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Travel superstitions: What works? What doesn't?

  //travel-leisure.news-articles.net/content/2025/ .. ravel-superstitions-what-works-what-doesn-t.html
  Published in Travel and Leisure on Wednesday, November 5th 2025 at 19:50 GMT by Dallas Morning News

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Travel Superstitions: What Works, What Doesn’t

On a crisp November morning, the Dallas News published an in‑depth look at the quirky, often contradictory rituals that travelers swear by. From the ancient “carry a rabbit’s foot” to the modern “avoid flying on Friday the 13th,” the piece weaves together folklore, psychology, and anecdotal evidence to answer a question that plagues many wanderers: do superstitions actually improve a trip?

The Roots of Travel Rituals

The article opens with a brief history of superstition, noting that the human need for control has been a constant companion of travel. In an interview with Dr. Mira Patel, a psychologist at Texas A&M University, the author cites studies showing that ritual behavior can reduce anxiety by providing a sense of predictability. “When you can’t control the flight schedule, the luggage weight, or the weather, a superstition becomes a mental anchor,” Patel explains. Her research, published in the Journal of Travel Psychology, is linked in the article and serves as a foundation for the piece’s exploration of why travelers cling to these practices.

Global Superstitions in Focus

The article divides its coverage into regional clusters, illustrating how cultural context shapes specific rituals.

• East Asia: In Japan, many tourists swear by “sakura charms”—small charms featuring cherry blossoms—to attract good luck. The piece follows a link to a popular Kyoto travel blog that lists the most sought‑after charms at the Fushimi Inari Shrine. In China, the tradition of wearing red for luck is dissected, with the article referencing a 2023 survey of 1,200 Chinese students who reported increased confidence when wearing red during exams and business meetings.

• Europe: A quirky London superstition is highlighted: travelers are warned against stepping over a “red line” marked on the ground outside train stations. The article links to a BBC feature that traces the line’s origins back to the early 20th‑century belief that the ink was made from a blend of blood and ink, allegedly preventing accidents. In Spain, the “lucky shoe” custom—wearing a new pair of shoes to a first flight— is described in a section that includes a photo from a Madrid travel forum where users debate whether the shoes should be clean or slightly worn.

• The Americas: In the United States, the tradition of placing a single penny under a pillow before a flight for “good luck” is examined. The article cites a 2022 anecdote from a Texas travel blogger who carried a penny on a round‑trip flight to New York and noted that her flight was on time, though the author maintains that the penny is more symbolic than predictive. In Mexico, the “five lucky stones” that passengers tuck into their luggage before departure are discussed, with a reference to a local guidebook that details how each stone corresponds to a specific travel wish.

Do They Work? A Critical Look

A significant portion of the article is devoted to evaluating the efficacy of these rituals. By integrating statistical data from a 2024 meta‑analysis on travel anxiety, the piece suggests that while superstitions may not influence objective outcomes like flight delays or lost luggage, they do have measurable effects on travelers’ perceived well‑being. The author includes a direct quote from the meta‑analysis: “Ritualistic behavior can lower cortisol levels during high‑stress travel events, potentially improving overall experience.”

The article also follows a link to a study on the “Placebo Effect of Superstitions” published in Psychology Today. The study found that participants who believed in a superstition reported lower anxiety scores compared to those who dismissed it as nonsense. The Dallas News piece uses this data to argue that the “effectiveness” of superstitions is psychological rather than supernatural.

Anecdotes and Expert Opinions

Interwoven with data are personal anecdotes from a diverse group of travelers. One New York City tour guide, Jorge Rivera, shares his practice of placing a folded paper crane on his suitcase before each international flight—a tradition he learned from his grandmother. Rivera explains that the crane’s “peaceful” connotations help him stay calm during layovers. Another segment features a European backpacker who refused to leave his hostel until he had hidden a small piece of bread under his door, citing an old Italian superstition about bread warding off bad luck. The article notes that Rivera’s journey included an unplanned overnight stay in a remote alpine village, where he reported that the bread seemed to have kept the family’s wolves at bay.

The author also includes a commentary from travel influencer Maya Lopez, who encourages followers to experiment with rituals in a safe, fun way: “Try it once or twice—if it doesn’t change your experience, you’ll feel relieved. If it does, you’ll add a new layer of tradition to your travels.”

Social Media and the Spread of Superstitions

The piece highlights how platforms like Instagram and TikTok have amplified the reach of travel superstitions. The author references a trending hashtag, #LuckyTrip, that has garnered over 3 million posts. By linking to a trending TikTok video in which a travel vlogger demonstrates a “good‑luck” bracelet ritual, the article illustrates how visual storytelling can reinforce belief systems. The piece also cites an article from The Guardian (linked within) that argues social media can both misinform and perpetuate superstitions, especially when influencers promote “tips” that have no factual basis.

Practical Advice for Skeptical Travelers

The article concludes with a “practical guide” section, offering strategies for travelers who wish to honor cultural traditions without fully subscribing to superstition. Suggestions include:

1. Research local customs before departure. Many cities have cultural guides that outline what is considered superstitious, taboo, or simply traditional.
2. Engage with local hosts. A simple question about a local belief can open a dialogue and enrich your experience.
3. Use rituals as coping mechanisms, not guarantees. If a superstitious act helps reduce anxiety, consider it a personal tool rather than a necessity.
4. Balance authenticity with humor. Acknowledging that a superstition is quirky can be a conversation starter.

Final Thoughts

The Dallas News article offers a nuanced exploration of travel superstitions, weaving together folklore, psychology, and firsthand accounts. By pulling in external research and following links to primary sources, the piece provides readers with a comprehensive view of why travelers cling to rituals and how these practices can shape the journey. Whether you’re a skeptic or a staunch believer, the article invites you to reflect on the role of tradition in travel—and perhaps to try carrying a rabbit’s foot or a lucky stone just to see if the world feels a little more predictable.