As a local, there are 9 things I wish tourists knew before visiting Salem, Massachusetts

I regularly visited Salem for years before my family moved to the storied Massachusetts town.

JOSEPH PREZIOSO/AFP via Getty Images As a local, I have a front-row seat to the tourist crowds visiting Salem around Halloween .

Travelers should prepare for packed streets, long lines, and zero available parking in October.

Tourism is great for our economy, but visitors should do their best to shop at locally owned stores.

The first time I experienced Salem , Massachusetts, over 15 years ago, I came as a tourist.

The 45,000-person town became so near and dear to me that I never stopped returning.

It didn't take long for my husband to fall in love with Salem as well, so we decided to get a Witch City address of our own in 2021.

The town, best known as the backdrop of the 1692 witch trials, draws a huge influx of visitors every October, when it hosts its annual monthlong Haunted Happenings Festival.

As a Salem resident, I see many newcomers arrive ready to dive into witchcraft and explore the historic streets without doing proper research.

Here's what I think tourists should know before coming to Salem during the busiest time of year.

Hotels and activities sell out months in advance, so book your itinerary as early as possible Salem can get really crowded in October.

JOSEPH PREZIOSO/AFP via Getty Images Haunting Happenings Festival is one of the largest Halloween celebrations in the world, making October the busiest time in Salem.

Sometimes, over 100,000 people flood the streets on a single day.

Given the size of the crowds, this is not the best time to whip out the old broomstick and fly in on a whim.