Fall is just around the corner and many of us are making travel plans for leaf gazing or ghost tours. Due to its infamous history of witches, Salem, Massachusetts is a popular travel destination this time of year. Even if it’s on your travel list, you should definitely skip Salem in October. Here’s why.

Zombies are taking over the city

Salem isn’t called the Halloween Capital of America for nothing. Due to witch stories, urban legends and spooky festivals, the sleepy town receives the most visitors in October.

According to the US Census Bureau, the city has a population of about 45,000. Salem regularly sees half a million to a million visitors in October. That’s a lot of zombies to avoid.

Snapshot of party crashers

If you want to take a selfie or a family photo, forget it. Salem essentially becomes a photobomb convention, with thousands of busy tourists streaming through the streets.

The immortality of a vampire

Be prepared to wait in long lines for everything. People regularly wait an hour or longer to enter stores and up to two hours to enter a restaurant. Wrinkles appear early in the morning, build up throughout the day, and seem like they last forever.

A cauldron

With narrow streets, lines of cars, and thousands of zombies, driving in Salem is a nightmare. Looking for a parking space is like looking for a cauldron – rare and full of surprises. Their surprise is the high price, up to $30 for the coveted spot.

Haunted houses

If you don’t plan months in advance, the lack of accommodation options will plague you. If you find a vacancy, the price for it is high.

Other considerations

Salem has a Halloween atmosphere all year round. If you don’t like crowds or just want to see the famous city, October is not the time for it.

Visiting Salem in October is fun for anyone who can tolerate crowds and wants the full experience. Salem Haunted Happenings is a month-long celebration with festivities and events throughout the city every day of October. You will experience the witch story and Halloween atmosphere on steroids.

Tips for your first time in Salem

If you decide to visit in October, we have a few tips to help you prepare. Go early in the month. The crowds get worse every day and reach nightmarish proportions on Halloween.

If possible, visit us on a weekday. Regardless of when you visit, go early. Plan to arrive before 9 a.m. on weekends or before 10 a.m. on a weekday. Due to the lower crowds at the beginning of the day, you have a better chance of finding a parking space.

Pack your patience pants. You will need them. Wear a costume or seasonal clothing to get in the mood and enjoy the overall experience.

Make your visit a road trip

While Salem is a fun experience, you’ll probably only spend a day or two in the witch capital. To make the most of your time, consider a road trip to Boston or Cape Cod.

If you love fall driving, the legendary Kancamagus Highway is a two-and-a-half hour drive north – the road winds through New Hampshire’s White Mountains and offers breathtaking views and side adventures. Many consider The Kanc to be America’s best fall ride. If your schedule allows, you can also turn the trip into an extended fall road trip through New England.

If you hate crowds or don’t care about Halloween, you should visit Salem at another time of year. You can see the witches, but avoid the zombies.

Scott McConkey is a travel writer and founder of Miles with McConkey, where he provides travel ideas and guides. His wife Julie creates travel videos. They hope to inspire you to travel more.