Friday the 13th: Your Lucky Day?

Nov. 13, 2009 -- Unemployment has surged to 10 percent. Americans are paralyzed with swine flu fears. Patrick Swayze dies. Is it a coincidence that there were three, count them, three Friday the 13ths in 2009?

Rather than spending another Friday the 13th in the grips of paraskavedekatriaphobia, look on bright side and try to focus on the positive aspects of this superstitious day.

"It's been estimated that [U.S] $800 or $900 million is lost in business on this day because people will not fly or do business they would normally do," Donald Dossey, founder of the Stress Management Center and Phobia Institute, told National Geographic.

Dossey recommends focusing on pleasant thoughts to get you through the day.

""They haven't lost their mind," Dossey said of phobics. "They've lost control of their mind."

President Franklin D. Roosevelt would not travel on the 13th day of any month and would never host 13 guests at a meal, at least according to Live Science.

President Obama is not so superstitious. He flew to Tokyo for his first official visit to the Asian giant. That's a long flight from Washington.

The residents of the town of Obama, Japan, are also hoping the day will bring a little luck. The group "Obama for Obama" is hoping for a repeat of the "Obama effect" it felt during the U.S. election, group leader Seiji Fujiwara told Bloomberg News. The town wants a resurgence in sales of souvenirs and crafts with the U.S. president's image.

In fact, it pays not to fear traveling on Friday the 13th.

For those looking to book a vacation, there are some deals out there for the brave of heart. Hotels.com is offering steep discounts on lodging everywhere from Buenos Aires to Branson, Mo. Expect 50 percent off but you must book fast.

Want to make your mark? Friday the 13th is a lucky day for those in the market for a tattoo. In Silver Lake, Calif., tattoo artist Jeremy Swan will attempt to break the world record of 802 tattoos in 24 hours. If you're willing to undergo a quick inking, the tattoo is only $20. Tattoos with the number "13" are $13 at the Michigan Tattoo Company.

Romania tried to launch its first space vehicle, the Helen rocket, on the 13th -- but ran into some bad luck, the weather. They will try again on Saturday.