Is It Tacky to Visit Places of Death and Tragedy for Halloween?

Is It Tacky to Visit Places of Death and Tragedy for Halloween?



https://www.fodors.com/news/history/is-it-right-to-visit-places-of-tragedy-for-halloween
Courtesy of Fodor's Travel
Dear Eugene  

With Halloween just around the corner, in this month’s "Dear Eugene," we weigh in on whether visiting a place of tragedy for tricks, treats, and ghostly encounters is actually a good idea.

Inspired by our intrepid founder, Eugene Fodor, Dear Eugene is a monthly series in which we invite readers to ask us their top travel questions. Each month, we’ll tap travel experts to answer your questions with the hopes of demystifying the more complicated parts of travel. Send your questions to deareugene@fodors.com for a chance to have them answered in a future story.

Dear Eugene, I love Halloween and have always wanted to plan a trip to Europe that visits some of its more haunted and creepy places. My partner thinks visiting places of tragedy for Halloween is tacky, but I often see travel publications sharing lists of the most haunted hotels and attractions to visit every October, so it seems acceptable. Is it appropriate to visit places of tragedy for Halloween?



Halloween can be a fun time to travel. Depending on where you’re headed—whether it’s the spooky historical sites of Europe or bucolic New England villages in the full brilliance of autumn—Halloween will almost certainly be a part of your seasonal fun if you happen to find yourself in a region that celebrates it.

Halloween traditions originated in Europe, originally as a feast day for Christians to remember the dead, including martyrs and saints. Early Halloween traditions in Europe were pious, but in the last few centuries, Halloween has become a more playful holiday on both sides of the Atlantic and has been exported to other countries around the world, from New Zealand to Argentina.

What exactly does it mean to visit a place of tragedy for Halloween? Does it mean visiting in costume? Passing out candy? Or does it simply mean to travel somewhere that happens to be a place of historic tragedy during a period that, in some traditions, is known for being a time to reflect on the souls that have passed from this earth?

We’ll throw out a provocative example: would you visit the memorial and museum at Auschwitz-Birkenau, the former Nazi concentration and extermination camp, for Halloween? We certainly wouldn’t advise doing so if you plan on wearing a costume or passing out candy, which Auschwitz prohibits for all visitors on any day of the year. It might also not be the best place to seek out lighthearted tales of hauntings or paranormal happenings.

But it’s also worth noting that the memorial and museum are open on October 31 (they close only on January 1, December 25, and Easter Sunday). Why anyone chooses to visit is ultimately personal, but as long as they’re visiting the memorial in a manner that is dignified and respectful of the mass murders that occurred there, visitors are welcome (although reservations are recommended).




The most respectful way to visit any attraction, regardless of the time of year, is to take cues from the stewards of the space. If a museum, historic home, or other place of interest is holding Halloween-themed events or activities, the message is pretty clear: Halloween lovers are welcome. The Omni Parker House Hotel in Boston, for example, openly discusses its ghost stories and includes them in a digital version of a self-guided hotel history tour that guests can take. Similarly, New York City’s historic Merchant’s House embraces its ghostly reputation, offering candlelight ghost tours of its space.

Some places, like certain hotels, aren’t as fond of their ghost stories and tend not to publicize them. Some aren’t even ghost stories but, rather, lurid tales of celebrity deaths that happened on the property without any hint of subsequent haunting. Visiting those hotels for Halloween would easily earn a place in the “not a good idea” category. In any case, if you’re visiting a hotel with a legitimate purpose (aside from gawking or seeking a ghostly encounter) and aren’t loitering or entering areas not open to the public, a visit should be fine.

Ghost stories are—by definition—about the spirits of people who have died, and death is usually regarded as tragic for the loved ones of the deceased. At the McRaven Tour Home in Vicksburg, Mississippi, generally regarded to be one of the most haunted historic homes in the south, the reported ghosts’ lives ended in various ways, ranging from murder to death in childbirth to having passed in mysterious circumstances.

They offer a number of historical and ghost tours, and Halloween is unsurprisingly one of the most popular seasons for visitors. The guides even display reverence for the deceased, pointing out that the ghosts are spirits of real-life historical figures, who may simply be curious about, frightened of, or ambivalent to the living wandering through their spaces, but not necessarily malevolent toward any disturbance.

In fact, visiting attractions not typically visited at Halloween could help alleviate some very real over-tourism concerns in cities well-known for their Halloween celebrations. Each year, Salem, Massachusetts, hosts Haunted Happenings, billed as “the largest celebration of Halloween in the world.” Famous for the Salem Witch Trials (which actually happened in neighboring Danvers), and for select exterior locations in the 1993 Disney cult Halloween film Hocus Pocus, visitors swarm Salem around Halloween each year.

So, opting to visit a haunted site in Europe might give Salem a rest. The website for the Salem Witch Museum even notes some of the crowding issues that plague the city during Spooky Season, such as the fact that the entire city has around 4,000 parking spots, but receives upwards of 100,000 visitors per day. Also of note at the Museum is a memorial commemorating the twenty-five innocent people who died during the witchcraft hysteria in Danvers in 1692.

It’s also not lost on us that Danvers and Salem, the site of a tragic chapter in American history, is also one of the largest Halloween festivals on the planet—so there’s at least one community that doesn’t think visiting places where death and tragedy occurred for Halloween is tacky.

It’s ultimately up to you to decide where and during what season you’re comfortable traveling to a place where death occurred, but there’s one maxim that rings true in any season: if you take your cues from the year-round residents of any community you visit, your visit there should be pleasant.


Wyndham Hotels just stole a page from Amazon’s playbook. Here’s why it could be genius.


https://hotelsmag.com/news/wyndham-hotels-just-stole-a-page-from-amazons-playbook-heres-why-it-coud-be-genius/
by David Eisen


Most hotel loyalty programs don’t cost customers a dime: Sign up, earn (and burn) points, get the loyalty member rate and free WiFi. Easy. But what if you asked customers to pay an annual fee for added benefits?

It’s been a boon for Amazon, when, in 2005, it launched Amazon Prime, which, for $139 a year, gets members a slew of benefits, none bigger than free, fast shipping and ancillary benefits like Prime Video. As of 2025, there are an estimated 240 million Amazon Prime members worldwide.

If imitation is the sincerest form of flattery, then Wyndham Hotels & Resorts just went full emulation. The Parsipanny, N.J.-based franchisor of brands, including Days Inn, Super 8, La Quinta and Microtel, has debuted a $95 travel subscription called Wyndham Rewards Insider, which unlocks a slew of perks: automatic Gold-level status, concierge services, the ability to double-dip on points with select partners and savings on hotels, flights, car rentals, cruises and more.

Now, and through the end of the year, new subscribers to Wyndham Rewards Insider receive their first 14 months for the price of 12, plus a 7,500 Wyndham Rewards point bonus.

Wyndham is called it “a first-of-its-kind travel and entertainment subscription” and they may be right. No other large hotel company currently has an ancillary paid program adjacent their core loyalty program product. There are hotel-branded credit cards that come with annual fees.

“The world of travel rewards is changing. People today want more than just points—they want breadth, flexibility and value they can feel across every aspect of their journey,” said Scott Strickland, chief commercial officer for Wyndham Hotels & Resorts. “Historically, such benefits were reserved only for the travel elite, off-limits to those without high-fee, premium credit cards. Wyndham Rewards Insider flips that script, putting the power back in the hands of everyday travelers—all for less than the cost of a night out.”

Strickland makes an important distinction: In many cases, it’s affluent travelers who win the travel-perk game because they can afford the high annual credit card fees. For example, the travel perks from the American Express Platinum Card are many, and should be: the annual fee is $895.

The bulk of Wyndham’s 8,000 hotels globally cater to price-conscious consumers who want value and a comfortable stay that doesn’t break the budget. Wyndham’s new paid program gives members perks at a lower entry point.

Here’s a breakdown of the benefits, which includes a notable partnership with Ticketmaster with qualified purchases earning 2 points per dollar spent and up to 50,000 points annually:

  • Savings of 10% or more off standard rates on qualified stays at over 8,000 hotels.
  • Automatic upgrade to Wyndham Rewards GOLD level membership.
  • Larger points accelerator (earn 50% more points) for Gold, Platinum and Diamond members.
  • Up to 5% on domestic flights.
  • Up to 15% on international flights.
  • Up to 30% on cruises.
  • 10% or more on car rentals.
  • Up to 15% on tours and activities.
  • Up to 15% on car transfers and limo services.
  • Earn and redeem with Ticketmaster across 50,000+ concerts and live events.
  • Exclusive ticket savings at theme parks and aquariums—including Walt Disney World Resort, SeaWorld Orlando, LEGOLAND California Resort and more.
  • White-glove concierge services with access to sought-after concerts and VIP experiences.

“Bringing Ticketmaster into Wyndham Rewards is a game-changer—turning points into the most unforgettable live experiences across music, sports, theater and more,” said Mike Shiwdin, GVP, loyalty and guest engagement for Wyndham Hotels & Resorts. “Add in all the discounts and extra points—not to mention the exclusive perks—across other categories and partners, and the value of Insider becomes undeniable. Whether you travel two nights a year or two hundred, we designed it to be the easiest travel decision you make all year.”

Is Wyndham Rewards Insider a game-changer? It’s too early to tell, but likely will start a trend among hotel companies to offer its members a paid program that gives them a little more than the free program does.


Sonesta launches extended-stay extension for Americas Best Value Inn brand



https://hotelsmag.com/news/americas-best-value-studios-sonesta/?
by Denis Stackeusky


Sonesta International Hotels Corporation has launched Americas Best Value Studios by Sonesta, an extended stay extension of its Americas Best Value Inn (ABVI) brand. The new brand is intended to address growing demand for longer-term, value-driven accommodations.

“Americas Best Value Studios by Sonesta represents a strategic evolution of our trusted Americas Best Value Inn brand,” said Keith Pierce, Sonesta’s EVP & president of franchise development. “We are expanding our offerings to directly address the increasing demand within the extended stay segment, providing a practical and comfortable solution for travelers seeking longer-term lodging at an exceptional value. This new brand type allows our local franchised owner-operators to tap into a growing market while maintaining the friendly community-focused experience that Americas Best Value Inn is known for.”

Each studio suite includes a kitchenette equipped with an apartment-sized refrigerator, a stove top, a microwave and a sink. Operational features include a front desk presence, bi-weekly housekeeping, mandatory on-site laundry, morning coffee service, vending options and an optional lobby market. All locations are required to offer pet-friendly accommodations.

Americas Best Value Studios is part of the ABVI portfolio, which emphasizes simple and friendly accommodations at an accessible price point, primarily in secondary and tertiary markets. The brand operates on a franchised model, allowing local entrepreneurs to manage properties and deliver comfort and convenience to guests.

The model is designed to suit owners seeking an extended stay concept with limited front desk and housekeeping staffing, an optional fitness center and lobby market, and reasonable brand standards. Guests can earn or redeem points through the Sonesta Travel Pass guest loyalty program.

Americas Best Value Studios by Sonesta expands the ABVI brand into the extended stay segment while maintaining the community-focused experience that the original brand provides.





DUHC&S | Strategic Hospitality Consulting & Advisory

We transform hospitality and tourism businesses through  strategic solutions, operational efficiency, and comprehensive renovation . With over  40 years of experience  working with brands like Hilton, Hyatt, Sheraton, and Sonesta , we enhance asset value and profitability through:

Proven results :
✅ 54% GOP | 

✅ +200% asset valuation growth

✅ Successful projects across 6 Latin American countries

🔹 Let's connect :
📩 Email:  diurugeles@gmail.com
📱 WhatsApp: +57 3153259968

#DUHC&S #HospitalityConsulting #OperationalExcellence #Hotels #BusinessTransformation

Disclaimer

DUHC&S shares this information for educational and informational purposes only. The news articles reproduced here are sourced from public and recognized media outlets. We are not the original authors of this content but rather distributors of it. All credits go to the original sources cited in each article. If you are the legitimate owner of any material and wish to have it modified or removed, please contact us immediately at  diurugeles@gmail.com , and we will address your request promptly.

Email Post
Con más de 40 años de experiencia en el sector de la Hospitalidad en Latinoamérica, nuestra consultoría se especializa en la apertura, posicionamiento y renovación de proyectos. Garantizamos mejora continua, eficiencia financiera y sostenibilidad, con resultados tangibles y comprobables.

Comments

Post a Comment

https://travel-news-duhospitality.blogspot.com