Don't Do As the Locals Do: 5 Traditions That Are Super Dangerous

— -- You know the old saying: When in Rome, do as the Romans do.

We generally support this mantra; to really get a true sense of a culture, and garner a greater appreciation for the locals during an exotic vacation, it's wise to try out various traditions and customs, whether that means tasting funky foods or participating in heart-racing activities.

After all, we certainly haven't won our title as travel experts by playing it super safe. But we're not suggesting you risk your life in the quest to "do as the locals do." Here are five local practices around the world that are actually quite dangerous. We suggest you avoid them on your next vacation -- or at least read up on them now, so you can be best prepared to participate. If you can't be good, be careful!

Polar Bear Plunge in Long Beach, N.Y.

The "Polar Bear Plunge" is a winter tradition in coastal towns around the world. Vancouver's plunge has been taking place since 1920. Annual "winter swims" are New Year's Day events in the Netherlands and Scotland. And plenty of U.S. cities participate as well (often as a means of raising money for various charities); Maryland holds the country's largest plunge event, which benefits the Special Olympics. But New York's Long Beach hosts a polar bear plunge every Super Bowl Sunday, when thousands of participants flock to its shores.

This is a local tradition we're slightly less concerned about, as almost all polar bear plunge events are well-staffed with police and paramedics on-site, and volunteers who are ready to pull participants from the chilly waters almost immediately after they enter them. However, hypothermia is a real issue, so be sure to get dry and warm (think blankets and hot chocolate) right after you plunge. If you stay at the Allegria Hotel, you won't have to go far to hop in a steamy shower.

Eating Blowfish in Tokyo, Japan

Called "fugu," blowfish (or pufferfish) is a local delicacy throughout Japan. Plenty of people -- locals and tourists alike -- eat it and make it through their meals just fine. Certified fugu-trained chefs study as apprentices for three years in order to learn how to properly remove the liver and reproductive organs. But if this process is not performed carefully, a diner can die within hours of eating the otherwise poisonous fish, that's often served grilled or in a raw-like, sushi form. We suggest playing it safe with this one, and instead opting for delicious, traditional Japanese sushi or grilled seafood at one of the luxe Conrad Tokyo's four on-site restaurants.