10-26-24
So, you've never traveled for Halloween before? Well, buckle up, my ghoul-fearing friend, because you're in for a ride that’s equal parts thrilling, sugar-fueled, and full of questionable costumes. According to WalletHub, believe it or not, this year’s Halloween spending is likely to hit a spine-tingling $11.6 billion, you’re about to witness an entire nation lose its collective mind over candy corn and skeleton onesies. Let’s break down what you're in for—and, no, you don’t need a costume that requires an instruction manual. Here goes.
First Things First: Choosing Your Spooky Destination
Well, since WalletHub just dropped a Best Cities for Halloween 2024 list, let's dive into the Halloween madness, you've got options.
NYC (at left) tops the list, obviously. Because who doesn’t want to see the Statue of Liberty dressed as a pumpkin? You already know that the chances of there being great Halloween or costume parties are high in the NYC. There's lots of spooky history and lots of dynamic clubs and parks that know how to do Halloween right - and hotels just may be affordable.
But if you’re not feeling Gotham, there’s always Miami, where Halloween costumes tend to involve as little fabric as legally possible. And don’t forget Las Vegas—because gambling on which vampire is a real vampire just screams ‘good vacation. People travel during Halloween
for a variety of reasons, including to experience spooky events and activities, to immerse themselves in a destination's history, and to take advantage of the travel industry's lucrative Halloween season:
Spooky events and activities
Many towns and cities across the US offer Halloween events and activities, such as ghost tours and pumpkin festivals. Some destinations are known for their spooky history, like Salem, Massachusetts, which hosts a month-long festival called Haunted Happenings.
Immerse in a destination's history
Some destinations offer a chance to learn about a destination's history and folklore. For example, Transylvania, Romania is home to Dracula's Castle in Bran and medieval towns with their own tales.
Take advantage of the travel industry's lucrative Halloween season
Halloween is a major revenue driver for the travel industry, with haunted destinations and cities seeing a surge in hotel bookings. Limited-service hotels see the highest surge in bookings for Halloween.
Scream tourism
Some travelers are looking for destinations that illicit a spooking feeling, which is known as "scream tourism".
Adults-only Halloween sailings
Some cruise lines, like Virgin Voyages, offer adults-only Halloween sailings with special events.
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Sleepy Hollow, New York - Home of the headless Horseman
Everything isn't for everyone, and we know this when we share our TravelFOCUS ideas. However, for the brave souls looking for a quieter haunt, places like Gilbert, Arizona, made the top 10. Yes, Gilbert, Arizona. I don’t know either, but maybe the desert’s idea of spooky is different? Sand… lots of it… terrifying. For those who love all things spooky, eerie and fun, the holiday is more than just a night of trick-or-treating—it's an opportunity for a thrilling travel adventure. Across the U.S., towns and cities transform into haunted adventure, offering events and activities that range from ghost tours to pumpkin festivals
Now About Those Facts:
A Crash Course in Halloween Economics
Before you go packing, let's talk numbers. Americans are throwing down $3.8 billion on costumes alone this year. So if you thought your cobbled-together ‘Sexy Traffic Cone’ outfit wasn’t cutting it, think again. Your neighbors are probably investing in full animatronic dragons and LED-lit suits. Meanwhile, another $3.5 billion will be blown on candy. And we all know that 50% of that candy will go into the stomachs of parents while their kids sleep.
But wait, here’s the real spooky fact: Over half of the haunted attractions you’ll encounter are run by charities. So, when that chainsaw-wielding zombie pops out at you, just remember—it’s for a good cause. Comforting, right?
Savannah , Georgia
What to Expect at Your Halloween Destination
Imagine this: You’ve touched down in New York, Jersey City, or maybe sunny Hialeah, Florida. As night falls, the streets fill with miniature superheroes, sugar-rushing pirates, and parents secretly hoping their child will lose interest in their Reese’s so they can eat them in the dark later. By the way, 34% of parents think 13 is old enough to trick-or-treat alone. Those parents clearly didn’t see Stranger Things.
Be ready for everything from haunted house tours (remember, $400 million goes into that industry) to the occasional skeleton-themed flash mob that might traumatize you. It’s Halloween, baby—normal rules don’t apply.
Pro Tip: Avoid Traveling with a Giant Pumpkin Costume
Unless you're headed to an exclusive Halloween bash at the top of the Empire State Building, skip the oversized costumes. It's a real thing that has real consequences and problems.
You might think it’s funny now, but good luck fitting into an Uber when you look like a walking Jack-o'-Lantern. Instead, aim for something compact, spooky, and easy to flee in, should a horde of zombies (or worse, drunk tourists) start chasing you.
So, whether you're a Halloween rookie or a seasoned trick-or-treat traveler, one thing’s for sure: You’re in for a wild ride. Just remember, when in doubt, steal your kid’s candy.
You deserve it.
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