Travel to New England for a Spooktacular Halloween

Halloween is possibly my favorite day of the year. I love to decorate and dress up and it’s exciting when other people share my love of the day. This year, we’ll be spending Halloween at Disneyland Paris. Unlike the Disney parks in the U.S., Paris only has one celebratory night for the season. I’m happy to say I got tickets to that party on the 31st and will be trick-or-treating along with everyone else. I’m a little sad to be missing things happening here at home, but it also means I’ll be on vacation on my wedding anniversary (Oct 28th), which is always fun.

While I was thinking about the cool ways to spend Halloween in the future, I decided to check out what there was to do in New England, because when I think spooky, it conjures up witches and Stephen King, both of which hail from the Northeastern states. Did you know there are crazy amounts of things to do the whole month of October? It’s true! Whether you want to be scared witless or just learn the history behind this fun holiday.

This photo of Lake Compounce is courtesy of TripAdvisor

Connecticut

The Haunted Graveyard at Lake Compounce is Southern New England’s largest Halloween attraction. It has evolved from Ernie and Carol Romegialli’s creative yard decorations 22 years ago. The decorations grew more elaborate and eventually outgrew their yard and they have been occupying a larger area ever since. Donations go towards their upkeep and diabetes research, which is pretty awesome if you ask me. They are open Friday through Sunday, October 4-27.

Witch’s Dungeon Halloween Classic Movies Museum - For just a $2 donation per person, you can visit the longest-running Halloween attraction in the country. Opened in 1966, you can view memorabilia from your favorite classic horror and sci-fi films and also watch them on the silver screen. Open Friday through Sunday from October 4 - Nov 3.

photo credit

New Hampshire

Nightmare New England is 40 acres of non-stop scary-thrills, located in Litchfield, NH. Along the Merrimack River, the landscape plays its part in making the six themed areas even spookier. There’s so much to do in this “scream park” including zombie paintball, five haunted attractions, tarot card readings and even a restaurant. I wouldn’t expect normal fare, but this is a place that tries to scare you the moment you step out of your car. Nightmare New England wants to make Halloween a destination. Open selected days and weekends from September 28 - November 3.

Keene Pumpkin Festival - Keene townsfolk plan all year to break the record for the most jack-o-lanterns in their downtown square. They have done it, too! 8 times! Enjoy food, fun and music during this one-night family-friendly celebration on October 19. The food and craft court sounds like a place I would be happy to lose myself in. Candy apples and handmade Halloween decorations are pretty high on my list of things that make me go “Yes please!”.

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Massachusetts

Salem – Where better to celebrate Halloween than witch-central? All October long you’ll find themed festivities and attractions including a carnival, haunted house, spooky tours and more.  Every day of the month you’ll find something going on. This is my kind of town.  Where else can you hit the farmers’ market during the day and then see the Crucibal at night and get your palm read and shop witchcraft shop in between? There might be some places, but I doubt many. And there are even fewer places where you can visit the actual places where witch trials took place. This is definitely on my list of must-see places.

Six Flags New England Fright Fest is fun for the whole family, with daytime and nighttime activities to please everyone. During the day, families will be able to fill their bags on the trick or treat trail and then get up close and personal with creepy crawlies like snakes and lizards. Once the sun goes down, the scares come out with a haunted house and scare zones. All rides stay open during Fright Fest, but beware, you might find yourself sitting next to a ghoul. Fright fest runs on weekends from September 21-November 3.

photo credit: Corbis Images

Vermont

The Haunted Forest - A more family-friendly Halloween activity, the Haunted Forest takes visitors down a jack-o-lantern-lighted path to view a dozen different scenes presented by community theater performers. It’s just spooky enough for older ones and tame enough for little ones. The “performance” runs on various times October 24 - 26.

Looking for deals to get to and stay in the area? Check out these travel merchants:

• Airbnb - For a great deal on an apartment/condo/house, browse what's available from private renters through Airbnb. I've used them to book my lodgings in London and Paris this fall and I feel like I'm going to be really happy, and not just because I save a bunch of money.
• HomeAway - Not quite brave enough to deal directly with a homeowner? Then go bigger with HomeAway. They also have competitive pricing on private rentals and a really big selection anywhere you want to go.
• Hotels.com - If you want someone to clean up after you and overall feel a bit pampered, then you might be interested in the rebate deal going on at Hotels.com. Earn up to $100 cash back on stays from 3 to 12 nights.
• Expedia - Save big with a package deal where you bundle your airfare and lodging together. Using Expedia, you can save up to $525 when you book this way.
• CheapOair - Save more over their lowest rates with promo code FALL15, which will knock an extra $15 off on hotel and airfare rates.

If New England doesn’t sound in the (tarot) cards for you this year, FareCompare has some ideas for trips to scare you. You can also look back at my post from last year on trips to theme parks that have special celebrations as well as other places around the world you might want to visit (including the Paris catacombs, which I will be venturing into in November). What are your favorite fall/Halloween activities?

Review: Pacsafe Metrosafe 200 Anti-Theft Shoulder Bag

With so many cautionary tales about vacationers getting ripped off on their travels, it's hard not to think about how to protect yourself in large metropolitan areas. I've been looking at a lot of bags for my trip to Paris, as it's notorious for having gangs of thieves who target tourists at major attractions. I don't want to be another statistic, but I also need a bag that will carry everything I need and be comfortable to carry all day. A cross-body bag seems the obvious choice, especially since last time I went I made the mistake of bringing a regular shoulder bag and it was a pain in more ways than one. So, this week I'm testing out the Metrosafe 200 shoulder bag from Pacsafe.

This bag is large, but not overly large. It's pretty much the perfect size for going sightseeing most of the day when you will need to carry a variety of things. From snacks to sunscreen, you will have room for it all and still find a place to stash souvenirs you might pick up along the way. Let's have a look at the features, shall we?

You're going to use this front zippered compartment a lot. I guarantee it. It has an RFID-blocking pocket for your passport or your wallet (if it isn't too large), another pocket for your phone, camera or money, a clip to keep your keys handy, a slot for a pen and a big pocket for your electronics, which even has a headphone port, allowing you to listen to your music, even when the compartment is zipped up and secured.

While the flap hides this zippered pocket, you have a second safety net. The zippers have holes that can slip through the attached clip, making it even harder for thieves to get at your stuff - at least not without you noticing them trying to rob you. It can be a bit tricky at first to do it yourself, but once you do it, you'll see how hard it would be for someone who was just seeing it for the first time.

Like to have a drink on-hand? That's good, because this bag has two, count 'em, two snap-open expandable pockets to keep a water bottle in. You can also keep a small umbrella in one.

The back pocket, which fits right against your body, can be used for things you want quick access to. When I travel, I like to keep something to do with me, whether that's a card game or a puzzle book. This is a great place to stash that. If you choose to put something more valuable in there, it can be locked as well. 

To lock the back zippered pocket and the main compartment, use the turn-and-lock clip that attaches the adjustable shoulder strap to the bag. This jumble of zippers and clips is sure to confuse and confound a would-be robber. They aren't going to waste their time on you. If they think they can still steal your goods, know that the bag is lined in exomesh, a slash-proof mesh that makes it impossible for thieves to knife the bottom of your Metrosafe and make off with all the contents that fall out. The shoulder strap has the same technology. This turn-and-lock clip also allows you to attach your bag to a stationary object, like a chair, making it a miniature safe. 

The main compartment of this bag is nice and roomy. The large open pocket is big enough to hold a full-size iPad or other tablet. I was also able to get my makeup bag and a cardigan into it.

This is a pretty good haul for a day bag. Overall, I think the Metrosafe is a fantastic option for someone looking to keep their items secure on a trip. It's unisex, so everyone could carry it, too. There are a few things that could be improved: RFID-blocking card slots, so you don't have to bring a whole wallet or keep all your cards in the one pocket. Wider expandable side pockets would also be good. You can basically only carry one regular size water bottle in them, which would make it necessary for us to carry two bottles, since my husband is big water drinker when we're out and about.

More information

Where you can buy it: Pacsafe online

How much it costs: $80.00

Colors it comes in: Black | cool steel | jungle green | midnight blue (shown) | tweed grey

Other specs: High density nylon, 11" x 10" x 3.5"

Disclosure: I was provided with the Metrosafe 200 Anti-theft Shoulder Bag for the purposes of this review, but all opinions are 100% my own.

TOMS: A Travel Shoe That Does Good #OneforOne

When you start making your packing list for your trips (you are making a list, right?) do you often consider which shoes are best for where you're going? Once I know my destination, I start planning what to put in my carry-on and I almost always buy a new pair of shoes, since my old ones have been worn out to the point of not being comfortable to walk in for 6+ hours each day. I suppose I could buy inserts for them, but I enjoy the hunt for a good pair of shoes and if I choose TOMS, I can feel even better about my selection, because not only do I know that I'm getting comfortable and stylish footwear, but with their One for One campaign, someone else in need is also getting a pair of TOMS.

The One for One campaign was fantastic when it was giving back to those in other countries (over 60!), but now TOMS is expanding their reach and will be helping those who need it in the U.S. as well. The plan is to donate one million shoes - at least - to children in 35 states by the end of 2014. That's a lot of shoes! This is on top of shoes being provided worldwide. You have to admit that's a pretty good way to run a business and give back wherever you can. 

I've traveled to some pretty impoverished places, even just a bit outside of major cities. Sadly, I know we have some of the same conditions here in America and not everyone can afford new shoes. Children shouldn't have to face the first day of school (or any day for that matter) with shoes that are too small, too worn or not warm enough, just because their families have to choose other necessities over what to put on their feet. If we're lucky enough to be able to buy shoes whenever we need or want them, we surely can help give back to those who can't.

So, just what kinds of shoes are given to those less fortunate? Amazingly, TOMS provides three different kinds of shoes (not available for purchase):

Unisex canvas slip-on - Are these your favorite pair of shoes in your closet? Well, they are for a lot of people and there's a reason why. Anyone can wear them, plus they are comfortable and perfectly casual. They make the ideal footwear for all and a version of these have been given out all over the world.

Sports shoes - If a kid needs new shoes for physical activities, these are the ones they are going to get. Not only will they be able to run and play in them, but TOMS is committed to eradicating childhood obesity, so these have a dual purpose.

Winter boots - Not everyone in need lives in conditions suited to one sort of shoe, so for those in colder climates, TOMS donates fleece-lined boots that are waterproof and have an adjustable fit. 

Want to know more? Check out this cool video the people at TOMS put together for you:

TOMS isn't just giving away shoes. They realized this method of helping those in need could be even larger, because as much as shoes can help, sometimes that's just not enough, so they have included eyewear in their One for One campaign. For each pair of glasses that are purchased, TOMS contributes either corrective eyewear, medical treatment or cataract surgery to someone who can't provide this for themselves.

Photo credit: Nancy Jennings

Now, you know I'm for supporting your local economy, but when a big brand actually does good in your community and those around the world, they can't be ignored. This is a company that deserves your money, because they give back in all the right ways and I hope next time you are considering some new footwear, you will think of them. I don't own a pair of TOMS yet, but they have new styles coming out all the time, so I've got my eye on a pair of their new sandals and wedges for my next shoe purchase. Which would you get?

Disclosure: I was thrilled when asked to participate in the TOMS brand ambassadorship program to support TOMS U.S. Giving program. I am bringing this post and #OneforOne news to you as a part of that partnership