There are many many beautiful countries in the world to visit but it helps to know what is and is not appropriate to do before going there. Local customs vary from place to place so you should know what NOT to do to avoid offending locals.

In Italy: Avoid the Devil Horns

Yes, we all love that gesture of making a fist and extending the pointer and pinky. This represents to the world that we love our men in spandex with long hair and guitars. Or that in Austin, it means you like the University of Texas football team. Except in Italy where it is a crude representation of the female genitals and tells to all the world that you love sex and aren't subtle about it. A husband might see this and think "That signore over there thinks my wife is unfaithful. I'll show him a thing or two".

In Greece: Don't Wave Your Hands

We know it means goodbye everywhere else but in Greece, there was a custom of the moutza whereby prisoners would have things shoved into their faces as they were led by in procession. And often these things were what the Greeks had on hand, and often these things were the product of their digestive systems. So when you wave to an Athenian, you're telling him to consume something cylindrical like a stuffed grape leaf only considerably less pleasant.

In Nigeria: Don't Wink

You may think you're being seductive or cute but in Nigeria, the use of a wink tells everyone else to leave the room. One wonders how many visiting English teachers have unknowingly given their students a free pass into the hallways while trying to cry something out of their eyes.

In Brazil: A-OK is Never Ok

Don't make the hand gesture with your pointer and thumb making a circle and the other fingers flaring out. That very well means " Look! I have formed an image with my hands of an anus and that is what I think of you." They also speak Portugese, not Spanish and find it highly offensive to be addressed in Spanish, though you might some colorful curse words if you address them in Spanish.

In Mexico: Akimbo is a No-no

Putting your hands on hips indicates frustration and exhaustion everywhere else but in Mexico it means that you're willing to fight anyone else you come across, which is not a very good idea, especially when in a bar.

In China: Watch out. No, Seriously Keep Your Watch Out.

The Chinese view clocks as a symbol of mortality, what with the hours counting down to the inevitable. So what you think might be a gold or platinum timepiece is really just telling your Beijing recipient "You're gonna die soon, mmmkay?"

In Japan: A Smile is Not Always Happy

This one goes back to the days of the samurai and later to Japan's role as an Axis nation. When the parents, wives, and brothers heard of the death of their beloved, they often thought that it would be dishonorable for the spirit of the deceased to see them crying after such a patriotic and beautiful death. Thus, people in Japan smiled after receiving bad news- and this very much remains the case to this day.

In Australia: Don't Mention the History of the Continent as Penal Colony

Most Australians came to the Lucky Country of their own accord. And if you don't want to get beaten up or have Dannii Minogue release another crappy song, please don't mention the history of Australia as penal colony. They really are a polite and happy people.