Salem or Edinburgh, or chasing those Gothic legends in Transylvania, there is a Halloween adventure waiting for all of us. Remember that in fall you always want to dress in layers. Many of these destinations get chilly at night and you will want to be comfortable while soaking in the spooky vibes.

So let me craft your perfect Halloween getaway. Because this season, spooky means spectacular with making memories, travel and until next week, happy and safe travels to you.