BY DAVID LAURENTS

Whether you’re on a business trip or vacation, chances are you’ll get the urge for a little action at some point during your stay. But while you may be dead-set on sampling the exotic local boys, you may find yourself confronted with the obstacle of not speaking the language.

Here are a few trips to help you get laid before you head home.

Find English-speaking locals

Now, obviously, if you find a local boy who speaks English and the sexual interest is mutual, you don’t need this article.

What may surprise you, however, is that there are many boys out there who are more interested in meeting you to practice their English than to make the beast with two backs.

Not to worry. These guys are your ticket into the local scene. Not only will they know where to go (and most importantly, when) but with luck you’ve found yourself a drinking partner to keep you company at the bar or disco and perhaps even someone to serve as translator with the non-English-speaking boy who came over when you smiled at him.

Learn key phrases

Forget learning phrases such as “This vase is too expensive.” You can just read those out of a guidebook. You need to learn just enough of the language to get you into trouble -- the right kind of trouble. And, for that matter, to keep you out of unwanted situations take the time to learn a few key phrases as to what you like to do sexually and what

you don’t like to do. This can help ensure that you’re both expecting the same things and avoids unpleasant surprises.

Body language

Look him in the eye. Look away. Look back.

Touch yourself (casually or overtly, as the situation warrants). Touch him (again, depending on the situation). In other words: the usual routine.

Keep in mind that cues are not always the same the world over. Many Americans are disconcerted by how much more tactile and casually affectionate Europeans are and how they’re also more prone to making eye-contact in a way that Americans interpret as a come-on, but which for them is just casual acknowledgment. It can get even more confusing. For example, in Italy, it’s the heterosexual men who look you in the eye and adjust their crotch; however, they’re just claiming public space, not trying to pick you up. But starting with a smile and a long glance is pretty universal.

Sauna speak

One way of solving the language problem is to put yourself in situations where sex can happen without needing to speak. In many countries, going to the bathhouse or sauna is a common practice, especially those countries where men into their 30s are often still living with their families.

Depending on the country, there may be other sex-on-premise venues: backrooms, glory holes, sex bars, leather bars, etc. Consult the web or a local gay publication for details.

Money talks

If the thought of struggling to pick up a trick in another language is too daunting, there is always the option of paying for sex. In certain countries, it’s more or less expected for foreigners to pay at least something for sex, even if it’s called a gift.

Going through an agency often means that someone at least minimally English-speaking (such agencies generally rely on tourist interactions, after all) will be able to explain the situation and establish the ground rules. A bit more expensive perhaps than buying a few rounds at the local pub, but a surer way to surmount the language barrier and scratch that itch. After all is said and done, an itch is an itch in any language.