The New Year is the holiday shared by more countries than any other. And if traveling you hopefully get to experience the local holiday traditions. While customs  range from kissing at midnight to jumping off chairs, below are several unique New Year traditions from around the globe.

In India it’s believed that what you want to happen in the coming year you should do on January 1st. For example if you want to have work you should spend time on New Years working.

Mexicans have a tradition of eating 12 grapes and making 12 wishes at midnight. The grapes symbolize prosperity in the coming months of the year.

In Japan on New Years a meal is served consisting of long soba noodles, which should be eaten without breaking the noodle to ensure having a long life.

Italians thrown pots, pans, and dishes out of open windows to symbolize getting rid of the old to make way for the new.

In Denmark people leap off chairs to “jump” into the New Year.

My favorite custom, Also from Mexico, is the wearing of yellow or red underwear to bring either money (yellow) or love (red) into their lives in the coming year.

However you celebrate we hope the new year brings you many happy times and travels.

We’d love to hear what traditions you celebrate with your family and friends for the new year?

We wish you Happy Holidays and look forward to sharing with you many new travel advice tips in the year to come. Below are some of our favorite post from this year. Enjoy!


Best Travel Search Sites
See what sites we use and recommend for finding the best flights




How to go Through Airport Security in a Breeze
Quick advice on how to make Airport Security as painless as possible




How to Stay Entertained while Traveling
Advice on how to make your next flight go by quickly




Airplane Etiquette
Know the ins and outs of proper etiquette on a plane with some very entertaining videos




5 Great Books to Read While Traveling
Quick and easy reads for your next flight

You maybe the type of person that gets to the airport early, checks-in calmly, goes through security coolly, and gets to the gate with plenty of time to spare, but i am not, and never will be. But I am envious of all the the previous type.

Since I usually hit security at a run here are some of the helpful hints that I use to quickly get through security in a rush…

1. Wear slip on shoes, nothing with buckles or laces, I really like my
2. Keep liquids bag in a front pocket of carry-on bar for easy access (liquid prescriptions over 3.4 oz. leave out of liquids bag for the FAA to examine separately)
3. Wear a clamp belt, this makes it easy to take only the metal part on and off going through security — or leave your belt in bag until out of security
4. Leave all jewelry in a pocket in your bag to put on later

* Remember to bring or wear a pair of socks or tights because you don’t know where everyone’s else feet have been.

What tips do you use for easy airport traveling?