Halloween is a time for scary costumes and frightening shocks, mounds of sweets and spooky stories. And while you can find all of these things at home, there are selections of places abroad that go crazy for Halloween and really take the festivities to another level around this time of year. So if you feel like getting involved in these frightening festivities, here is a list of the top three places to holiday for Halloween.
Mexico – Day of the Dead
The Mexican Day of the Dead, or Dia de los Muertos, is actually a 3 day holiday. The true Day of the Dead is on November the 2nd, but the tradition has evolved to include November the 1st and October the 31st. October the 31st is the best day to go if you’re looking for some Halloween holiday fun, as it is all about fun and games, whereas the next two days are more sombre, and used to respect the dead. Traditions of this day include building private alters, decorated with sugar skulls, marigolds, and the favourite food and beverages of the deceased. The sight of all of these colourful and tasty offerings is truly amazing. The best thing about this holiday though, is the festivals. The celebratory, part atmosphere is mainly found in the south of Mexico, in places like Michoacan, Oaxaca and Chiapas. These states become bright, colourful homes of Halloween spirit, with hundreds of people walking around wearing peculiar masks and costumes.
Transylvania – The Home Of Dracula
What better place to celebrate Halloween abroad than in the Draculas hometown? Due to the massive interest in Dracula, several Halloween tours have become available that show you around the area and all things Dracula related. My personal favourite is the ‘Halloween in Transylvania with Vlad the Impaler’ tour, which is packed with spooky highlights to give you a real all-round Halloween experience. You will find yourself taking an interesting exploration of Dracula’s birthplace, the Saxon Citadel of Sighisoara, learning plenty of interesting facts in the best preserved citadel in Europe.

At the same time, you will also have the opportunity to have a Halloween party at the citadel, where you will consume a delicious Romanian festive dinner, try fiery spirits, drink excellent wine and take in a special Halloween programme. Transylvania truly has the full range of opportunity on offer for a top quality Halloween break.
U.S.A – Salem haunted Happenings
Salem is probably the spookiest town in America and it takes Halloween deadly serious. ‘Salem Haunted Happenings’ is their celebration annual celebration of Halloween and it lasts all throughout October. If you want to truly experience the best though, I would recommend going on the actual day of Halloween, where all of the preparations and events come to a climax. There are 25 events going on throughout the day of Halloween, with something for all the family; from parades to psychic fares and costume balls to haunted houses. One of my personal favourites is the Haunted Harbour Cruise, which is a one and a half hour tour with spooky stories about the haunted happenings of Salem Sound. Another favourite, is the Devilish Night at Rockafellas, where can party the night away surrounded by some ghoulish costumes; but don’t forget to wear yours, the best ones get a $300 prize. I like to finish off the night in Salem by going to fireworks finale, where you can celebrate the end of another great Halloween with some truly spectacular fireworks, over the North River.
These are just my top selection of some of the best Halloween holiday destinations, there are loads out there. But remember, if you do decide to go take a short break for Halloween, remember to pack some extra pants; it can be scarier than you think!
 
This guest blog was brought to you by Halloween enthusiast and travel writing globetrotter Kevin Burns. He writes on behalf of SkyParkSecure, who provide great deals on cheap airport parking at airports all over the UK!