Why Some Cultures Believe in Lucky and Unlucky Travel Rituals
Travel has always been surrounded by myths, rituals, and superstitions. Across cultures, people follow certain traditions to ensure a safe journey, avoid bad luck, and welcome positive experiences. While some may seem like simple customs, many of these superstitions have deep historical and cultural roots.
1. Knocking on the Plane Before Boarding (Global)
Many travelers lightly knock on the aircraft’s fuselage before stepping inside, believing it brings good luck or ensures a safe flight. While it’s common among nervous flyers, the tradition has roots in ancient practices of touching objects for protection, similar to knocking on wood.
2. Leaving the House and Returning (Russia, Greece, Turkey)
In several cultures, if you forget something and must return home after leaving, it’s considered bad luck. To counteract the misfortune, some people sit down for a moment before setting out again. This ritual is thought to reset the journey’s energy and prevent obstacles.
3. Stepping Out with the Right Foot (Spain, Italy, Latin America)
In many parts of the world, it’s believed that starting a trip by stepping out with the right foot brings good fortune, while the left foot invites misfortune. This belief dates back to ancient Rome, where the left side was associated with bad omens.
4. Throwing Coins into Water for Safe Travels (Various Cultures)
From the Trevi Fountain in Rome to roadside shrines in Asia, throwing a coin into water is a well-known superstition. This act is believed to appease water spirits or local deities, ensuring a safe journey, especially when traveling by sea.
5. Avoiding Certain Travel Days (China, India, Western Traditions)
- In China, the number 4 is associated with death, so many avoid starting trips on the 4th of the month.
- In India, traveling on Tuesdays is considered unlucky, leading many to delay or reschedule plans.
- In Western cultures, Friday the 13th is seen as a day to avoid major trips due to its association with bad luck.
6. Carrying Protective Charms and Talismans (Japan, Thailand, Middle East)
Many travelers carry charms believed to protect them from harm:
- Japanese travelers often bring omamori (good luck amulets) from temples.
- Thai amulets blessed by monks are worn for protection.
- In Middle Eastern cultures, the evil eye talisman wards off negative energy while on the road.
7. Not Saying Goodbye at the Door (Nordic Countries, Russia, Germany)
Saying a final goodbye at the doorstep is considered unlucky in some cultures. Instead, farewells should be exchanged inside the home before stepping out. The superstition stems from the belief that spirits linger at thresholds, and saying goodbye there invites misfortune.
8. Breaking a Coconut Before a Journey (India, Sri Lanka, Southeast Asia)
Before embarking on an important journey, some travelers break a coconut as an offering to ensure safe passage. The act is symbolic of overcoming obstacles, with the hard shell representing challenges and the coconut water symbolizing a smooth journey ahead.
9. The ‘Empty Suitcase’ Ritual (Latin America)
In countries like Colombia and Venezuela, people walk around the block with an empty suitcase on New Year’s Eve. This tradition is believed to bring a year filled with exciting travels and adventures.
While some may dismiss travel superstitions as mere folklore, they often hold cultural and historical significance. Whether for comfort, tradition, or just fun, these rituals connect us to generations of travelers who believed that luck, protection, and good fortune played a role in their journeys.
