Knowing where the bathroom is may be helpful once or twice, but it will be completely useless when you want to say hello, are looking for directions, or trying to order a meal. Here are 10 phrases you should memorize and practice before you set off on your next adventure.

1. Hello and good morning. Make sure your first impression is a good impression.

2. Yes and no. Make sure you know how to give consent and accept or deny offers and advances.

3. Please and thank you. Be polite.

4. Excuse me. Pardon me. If you do something slightly rude, such as bump into someone on the sidewalk or push someone in a line, say excuse me to apologize.

5. How do you say…? You may be able to hold basic conversation in the local language, but there will be times you don’t know how to say something.

6. How much does this cost? You will have to spend money at some point on your trip.

7. Where can I find…? Maybe you’re looking for an item in a store or trying to locate a unique souvenir.

8. I’m sorry. I don’t understand. If you can’t understand the dialect, get lost mid-conversation, or can’t comprehend the language at all, respectfully stop the speaker and tell them you don’t understand.

9. Do you have any…? There are tons of questions you’ll want to ask, and you’ll need this phrase to get started.

10. Help. Hopefully you’ll never have to use this word when you’re traveling. But in the event of an emergency, you need to know how to ask for help.

xoxo – Be smart, stay safe, and have fun!