Dear Reader,
Parisian graves… vampire castles… UFO sightings... if you're looking to rouse some ghosts and ghouls this Halloween – and come away with some unique story angles, too – check out these tours, below, all sure to give you goosebumps...
Really, you don’t need Halloween as an excuse to find a spooky tale. Taking strange and unusual tours any time of year can be a good way to get into the history of a place and find unique story angles. To find out how you do it, take travel writer Steenie Harvey’s advice about where to find fodder for scary stories, and her suggestions on how to write them.
But before you click through, read on for four thrilling tours that will surely get your creative juices flowing. And if you don’t live near one of these spots… check if somebody in your hometown is doing anything similar…
Four of The World's Most Ghoulish Tours
*** Paris Ghost Tour
MysteriesofParis.com
Over the past 2,000 years, Paris has collected its fair share of mysteries. On this two-and-a-half hour tour, you’ll mingle with ghosts in ancient cemeteries, delve into mysterious stories of the Knights Templar, shiver at tales of medieval serial killers, and more. Tour begins at 8pm (happy hour) in the Rebel Bar and leaves to explore Paris by night.
*** Area 51 UFO X-Files Alien Adventure Tour
AllLasVegasTours.com
Visit Area 51 and hear creepy stories about abductions, conspiracies, and mysteries surrounding the former military base. Watch the sky for UFO sightings. Then, wait for the “Men in Black,” who mysteriously arrive and watch you as you skirt the perimeter of Area 51.
*** Psychic-Led Haunted Cleveland Tour
HauntedClevelandTours.com
They call her “Psychic Sonia.” She’s the one you call when you’re having ghost trouble. And she’ll take you on a truly goosebump-raising tour through some of the most haunted places in Cleveland. Be ready for strange sensations and happenings. This isn’t your average ghost tour.
*** Dracula Tour to Transylvania
DracTours.com
Spend eight days traveling through some of the spookiest and most mythical land in Romania -- Transylvania. During the tour, you’ll learn about the history and folklore surrounding Dracula, and visit the castles and villages where it all began. A very history-rich tour, you’ll also explore some of the best-preserved medieval towns in Europe. Then, dress up and attend a very ghoulish costume ball.
Intrigued by this last one, in particular, I sent an email to Charles F. Rosenay (aka Cryptmaster Chiller Chucky), the founder of Dracula Tours, to ask him how he got into the business.
He told me he has always loved monster movies. Growing up, he dreamed of spending the night in Dracula’s Castle. So he created a tour around the idea. And now he gets paid to take people to Transylvania to show them the time of their lives. Tomorrow I’ll share with you some tips from him on how to create a tour out of an interest or hobby of your own... and turn your passion into a paying gig, just like he did.
In the meantime, you can read how our own Cynthia Morris does just that -- profiting up to $10,000 per tour.
-- Bonnie
Bonnie Caton
Staff Writer, AWAI Travel Division
P.S. Another way to travel for free is to take all-expenses-paid press trips as a travel writer. ITWPA members get new press trip opportunities delivered to their in-box every two weeks. Recently featured trips include a trip to a private island off of Georgia, airfare included; an International Arts Festival in Florida, including three nights’ stay and entry into local exhibits and events; and five days and four nights in top resorts on the island of Saint Maarten, accommodations, meals, and airfare included.
Sign up before midnight next Monday, October 5, and you can try out one month of ITWPA membership for just $1... and learn how to turn your travel writing into free trips and VIP treatment.
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