If you're looking to add a dash of mystery and excitement to your holiday plans, a spooky travel adventure might be just what you need. Whether you're excited about eerie encounters or want to explore mysterious destinations, these suggestions are sure to provide you with plenty of chills and thrills. With personalised travel plans from your dedicated Travel Counsellor, you can explore these hauntingly beautiful locations and Halloween-themed experiences with peace of mind and confidence knowing every detail has been taken care of.
Transylvania, Romania
Home to the legendary Count Dracula, Transylvania is the quintessential Halloween destination. Explore the eerie Bran Castle, often associated with the Dracula myth, set amidst the backdrop of foggy forests and rugged mountains. From twilight tours to atmospheric villages that seem frozen in time, Transylvania offers a truly immersive and unique experience for those enthralled by vampire folklore and gothic literature classics.
Edinburgh, Scotland
If you want to experience a truly gothic Halloween, Edinburgh is perfect. Its rich history and tales of ghostly apparitions make it one of the most haunted cities in the world. With plenty of attractions about the capital’s captivating legends and lore, you can’t stay in this city without a visit to Edinburgh Castle, where spectres such as The Grey Lady are said to roam the halls and don’t miss the underground vaults which you can explore on a guided ghost tour.
Mexico City, Mexico
Although celebrated right after Halloween, the Day of the Dead (Dia de Los Muertos) in Mexico City is an unmissable event whether you’re fans of spooky holidays or not. During this special time, vibrant traditions honour the departed with lively parades, colourful altars, and delicious food. Experience the magic of this UNESCO-recognised festival, which blends indigenous customs with Catholic rituals, where the streets are lined with revellers in bright costumes and face paint, musicians playing traditional songs, and stalls selling gifts and traditional dishes such as tamales and pan de Muertos (bread of the dead).
London, England
Staying in the UK once again, London's storied past is filled with chilling tales and unexplained occurrences. The Tower of London, known for its ghastly history, provides the perfect setting for a group ghost tour that will send shivers down your spine. You can also explore the city's dark alleys and historic landmarks, many of which are steeped in mystery and legends. Around Halloween, there are often special themed tours around the city, such as Jack the Ripper tours in the East End, pirate and ghost ship walks taking in ancient smuggler hangouts, and spooking sightseeing in the West End.
Salem, Massachusetts
Known as the ‘witch town’, Salem's rich history and spooky charm make it the ultimate destination for October. Walk along the gothic streets covered in red and gold fallen leaves, snack on a toffee apple, and see Halloween fans dressed up as their favourite characters. A visit to the Salem Witch Museum, where the infamous trials come to life, is a must and don’t miss a chance to explore mysterious corners of the House of Seven Gables. For those looking to engage in the supernatural, there are ghost tours offering an eerie exploration of the town's haunted history. There’s so much to do here, so be prepared for a hauntingly unforgettable adventure.
This September, South Africa opens its doors to an extraordinary opportunity that happens just once a year. SA National Parks Week 2025 offers something truly special – free access to some of the country's most spectacular natural landscapes. This week presents the perfect chance to explore South Africa's incredible biodiversity without the usual entrance fees.
When you think of Mexico, it’s likely that places such as Cancun, Tulum, and Playa del Carmen come to mind, but away from the tourist hotspots lies a region that stands out for its diverse landscapes, cultural heritage, and historical landmarks. Chihuahua, the largest of Mexico’s states, offers something for every type of traveller, and this guide to the region’s highlights will give you a glimpse of what makes this destination so extraordinary. Ready to discover a new destination to tick off your bucket list?
For those who love the great outdoors, Canada’s national parks are nothing short of extraordinary. With 37 national parks and 11 national park reserves, the country offers an endless array of natural wonders, from dramatic mountain ranges to peaceful coastlines. Each park has its own unique charm, making it easy to see why so many people return year after year. To help you plan your next adventure, we’ve highlighted five parks that truly shine in summer and early autumn - perfect for wildlife spotting, scenic hikes, and moments of pure stillness surrounded by nature.
