I was traveling in the Grenadines when I came across this sign. It warned that bathing was without a lifeguard present or in other words, “swim at your own risk”.  It was a purple caution sign.   

It led me to reminisce about a trip where I was looking for a bus stop without the knowledge of what the local word for bus was - there was no signage with a bus graphic or anyone nearby to ask for help.

Viewing this sign was a "wake up call" that I need to research words that may appear in  native language on caution signs, a traffic sign or a public transportation sign ahead of my solo travels.

I guessed the meaning of this sign correctly, but don't want to rely on luck anymore!

Besides “Hello”, “Goodbye” and “Thank you”, what is your short list of terms for learning in the local language ahead of time or at the beginning of a trip?