English 
Updated on February 26th, 2025
With Halloween around the corner (had you noticed?! 😉👻), I thought I would jump on the bandwagon this week to introduce a few spooky places to visit on your travels…or travel to for the day itself.
I must admit that I have a strange fascination with graveyards. Is it just me? I know lots of people who like to take photos of doors on their travels, but for some reason I like to hunt out an eerie cemetery for photo opportunities (hence my macabre title collage above). If you are the same, here are a few of my favourites:
For example, Eyam, a small village in Derbyshire, England, is known for its haunting history during the bubonic plague of 1665-1666. When the plague arrived via a flea-infested cloth delivery, the villagers made the extraordinary decision to quarantine themselves to prevent the disease from spreading to nearby towns. Their self-sacrifice led to the deaths of a quarter of the residents, but it managed to contain the plague within the village. Today, Eyam is an eerie place to visit, with its plague cottages, gravestones, and poignant reminders of the tragedy, evoking a sombre atmosphere of bravery and loss. To add a greater significance, I visited just as we opened up again after COVID lockdown, putting the whole thing into sobering perspective. Read all about this and my other adventures in the Peak District HERE, or check out the video via THIS LINK.
Then there is Chauchilla Cemetery, located in the Peruvian desert near Nazca, an ancient burial site that dates back to 200 AD. The cemetery is known for its remarkably well-preserved mummies, many of which still have hair, skin, and even clothing intact, due to the dry desert conditions. The mummies are seated in open tombs, often in a crouching position, and are wrapped in textiles. This site is eerie not only because of the exposed remains, but also because of the stark contrast between the dry, desolate landscape and the silent, ancient graves, making it a haunting reminder of life and death in pre-Columbian Peru. Check out more details of how to incorporate a visit into your Peruvian travel itinerary HERE.
Finally, and my personal favourite, is Recoleta Cemetery in Buenos Aires, Argentina, which is one of the most famous and eerie cemeteries in the world. This sprawling necropolis is home to ornate mausoleums, grand statues, and elaborate crypts, many belonging to Argentina’s most prominent families, including the grave of Eva Perón. Its labyrinthine layout, with narrow alleyways lined by towering tombs, adds to the unsettling atmosphere. Some graves are meticulously maintained, while others have fallen into decay, with cracked facades and cobwebs contributing to the eerie ambiance. The contrast between beauty and decay, along with the cemetery’s ghostly legends, make it a haunting place to visit. Check it out for yourself via THIS LINK.
But if you really want to see how other cultures and countries celebrate Halloween, then why not add some of these to your travel plans?
Mexico – Día de los Muertos (Day of the Dead)
If you’re looking for a deeply cultural and visually stunning experience, Mexico’s Día de los Muertos (Day of the Dead) is a must-see (and has been on my Life List since its inception!). Celebrated from October 31 to November 2, this festival honours deceased loved ones with vibrant altars, sugar skulls, marigolds, and joyous parades. Unlike the more sinister aspects of Halloween, Día de los Muertos is a colourful celebration of life and remembrance. In particular, Oaxaca and Mexico City are famous for their elaborate celebrations. In Oaxaca, you’ll find street parades, folk art, and stunning altar displays, while Mexico City hosts a massive parade (a la James Bond in Spectre) and festival in the city’s Zócalo.
Ireland – Where Halloween Began
Did you know Halloween has its roots in Ireland? It was certainly news to me! The ancient Celtic festival of Samhain, which marked the end of the harvest and the start of winter, is considered the birthplace of Halloween. Today, Ireland celebrates Halloween with a mix of traditional Samhain customs and modern festivities. Head to Derry in Northern Ireland for one of Europe’s biggest Halloween festivals, featuring haunted houses, fireworks, parades, and spooky storytelling.
USA – Salem, Massachusetts
When it comes to Halloween, few places do it quite like Salem, Massachusetts. Famous for the 1692 witch trials, Salem embraces its spooky history with a full month of Halloween activities. If you’re a history buff or just love the thrill of ghost stories, Salem is the place to be in October. Explore the city’s historic sites, like the Salem Witch Museum, and participate in walking ghost tours that take you through haunted streets. The city hosts a variety of Halloween-themed events all month long, including parades, psychic fairs, and costume balls.
Romania – The Dracula Experience in Transylvania
What could be more fitting for Halloween than visiting the home of Dracula himself? Transylvania in Romania is famous for its spooky castles, foggy landscapes, and eerie legends. Halloween tours and parties at Bran Castle (often referred to as Dracula’s Castle) offer the perfect atmosphere for a truly haunting experience. A night tour of the castle, complete with scary tales of Vlad the Impaler, the historical figure who inspired the Dracula legend is a must!
Guatemala – All Saints Day
In Guatemala, November 1st marks All Saints Day, a vibrant celebration that mixes Catholic traditions with indigenous customs. Families gather in cemeteries to honour their ancestors. The town of Santiago Sacatepéquez is famous for its giant kite festival, where intricate, colourful kites—some as large as 40 feet—fill the sky.
So, how are you planning to celebrate Halloween? What or where has been home to your most spooky travel experience? Hit reply to this email to let me know or connect via your social method of choice (Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, Pinterest, Threads or LinkedIn) to get any answers to your questions.
This week, in my latest offering on YouTube I welcome you to Day 4 of my Camino de Santiago journey along the Portuguese Coastal Route. In this penultimate leg, we walk from the thermal town of Caldas de Reis to historic Padrón, as we get closer to our final destination, Santiago de Compostela. Check it out for yourself HERE.
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Until next time,
Safe Travels
Sue x
This newsletter may contain affiliate links. By using these, Sue Where Why What may receive a small commission for which I say thank you, but you will not pay any extra charges for this. My opinions remain my own.
More of my Adventures…
Blog – Peak District Itinerary – Your Perfect 6 Day Road Trip
Blog – Top 5 Things to do in Buenos Aires and 1 to Avoid!
🏠 For accommodation, I use Booking.com. They have their Genius loyalty scheme which is easy to progress through the levels for better discounts and inclusions.
🚍 For tours and activities, my preferred supplier is Get Your Guide.
🗺️ For multi day or week tours, check out G Adventures. I used them for trips in Costa Rica, Peru, and Galapagos.
🤞 I would never leave home without travel insurance. With Safety Wing you can take out an annual policy and pay monthly. This takes the hassle out of having to remember for us regular travellers.
🛫 For cheap flights, check out Skyscanner or join Jacks Flight Club which scans the internet for error fares (UK only).
🧳 For luggage storage on your travels, I recommend the service by Bounce.
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