Travel Tips for the Year of the Dragon, According to the 2024 Chinese Zodiac

Chinese astrology is based on the lunisolar calendar. It’s a calendar that takes into account the position of both the moon and sun and is primarily determined by Jupiter’s orbit around the sun, which takes roughly 12 years. Each of the 12 years is characterized by a zodiac animal with its own attributes and compatibilities, as well as one of five elements: wood, fire, water, metal, or earth. That means each particular elemental zodiac year occurs once every 60 years. To make predictions, astrologers consult a star chart based on the major planets and the Chinese constellations.

The upcoming year is the year of the Wood Dragon. The dragon symbolizes power and success, and wood symbolizes progress, as a tree always grows upward. So this year will hold opportunities for many people.

To get the scoop on what that means for travelers according to the 2024 Chinese zodiac, I consulted Juwita Tjong, teacher of Chinese astrology in Indonesia, on what the upcoming year holds and how it will affect travel planning for each of the zodiac signs.

Since the lunar calendar doesn’t follow the Gregorian calendar, and Lunar New Year’s exact date moves each year,  your zodiac symbol may not match the year below. Lunar New Year always begins in late January or early February. So if you’re born during those times, you may have the sign of the previous year.

Year of the dragon for dragons

For those born in: 1940, 1952, 1964, 1976, 1988, 2000, 2012

You may think that dragons would have the best luck during the year of the dragon, but that’s actually not true, as your dragon sign will compete with the ruling dragon entity.

If your Chinese zodiac sign is the dragon, your luck and wealth are less than ideal this year, so you should postpone making any big life changes. Dragons should be cautious of accidents or injuries and avoid high-risk activities. The dragon should indeed travel this year as it will increase their luck, but should avoid traveling in a southeastern direction or traveling during the Ghost Month (Aug 4-Sep 2), during which time the barrier between the living and spirit worlds are at their weakest. Considering the increased chances for accidents this year for dragons, it might be best to not travel alone this year, even if that’s your normal travel style.

Year of the dragon for rats

For those born in: 1936, 1948, 1960, 1972, 1984, 1996, 2008

Overall, people born under the rat sign will have a smooth year, especially in terms of their wealth and careers. The rat will likely have lots of worthwhile opportunities to travel this year, but since there’s an increased chance of falling ill or sustaining an injury, they should be mindful of their health and, like dragons, avoid high-risk activities.

Year of the dragon for the ox

For those born in: 1937, 1949, 1961, 1973, 1985, 1997, 2009

The ox’s fortune is relatively good in the year of the dragon. While there will be obstacles, they’ll be protected by lucky stars that will help to resolve problems. The ox can experience intense emotional swings this year, so prioritize maintaining a harmonious relationship, whether at home or while traveling. Be diligent like the ox and make long-term plans instead of relying on impulsive decisions this year. Travel to tranquil destinations to recharge emotionally, or somewhere that will broaden your cultural horizons.

Year of the dragon for tigers

For those born in: 1938, 1950, 1962, 1974, 1986, 1998, 2010

The year of the dragon is good news for tigers, who should travel the most of all the signs due to the flying horse star on their charts. The tiger will likely travel quite a bit for work, though this could be tiring, and tigers should be mindful of their health to make sure they don’t wear themselves weary. Though tigers may have some instability in their incomes, there’s a good chance of finding opportunities outside of the immediate area —  so consider traveling to find new opportunities, or applying for roles away from home.

Year of the dragon for rabbits

For those born in: 1939, 1951, 1963, 1975, 1987, 1999, 2011

The rabbit is one of the Chinese zodiac signs that has a harmful relationship with the ruling deity of the upcoming year, so it’s better to wait until next year to execute big plans. There may also be negative changes in career or relationships, and the rabbit must be careful of falling ill. That doesn’t mean the rabbit shouldn’t travel this year, but it’s best to focus on smaller trips and travel to destinations that inspire peace and relaxation.

Year of the dragon for snakes

For those born in: 1941, 1953, 1965, 1977, 1989, 2001, 2013

There’s a good chance based on the 2024 Chinese zodiac that people born under the snake sign will encounter a happy occasion in their lives this year, such as moving to a better house, getting married, or welcoming a new family member. On the other hand, there’s also a chance that something within your grasp will be stolen by someone else. The snake must take extra care of their mental health this year, as they’ll be prone to stress-related illnesses. Consider perhaps a wellness retreat or a meditation-based trip in the near future.

Year of the dragon for the horse

For those born in: 1942,1954, 1966, 1978, 1990, 2002, 2014

There can be significant career advancements or business opportunities in the year of the dragon for those born in a horse year. Networking will be important in order to make those big career moves, so this is the year to be socially active and plan trips and vacations that could further your work successes. Travel to places that will offer more networking opportunities, including conferences or professional events.

Year of the dragon for goats

For those born in: 1943, 1955, 1967, 1979, 1991, 2003, 2015

Based on the 2024 Chinese zodiac, there’s a star that’ll hold the goat back this year, making it difficult for goats to bring plans to fruition. While the goat will have pretty good luck this year, this is not a suitable year for executing big plans, and there’s a chance the goat will lose money or get injured, so beware of sharp objects and stay away from quarrels. That doesn’t mean you can’t make travel plans, though, but getting travel insurance may be more important than usual this year.

Year of the dragon for monkeys

For those born in: 1944, 1956, 1968, 1980, 1992, 2004, 2016

Those born under the monkey sign are likely to have generally good luck this year, and a protective star on their chart will help resolve any significant personal issues. However, the monkey sign could encounter some legal issues for seemingly simple matters this year. So read the fine print before signing any agreements or booking anything, and be sure to obey all local laws while traveling, even if they seem trivial.

Year of the dragon for roosters

For those born in: 1945, 1957, 1969, 1981, 1993, 2005, 2017

Good news: the rooster is the luckiest sign, according to the 2024 Chinese zodiac. This is the time to make grand plans come true, so start crossing off your bucket-list items and embrace all the opportunities that come your way. Just note that the rooster’s health could be a bit unstable this year, so it’s important to exercise and maintain your health. The rooster also needs to beware of accidents caused by drinking, so while it’s tempting to let loose on vacations, make sure to not drink and drive or overindulge.

Year of the dragon for dogs

For those born in: 1922, 1934, 1946, 1958, 1970, 1982, 1994, 2006, 2018

2024 isn’t a good year for those born in the year of the dog, but everything should still be alright as long as you don’t get too greedy. The 2024 Chinese zodiac shows that there could be big changes in your career or wealth, such as a big, unexpected expense, so be sure your budget is fully figured out before booking your next trip. It’s also important not to show off or stand out too much while you’re abroad to avoid pickpockets or scammers. The days between April 4 and May 4 are least lucky for dogs this year, so be extra careful and consider staying home during that time.

Year of the dragon for boars

For those born in: 1935, 1947, 1959, 1971, 1983, 1995, 2007

2024 will be a good year for those under the pig, or boar, sign, and there will be plenty of opportunities to travel, or perhaps even to relocate permanently. For single travelers born in a pig year, 2024 could be the year to meet that special someone. But you’ll need to be proactive and expand your social networks to do that – perhaps joining a small group trip could be the new social network you need. People born under this sign tend to be frank, so be mindful of what you say this year, especially when meeting new people while traveling.