V isn't always for Victory: Are you a savvy traveler?

Nearly 47 million Americans headed out of the country in 2012, be it merely over the border to Canada or Mexico or to destinations further afield, according to the US Commerce Department's Office of Travel and Tourism Industries. All of that international travel provides plenty of opportunity to deepen cross-cultural understanding, but it can also lead to humorous – or serious – misunderstandings as well.

So before you head to passport control, take our quiz to make sure you've got the travel smarts to act diplomatically in cultures around the world.

By Mike Eckel, Correspondent

Question 1 of 20

1. You find yourself hitchhiking in Almaty, Kazakhstan. What would be the best way to ensure that passing drivers actually stop to give you a ride?

	Clenched fist with a thumb sticking up or horizontally

	Hand extended overhead, facing backward, pinky finger, with your pointer finger and thumb outstretched

	Both arms waving overhead vigorously

	One hand outstretched, palm open and facing downward