With Halloween just around the corner, Europesure Travel Insurance has explored a few destinations to which you might be tempted to travel, to super-size the whole ghostly experience and enjoy a Halloween spectacular. Travel to any of these without travel insurance though and you could show yourself up as a true numbskull, should ill-health or injury occur. Even GHIC or EHIC bare-bone medical cover cannot assist you in the USA or Central America, so get a policy in place!
Mexico City – Día de Muertos
Mexico’s day of the dead will be very familiar to OO7 fans. It features in the opening scenes of the 2015 movie Spectre, which offers an idea of the size of the crowds and the curious nature of an event at which thousands of people on the streets are dressed as skeletons.
Technically, this event does not celebrate Halloween. It is a two-day festival embedded in Mexican culture and referencing Aztec and Toltec beliefs that the spirits of the dead return to their communities once a year. Consequently, on November 1, Mexicans celebrate Día de los Angelitos – dedicated to deceased children. A day later, it is the time to remember departed adults, on Día de los Difuntos. Graveside vigils, with music, food, blankets and more, can be taking place the night before both, hence the overlap with Halloween.
Altars are constructed in homes, well in advance. Public structures are also erected, in locations within Mexico City such as at Zócalo – the main square. These public displays typically feature marigolds, flowers, candles, pan de muerto (an orange-flavoured sweet bread) and skulls spun from sugar.
The Día de Muertos spectacle
Calacas (human skeletons) walks the streets alongside Catrinas (a high-society skeleton, typically sporting feather boa and Victorian hat), as the whole city becomes absorbed with the vibrant cultural celebration. The Parade of Spirit Guides (Desfile de Alebrijes) can be a not-to-be-missed spectacle, as it winds its way through the city streets, from its starting point in Zócalo. Overhead, Catrinas may waft within cut-outs in paper bunting; beside you there could be opportunities to sample creamy atole – a warming corn-based drink.
All can be fascinating but the crowds make it a risk too. Any disturbance amidst the sheer number of people could cause a stampede, so be cautious. Showing respect is also essential and it is a common courtesy to ask before you photograph anyone. Entering graveyards should be done quietly and preferably with a tour guide who understands the ‘rules’. Keeping an eye on valuables, cash and wallets and bags can be challenging but can be managed as well as possible through careful planning and ‘hidden’ money stashes or belts.
Mexican travel warning
Other parts of Mexico may offer a less frenetic experience but be cautious. European governments typically advise against all but essential travel to many parts of Mexico. Kidnap is just one of the risks faced in outlying regions. Travel insurance will not offer protection if you go against official warnings and travel nonetheless.
Inside Mexico City you may well find things not quite as you planned. The whole occasion is a great excuse for things not to run to schedule, to close up shop and not offer the experience you expected. If you go, accept this is just the way it is and part of the overall vibe.
Ottawa Canada
In Ottawa, you will find a very traditional link to Halloween, in the form of pumpkins! In Upper Canada Village, there is spectacular event named Pumpkinferno, which features over 7000 hand-carved pumpkins, laid out over half a mile. These become illuminated as darkness falls, which is a time to witness special tableaux formed from pumpkins, be their form that of a train, fiery dragon or other creature.
Salem Haunted Happenings
The city of Salem, in Massachusetts, USA, becomes a crucible of all things Halloween during the month of October, when its year-round attractions linked to ghouls and ghosts go into overdrive for Salem Haunted Happenings.
Families (but do check how impacted your children may be) can explore locations such as the Halloween Museum, with exhibits linked to witch trials, spooky movies and costumery. Then there is the Haunted Witch Village. Head to the dungeon of the Salem Wax Museum and you will discover Dr Frankenstein, a figure also to be found at Frankenstein’s Castle.
If you love a good ghost walk, there is plenty of choice, but why not board a boat and listen to eerie stories on Salem Sound? There’s also your pick of haunted houses and you can even indulge in some real ghost-hunting, using EMF detectors, infrared thermometers and audio recording equipment, as paranormal experts lead the way.
Family Halloween fun in Salem
Family fun may be best enjoyed on the Ghosts and Legends trolley ride through the streets of Salem. Trying to make your escape from the Lost Museum, whilst experiencing amazing special effects, living portraits and more, can also be truly memorable.
The Lost Museum is to be found on Gallows Hill, where you can also take in a show featuring holograms, ghostly projections and 4D effects, whether these are being used to bring witches to life, create grandiose ghosts, or put the fantasy into phantoms.
It’s all a spectacularly ghoulish experience, if you appreciate Halloween celebrations. Just don’t expect your travel insurance policy to offer any compensation for sleepless nights that might result!
The benefits of Europesure's travel insurance for Halloween experiences
What a travel insurance policy will do, however, is protect your finances should you suffer injury or illness in Mexico, Canada or the USA, as long as you have bought the right protection to cover these countries. As medical costs in this part of the world are so astronomical, it is typically the cover that will be priced highest. That should tell you what the hit to your pocket would be, if you had to pay for medical care – or even a simple consultation – yourself.
Beyond this, a travel insurance policy connects you with experts, who can help you get out of situations that you wouldn’t have an earthly of sorting out yourself. It will also provide you with cancellation and curtailment benefits, protection against theft, compensation for passport and baggage loss, kidnap, and aspects such as missed flights and flight delay.
One big element is also liability protection … just in case you injure that third party when you jump out of your skin and attempt a getaway from a ghoul. Should you be sued for damage to property or an individual, your policy can step in.
Remember that some travel insurance policies are not backed by robust insurers and will offer only skeleton protection. If you buy your holiday or business travel cover from Europesure, whether you live in the UK, EU, EEA, Monaco or Gibraltar, you will have comprehensive protection, fleshed out by insurers that you can trust. Head to https://www.europesuretravelinsurance.com to find that cover now.
