Eye On Travel: Come in Number Thirteen

13: What could possibly go wrong here?

Today is Friday 13th. Unlucky for some, or so legend goes. Unlucky if you fall over on some ice or are trying to get a Southern Train today. In fact fear of the number 13 has a proper scientific name: triskaidekaphobia which is all Greek to me.

But there are other superstitions around the world as you will see. As for unlucky Friday 13th? I personally find it’s an excellent day to book flights as seats don’t seem to sell as quickly meaning the prices are lower!

Feeling Blue? You will be when you get out

Iceland (the country not the shop) is one of the most popular destinations right now. But once there, be sure to avoid knitting on your doorstep as it is said to bring a long winter. Personally I would avoid knitting anyway and since the winter seems to last all year, the impact would appear to be fairly minimal.

Instead enjoy the thermal Blue Lagoon, natural geysers, whale watching, waterfalls, the Northern Lights (winter) and the bars and restaurants of (sometimes very) cool city Reykjavik.

GET THERE: Short breaks to Reykjavik and beyond start at under £500pp with direct flights from London, Manchester and Edinburgh. Bring a coat at any time of the year.

Serb-ibizia: Making the 'Grade in style

Serbia is a trendy and good value new holiday destination. If you want to wish somebody luck then it’s traditional to spill some water behind them. Important to note the behind them part, not over them as this will likely result in bad luck. For you.

Drink the water instead and head to capital of (uber) cool Belgrade and it’s extensive nightlife. Dubbed the new Ibiza, super clubs, star DJs and a great climate make this one of Europe’s seriously ‘in' spots.

GET THERE: Direct flights to Belgrade operate from Heathrow and Luton. Enjoy the old town during the day but be prepared for nightlife that is still going at sunrise.

Respect in Japan: Don’t blame it on the Fuji

Japan is a land of extraordinary beauty - and baffling concepts. Trains run on time, technology is from the future and menus are untranslated. If you do point and shoot ordering, be sure not to jab your chopsticks straight up into the noodles - this symbolises death and only happens at funerals.

Watch what everybody else does in this polite society and enjoy the sights of Tokyo, Osaka, Kyoto, Mt Fuji, ski resorts, temples etc. Travelling around is easy and the experiences, like ordering food & drink are unforgettable!

GET THERE: Direct flights to Tokyo and Osaka operate from Heathrow or one stoppers from elsewhere. Use an open jaw ticket and buy a Bullet train pass before leaving the UK.

Thailand: You’ll be pleased to see it

Thailand is an amazing country for beaches, food and culture. For gentlemen visitors, it is considered good fortune to wear a palad khik which translates as an ‘honourable surrogate penis’. Not entirely sure how, where or if you have to declare this on your Custom’s card.

Perhaps just concentrate on enjoying a multi-centre trip to shop and eat in capital Bangkok, relax on the islands of the south and spot wildlife in a national park (under water or in a jungle).

GET THERE: Direct flights to Bangkok operate from Heathrow or take a one stopper from across the UK to Bangkok, Krabi, Phuket or Koh Samui. It looks even better in real life.

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