9 Crazy Travel Superstitions Around the World

Everyone has their own rituals when it comes to traveling.

Some people always wear the same outfit, some throw salt over their shoulders, and others keep a lucky charm in their bag to keep the plane from falling out of the sky.

Many Americans are terrified of the day Friday the 13th, and avoid traveling on this day. But we aren’t the only ones with travel superstitions. Travelers all around the world have an arsenal of superstitions they pack with them every time they travel.

From sacrificing animals to avoiding the number four, these travel superstitions from around the globe will have you reaching for your four leaf clover.

Nepal

Apparently it takes more than a few mechanics to keep an airplane running. (Photo: Thinkstock)

After one of their airplanes had a series of mechanical issues, Nepal Airlines sacrificed two goats to help solve the problem. The Boeing 757-200 had some electrical issues, and in addition to making the physical repairs, the airline also sacrificed the farm animals to honor Akash Bhairab, the Hindu god of sky protection. That’s what we call covering all of the bases.

Serbia

While they might cry over spilled milk, Serbians rejoice over spilled water. According to custom, spilling water behind a person going on a trip, or to a job interview, will bring them luck and ensure that everything ends happily. We like this superstition, just be sure to keep a paper towel handy.

United States

Photo: Bart De Hertogh / Stockimo / Alamy Stock Photo

Many Americans are terrified of the number 13. From scary movies to old wives tales, the harmless number gets a really bad rap. For this reason, many hotels in the U.S. don’t have a 13th floor. According to a USA Today article, 13% of Gallup Poll respondents said that they would be bothered by a 13th floor room assignment. So next time you check into a hotel, look for the number 13 in the elevator…let us know when you find it.

Related: Watch Out! It’s Friday the 13th: the Best Bad Luck Travel Horror Stories

China

1, 2, 3, 5….there’s no 4th row in China. (Photo: Thinkstock)

If you board an Air China flight, don’t be surprised if there is no row 4. In China, the word for four sounds eerily similar to the word for death. This understandably freaks out passengers (no one wants to sit in death row), so many Chinese carriers go from row three to five on their planes.

Norway

Before a show in America, performers are usually told to “break a leg.” The strange comment means “good luck” and “best wishes.” In Norway, locals use the phrase “Tvi Tvi” as a way to say, “good luck.” Technically, the phrase puts a curse on the person before they embark on a journey. The belief is that no evil spirits will approach them because they are already cursed.

Ukraine

Let’s have a moment of silence for…travel! (Photo: Thinkstock)

Meditation is a great way to curb anxiety, which might be one reason Ukrainians do it before taking a long trip. Ok, so it’s not quite meditation, but it is customary for people to sit together in silence before they travel.

Italy

You have about 30 days every month to start a trip, but for the love of Pete, don’t start a journey on the 17^th. In Italy, 17 is considered the unluckiest number because it means “ I have lived,” when translated to Roman numerals. If you’ve lived, that means you’re ready to die, and Italians don’t like the thought of that. For this reason, locals will rarely start a trip on the 17^th.

Bosnia and Herzegovina

Garlic in your suitcase might be good for your luck, but it’s probably bad for your social life. (Photo: Thinkstock)

If you thought garlic breathe was bad, then you’re going to love garlic clothes. In Bosnia and Herzegovina, it is considered good luck to pack a clove of garlic in your suitcase. This is done to ensure that you encounter no setbacks at border crossings.

We hope that they throw a fabric softener sheet in there too, just to balance things out in the odor department.

Ireland

Back in the day, St. Martin was a monk, patron of the poor, and all around good guy. Sadly, he was thrown in a mill stream and killed by the wheel. Every year, the people of Ireland celebrate St. Martin’s Day on November 11, and because he died by a wheel, no wheel is supposed to turn on that day. In other words, if you planned on taking a road trip, it would have to wait until Nov. 12.

WATCH: Meet the Elf Whisperer of Iceland. Yes, She Sees Elves. Yes, She’s For Real.

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