Halloween isn’t just a holiday—it’s a whole vibe. And if you’re like us, you don’t just throw on a costume and call it a night. You want the full spooky season experience. That means haunted history, eerie adventures, and full-on celebrations in places that know how to do Halloween right.

So, where should you go to make the most of the season? In this episode of the Travel More Podcast, we broke down our favorite Halloween destinations, dished out some travel tips, and revealed our number one Halloween event that we return to year after year. If you missed the episode, don’t worry—we’ve got you covered right here.

The Best Places to Travel for Halloween

Whether you’re into ghost stories, immersive horror experiences, or just want to be surrounded by people who love Halloween as much as you do, these destinations should be on your radar.

1. Salem, Massachusetts – The OG Spooky Town

If there’s one place that fully embraces Halloween, it’s Salem. The town is known for its infamous witch trials, but it also throws an epic month-long celebration called Haunted Happenings. Think ghost tours, costume parades, psychic readings, and street performers everywhere. If you love history with a side of spooky, Salem is a must-visit.

2. New Orleans, Louisiana – Voodoo, Ghosts, and a Killer Party

New Orleans already has a mystical energy year-round, but Halloween takes it to another level. The city’s French Quarter is packed with costume parties, haunted bars, and eerie tours that dive into its dark past. 

3. Sleepy Hollow, New York – The Headless Horseman Lives Here

Yes, that Sleepy Hollow. The one from the classic legend. If you want a more traditional Halloween experience with a historic twist, this is the spot. You can check out haunted hayrides, visit the Old Dutch Church (where the Headless Horseman supposedly roams), and explore the Great Jack O’Lantern Blaze—a stunning display of thousands of carved pumpkins.

4. Universal Studios’ Halloween Horror Nights – Next-Level Scares

If haunted houses are your thing, you need to experience Halloween Horror Nights at Universal Studios. This is where horror movies come to life with movie-quality haunted mazes, scare zones, and terrifying live performances. The themes change every year, but past highlights have included Stranger Things, The Exorcist, and The Haunting of Hill House. It’s intense, it’s thrilling, and it’s totally worth the trip.

Pro Travel Tips for Halloween Adventures

Want to make the most of your Halloween getaway? Here are some things we’ve learned from our own trips (including a few oops moments we’d rather forget).

• Book early – Popular Halloween destinations sell out fast, from flights to hotels to event tickets. If you’re eyeing something big like Halloween Horror Nights or a ghost tour in Salem, lock it in ASAP.
• Pack a costume that travels well – We once tried to bring elaborate costumes on a trip and ended up with a crushed mess in our suitcase. Stick to something simple but fun.
• Check the weather – Some of the best events happen outdoors, and nothing ruins a haunted hayride like freezing your toes off because you forgot to check the forecast.
• Balance plans with spontaneity – We love a solid itinerary, but some of our best Halloween memories have come from random discoveries. Leave some wiggle room to explore!

Our Favorite Halloween Event of All Time

We won’t spoil everything (you’ve got to listen to the episode for the full breakdown), but let’s just say we have one Halloween event we never skip. It’s packed with atmosphere, energy, and just the right amount of creepy fun. Whether you’re a hardcore Halloween fan or just getting into the spirit, this one belongs on your bucket list. 

Where’s your dream Halloween destination? Let us know in the comments, and if you need more travel hacks and itinerary ideas, check out the Travel More Podcast!