Why Vacation Sex Is the Best Kind of Sex

There's just something about vacation sex that feels so much better than . . . well, non-vacation sex. Whether it's the frozen cocktails, a sandy beach-front view, or not being inundated with work notifications every two minutes, there's a reason why people are so horny when they travel.

"Vacation sex often carries an element of novelty and adventure, as the change in environment can intensify sensations and emotions," sex therapist Aliyah Moore, PhD, says. "The unfamiliar settings, such as hotels or exotic destinations, can create an atmosphere of spontaneity and excitement, which can heighten sexual desire and pleasure."

The best part: this "heightened sexual desire" can be explored with or without a partner. Even if you're single, you can still enjoy an erotic masturbation session under the hotel's white fluffy comforter or enjoy a hot shower session with a local you met on the beach. The options are pretty much endless.

If you're ready to feel like your hottest and sexiest self the next time you travel, you've come to the right place. Dr. Moore shares her best tips for sex on vacation.

Aliyah Moore, PhD, is a certified sex and relationship therapist with a doctorate in gender and sexuality studies. She is also the resident sex expert at SexualAlpha, a website dedicated to helping people explore their bodies and sexual wellness products.

Vacation sex is any type of sex you have while traveling away from home, Dr. Moore says. It can involve any sort of masturbating, foreplay, kink exploration, penetration, and more.

One big reason why sex on vacation hits different is because you're in a new environment. "The novelty of new surroundings can stimulate the brain, leading to heightened arousal and excitement," Dr. Moore says. "This sense of adventure often breaks the monotony of routine, making sex feel more spontaneous and less inhibited, which can amplify pleasure."

But spontaneity isn't the only reason why vacation sex feels so good. Another reason is that when you travel, you're away from work and other responsibilities. "The feeling of being on vacation often leads to a more relaxed state of mind, which can reduce anxiety and increase sexual satisfaction," Dr. Moore says.

In other words, the last thing you'll be thinking about while having sex on vacation is a work assignment or your grocery list.

Don't overplan or feel pressure to have sex. While vacation sex can be extremely enjoyable, you don't need to feel pressure to have it all the time. "Don't over plan or feel pressured to have sex; instead, let it happen naturally when both partners feel relaxed and connected," Dr. Moore says. Focus on your connection and pleasure more so than the amount of times you are or aren't having sex.

Take advantage of the new environment. In a different setting, you may find yourself more willing to explore a new kink, role-play fantasy, or sex position. Lean into that spontaneity, Dr. Moore says, and enjoy it.

Communicate with your partner. Discussing your desires and boundaries with your partner is always a safety must for any type of sex, but it will also help you feel more in tune with them. After all, knowing your and your partner's needs and comfort levels can "enhance intimacy and make the experience more enjoyable," Dr. Moore says.

Try new sex positions. Hotels offer a completely new sexual experience than your bedroom. In many of them, there are mirrors you can use or have sex in front of in order to add an element of voyeurism. Our suggestion: try the mirror millionaire sex position, in which one partner simply enters the other from behind in any sort of doggy variation as both parties watch each other in the mirror.

Most importantly though, keep your vacation sex light and free. "It's important to remember that the goal is to enjoy the experience, not to feel pressured to perform," Dr. Moore says. At the end of the day, vacation sex is all about prioritizing your connection and relaxing. As long as it feels good, then it doesn't have to stop – even when you've returned from vacation.

Taylor Andrews is a Balance editor at PS who specializes in topics relating to sex, relationships, dating, sexual health, mental health, and more. In her six years working in editorial, she's written about how semen is digested, why sex aftercare is the move, and how the overturn of Roe killed situationships.