{"id":98880236,"date":"2021-10-28T12:00:00","date_gmt":"2021-10-28T16:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.onetravel.com\/travel-trends\/4-last-minute-ideas-to-celebrate-halloween\/"},"modified":"2024-10-17T09:02:43","modified_gmt":"2024-10-17T13:02:43","slug":"last-minute-trip-ideas-for-halloween","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.onetravel.com\/going-places\/last-minute-trip-ideas-for-halloween\/","title":{"rendered":"Need Last-Minute Halloween Plans? Here Are Some Spooktacular Trip Ideas!"},"content":{"rendered":"
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Well, it\u2019s here once again: Halloween. And just like last year, you started off October with grand plans and boasts to put together a sweet costume and organize an awesome party, but totally forgot about it until the week of. So why not hide your shame and do something cool — passing it off as your intention all along? <\/span><\/div>\n
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If you\u2019re a Halloween enthusiast, you don\u2019t need to limit yourself to costume parties, and the barn haunted houses. <\/span>You can have even more fun strolling through a good cemetery during the night, staying in a haunted hotel with a friend or partner, or taking your kids on a kid-friendly ghost tour.<\/span><\/div>\n
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No matter which city you’re looking to get spooked in, you’re more than likely to find last-minute Halloween flights<\/a> there. So get your spookiest (or funniest) costume ready and celebrate the scariest day of the year in style!<\/div>\n
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Attend a Halloween Festival<\/h2>\n

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While most folks still associate Halloween with trick-or-treating kids, it\u2019s actually become more of a costumed celebration for adults, with plenty of grown-up events. Case in point: the Halloween festival. To find one, you just need to head to a major city. The celebrations in New York<\/a> and Los Angeles<\/a> (the Village Halloween Parade<\/a> and the West Hollywood Halloween Carnaval<\/a>, respectively) are pretty famous. But there are plenty of other major metropolitan areas that host their own festivities.<\/div>\n
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If you’re looking for a slightly different experience, check out the Spirit of Halloweentown<\/a> festival in St. Helens, Oregon<\/a>. This charming town, which was the filming location for the Disney movie Halloweentown<\/em>, transforms into a real-life Halloween wonderland every October. From giant pumpkin carvings to spooky parades, it\u2019s a great place to soak up the Halloween spirit. Plus, it’s an excellent excuse to take in the Pacific Northwest\u2019s stunning autumn foliage while you’re at it!<\/div>\n
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Tour a Haunted House or Take a Horror Hayride<\/h2>\n
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Let\u2019s not forget that a big part of Halloween entails the thrilling fun of getting scared. And now there\u2019s an entire industry built around people looking for some fearful excitement. All you need to do is show up and pay the ticket price. Just use a guide like Hauntworld.com<\/a> to find one in the region that you\u2019re looking for and head on over, preferably with friends and family. Because nothing makes getting scared more enjoyable than being with those you love.<\/div>\n
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If you\u2019re feeling extra brave, why not take a trip to the Haunted Overload<\/a> in Lee, New Hampshire<\/a>? Known for its larger-than-life sets and eerie atmosphere, this outdoor haunt will take you deep into the woods, where every twist and turn will have you on edge. For a different take, try a horror hayride like the Los Angeles Haunted Hayride<\/a>, where Hollywood-level production values are guaranteed to send chills down your spine.<\/p>\n

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Go on a Ghost Tour<\/h2>\n
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A ghost tour can be a great pick for those who are looking for a fright. If you wait until the next day to check through your pictures, you may just run into something you didn\u2019t know was there. And some ghost tours are kid-friendly, such as the French Quartour Kid-Friendly Ghost Hunt<\/a> in New Orleans<\/a>. It\u2019s marketed for kids between 4 and 8 years old. You’ll get to search for lost pirates and ghosts using high-tech detectors and other equipment. Just make sure you stay hydrated and wear sturdy shoes in case you need to run, and don’t forget to take lots of pictures.<\/p>\n

If you want something a little darker, check out the Salem Historical Tours<\/a> in Massachusetts<\/a>. These tours dive deep into the infamous Salem Witch Trials, offering a spine-chilling walk through the town’s most haunted spots. For history lovers and ghost hunters alike, you’ll enjoy being wrapped up in the mystical aura that only Salem can deliver on Halloween night.<\/p>\n

Visit\u00a0 Famous Creepy Destination<\/h2>\n
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Winchester Mystery House, San Jose<\/em><\/p><\/div>\n

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From renowned supernatural spots to infamous crime scenes, there are plenty of places that you can visit on Halloween weekend. For example, the Winchester Mystery House<\/a> in San Jose, California often has spooky events planned for Halloween. Another must-visit for thrill-seekers is the Eastern State Penitentiary<\/a> in Philadelphia<\/a>. This once-abandoned prison, famous for its haunting architecture, hosts an interactive haunted Halloween night attraction that’s been named one of the scariest in the country. With pitch-black hallways, creepy soundscapes, and immersive performances, this penitentiary brings a whole new level of fright.<\/div>\n
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Meanwhile, for those drawn to true crime, a visit to the location of H.H. Holmes Murder Castle in Chicago<\/a> might send a shiver down your spine. Although the original site no longer stands, you can still visit locations associated with one of America’s most infamous serial killers. Take The Devil In The White City Bus Tour in Englewood<\/a>, where the “Murder Castle” once stood. \u00a0You can also visit the nearby Museum of Science and Industry<\/a>, which is built on the grounds of the 1893 World’s Fair that played a key role in his sinister plans.<\/p>\n

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Stay in a Haunted Hotel<\/h2>\n
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If you\u2019re staying in a haunted hotel, you’re in for a real spooky treat. For example, once a prominent ocean liner, the RMS Queen Mary<\/a> is now docked permanently in Long Beach, California<\/a>. Guests have most consistently reported a hot spot in room B340, where one passenger passed on in the very late 1940s. Book their Haunted Encounters<\/a> tour to learn more about the ship’s eerie past. They also host their infamous Dark Harbor Halloween<\/a> event, with haunted mazes, interactive performances, and more.<\/p>\n

Another that often makes the top of the most haunted hotels list is the Stanley Hotel<\/a> in Colorado<\/a>. It’s said to have inspired Stephen King\u2019s novel, The Shining<\/em>. Although you won’t find any creepy twin girls, they say that the spirits of Stanley\u2019s first owner, Freelan Oscar Stanley, and his wife reportedly roam the halls. Room 217 is particularly famous, where guests have reported mysterious lights flickering and items being moved. The hotel also offers The Shining Tour<\/a> (only $30!) for those curious to explore its haunted history firsthand.<\/p>\n

You May Also Enjoy: The Spookiest Ghost Tours Around the U.S. Worth Traveling For<\/a><\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n

Visit a Famous Cemetery<\/h2>\n

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You can tour a good cemetery at just about any time of year. Picnics and strolls in cemeteries used to be popular activities during the Victorian era. However, cemetery tours correlate with the spirit of Halloween. If you\u2019re a celebrity enthusiast or a history buff, the Woodlawn Cemetery<\/a> in New York is ripe with both. In October, you can also take an Illuminated Sculpture Walking Tour<\/a> and see some familiar names. Many celebrities, including Duke Ellington, are buried there, and old-time feminist Elizabeth Cady Stanton\u2019s ashes are interred there.<\/p>\n

Some of the most beautiful and haunting cemeteries are those that are lined with trees and mausoleums, like the Bonaventure Cemetery<\/a> in Savannah, Georgia<\/a>. It\u2019s home to former governors of the state. Even more famously, it\u2019s home to six-year-old Gracie Watson and her life-sized statue. John Muir reportedly spent six nights there while still alive, saying that it was cheaper than a hotel. Check out Shannon Scott Tours & Events for their Halloween Bonaventure Cemetery After Dark: The Black Moon Tour.<\/a> You’ll learn all about secret societies, rituals, and other mysteries associated with the cemetery. Plus, you’ll get some spooky, Halloween-themed baked goods.<\/p>\n

FAQs:<\/em><\/h2>\n

Q: What should I pack for a Halloween trip?<\/strong>
\nA: Pack weather-appropriate clothing, comfortable shoes (especially if you\u2019re walking tours or festivals), and, of course, your Halloween costume. Don’t forget essentials like portable phone chargers, reusable water bottles, and travel-sized toiletries.<\/p>\n

Q: Are there age restrictions for haunted houses or ghost tours?<\/strong>
\nA: Yes, many haunted attractions have age restrictions for safety reasons. Some are only for adults, while others offer family-friendly or kid-specific tours. Always check the event or tour website before booking to make sure it’s suitable for your group.<\/p>\n

Q: How can I find Halloween events that are dog-friendly?<\/strong>
\nA: Many cities host pet-friendly Halloween parades or festivals. Check local event listings or pet-friendly websites like BringFido to find specific pet-inclusive Halloween events in the area. Be sure to pack a costume for your dog!<\/p>\n

Q: How should I stay safe on Halloween?<\/strong>
\nA: Keep your valuables secure, especially in crowded areas. If you\u2019re attending events after dark, stay in well-lit areas, and make sure your phone is charged. For haunted attractions or ghost tours, always follow the safety guidelines provided by the event.<\/p>\n

Q: How far in advance should I book tickets for popular Halloween events?<\/strong>
\nA: For major Halloween attractions like haunted houses, ghost tours, and festivals, it’s best to book tickets as early as possible, especially for weekends. Many events sell out quickly in October, so check event websites regularly for ticket release dates.<\/p>\n

What other last-minute trip ideas to Halloween destinations can you think of? Tell us below!<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n<\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Well, it\u2019s here once again: Halloween. And just like last year, you started off October with grand plans and boasts to put together a sweet costume and organize an awesome party, but totally forgot about it until the week of. So why not hide your shame and do something cool — passing it off as […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":98920678,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[74,69],"tags":[201,158,355,167,883,1710,372,317,1360,1359,315,116,447,1421,716,195,1708,1709,1252,1707],"class_list":["post-98880236","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-lifestyle","category-travel-tips-intel","tag-california","tag-chicago","tag-colorado","tag-georgia","tag-illinois","tag-long-beach","tag-los-angeles","tag-louisiana","tag-massachusetts","tag-new-hampshire","tag-new-orleans","tag-new-york","tag-new-york-city","tag-oregon","tag-pennsylvania","tag-philadelphia","tag-salem","tag-san-jose","tag-savannah","tag-st-helens"],"aioseo_notices":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.onetravel.com\/going-places\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/98880236","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.onetravel.com\/going-places\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.onetravel.com\/going-places\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.onetravel.com\/going-places\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.onetravel.com\/going-places\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=98880236"}],"version-history":[{"count":22,"href":"https:\/\/www.onetravel.com\/going-places\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/98880236\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":98920699,"href":"https:\/\/www.onetravel.com\/going-places\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/98880236\/revisions\/98920699"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.onetravel.com\/going-places\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/98920678"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.onetravel.com\/going-places\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=98880236"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.onetravel.com\/going-places\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=98880236"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.onetravel.com\/going-places\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=98880236"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}