Some of us tend to be a bit superstitious, so it is no wonder there are also travel-related superstitions. And it is that the idea that some behaviors will influence invisible and supernatural forces to conspire against us or facilitate our travel is a common denominator in many parts of the world. Perhaps that is why many of us repeat certain behaviors when it comes to traveling, such as avoiding certain dates or specific days or taking garlic wherever we go.
The truth is that there is actually quite a long and strange list of these types of superstitions, which are not only related to going on a trip but also to arriving at the destination since many places and monuments have their own superstitions. Although they may not guarantee that our luggage won’t get lost, these travel-related superstitions could in some way contribute to luck being on our side and our travels running smoothly.
If you don’t want to leave it to chance either, then you might want to know some travel-related superstitions practiced in various parts of the world. Read on to find out.
Do not go back
Maybe you forgot your car keys or cannot find your passport, many of us have had that last-minute fuss when we walk through the door of the home before a trip.
If this is the case for you and you want to avoid bad luck on your trip, you may need to look in a mirror. According to Latvian belief, if someone has forgotten something at home and has to go back to pick it up, it is considered bad luck, so to avoid bad luck they should look in a mirror. Or better yet, make a detailed packing list to avoid returning home to retrieve any forgotten items. This is a good travel advice, but also the first step towards a trip full of good luck.
Avoid unlucky numbers
In Italy, China and the U.S. there are certain numbers that are considered unlucky and are usually avoided. In Italy, for example, the number 17 is considered unlucky since its Roman numeral is XVII, which can be reorganized to the word VIXI, which translates as “I have already lived”, which implies death.
Many are so afraid of this number that they have even made it one of the most respected travel-related superstitions, going so far as to change their travel plans in order to avoid leaving on that day. Similarly, in China and Japan, the number four is considered unlucky as its pronunciation is very similar to the word death. For its part, in the United States, the number 13 is believed to be a bad omen.
So, if you visit China, Japan, or the United States, you should not be alarmed if you notice that these numbers are missing from airplane rows or hotel floors, as it is not a typographical error. But in other countries you may want to avoid them, so keep in mind that seven is universally considered a lucky number due to its symbolism.
Sit on your luggage
If you have seen people sitting on their suitcases at the airport, you have probably thought that they are doing it because they are tired, but it may not be because of that since according to a travel-related superstition widely practiced in Russia, sitting on your luggage before a trip, whether long or short, near or far, brings good fortune and a safe and successful journey.
Put a clove of garlic in your luggage
When it comes to traveling, there are many things that you can put in your luggage, but if you believe in travel-related superstitions you will probably also add a clove of garlic to your packing list. Although it is not known whether it is the smell or the presence of the garlic itself, it is believed by the Bosnian people that putting garlic in their suitcase apparently brings good luck. They especially believe it can help avoid complications at border crossings. So, if you can cross borders and get through immigration without a hitch, you may have this vegetable to thank.
Spill some water
Do you want to have good luck on your trip? Perhaps the secret to this is to spill water since according to a travel-related superstition that seeks to attract good luck in Serbia if someone is about to travel or do any new business, some water should be poured behind that person. This act is believed to represent an effortless movement that translates into good fortune.
Avoid sweeping up after someone leaves
No matter how messy your home is after someone leaves on a trip, be sure not to sweep since, according to a Bulgarian superstition, by using a broom or vacuum to clean symbolically you are sweeping that person away, which it is believed could hinder their safe return. Without a doubt, a good excuse to avoid cleaning.
Repeat the phrase Tvi Tvi
In Norway, it is believed that saying the phrase “Tvi Tvi” will put a friendly curse on someone to prevent evil spirits from bothering them. So they also repeat it as a precaution before a trip because according to their beliefs spirits will not bother someone who is already cursed.
Occupy all beds
If you are traveling alone and reserve a room that has two beds, be sure to put your things on top of the bed that you are not occupying. It is believed in China that empty beds invite unwanted guests, so if you do not want a spirit sleeping next to you at night, you may want to make sure you occupy it with your suitcase. Possibly as an added measure, you want to pat the pillows a few times to signal to the spirits that the bed is in use.
Run around your house
In several Latin American countries, there is a belief that running around your house seven times increases good luck in travel, but this is also believed to bring more travel if done especially during the New Year.
Make sure to say goodbye early
If someone is about to leave and you have something important to say to that person, you may need to think twice, and it is that according to one of the travel-related superstitions believed in India, it is bad luck to call a person who is leaving the house. So if you want to avoid bad luck on your trip, it is best to say goodbye well in advance.
Take advantage of the lucky places
For those who are superstitious, attracting good luck on their travels not only has to do with what they do before the trip but also when they arrive at the destination, so while we will come across landmarks that offer memorable photos, some of them can also bring good luck to our side.
For example, you can toss a coin over your left shoulder with your right hand to the Trevi Fountain in Rome if you want to return to the Eternal City or rub your forehead on the Intihuatana Stone in Peru if you want a glimpse into the spirit world. So make sure you know the lucky places of the destination you visit and fill yourself with good luck.
Now that you know these superstitions your travels will not be the same and you will surely have a lot of luck following them. Although we would like to know if you know other travel-related superstitions, so we invite you to share them in our comments section.
ALFA