Hooked up with someone from an app while on vacation three days ago and woke up with painful sores down there today. I'm terrified of walking into a foreign clinic where I barely speak the language, but I also know I shouldn't ignore it. Should I get this checked here or wait until I fly home next week?

Go to a local clinic today. Do not wait until your flight next week. Painful genital sores appearing a few days after an encounter are often caused by the herpes simplex virus (HSV) or sometimes another infection, and tests are most accurate when done directly on fresh lesions. More importantly: the clinicians at a local walk-in or urgent care center see genital rashes every single shift. They will not judge you, lecture you, or care that you had casual vacation sex. To them, it is routine tissue care. Look up the nearest walk-in clinic, urgent care, or hospital outpatient department. You don't need a speech prepared—just showing a translation app on your phone with "I have painful genital sores and need an STI swab" is plenty. If it is an outbreak like HSV, starting antiviral medication right now can cut the pain and heal the sores days faster than waiting it out. In the meantime, wear loose clothing, avoid touching the area, and wash your hands diligently. Awkwardness is normal, but don't trade your physical relief for a moment of embarrassment.