Traveling to new places is nothing less than awe-inspiring: unknown customs, beautiful architecture, mouthwatering foods, and intriguing people and ideas, whether you are traveling to a far-off land to explore jungles and mountains; to an island to sleep on the beach; or, just around the corner for a weekend of seclusion. Traveling is relaxing and mind-opening. No one knows who you are and therefore you are free to experiment with anything and everything, including testing your sexual inhibitions.

Sexual Anonymity

This concept of feeling anonymous can reduce a person’s accountability for their actions. It is a reassurance that their actions will not be judged, nor affect their reputation. It allows them to try on different personalities. People will try new things or behave differently in public as a result—such as talking about personal topics with strangers.

This can influence all aspects of a person’s behavior, including their sexuality, enticing them to be more assertive or adventurous. Many singles traveling solo, or with friends of the same sex, head to tropical locations hoping for a holiday ‘fling’ or ‘romance’ with either another traveler or native. There is something exciting and almost naughty about getting involved with someone whom you will never see again after your vacation.

“It's a unique experience. I mean what are the chances of me ever sleeping with a woman from New Zealand or Spain while home in America? Never. So why not go for it?” a 26-year-old male traveler commented of his experiences abroad.

Not Just For Men

Seeking out sex at holiday destinations has traditionally been associated with men, characterized by strip clubs, peep shows and prostitution. Yet, in the 1960s it became more popular for females to incorporate sex into their vacations. A few years back, a study done by two American sociologists questioned women who were staying at resorts in Negril and the Dominican Republic about their sexual behavior. They concluded that about one-third have sexual relations with local men but none paid for the services directly.

For some women, it isn’t just the sex; instead, they love seek the care and attention that local men give them. These women are even ready to pay for this type of temporary love.

According to another study, for some women it is all about the sex! An experiment conducted in Israel by Ben-Gurion University specialists, showed that for women sexual satisfaction was frequently a determining factor in the success of their vacation. About half of the 21 female participants (men’s tendency to exaggerate caused them to be excluded from the study) were just over 20 years old with the remainder ranging between 30 to over 50. The research quoted that “female respondents claimed that it is good to have a lot of sex on holidays. A woman described it as a rest from the routine, as pleasure to enjoy each other. Spas, Jacuzzis, champagne, relaxing atmosphere and romance make this sex perfect.”

This was also applicable to ‘backpacking’ trips in which women admitted that their ‘number of sexual partners increased’ and they were ‘less acquainted with their partners.’ These occurrences apply to all types of travel and location—sex is something people want to experience in their new surroundings.

Although more and more females are having sexual relationships while traveling, they are still outnumbered by men. The difference between males and females is the way they view their actions. ‘Prostitute-users’ are commonly defined as male, while women take a much more casual approach in seeking out sexual encounters, viewing it as a ‘holiday romance.’ Women with money, mostly middle age and older single women, like to ‘financially help’ the men they are with, not ‘pay for services.’ The actions are the same between men and women; the difference in mentality sets it apart.

Traveling as a Couple

This anonymity isn’t just for singles. Traveling with your partner could do wonders for your sex life. Some couples are uncomfortable showing affection in public around their home in fear of who may see them, especially if they are involved in community activities. Going away can be important in order to detach themselves from their responsibilities and from the persona they display at home. With such busy lifestyles, many of us identify with our responsibilities and the roles we take on within our families and careers. Jessica Martin agrees. “After living together for six years, the sex is always better when we go away. You don't have to worry about errands or anything ‘home related.’ You feel like another person.”
 
Couples who have been together for a while tend to establish a routine in their lives, and unfortunately if it carries over into the bedroom, you are left with a monotonous sex life. Just going away to a local hotel will take you out of your routine, opening the doors for experimentation with toys, games or role playing. If you have kids, the significance of this is tenfold as it allows you an opportunity to rediscover each other without distraction.

Mary Holmes and her husband love traveling and take regular trips to “Honeymoon Resorts” in the Pocono Mountains, which are specifically intended to enhance your sex life. “For some reason, there seems to be something very erotic about being in a hotel room alone, something illicit.  Maybe it's because we know we are absolutely alone without the risk of any interruption and there is nothing necessary that needs to be done.  There is nothing to do at all actually except…!”

Resorts with this atmosphere are ideal when you need to kick-start your sex life. Mirrored ceilings, indoor hot tubs and the suggestive nature of the entertainment are all geared towards one thing. “I guess this could explain why all three of my children were conceived away from home,” added Mary.

“The Holidate”

Yet your relationship doesn’t need to be old and boring to spice it up away from home. More and more new couples are traveling together early on in the relationship as an icebreaker. This concept of the “holidate” is generally accepted as a long weekend trip taken or booked within the first couple months of dating. Cheap travel (although contrary to the current increase in gas prices) has made this possible. The new trendy way to get to know each other has taken the industry by storm and many travel companies are offering packages specific for the newly in love.

In an April 2008 article titled “Surviving The ‘Holidate’”, Fairmont, a luxury hotel chain, describes the packages they now offer for new couples. They include ‘“icebreaker” specials that combine romantic dinners with more adventurous outings.’ In the article, a chief hotel concierge explained: ‘It’s like I told my kids—Travel with your prospective mate before you marry them because if you can’t travel with them, you’ve got a problem. It’s a good test of a relationship.’ Traditional couples may choose not to travel or live together before they get married, leaving a lot of unknowns in the relationship. Being able to enjoy each other day in and day out is necessary for long-term success.

Feeling sexual attracted to your mate is key in a relationship. Taking a vacation allows you exclusive uninhibited time, as well as a neutral equal setting to learn and explore each other’s sexual needs. This time together can translate a genuine interest and strong physical attraction into an out-of-this-world connection. Sharing an open and honest sex life will bring you both closer emotionally.

“It is the idea that she will want to do things that are outside of my realm and entice me to go on adventures I would not normally,” explained Alex Romeo, an avid traveler, about his relationship with his new girlfriend. “We are bringing together different ideas and creating a neutral ground. You end up respecting each other more and that inevitably enhances your sex life.”

Sex Up Your Trip

But either single or coupled up, to fully explore outside your comfort zone you need to completely engross yourselves in the sexual subculture of your destination. Some nations have been more popularized for their ‘sex nightlife’ (adult entertainment) than others, but rest assured that if tourists are around you will engage in sex-oriented entertainment. No different than trying out a new local pub, experimenting with sex outlets is all part of the adventure.

If you are a local traveler, make the most of the beaches, restaurants and entertainment you don’t have the time to incorporate into your everyday life. Relaxation, a change of environment (and sometimes some alcohol) can truly heighten your intimacy. So whether you are single, married or giddy with new love, pack your bag and head somewhere special… your orgasm will thank you.