Celebrate Halloween in the USA

LONDON, October 19, 2012 /PRNewswire/ --

• Autumn holiday signals potential increase in holidays

• USA proves popular destination for those looking for 'real' Halloween experience

• Thomas Cook offers range of package holidays  for Halloween travellers

A traditionally American holiday, Halloween has become more popular in the UK over recent years, but for those seeking the authentic Halloween experience, package holidays to the United States are proving popular with travellers.

Images of wild celebrations, dressing up in various costumes and children going door to door 'trick or treating' have long been featured in American films and TV shows, intriguing British viewers and encouraging tourists to head to North America to see this popular holiday in person.

Halloween is a shortened version of "All Hallows' Eve" and is in fact a holiday that is celebrated not just in the United States of America but around the world under various different names.

It takes place on October 31 - the night before the Christian feast of All Hallows - although many believe it dates back to pagan times, as a harvest festival, or is based on the Celtic Samhain celebration, which celebrates family and friends who have died.

Package holidays might not be the first thing that spring to mind when Halloween is mentioned, but the event makes a perfect backdrop for a getaway to visit foreign cultures and see how they celebrate the event.

USA: the home of Halloween

Taking advantage of cheap USA holidays at the end of October is highly recommended by Thomas Cook and means that you are best placed to see the American version of Halloween in all its gory glory. With the chance to take part in events, parties and festivities dressed up as your favourite ghost or ghoul, this is a great alternative holiday option for British travellers.

There is a whole industry in the States geared to providing all you need to enjoy the weirdest and most wonderfully strange festival of the year. Florida holidays are no exception and of course all the major world famous attractions that Orlando is known for, such as Walt Disney World Resort, are given a Halloween spin to make the most of the mayhem.

Spain and the Day of the Dead

In much of the Spanish speaking world, the night of October 31st is celebrated as El Dia de los Muertos, or 'Day of the Dead'. This is a more traditional and religious festival than the commercialised event of Halloween and although it has a party and festival atmosphere it can also have more sombre feel to it.

One of the best ways to discover traditional Caribbean Spanish culture is to take one of the many all inclusive Cuba holidays on offer from established tour operators Thomas Cook. This is a great way to experience a unique event and delve deep into the traditions of a culture rich in history and belief.

Thomas Cook Children's Charity  is committed to making dreams come true for sick and disadvantaged children in the UK & Overseas - to find out more about the work we do visit our website.

SOURCE Thomas Cook