For people in Bosnia, you should place garlic in your suitcase. We’re not sure if it’s the smell or the presence of the garlic itself, but apparently it brings good luck. If you were able to cross borders and go through immigration without complications, you have the vegetable to thank.

If you see people sitting on their suitcases at the airport, it doesn’t always mean that they’re tired. In Russia,some believe that sitting on your luggage before a trip brings good luck.

It’s always good to have extra money around, right? For most people, spare cash in their bags and suitcases are there for when they need it, but for Filipinos, you’re not supposed to spend it. If you manage to leave it untouched, you’ll be blessed with more money the entire year!

This might upset your mom a little bit -- but tell her it’s for her own good. In Serbia, pouring water behind a person about to travel attracts luck. Apparently, the act demonstrates effortless movement which translates into good fortune.

In India, it’s considered bad luck to call people out when they’re about to leave. If you have something important to say, you better start running after them instead.

Most hotels in China are guided by the principles of Feng Shui. While in Japan, beds are faced either south, east, or west. Otherwise, north facing sleepers might attract the godsof death.

The word “thumb” literally translates to parent finger in Japanese. So, whenever a funeral hearse passes by, everyone is advised to hide their thumbs as a show of protection.

Make sure your host doesn’t start sweeping the moment you leave their home. In Bulgaria, it is believed that the act of sweeping is sign of sweeping a person away from life.

Most hotel rooms have a Bible or a Koran by the bed – don’t touch it! The Chinese believe that holy books are put there for a reason. It’s best not to disturb whatever it is that’s decided to protect you during your stay.

In Norway, the phrase “Tvi Tvi” is said to put a curse on someone. It’s also said as a precaution before a trip because it is believed that spirits will not bother someone who’s already cursed.

If you’re traveling alone and happen to book a room with two beds – make sure to put your stuff on top of it. The Chinese believe that empty beds invite unwanted guests. So, if you don’t want a spirit sleeping next to you at night, make sure your suitcase occupies it first. For extra measure, make sure to pat the pillows to signal that the bed is in use.

In Latin America, they say that running around your house seven times not only increases good luck in travel, but also brings more travels if done during the new year.

It has been instilled in most Filipino children to say tabi-tabi po whenever walking on grassy, unexplored areas. Many practice this as a form of respect to the “entities” that may live in the area. They say if you forget to utter the phrase, you may anger a resting entity and get punished for it. You may want to keep these superstitions in mind when traveling. Until then, if you want to book your room and flight, do so with Traveloka!]]>