Happy Halloween! Today on GoAbroad, we're helping you to celebrate Halloween with a little international flair by featuring some 'spooktacular' destinations around the world. Whether it's a ghost tour, ghost town or haunted history you're seeking, each of these destinations will be sure to offer a meaningful travel experience - and perhaps a friendly ghost or two! Is there a destination that sparks YOUR interest?

Mexico

If you've ever been interested in Mexican cultural celebrations, Day of the Dead is an annual holiday that can be traced back to the indigenous cultures of Mexico. Observed as a celebration of ancestors who have died, Day of the Dead is recognizable by sculptures, artwork, alters and all sorts of meaningful trinkets. Are you eager to experience the traditions and celebrations yourself? The Centro de Lenguas y Ecoturismo de Patzcuaro (CELEP) and The Language Vacation Program both offer a chance to improve and enhance your Spanish language skills as you soak up the local culture in a variety of locations throughout Mexico!

Iceland

Situated to the south of Iceland, the town of Stokkseyri offers a chance to take part in a unique volunteer experience. Have you ever wanted to BE a ghost? With the Canadian Alliance for Development Initiatives and Projects (CADIP) short-term program in Iceland, you can do just that! Volunteers act as ghosts in the Ghost Centre and the Center of Ethnomusicology, which are situated in the Holmaröst cultural center. This is even more of a 'spooktacular' experience as volunteers learn more about promoting civic contribution and multicultural understanding. Need a place to stay? The Ork Hotel will provide all the ghostly attractions you might need!

Vietnam

Engage in a variety of volunteer projects in Vietnam! With the Globe Aware program, volunteers will gain new skills, experience the best of local culture and even learn about the wooden house carvings that are thought to keep ghosts and bad spirits and ghosts out of the home. Did you know that in Vietnamese culture, ghosts are believed to be wandering souls who have an impact on daily life? They are also believed to take on many forms, and it's common for many ghost stories to surround them--called "chuyen ma" in Vietnam.

Peru

Some might say it's the lost cities and ghost-like mountain mists that make an adventure with Frontier in Lima, Peru a 'spooktacular' destination. With this backpacking and volunteer experience, you will work firsthand with the local community while immersing yourself in traditional Andean culture. Throughout South America, ghostly legends range from tragic to chilling, and Peru's rich history guarantees an experience of a lifetime. As a location that boasts one of the seven wonders of the world, Machu Picchu, there will be no shortage of spine-tingling thrills!

United Kingdom

British folklore has long been notable for its numerous haunted locations.  Legends and myths abound throughout the United Kingdom from the castles and manor homes to historical events. With a study abroad program in London through Middlesex University, there is a variety of ghost tours and walks to take part in - including the renowned Jack the Ripper Walk, one of London's most notorious villains. Travel for Teens also offers a chance to explore  ghostly sites in Scotland and Ireland, while connecting with each country's rich history. Looking for accommodation? The Barclay Lodge Hotel is an ideal location in York and a short distance from the famed Ghost Trail of York!

Australia

With Adventure Tours Australia, you will experience Australian culture in a brand new way. Throughout the six day tour of Tasmania, there is a spine chilling tour included of the historic Port Arthur. The Port Arthur Ghost Tour takes you on a lantern-lit walking tour to experience the location by night and learn more about its mysterious and 'ghostly' history. Are the ghosts real or simply a myth? That's for you to discover!

United States

How would you like to see historical sites in the United States firsthand? With the International Conservation Volunteer Exchange in Reno, Nevada you will have the chance to help protect sensitive American wilderness--while discovering new cultures at the same time! Nevada is also famous for the ghost towns that still exist, including the well-known Virginia City. As you make your way through each of these historic locations, you will gain a new perspective of the American 'Wild West' and those who called it home.

India

India is another destination with fascinating ghost towns to explore. The Global Crossroad volunteer program combines meaningful work in an orphanage with the chance to discover India like never before. Fatehpur Sikri has been a ghost town ever since it was abandoned due to a growing population and lack of water supply and the massive and preserved palaces are a reminder of its rich history. Like many cultures, ghosts legends in India vary by region and community, so you never know what you may come across next!

Romania

Is it any surprise that the country that boasts Transylvania as a region would be considered "spooktacular"? Romania is well-known for its numerous haunted castles and history, but did you know you could also combine this experience with a teaching abroad program? The TEFL Institute allows you to have the experience of living and working as an English teacher in Romania, while also sampling the culture firsthand.  If you're feeling superstitious, St. Andrews Eve is celebrated annually on November 29th and is also known as "Night of the Vampires." Need we say more?

Africa

How would you like to be introduced to Africa's wilderness, ruins, and local communities? With the Africa Travel Co program, you will be offered the chance to spend 22 days trekking across the southern regions of Africa, including Johannesburg. Along the way, you will encounter the ghost town of Musina, which was born in the copper mining era and is steeped in history. It is a commonly traditional belief in the existence of a spiritual being/essence in Africa--just one of the many 'spooktacular' things you may learn while gallivanting throughout the country!

What are some of your favorite 'spooktacular' destinations? Share your thoughts in the comment box below and search GoAbroad.com for all your travel needs!

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