6 SPOOKY HALLOWEEN DESTINATIONS AND WAYS TO SAVE ON THEM IN 2024

Halloween is creeping and crawling its way toward us! Run for the hills or better yet, take a trip to a haunted location that can give you enough nightmares to last a year. In 2024, there are lots of scary vacation destinations and spooky sites to visit all around the United States. The only thing you might shriek at is the price.

Have no fear! GOBankingRates asked a few travel experts about the best deals on six spooky Halloween destinations for 2024. Take a look at these October vacation spots that won’t break your budget.

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New Orleans, Louisiana

For good reason, New Orleans is known as the most haunted city in the United States, shared Matthew Bartels, junior content writer and marketer for US Ghost Adventures.

“The original city of sin has a fascinating history that revolves around death and destruction,” explained Bartels. “Yellow Fever epidemics, a high death rate and copious amounts of alcohol have left the city chock full of spirits. Halloween is one of the busiest times of the year in New Orleans, but there are still many affordable things to do and see.”

Bartels recommended the NOLA Ghosts Walking Ghost Tour, with tickets starting at $25; the Haunted Pharmacy Museum that is $15 entry ($10 for seniors); and the Krewe of Boo Parade on Oct. 19 that is free to all.

“Numerous haunted hotels are available to stay at, [including] Dauphine Orleans ($295 per night), which is cheaper than others. The 19th-century building is haunted by multiple spirits, including a lost soldier who paces on a second-floor balcony late at night,” said Bartels.

“Next door is May Bailey’s Place, a former brothel haunted by the soul of Millie Bailey, May’s little sister and a lady of the night, whose husband was murdered the day before her wedding. Bar stools have been known to hover above the ground. Great cocktails and live jazz music accompany this spectral experience,” Bartels noted.

More Deals: 5 Items To Get at Dollar Tree for Halloween That Cost Way More at Walmart

Savannah, Georgia

Savannah, Georgia, is often described as the most haunted city in the U.S., according to Dean Van Es, the founder and CEO of Fast Cover Travel Insurance.

“With many of its historic buildings, featuring Southern Gothic architecture, said to be haunted, organizing a Halloween adventure is a great way to relish the fun,” commented Van Es.

Van Es offered up the Hamilton-Turner Inn, “known for its cigar-smoking ghost, while there are countless stories involving paranormal activity at The Pirates’ House tavern.”

Also on Van Es’ list is the Preserve Halloween Festival which “offers myriad spooky encounters at the Savannah Convention Center. Exploring the historical traditions of the holiday, there are movie screenings, cosplay events and guest appearances from actors and vendors who sell all kinds of clothing, costumes and artwork. Presale tickets are available from $20.”

Gettysburg, Pennsylvania

According to Bartels, Gettysburg’s haunted history ties into America’s most pivotal war against itself. 

“The Civil War left spectral scars across Pennsylvania that have yet to heal,” Bartels described. “Visitors to Gettysburg will find its historic charms entertaining, informative and affordable. The quaint countryside town offers something for anyone looking to combine history with the paranormal over their Halloween vacation.”

The Welty House, part of the larger Brickhouse Inn, was the site of gruesome fighting during the Battle of Gettysburg and was used as a sharpshooter position for Confederate forces. 

“It still bears scars from the battle, bullet holes from this vicious time mark sections of the building,” said Bartels. “Ghastly voices instructing staff and guests to ‘keep their heads down’ are often accompanied by the cracks and bangs of phantom gunfire. Rates start at $139 a night for an unforgettable historic and haunting experience.”

“For even more spooky fun, take a Ghosts of Gettysburg Walking Tour for only $27,” said Bartels. “If you have a car, consider driving to nearby Aspers, Pennsylvania, and check out Fields of Adventure. For just $30 and a 20-minute drive, you can wander their pumpkin patch and corn maze. They host a plethora of other events during the spooky season as well.”

Sleepy Hollow, New York

Made famous by Washington Irving’s “”The Legend of Sleepy Hollow,” a Halloween trip to Sleepy Hollow is the ideal way for travelers to be surrounded with eerie activities, in Van Es’ professional opinion.

“Featuring hugely popular events like the Great Jack O’Lantern Blaze and Headless Horseman Hayrides, there’s no shortage of spooky adventures to add to the travel itinerary,” remarked Van Es.

“As Sleepy Hollow is one of the most popular spots in the U.S. for a Halloween getaway, finding a bargain deal isn’t easy,” Van Es continued. “However, to reduce expenses, perhaps setting up camp with family and friends can level up the supernatural spirit of your vacation. Spots like Croton Point Park and Harriman State Park are beautiful by day, yet spooky at night.”

Deadwood, South Dakota

Bartels recounted how “Deadwood is known for its raucous Wild West history, the final resting place of Wild Bill Hickock and, more recently, for the AMC television show bearing its name.

“But during Halloween, it is transformed into a world where the spirits reign,” continued Bartels. “Deadwood is fun and affordable for anyone looking for a different and unique haunted location to visit this Halloween.”

Bartels recommended getting the inside scoop on the gambling, gun-slinging and whiskey-drinking lives of many of its most famous ghosts for as little as $26 on a Deadwood Ghosts haunted walking tour.

“Enjoy your time in Deadwood at the historic Bullock Hotel for as little as $69 a night,” offered Bartels. “The hotel continues Deadwood’s gambling traditions and good times with an in-house, 24-hour casino. The ghost of founder Seth Bullock is said to haunt the second and third floors. He often makes his presence known when staff are standing by idly, so you can be sure they always have your comfort in mind.”

Salem, Massachusetts

As Bartels explained, Salem is known worldwide for the witch trials that took over the city in the late 17th century. During October, the historic town comes alive for its Haunted Happenings Festival.

“The Witch City is filled with events, ranging from the free Salem Chamber of Commerce Haunted Happenings Parade on Oct. 3 to the reenactment of the Salem Witch Trial that happens on multiple days throughout the month,” said Bartels.

The Merchant Hotel, The Salem Inn and The Hawthorne Hotel all have their own terrifying haunts, according to Bartels, who went on to caution that “rooms fill up quickly during what is known as ‘The largest celebration of Halloween in the world,’ so be sure to book far ahead.”

“One of the cheapest and best ways to see all the haunted sites in Salem is on a Salem Ghosts: Witches, Warlocks and Hauntings walking tour. Tickets start at $25, and it is an excellent experience for all ages!” Bartels said.

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This article originally appeared on GOBankingRates.com: 6 Spooky Halloween Destinations and Ways To Save on Them in 2024

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