Things to Consider for Vacation Sex
Going on vacation is exciting. You may be looking forward to relaxing and having ample time for sex, either with your partner or perhaps someone new. Before you jump into vacation sex, though, take a moment to get fully prepared so you avoid any unfortunate mishaps.
Although you may feel excited to get hot and steamy in your hotel room, you should consider your partner's intentions, too, according to Charlotte Johnson, a sexual health and relationship expert at the website Mega Pleasure, based in the United Kingdom.
"For example, there can be a part of you that tells you that just because you're on vacation and away from home you must have repeated sex throughout your stay," Johnson said. "Now, it is a fact that changing your scenery can help increase sexual desires, but if that's not what your partner is wanting to do, consider and respect this."
Media, advertisements and the people around you may all pressure you to fill your trip with romance and sex, but realistically, that's not always possible. You may be traveling with a group of people, family and children, or you just want to get away and have time to catch up on sleep. Take some time to work out exactly what you want from your holiday before you go.
If you do want to use the time to have sex with your partner, talk about it first. Open conversation and setting clear boundaries before the trip can prevent any miscommunication or disappointment that might ruin holiday vibes.
What to think about when packing
You also need to make sure you're packing correctly so you don't get caught short-handed away from home. For example, birth control pills are not always that easy to acquire on vacation if you forget them, so make sure they're at the top of your packing list.
"There are some countries, such as Mozambique, Chad, Cameroon, Kyrgyz Republic, Zimbabwe, Kenya, Ghana, Burkina Faso and Sri Lanka, that have a lot less access to contraceptive pills or birth control," Johnson warned.
She also advised putting your birth control in your hand luggage in case you need to declare it or your suitcase gets lost.
"It's also a good idea to ensure you pack enough birth control for the entirety of your trip and even slightly more to ensure you're covered and feel protected if there are any delays," Johnson added. "It's worth noting down any time changes and zones to also ensure you're taking your birth control at the correct time."
If you have concerns about your contraception failing—some illnesses and medications can stop birth control from working—you might want to consider taking emergency contraception with you in your hand luggage, too. It may seem a bit overcautious, but it's much easier than trying to explain what you need to the pharmacist if you don't speak the local language.
Then you need to think about whether or not to pack your sex toys. Remember, some countries are more welcoming than others. Johnson explained that it's best to leave them at home when traveling to countries such as Saudi Arabia, as they fall under the category of "pornographic material." Sex toys are not only illegal in Saudi Arabia, but also in several other popular holiday destinations, such as the Maldives, United Arab Emirates (UAE), Thailand, Vietnam, Malaysia and India. It's always a wise strategy to check the laws of any country you're visiting before taking your sex toys or any other sex materials with you.
Finally, don't forget condoms when packing. It's better to take them so you know you have good-quality condoms on hand. The last thing you want when the moment arises is to kill the mood by heading out to buy them late at night in a place you don't know.
Friendly or unfriendly locations for LGBTQIA+ travelers
If you're traveling with a same-sex partner or hoping to find one during your stay, note that your destination may or may not be accepting of your sexuality.
Fortunately, you have plenty of options for countries that are welcoming. Johnson said some of the most welcoming countries are Australia, France, Greece, New Zealand and Canada, among others. According to Forbes magazine, Sweden is the safest country for LGBTQIA+ travelers.
"All of these countries encourage all types of genders and choices of couples, including sexuality and marriage," Johnson said.
She advised checking conditions and laws before traveling to Nigeria, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Iran, Malaysia and others. In fact, Equaldex, a resource for LGBT rights, reports same-sex marriage is illegal in 72 countries and homosexual activity is illegal in 66 countries. There is no protection against LGBTQIA+ discrimination in 96 countries.
Research the country you are visiting thoroughly before you book your holiday to ensure your and your partner's safety.
The legalities of alfresco sex
An exciting holiday romance might tempt you to indulge in outdoor sex, but in most countries, it's best to hold off. The team at Condoms.UK researched the legalities of partaking in alfresco intercourse and found, for the most part, public sex is an offense.
However, there are a few exceptions to this rule, including the following four locations:
- Germany. Sex in public is legal if you are covered. Public nudity is legal in designated areas only.
- Vondelpark, Netherlands. Vondelpark is a public urban park of 120 acres in the city of Amsterdam. Sex is legal outside, but you must restrict sexual activity to night hours and must stay away from the playground area. You must also clean up after yourself and leave no mess behind.
- Ørstedsparken, Denmark. Ørstedsparken is a 20-acre park located in the center of Copenhagen. Its rules are the same as Vondelpark's, but you must avoid playgrounds and visible places between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m.
- Guadalajara, Mexico. Sex in public is legal if no third-party complaints are filed.
"Although some countries may allow you to get away with a warning if you are caught having sex in public, others are less relaxed," said Robert Davies, a relationship expert for Condoms.UK. "For example, in Dubai in the UAE, public nudity, sex in public and other acts of indecency are all offenses which can carry significant punishments, including fines and jail time."
It's vital to know and respect the laws of the country you are visiting.
Condoms.UK collaborated with sex and relationship coach Ness Cooper, a clinical sexologist at the Sex Consultant in the U.K., to discuss some other safety considerations of alfresco sex. Her expert advice includes:
- Take note of local laws, particularly if you're traveling to a new country:
- U.K. laws focus on indecent exposure and whether or not you're caught; if caught in the act, you could face up to six months of jail time.
- Some countries have strict laws on erotic displays of affection and nudity, and if caught, you could face hefty fines or even prison time.
- Wear clothing that keeps you as covered as possible.
- Avoid busy locations and find a private spot.
- Keep condoms out of pockets and wallets so they stay cool and safe from damage.
- Clean up after yourself when you leave.
Travel and STDs
It can be easy to get swept away in the moment when you're on vacation, but sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) are prevalent everywhere in the world—but in some countries more than others. According to Johnson, countries with higher STD rates include Eswatini, Lesotho, Botswana, South Africa, Zimbabwe, Namibia, Mozambique, Malawi and Equatorial Guinea.
"You must be very careful to ensure condoms are used and hygiene is thorough," she advised.
The most common STDs worldwide are chlamydia, gonorrhea and syphilis, but Johnson warned of some less familiar ones.
"A disease that is less spoken about but is nonetheless very prevalent is trichomoniasis, which is most common in sub-Saharan Africa with around 30 million cases, as well as hepatitis," Johnson said.
Besides abstinence, your best protection from STDs is wearing a condom, so pack them before you go and make sure to carry them with you.
"In addition to this, try to steer clear of sexual activities in the swimming pool or sea, if possible, as this can cause infection and over time, sexual diseases, too," Johnson said.
The good stuff
Now that you've heard sufficient warning of what sex abroad can entail, remember all the thrills it brings, too.
Passport Photo Online conducted a poll of more than 1,000 Americans to find out what they think about vacation sex. Results indicated 80 percent believe sex is better on vacation, and 72 percent of couples are more likely to sexually experiment and act out fantasies when traveling.
Going on vacation can lower your stress levels and improve your mood, which can often lead to an increase in sexual desire and arousal. Thus, vacation sex can be better in quantity and quality. According to a survey by YouGov in the U.K., couples are more likely to have sex more than once a week when they're on vacation rather than when they're at home.
So what are you waiting for? It's time to start planning your next vacation. But make sure you do your research and pack carefully.
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