Travel Superstitions: What to Know Before You Go

Exploring new places can be thrilling, but for many travelers, superstitions add an extra layer of intrigue—or caution! Across cultures, countless travel superstitions offer guidance on everything from ensuring safe journeys to attracting good luck. Whether you’re a curious explorer or a bit of a believer, here are some fascinating travel superstitions to consider before your next adventure.

1. Stepping Out with the Right Foot

• In many parts of the world, it’s considered bad luck to leave your house or hotel with your left foot first. This tradition dates back to ancient beliefs that the right side was associated with good fortune. Before stepping out, take a moment to “start off on the right foot” and embrace the spirit of positive beginnings!

2. Saying “Goodbye” Twice

• Some cultures advise against saying goodbye twice when leaving for a journey. Saying it once is seen as sealing your departure, while saying it again is believed to “unseal” it, potentially bringing bad luck or delays. So, when it’s time to head out, stick to a single heartfelt goodbye.

3. The Unlucky “13” Row on Planes

• The number 13 has long been associated with misfortune, and airlines around the world have taken this seriously—many planes skip row 13 entirely! Whether you believe in the superstition or not, some passengers find comfort in avoiding the “unlucky” row during their travels.

4. Don’t Gift Suitcases or Bags Empty

• In several cultures, gifting an empty suitcase, purse, or wallet is seen as bad luck because it symbolizes a lack of prosperity for the recipient. Instead, place a small coin or gift inside to bring good fortune and abundance to their future travels.

5. Coins in Your Pocket

• For good luck and safe travels, some people put a small coin in their pocket before embarking on a journey. This tradition is rooted in the idea that having a bit of money with you ensures you’re never without, even in an emergency. A coin in your pocket might not be practical, but it could bring a little extra luck.

6. Throwing Coins in Fountains

• Dropping coins into fountains is a famous travel tradition and, for many, a superstition. From Rome’s Trevi Fountain to local city fountains, this act is believed to ensure a return trip to the destination. Make a wish and toss a coin with your right hand over your left shoulder for good measure!

7. Avoid Sweeping Around Travelers

• In some cultures, sweeping the floor around someone who is leaving is thought to “sweep them away” or bring bad luck to their journey. So if you’re about to leave, tell anyone around to hold off on cleaning until you’re out the door.

8. Knock on Wood for Smooth Travels

• Knocking on wood is a universal superstition that finds its way into travel, too. If someone mentions bad weather or potential mishaps, knocking on wood is thought to ward off negative energy and help your journey go smoothly.

9. The Protective Power of Amulets

• Travelers in many cultures carry lucky charms or amulets for protection. In Greece, a blue eye charm wards off the evil eye; in Turkey, a Nazar amulet offers similar protection. Bringing a symbolic amulet can add a sense of security as you explore unfamiliar places.

10. Avoid Turning Back Once You Leave

• This superstition is prevalent across cultures: once you leave, avoid turning back or forgetting something at home, as it’s believed to bring bad luck or delays. Double-check your belongings before stepping out to avoid any unexpected stops that could “unsettle” your journey.

11. “Fingers Crossed” for Good Fortune

• Many travelers cross their fingers as they board planes, trains, or buses, hoping for safe and smooth journeys. This is a simple but popular gesture used to “lock in” good luck, especially for nervous flyers or those facing unpredictable travel conditions.

12. Traveling on Auspicious Days

• In many cultures, certain days are believed to be luckier than others. For instance, some avoid traveling on Tuesdays, especially in Spanish-speaking countries, where the phrase “Martes, ni te cases ni te embarques” (Tuesday, neither marry nor embark) reflects this belief. Checking the “lucky days” in your destination’s culture can add a layer of local respect and reassurance.

Final Thoughts: Traveling with a Little Extra Luck

• Superstitions remind us of the fascinating blend of myth, culture, and personal belief that surrounds travel. Whether you believe or not, following a few of these rituals can make your journeys feel even more meaningful, connecting you to age-old traditions and maybe giving you that extra bit of good luck.

So, on your next trip, try a few of these travel superstitions—who knows, they might just add an extra bit of magic to your adventure!