31 Days of Halloween Stories

Guess what? It's Halloween! Every year I post a Halloween, Fall, or spooky story or article on Facebook every day of October leading up to the 31st and then I do a round-up of all of them at the end of the month, incase you missed any or just aren't on Facebook. I hope you enjoy them.

October 1: Salem, Massachusetts went from so not to so hot, marketing witches and witchcraft to the masses. I'm sure that Hocus Pocus and Practical Magic didn't hurt them either.  Why witches are so kitsch right now.

October 2: If you're looking for a spooktacular vacation or getaway, you might want to head to Nevada. It's the most haunted state in America! Now you can get your Paranormal Passport and explore all those creepy and deserted places you've always wanted to go.

October 3: I love Oregon and I love a road trip. I don't know how much I like being scared, but I adore abandoned places like ghost towns. Check out this ultimate haunted road trip through my state.

October 4: Tokyo is special kind of place to celebrate Halloween, and the parties and other events can start as early as September. From family-friendly parades and forest illuminations to adult cosplay festivals and nightclub bashes, you'll find it all in Tokyo. 

October 5: This memorial commemorating fallen Swiss Guards of the French Revolution has been called the saddest stone in the world. Mark Twain described the Lion of Lucerne as "the most mournful and moving piece of stone in the world."

October 6: If getting lost in the woods while hiking and seeing some gorgeous autumn colors is your speed, then you might want to pack your granola, put on your hiking boots, and hit one of these 12 awesome trails for a fall foliage hike.

October 7: Some people think this is the scariest hotel in America. It might be if you have coulrophobia, or fear of clowns. The Clown Motel in Tonopah, NV is a regular nightmare to some of us, but throw on top of it the fact that it might be haunted and it's right next to a cemetery and you have yourself a horrifying stay. (video)

October 8: Have you ever wanted to stay in your favorite scary movie? The house where the infamous murders that inspired The Conjuring movie (and a franchise) is going up for sale again on Halloween and it might just be revamped into site that can host overnight stays again. 

October 9: Yesterday we saw the house that inspired The Conjuring movie is going up for sale. If you just can't wait to sleep in a haunted or creepy hotel, then here are 16 Airbnbs you can book to get your spooky on.

October 10: Is being scared your thing? Every city has a haunted house or attraction that everyone goes to, but if you really want to get, like, pee in your pants cry for your mommy scared, check out the best haunted attractions in America.

October 11: Traveling this month? We always travel in the fall and often do Halloween activities where you wear a costume. While I love traveling and dressing up, not all costumes are great for packing light. If you are looking for a fun costume that will also fit in your carry-on, here are some ideas.

October 12: Some drinking and dining institutions have stood the test of time while their towns’ residents have mostly vanished. Here are 8 ghost towns to visit for great (or at least "spirited") food and drink.

October 13: Have you wanted to visit your favorite horror movie locations? From Nightmare On Elm Street to Us, here are 16 places to visit this Halloween.

October 14: I love a good horror movie. Actually, I love a bad horror movie, too. When I had a chance to visit Tom Devlin's Monster Museum in Boulder City, NV, I took it, because Tom Devlin is a legend and it's a short drive from Las Vegas. If you enjoy movie monsters, from the original Frankenstein to the Leprechaun to Michael Meyers, this is the place for you.

October 15: Europe hasn't always been the best place for Halloween lovers, but there are some great places to check out when you travel, regardless of time of year, to get some spooky vibes.

October 16: Spooky Season is the time I binge a ton of horror movies (not that I don't watch them all year long) and I love to see a movie that's based around travel, but also hate that I have to learn what not to do on a trip because of a horror movie. Here's a whole list of travel horror flicks that I've enjoyed and you might, too. I'd also add Heretic, Speak No Evil, Blink Twice, Until Dawn, and Death of a Unicorn.

October 17: If Halloween tourism is for you, then you might want to book a trip to this city next year. They boast haunted mansions (not the Disney one), ghost tours, and even a witch float. Bet you didn't think there was cool things like this outside of Salem.

October 18: The current government isn't the only scary thing in Washington, DC. If you love classic horror, then you will absolutely recognize these steps from The Exorcist. Though not haunted or incredibly interesting, if you like visiting sites where your favorite movies were filmed, you can climb to the top, or just take some pictures at this historical landmark.

October 19: Indulge in spooky festivals all year long, all over the world, when you travel. Whether you're into voodoo, death, or monsters, these 8 festivals should be on your list.

October 20: Every October, witches and wizards gather in Portland with their hats and their oars and their...paddleboards? That's right! It's the Witches on the Willamette event where magical people dress up, maybe decorate their boards, and float down the Willamette River. 

October 21: Spend some time haunting a cemetery while you're alive. There are great, old resting places everywhere you go, but one of my favorites is the sprawling Pere Lachaise Cemetery in Paris.

October 22: If you can't leave the country for Halloween, the US has amazing Halloween celebrations, too. Here are the 9 best places to go if you're stateside. 

October 23: Celebrate Halloween where it originated. The Celts celebrated Samhain long before Halloween came along and Dublin has some of the most spectacular events in order to usher in the season of spooks and frights.

October 24: Are you a fan of abandoned places? They're spooky, full of history, and often haunted, or at least feel that way. One of the abandoned places I really enjoyed was Eastern State Penitentiary.

October 25: Want to visit a Portland that isn't actually on fire like that one guy keeps saying? Don't worry, it can still be scary, but in an absolutely fun way. Plan your trip to PDX and spend 3 incredible days here (or more, because we are awesome, and our remodeled airport is gorgeous).

October 26: Have you heard about the 'Halloween Capital of the World'? I hadn't either, but apparently, this town in Minnesota is claiming the title, even though the Pacific Northwest has the actual town from Halloweentown. We don't have 3 parades though!

October 27: Obsessed with fall foliage? Well, start planning a trip next year to one of these gorgeous spring destinations, because when our weather is starting to warm up, the southern hemisphere is cooling down and the leaves are turning. You can get twice as much fall in your life!

October 28: Skip the more crowded destinations for the season and check out one of these 10 lesser-known haunted spots around the world. The same spooks, but none of the jostling to actually see things.

October 29: Train rides can be boring, romantic, historic, and, in this case, creepy! The No Hope After Dark is a 100-minute train ride through Pennsylvania woodlands and takes you to a haunted maze to face some of your fears.

October 30: Do treats sound better than tricks to you? You don't have to go anywhere to get scared. Instead, you could visit some very cool historical and mysterious places for the season instead.

October 31: Each year, from September to November, you can walk through The Great Jack O'Lantern Blaze in the New York area, where thousands of pumpkins have been carved and lit up to give you a fun seasonal activity that's great for the whole family. We did something similar when we visited Philadelphia and aside from it being freezing (bring gloves and a hat) it was really beautiful.

I hope you have a safe and fun Halloween full of all the tricks and treats you desire. What are your favorite spooky, creepy, or mysterious travel destinations?

The Real Cost of a Road Trip

Road trips can be fun, but if you're short on time or money, it may not be worth it over flying to your destination. It all depends on what you want to get out of it. If most of your activities are taking place at your final destination, then the time spent driving is going to cut into that. If you plan to take your time driving, then you can plan fun stops along the way to make your vacation more interesting before and after you get to where you're going.

It's no secret that you get to see a lot more when you drive, plus you have a car to get around at your destination, but you also have to factor in if gas prices will outweigh the benefits of just flying straight to your destination. Say you're spending four days somewhere, but it will take you two days to drive there and two days back. You're going to be spending probably $200 minimum on gas, $200, on average, per night at a hotel, and any food you stop for along the way. That means you'll already be spending $600, on the low end, getting there and back.

If there are only two of you, you might be spending the same amount on two plane tickets, but you won't have to waste 4 days driving. Of course, if you have to rent a car at your destination, that will add on to that total, when driving you would already have your car with you. If you're traveling as a family, flights may end up costing you 3 or more times that, depending on how many of you there are, and you also wouldn't have built-in transportation when you arrive.  These are things to think about.

There are ways you can save on your road trip, like bringing your own food, staying in budget hotels, and even doing free or affordable activities along the way. 

Your family can really benefit from being stuck in the car together for hours or days. It can be great for bonding. We bring entertainment for us all, make sure we can all charge our phones, have the snacks we love, and plenty of podcasts, audio books, and music to get us through between stops. Check out this post for more tips.

Do you love a road trip?

How to Enjoy a Relaxing Ranch Getaway on a Budget

There's something that is deeply calming about spending time at a ranch. The open air  as well as the sound of nature and the slow pace of life is very appealing. It's a great place to go if you don't want to spend a fortune but wish to enjoy peace and quiet at the same time. 

Image by Kev from Pixabay

With just a little bit of planning you can have an adventure that is relaxing and memorable. The secret is about choosing the right destination and managing your itinerary as wisely as possible.

Choose Affordable Ranch Destinations

Many travelers assume that ranch vacations are going to be very expensive but that is not always the case. There are many charming hideaways and family ranches where you can get some very cozy accommodations. 

You can enjoy genuine hospitality and scenic trails at very affordable rates. At hideaway ranches you will find rustic surroundings that make a countryside escape unforgettable. You won't get the luxury resort price tag here just warm, cozy comfort. You should look out for all inclusive packages and consider traveling during the off season when the prices tend to be much lower.

Plan Low-Cost Activities that Feel Luxurious

One of the best parts of going on a ranch vacation is that you won't need to do any form of expensive entertainment in order to have fun. You'll be able to take morning walks by the water and even go for a sunset picnic if you choose. Horseback riding, hiking and stargazing are some of the experiences that you will have that will connect you with nature. 

They will provide you relaxation in ways money could never buy. You will also be able to bring your own food for a few of your meals and share costs with family and friends if you choose.

Pack Smart and Stay Simple

One of the main things you need to do is make sure that you are packing as efficiently as possible to save on money and prevent stress.  Don't be afraid to bring reusable water bottles, comfortable clothing and snacks. You're going to be staying for many days and you should consider doing basic grocery runs instead of going out to eat all the time. Most ranch accommodations will have outdoor grills and even kitchenettes. This will allow you to prepare very hearty meals. Staying simple is not only going to save you money but it's going to give you a feeling of being grounded and connected to the scenery that is all around you.

Leave Refreshed Not Broke

When you plan your vacation very carefully it's going to be much more than just a trip. You'll have a rejuvenating experience that is going to remind you to enjoy your life and the simple pleasure that it offers. In short, it's an invitation to slow down. Whether you find yourself listening to the wind through the Trees or enjoying the sound of birds as you wake up in the morning, you will return home feeling extremely refreshed. 

Get Inspired With These Holiday Ideas

When it comes to planning a holiday it can be tricky to pick the perfect spot, especially if everyone in your group has different ideas of what makes a great trip. While no single place can offer everything for everyone, there are destinations that are flexible enough to keep most people happy. If you are planning a trip with a group this year, it is worth thinking about what kind of holiday will give everyone something to enjoy. Here are some ideas to inspire your next adventure.

Photo by Viktoria B.: https://www.pexels.com/photo/campers-parked-near-road-near-water-14766759/

Thrill holidays

If you love a rush of adrenaline, a thrill holiday could be exactly what you are looking for. These types of holidays are all about pushing yourself a little further and trying activities that get your heart racing. Think zip lining through forests, white water rafting, or hiking to breathtaking viewpoints. Thrill holidays are ideal for people who want a mix of adventure and exploration, and they can turn an ordinary trip into something you will remember for the rest of your life. Just make sure you budget for the experiences you really want to enjoy.

Simple holidays

Sometimes the best trips are the simplest. A getaway where you pitch a tent, explore nature, and enjoy being away from screens can be exactly what a group of friends or family needs. Staying at an RV park can make this easy, offering access to basic amenities while still letting you enjoy the outdoors. Simple holidays are a chance to relax, connect with nature, and take a break from busy everyday life. They give you time to enjoy company, breathe fresh air, and really slow down for a few days.

Luxury holidays

Sometimes holidays are about treating yourself, and if that is what you need a luxury holiday is perfect. These trips are about comfort, indulgence, and making the most of your time off. You could stay in a high-end resort, take a cruise, or enjoy an all-inclusive break where everything is taken care of for you. Luxury holidays are not just about hot sunny destinations either, you can enjoy cozy cabins in the snow or charming apartments in beautiful cities. It is a chance to relax, recharge, and enjoy life for a little while without worrying about the everyday stresses. You can totally make this your holiday gift to yourself.

Food and drink holidays

For those who love to explore flavors, a holiday focused on food and drink is a dream. These trips allow you to try local dishes and drinks from different towns or regions, often giving a deeper insight into the culture as well. Food holidays are perfect for adventurous eaters looking to try new tastes, but they can also appeal to people who want to learn more about wine, craft beer, or local spirits. Whether you are sampling street food or dining in fine restaurants, a food and drink holiday can be exciting, fun, and surprisingly educational.

Planning your next holiday does not have to be stressful. Whether you are chasing thrills, luxury, amazing food, or simple pleasures, there is something out there for everyone. Take your time, think about what matters most for your group, and enjoy the adventure.

How do you like to travel during the holidays, or DO you?

Road Trip Ready: 5 Essential Motorhome Travel Tips

Motorhomes, or RVs, can serve as a vehicle and accommodation. They’re excellent for road trips - allowing you to travel where you want without having to pay for hotels along the way. There are of course some challenges to traveling in a motorhome such as getting used to the vehicle’s large size and making sure you park somewhere safe and legal. Here are some motorhome/RV travel tips that will help your adventures to go smoothly:

Pexels. CCO Licensed.

Know your vehicle’s size

It’s worth knowing exactly how high and how wide your motorhome is in case you come across a low bridge or narrow road. Consider keeping a piece of paper on your dashboard with the dimensions of your vehicle written on it. It could also be worth practicing your parking to help you get a good idea as to how much room you have either side.

Select motorhome-friendly routes

It’s worth using a GPS option that can help you find motorhome-friendly routes. Some routes may include very narrow country lanes or low bridges, which you won’t be able to drive through. By making sure that routes are suitable for your motorhome, you can avoid stressful situations later down the line. 

Secure your valuables

It’s important to make sure that your belongings are all hidden and locked away - when driving and when leaving your vehicle unattended. Not only can locking away items stop them moving around and falling as you’re driving, but it can also prevent thieves from seeing them. Closing curtains and making sure that your motorhome door is locked are also important steps to take when parking up and leaving your vehicle. You can also consider security measures like steering wheel locks.

Look into RV parks

While you can park almost anywhere in a motorhome, many locations may not be safe or may not provide you with access to electricity. RV parks provide you with a designated pitch with an electrical hook-up. They are often well-lit and have bathroom facilities too (if you don’t want to use the toilet in your motorhome). Book RV parks in advance so that you know where to stop and so that you definitely have a pitch. Many campsites have designated RV areas. You may also be able to find pubs and hotels with RV electrical hook-ups. 

Invest in solar panels

When it comes to wild camping in your motorhome, a big issue can often be not having access to electricity. You don’t want to drain your battery using lighting, heating or electrical kitchenware. At the same time, you shouldn’t feel that you have to do without power. It’s possible to install solar panels on the roof of your motorhome that can allow you to keep your vehicle powered up in any location. These solar panels come in different sizes for generating different amounts of power. 

Ready for your road trip?

By following these tips, you can make sure that your motorhome experience is a comfortable and stress-free one. It all comes down to preparation - while you can still make room for spontaneity on your trip, planning the important things ahead will keep you out of trouble. 

Have you ever traveled in an RV before?

Packing Light for Fall Travel

It's that time again. Most places are starting to get cooler, or it will be when you are on your fall or holiday travel. Even when you have to pack larger pieces than for your summer trips, you can still pack light. I'm a big proponent of layering when I travel, since you never know if the weather will be unseasonably warm or colder than you expect. Don't fret though, because you can still pack light and bring everything you need for any kind of weather.

When we traveled to London and Paris in late October, the weather ranged from cool, crisp fall air to freezing temps with rain. It could have been miserable, but learning from my previous trip there, when all we had packed were winter clothes. The first 3-4 days were so warm out that I didn't need a coat and seriously wondered if I'd have to buy some short sleeve tops in order to not get heat stroke. Needless to say, nobody wanted a repeat of that. So, the next time, taking all my knowledge into account when packing, I chose several lightweight sweaters that I could layer other things with and went from there.

If the weather tends toward cold, cold, cold, your pictures are basically all going to be you bundled up in your coat and you aren't going to see anything you've got on underneath anyway. With this in mind, it makes even more sense to bring as little as possible. You'll just need enough to keep you from getting bored and to go between laundry - think of it an excuse to take a break and relax a few times on your trip. Watch a movie, catch up on email or play a game. I bring the same thing for one week as I do for two. Three lightweight sweaters, a cardigan, two tanks and two tees that match your sweaters. Throw a dress, two pair of stretchy jeans or other comfortable pants and two pair of shoes. 

Keep in mind your travel outfit. I usually wear my favorite pair of jeans (with stretch), a tee and a cardigan, one pair of the shoes I'm planning to wear throughout my trip and keep my jacket and a scarf in easy reach. This way if it's cold, I can put more layers on, and if it's hot, I can remove my cardigan. I swapped out a regular tee with a lightweight long-sleeve one above, and you can see my jacket in the corner.

jeans | dress | cardigan | l/s shirt | t-shirts | tights

A pair of black jeans can double as nice pants for a night out, but a breathable dress can also work. Make sure to pack a pair of heavy tights in case it's really cold and you need some extra protection. Tights are multitaskers. When the weather is colder than expected, like a freak snowstorm, you can throw them on under your pants. I tend toward thinner skinny jeans, because the stretchy ones are comfortable, but may not be as warm as traditional jeans. For this reason, that extra layer might be necessary.

Make sure your tops all mix and match, so you don't have items that only go with some things in your bag. I like neutrals, like black and gray that I can add a pop of color to. You may end up like me and have to wear three layers at once, so if you bring three different color sweaters and three different color/patterns of tanks and tees, you're going to look like a bag lady. I like to go with solids for one layer and some patterns for the other. Above you have 3 long sleeve options and two patterned t-shirts. If you have to layer, these will all work together. The dress is also reversible (this one is sold out, but these are longer and you can wear alone or with a sweater), so you can make at total of 22 outfits with these pieces. You also have the added warmth of your cardigan and/or jacket.

yup, lots of photos of us just wearing coats and hats or scarves.

Look for shoes that will go with everything. I went to Europe the first time with a pair of flats and tall packable boots, but I love the look of a short boot and a loafer. Make sure you have enough room for your foot to breathe in your boot and that both pair are comfortable to walk in all day long. I loved the boots I took, but they were a smidge too tight, or I overdid myself on the 478965322 stairs in Paris, because I left with a stress fracture in one of my feet. Boo. But at least I didn't notice the pain until the night before we were going back home. Maybe suck it up and wear your flats when hiking up 40 jillion steps, just in case. In Edinburgh, where everything is somehow uphill, I wore these great booties from Arcopedico that kept my feet happy and warm and aren't tight, but still have awesome support.

jacket | booties | wrap | ballet flats

Look at the weather before you leave, to be sure you're dressed for your destination. A pair of gloves and a hat are always good companions, because you'll be thrilled if you have them and need them, or miserable if you leave them at home and have to shell out money for them. We actually had to purchase another hat and scarf for Eric on a trip, who didn't think he would need them. Then again for both of us when we went to Philly and it was so cold and windy there was no way to handle it. Unless you're hoping for a lame souvenir, throw some in for everyone traveling. It'll make your life easier.

What is your best Autumn packing advice?

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Do Things That Scare You

When I travel, I always try to include things that are out of my comfort zone. I find that it's something that helps me enjoy travel more and makes me want to do more things and see more places. This past trip to France, I decided to rent a car and do a road trip. At home, this is something I would normally do, but I've only driven outside the country in places like Canada and Ecuador. Europe is different, not least because the roads are much smaller.

I haven't been brave enough to drive in a country that drives on the left, but I think I could do it if I was driving in the countryside. When we were planning our trip to Scotland, we had to fly into London, change airports, and then fly to Edinburgh. We contemplated renting a car to drive to Edinburgh instead, since we were flying back to London after the wedding we were attending, but it cost twice as much to rent and drive. 

This was the walkway and street in front of our France hotel

When we got to Edinburgh and used several Ubers, I was glad I wasn't driving in the city, because everyone drove really fast and wasn't confident I could keep up while trying to see the traffic lights and watch people crossing the tiny streets. Driving in France was much like driving at home, not just because we drive on the same side, but also because most of the city driving was just getting out onto the highway or in smaller towns without much traffic.

We rented the smallest car we could, through Turo, because I needed to be able to park it everywhere. I asked a friend who owns a Smart Car how if she thought it would be a decent car for the two of us and our luggage and she was very helpful. We didn't bring much, so that helped, and I was able to stash my personal item behind my seat, since I needed to sit closer to the wheel than most people. it was also a great place to put snacks and drinks while we were doing our daily trips. 

We stayed in the Normandy region, in a tiny town called Connelles. It was 20 minutes to the nearest grocery store or restaurant, so we spent a lot of time driving on 1- or 2-lane roads through farmland. At times we either had to drive half on the shoulder to make room for a second car, or pulled over entirely when a caravan was coming and cars were parked on both sides of the street. 

Most cars were small like ours though, so that was really helpful. We were also able to park everywhere we went, because the car was tiny, although it felt very roomy and was really comfortable for long drives. 

If you're also looking to step out of your comfort zone when traveling, you don't have to take on driving in a foreign country. You can do something small and work your way up to more scary things like driving and learning to decipher street signs as you go. Here are some other things we've done to push ourselves:  

• Practiced our Spanish and French while traveling in areas where no one spoke English
• Took the bus 2 hours out of London to visit an estate that was recommended to us instead of doing a traditional tourist attraction
• Booked my own excursions though non-cruise companies when we went on a cruise
• Stored our luggage with a UPS Store in Baltimore through an app I found before I left home
• Traveled to Las Vegas on my own, the first time, to go to a convention
• Started ordering food I've never heard of before when I travel
• Went on a road trip with my mom and dog
• Took a solo road trip from Portland to Vegas and back
• Met people I only know from the internet on trips to visit their favorite restaurants, coffee shops, or bars
• Got a ride from a stranger when trying to visit distillery several miles off the main road (probably don't do this, especially if you're alone)
• Got in the ocean by myself
• Went on a snorkeling excursion in a small group of people (where I made friends with a sea turtle)
• Turned out our lamps on a cave tour and didn't die (and made a new friend - not a ghost)
• Got brave and went into the Walking Dead haunted house at Universal
• Went on a dark ride at a theme park by myself
• Explored some abandoned buildings along the Salton Sea outside of Palm Springs/Palm Desert/Indio

Eric and I at Monet's garden

I'm sure there are more things I've done that I can't think of, but it has always been a good experience when I push myself to do something I'm not entirely comfortable doing on a trip. Is it scary? Sometimes. Usually the idea is scarier than the actual thing. The point of travel is not to do the same old thing you do at home. If that were true, then you might as well just stay home. Get out, talk to people, try new things, eat weird food, and show the world that Americans are willing to immerse themselves in other cultures and not expect other countries and their people to cater to their way of life. This is the best way to learn about yourself and the world.

What are some things you've done out of your comfort zone when you've traveled? 

Halloween Around the World

Halloween and travel go hand in hand to me. Every country has their own way of celebrating and their own folklore and traditions, which I find fascinating. You're never going to have the same experience in America as you will anywhere else, so make plans to go somewhere different in the future. Maybe one of these destinations below:

Halloween in the UK was much different 20 years ago than it is today and France seems to always have a different thing going on. I aspire to visit Ireland or Scotland, Tokyo, and Mexico for their celebrations.

Have you been away from home for the Halloween season before?