Save on spooky Halloween vacations

updated 11:39 a.m. ET Oct. 19, 2009

Book by: ASAP

Travel by: November 1, 2009

The deal
Who doesn't love an excuse to dress up, eat junk food, and participate in some freaky, fun festivities? That's Halloween in a nutshell, and this October 31, we recommend ditching the usual neighborhood parades and parties, and sneaking away for a festive out-of-town getaway.

We've rounded up spooky specials around the country, including a haunted hotel stay in Charleston, a witch-hunting weekend in Salem, a family-friendly Walt Disney World getaway, and a visit to Al Capone's former chambers at Philly's Eastern State Penitentiary (pictured). Rates start from only $129/night — and represent savings of over 50 percent.

Charleston, S.C.: Haunted Hotel 2-Night Special from $550
Head to the history-rich capital of the Old South this Halloween. Charleston’s colorful city streets are lined with wonderfully preserved architectural remnants, like plantations and stately homes, hundreds of which were built prior to 1850 — 70 alone date back to the pre-Revolutionary War era.

Shack up at the charming (and haunted) 166-year-old Battery Carriage House Inn, near the waterfront, now through November 1, to enjoy a great package — and learn all about the city’s close connection to its “former” residents. Starting from $550, this deal includes a two-night stay at the well-preserved, tastefully-decorated inn, as well as a bottle of champagne, a private carriage tour of the city during the day, and tickets to a spectacular nighttime Ghosts of Charleston walking tour. You’ll also receive tickets to the historic Aiken-Rhett House and a copy of the book titled “The Ghosts of Charleston.”

Salem, Mass.: Witch Museum 2-night package from $425
Salem’s troubled past dates all the way back to the notorious witchcraft trials of 1692. With Halloween just around the corner, now is the perfect time to absorb the creepy and disturbing history of the Massachusetts town with the Witch Way to Salem package, available at The Salem Inn.

INTERACTIVE Top 10 easy fall weekend getaways Autumn’s crisp days and sunny skies make for fantastic (and easy!) travel opportunities.

With this special, guests can spend two nights in a superior room at the inn, enjoy a continental breakfast each morning, and receive tickets to four spooky museums: The Salem Witch Museum, Witch Dungeon Museum, New England Pirate Museum, and the Witch History Museum. In addition, guests will receive a complimentary copy of the book "Hunting for Witches," by Frances Hill. This package is priced as low as $425 and is valid Monday through Thursdays until October 31.

Philadelphia, Pa.: Eastern State Penitentiary package from $189/night
Philadelphia may be known as the City of Brotherly Love today, but it wasn’t always this way. Abandoned for nearly 20 years after closing in the early 1970s, Eastern State Penitentiary — America’s most historic prison — has deep, dark secrets that are ready to be told. Hear all about this prison’s eventful past with the Al Capone Bed, Breakfast & Prison Hotel Package at the Hampton Inn.

Starting from only $189/night, this package includes two daytime prison tour tickets (the prison also houses a frightening haunted house at nighttime called Terror Behind the Walls, which guests can attend for as little as $20 per person), complimentary breakfast, a welcome bag upon arrival complete with an Al Capone "mug shot" mug, a deck of E.S.P. playing cards featuring an Al Capone joker, an Al Capone magnet, as well as a reproduction of the Eastern State Penitentiary Inmate Handbook.

Orlando, Fla.: Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin from $129/night
Walt Disney World has been making dreams come true since opening in 1971, and this Halloween season is no different. Your wish for lower rates at The Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin Resort has gotten Mickey Mouse’s stamp of approval.

INTERACTIVE Autumn splendor in America Colors are changing, leaves are falling and fall foliage is abundant across the nation. Msnbc.com readers submit their stunning images.

The Orlando resort is currently offering a “spooktacular” deal that will allow guests to stay at the deluxe resort from October 28-31 for as little as $129/night (in a traditional non-designated view room), a steal considering nightly rates for the same room can go for $379/night. Plus, Halloween-night guests can trick-or-treat around the resort property at over 17 restaurants and lounges, as well as attend a beach party complete with a pumpkin patch, pie-eating contest, face painting, and more. And, the icing on the cake, guests of the resort can make use of early or extended hours at the Walt Disney World parks. The resort offers complimentary transportation to the theme parks.

The dollars
Rates are based on double occupancy. Taxes and fees are additional.

The catch
Candy corns not included.

“ShermansTravel is a guide to top travel deals and destinations. Sign up for Sherman's Top 25 e-newsletter which features the best editor-screened deals from hundreds of travel providers and is delivered to over 4 million subscribers, free, each week. ShermansTravel also publishes trip ideas and travel features to inspire, guide, and go.”

MORE FROM DEALS

Deals Section Front

4-night Ireland Christmas package from $2,760 Caribbean cruise, 7 nights, from $539 Puerto Rico, air/3 nights, from $377 Art and cultural packages, from $169 per night Free family flights to Mexico on AeroMexico Paris and London, air/6 nights, from $699 Rome, air/4 nights, from $769 Luxury resort/casino grand opening for less A roundup of Florida hotel packages 10-night Mediterranean cruise, from $499 Deals Section Front   Add Deals headlines to your news reader: