As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Click for details.
How can you get the most out of ghost hunting at Halloween? Here are some tips and my Halloween checklist.
Of course, Halloween ghost hunting is legendary. It’s the one night of the year when almost everyone expects ghosts.
Many of us want to prepare ahead of time, for the best ghost hunting experience, ever.
But then, between back-to-school, plus sporting events, and the change of seasons… well, it’s easy to wake up one day and realize it’s already Halloween.
Don’t panic. It’s not too late to organize your Halloween plans for ghost hunting success.
In the following video, Halloween Ghost Hunting Tips, I explain the steps my team and I follow to get the most from ghost hunting on Halloween.
Some of the most important points
- Plan ahead. Decide on at least one backup location, in case your first choice is closed or too crowded.
- Verify each location ahead of time, in person.
- Print maps, in case your GPS fails. (Especially during Halloween ghost investigations, never rely on anything electronic.)
- Check the weather forecast, and dress accordingly… and bring any “just in case” items you might need.
- Allow extra travel time for Halloween traffic and trick-or-treaters.
- The night before Halloween, get a good night’s sleep. You may need it.
- Expect surprises and (perhaps) more scares than usual. But, if the ghosts don’t cooperate at your Plan A location, it may be time for Plan B.
- Also, you can read what happened to me in 1999, at a “not very haunted” cemetery: Ghostly Mischief on Halloween Night. I was glad I had a Plan B location in mind. And, after that, I learned to be prepared.
Do you have additional tips for ghost hunting at Halloween? Let me know!
Photo credits from the video: DepositPhotos.com, Storyboards.com, and FreeImages.com: Eric Nelson (Gettysburg), Daryl Chan (clouds), nvision88 (traffic), Title & credits page: old-manor-1231905
Here’s my checklist for Halloween ghost hunting.
Every year, Halloween (also known as Samhain, pronounced “SAHH-whenn”) becomes more popular. Plan ahead to get the most from your Halloween ghost hunts.
Here’s my checklist:
The week before Halloween
___ Finalize plans for your Plans A, B, and C ghost hunting locations. (With the popularity of ghost hunting, it’s not unusual to arrive at a site and find three or more other ghost hunting teams already there. You’ll be glad you’ve already chosen alternative destinations.)
___ Check each location, in person. Make sure the hours and other accessibility issues haven’t changed.
___ Print maps, in case your GPS falters on Halloween night, or any destination is outside your coverage.
___ Check the most recent reports by other ghost hunters, regarding the sites you may investigate.
___ Verify all plans with your team. Arrange car pools, as necessary. Have a Plan B for a babysitter, if you’re relying on one. Make sure your boss knows you’re not available for overtime that night.
___ Double-check your equipment, backup (low-tech) equipment, and spare batteries.
___ Check the phase of the moon (for natural light) and weather predictions for Halloween. Make sure your clothing and gear are appropriate if that is the weather next week, and have Plan B ready if it isn’t.
The day before Halloween
___ Check the weather predictions and make final clothing and equipment plans.
___ Be sure team members knows where to be, at what time, and any special equipment to bring.
___ Check highway conditions and scheduled roadwork, if either might affect where you’re going.
___ Pack your gear. Set out your clothing. Make sure your car’s gas tank is full, or confirm that you have a lift to & from the investigation. Create a checklist for anything that must be last-minute.
___ Get a good night’s sleep.
During Halloween
___ Eat well, so you’ll have the most energy for your investigation.
___ Leave early for the research site, in case trick-or-treat traffic is slower than expected.
___ Expect surprises. Remember, the spirits are people, too, with their own quirks.
___ Focus on the investigation. If other groups show up at the site, shift to Plan B or C, if necessary.
___ Leave when the investigation is over, or when you’re starting to get tired. Remember that party goers may be on the road. Your driving skills may need to be at their sharpest.
And… have fun!
P.S. If you’re reading this after Halloween, this video may be helpful.