Fall travel is in full swing, and with Halloween around the corner, many fall travel destinations are looking to give visitors a scare. From Disney’s haunted theme park to Las Vegas costume parties, there is an endless amount of Halloween fun this fall. Check out some of the top fall travel destinations for Halloween.
* Disney World & Disneyland: Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party at Walt Disney World in Orlando, Fla., is perfect for families with younger children. Children of all ages can dress up and trick-or-treat throughout the Magic Kingdom. The party runs through early November. Disneyland in Anaheim, Calif., also serves up an age-appropriate scare with a haunted mansion, fireworks, trick-or-treating and more.
* New Orleans: This year, New Orleans plans to host a 4-day charity Halloween Party. The Twisted Seasons event features dance parties, costume contests and New Orleans-themed surprises.
* Las Vegas: Las Vegas hotels are teaming up to host the biggest and best costume party in the country. If it can get any bolder, Las Vegas kicks it up a notch on Oct. 31 with all-night parties and over-the-top shows.
* Salem, Mass.: Home of the infamous Salem Witch Trials, Salem, Mass., is thought to be one of the most haunted places in America. As local hotels book up quickly, consider Massachusetts hotels north of Boston .
* Chicago: Check out the spooky side of the Windy City. Haunted Chicago tours and lakefront haunted houses are just the beginning. Even Six Flags Great America, an amusement park in Gurnee, Ill., hosts Fright Fest, a zombie-filled festival sure to be a wild ride.
* Orlando, Fla.: Warning: Universal Studios Halloween Horror Nights are not for the faint of heart. Children under 13 are not even allowed at this event, due to the scare factor, so visit if you dare!
* Mexico: Mexico celebrates its own version of Halloween, Dia De Los Muertos. Taking place Nov. 1 and 2 (All Saints Day and All Souls Day, respectively), it offers you the ability to have fun in the States, and then do it again Mexico-style. Just to sweeten the deal, Orbitz is offering up to 45 percent off your Mexico vacation.
*Colorado: The snow is already falling in Colorado, so why not dust off your skis, don a costume and hit the slopes? For those looking for something different, Breckenridge hosts an annual après ski Halloween dodgeball tournament.
* Key West, Fla.: Key West Fantasy Fest, a Mardi Gras-inspired event, is one of the Keys’ biggest parties of the year. Complete with a parade and beads, Halloween in Key West is certainly a fun and rowdy time in the sun.
* Busch Gardens: Each Halloween, Busch Gardens in Tampa, Fla., hosts a family-oriented Howl-O-Scream festival. Featuring haunted houses, “scare zones” and entertainment, Howl-O-Scream is appropriate for the whole family.
Spend the holiday season with friends and family, not the people waiting in the airport security line. Although rightfully known as the most wonderful time of the year, the Thanksgiving and Christmas travel season often creates a few challenges for travelers.holiday4
To ensure smooth sailing this holiday season, consider the following holiday travel tips:
* Know before you go: Visit weather.com for updated weather info and Google maps for up to date traffic info to be sure you arrive at your flight on time.
* Neatness counts: TheTransportation Security Administration recommends packing your carry-on as neatly as possible so it will be easier to screen, with separate layers for clothes, electronics and toiletries.
* Remember 3-1-1: Liquids, gels or aerosols must be in containers 3 ounces or less and should fit in a quart-size, zip-top bag.
* Don’t wrap things up: If you’re packing gifts, remember that they need to be unwrapped to go through security.
You’ll find yourself in awe of the world’s largest open-air marine habitat and home to over 50,000 sea animals. Then there’s the water park, which is not your average Bahamas vacation water park. At Predator Tunnel, you stroll through a walkway gaping at sharks above and below you. Kids arrive at Aquaventure, never to be seen again until darkness descends on the island. Simply grab a water tube and ride to your merry delight on the countless slides, tunnels and rapids.
Like the name implies, Leap of Faith is a 60-foot drop from a make-believe Mayan Temple through a glass enclosed pool of sharks (don’t worry; they’re on one side, your kids on the other). The Dig is an underwater maze that leads to an equally big aquarium. For the little tykes who don’t yet like to go eyeball-to-eyeball with Jaws, there are those old-fashioned things called pools. Atlantis has also recently added the Dolphin Cay, where folks can pet and feed Flipper for an additional price.
New Orleans is famous for jazz, nightlife and a rich culture. At the heart of all this artistic energy is the unique food that gives the Big Easy its flavor. And great, other worldy food can be found everywhere in N’awlins from the city’s street vendors to some of the best restaurants in famous New Orleans. If a New Orleans vacation is on your list, make sure to add these delectable dishes to your must eats:
1. Po-Boys
The New Orleans po-boy is all about simplicity. Served on French bread, these hearty sandwiches can be found stuffed with everything from fried oysters to dripping roast beef. Try Johnny’s Po-Boys in the French quarter for an authentic — and huge — sandwich.
2. Beignets
On a busy day, the line stretches right out the door for classic beignets from Café du Monde. What’s all the fuss? One bite of the hot fried dough and sweet powdered sugar will tell you exactly why visitors and locals are willing to wait for the best.
3. Muffulettas
New Orleans locals will tell you to visit Central Grocery Co for the best Muffuletta sandwiches in New Orleans. These huge sandwiches contain Italian deli meats, Provolone cheese and a hearty smear of marinated olive salad.
4. Crawfish Etouffee
Don’t be put off by the way crawfish, or mudbugs, look. These small crustaceans make for some sweet tail meat — a cross between lobster and shrimp. Try them in an etouffee, a spicy thick stew served on seasoned rice. Try Café Adelaide inside the Loews New Orleans Hotel.
Where to Stay Good food can be found within walking distance of most New Orleans hotels.
Royal Sonesta New Orleans puts guests right in the middle of the action, making it a great place to start out on your gastronomic tour.
The Iberville Suites are known for being quiet and comfortable despite being located in the heart of the French Quarter.
For fine dining right on the property, try Le Pavillon Hotel and make reservations at the Crystal Room.
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