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.