Halloween Tours & Trips
Do you love dressing up, carving out pumpkins, and all things spooky? Then a Halloween tour is for you! Explore ghost towns in the USA, dance the night away at a Halloween party like no other at a castle in Transylvania, or round off your October adventure with a trip to Mexico for an unforgettable celebration of the dead. If you love Halloween you owe it to yourself to attend the spookiest events set against the most hauntingly beautiful backdrops the world has to offer.
Best Places to Go for Halloween
More Top Halloween Destinations
Facts about Halloween
When is Halloween?
Halloween is always celebrated on October 31st, the day before All Saints Day (November 1st). The name is an abbreviation of the words “hallowed evening,” which is why you’ll occasionally find it spelled “Hallowe’en.”
What countries celebrate halloween?
Traditional Halloween practices, such as carving pumpkins and trick or treating, began in Ireland, where Halloween is still widely celebrated. However, many of the largest Halloween celebrations currently take place in North America. While traditionally the celebrations have been limited to the West, Halloween has become increasingly popular in parts of Asia and Australia.
What does Halloween stand for?
Halloween began 2,000 years ago as the festival Samhain (pronounced sow-in), which marked the end of summer and acknowledged the dead. On Samhain, it was believed that the ghosts of the dead returned to earth. The word Halloween is a contraction of the words “Hallowed Evening,” as the day takes place before All Saint’s Day on November 1st.
How did trick or treating start?
There are several English, Irish, and Scottish traditions that mirror trick or treating (the practice of children going door-to-door and asking for sweets by saying “trick or treat”), and the common belief is that each of these traditions was brought to North America by immigrants in the 19th and early 20th centuries. As the traditions blended together, modern trick or treating was born!
What should I pack for a Halloween tour?
First and foremost: if you’re going to be attending a Halloween party, you’ll need a costume! Costumes can range from simple masks or face paint to large-scale homemade creations. Figures from popular culture, characters from beloved movies or books, and topical political jokes or statements are all often worn: it’s up to you!
How to Get to Dracula's Castle
By plane
International flights are available to Bucharest from European cities such as London, Paris, and Rome, as well as more distant destinations like New York. Flying to Dracula’s Castle means taking a flight to Bucharest and then travelling the remaining distance (roughly 180 kilometres) via other transportation, such as the train route.
By train
The only way to access Dracula’s Castle (Bran Castle) by train is via a route which begins in Bucharest Nord. The Brasov train will take you to the castle in about three and a half hours, for approximately 10 euros. Trains run hourly, and you’ll have to factor in any other transportation (to Bucharest Nord) before making the decision to travel to Dracula’s Castle by train.
By bus
Board a train in Bucharest at Gara de Nord station that departs to Brasov. In Brasov, go inside the train station and ask to go to Bran Castle by bus. As the routes sometimes change, it’s best to ask at the info desk upon arrival. But generally bus terminal No. 2 Brasov provides regular rides between Brasov and Bran - Moeciu and return trips. The entire journey takes several hours (approximately 3.5).
By car
Renting a car is the optimal choice for getting yourself to Bran. From Bucharest, head north on DN1/E60, pass by Ploiesti, continue to follow DN1/E60, after Azuga turn left on DN73A, at Rasnov turn left onto DN73/E574, drive 10KMs and Bran Castle will be on the left. If you’re driving to Bran Castle from Brasov, head northwest to Rasnov on DN73/E574, continue straight to Bran, castle will be on the left.
By taxi
A ride to Bran Castle from Bucharest, takes about 2.5hrs drive. At Otopeni-Bucharest Airport there is a taxi station right in front of the international arrivals. This trip cost can vary so check beforhand.
Accommodation
Travellers have said that there isn't much to do in Bran so, despite the longer commute, it's suggested that you stay in and around Brasov. Bran is a village with less than 6,000 people while Brasov is a city with over 200,000 residents. There are many guest houses to choose from along the way but as long as you stay near the main train station in Brasov.
Operators with Halloween-themed Tours
Add these seasonal favorites to your bucket list!
If you love to go all out for your favorite holiday, you might like to add these other seasonal tour packages to your bucket list!
Christmas Markets
Head to Europe for the festive season and feel the magic come alive! Wander through markets of mulled wine, toasty warm treats and treasures you'll only find at this time of year.
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What better way to ring in the New Year than at some of the world's biggest parties? From Hogmanay in Scotland to the ball drop in New York, discover the perfect start to your year right here!
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Scoring its way onto many bucket lists, the Aurora Borealis is an experience not to be missed! Time your adventure to Iceland, Norway, Finland (or even Canada!) to witness a performance in the skies.
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