Back in the olden days (the 80's) when you traveled, you could depend on locals to give directions, help with the language and so on. Now, not so much. So, to be safe, here are some things not to say.

Do You Speak English?

 

There are basic foreign-language expressions that every international traveler should learn before crossing borders, and this is one of them. This lets the people in the area or country you are in, that you are lazy and don't care. If you try to speak their language and are just bad, they will help you because they feel like you are respectful.

 

Do You Have Change for a $20?

 

If you want to tip your service person in any country, get small bills and be ready to take care of them. Don't force someone who doesn't handle money to have to make change for what you should tip them.

 

Can You Help Me? I'm Lost, and I'm Staying at [Name of Hotel].

 

Many criminals target unsuspecting travelers—especially in popular tourist destinations—and it's not a smart idea to tell a stranger that you're from out of town or to publicize where you're bunking down for the night. You might not get sold into sex slavery, but you could get robbed, especially if your hotel lacks top-notch security.

 

 

I Don't Want To Go There; There Aren't Any Reviews!

 

While we appreciate the power and practicality of user-generated reviews, they have their limits. New establishments, locals-only joints, tiny B&B's, and less-traveled hideaways often get left off the reviews grid. Sometimes the best places are out of the way and not always the prettiest.

 

Geez. It's Not Like I Have A Bomb.

 

This can get you searched, bum rushed, arrested, kicked on the plane, out of the airport, museum, this list is endless. It's not a funny phrase anymore, don't allude to you or anyone else having a bomb. Don't even say the phrase, we saw a comedian and they bombed.

 

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