It’s no secret that vacation sex has a reputation for being some of the best sex there is. As far as I’m concerned, that’s pretty much the entire point of booking a getaway. This is basically what PTO days were invented for! But what is it exactly about getting it on in a new locale that actually makes vacation sex so above-and-beyond hot?
Honestly, lots of things—including the sheer novelty of being in a new place, says sex therapist Gigi Engle, an expert for 3Fun. Engle compares the “vacation rush” couples tend to experience to “new relationship energy.” Basically, just being somewhere different than usual and out of your normal routine can shake up your sex life and rekindle all of that horny excitement we associate with newness. “This can increase libido and make sex with a partner all around more fun and exciting,” says Engle.
Not to mention, you’re probably (hopefully!) a lot more relaxed than usual when you’re on vacation. “Our libidos are heavily impacted by stress,” Engle explains. When you’re free from work stress, emails, and Slack notifications, you may find it’s naturally easier to stay in a sexy state of mind.
So if you’re ready to take full advantage of all the sexy potential of your next getaway, go ahead and slap that “do not disturb” sign on the door and follow these nine expert tips for the hottest vacation sex of your life.
1. Bring Some Sex Toys or Other Romantic Accessories With You
“Bring along whatever you consider a romantic must-have,” says Engle. For some, that may be your favorite vibrators. For others, it could be sexy lingerie or your favorite kinky accessories. Engle’s own pro recommendation? Organic lavender bedding spray, which can add an extra touch of relaxation and romance.
2. Take Advantage of the Hotel Room Furniture
Any room can be a sex room if you make it one, and a hotel room is kind of the ultimate sex room. Yes, the bed is probably large, comfy and freshly cleaned—it’s a great place to start! But if your vacation sex itinerary begins and ends on the bed, you’re missing out. From the chair to the desk to getting bent over the bathroom sink in front of the mirror (my personal recommendation!), your hotel room is literally full of furniture just begging to be defiled.
3. Two Words: Afternoon Sex
Again, the thrill of vacation sex is all about breaking out of your usual routine. According to Casey Tanner, a sex expert for Lelo, getting it on during times of the day that wouldn’t normally be available to you is a great way to make the most of vacation sex. If you and your partner are typically morning or night sex people, try mixing things up with a little mid-day bang.
4. Take Your Time!
When you’re trying to squeeze sex into a jam-packed day already filled with work, errands, and catching up on your latest streaming obsession, it can be easy to end up rushing through the good stuff to get on with your day. Not that there’s anything wrong with a good quickie, but a vacation is a great opportunity to slow down for once. “This is a chance to take your time, both during the sex itself and with aftercare,” says Tanner. When you’re fully relaxed with no place to be but the beach, there’s literally no reason to rush.
5. Force Yourself Not to Work
As someone who is also guilty of checking emails while away, this is so important. Working on vacation “defeats the purpose of getting the rejuvenation you and your body need,” says sex therapist and pleasure expert Rachel Allyn, PhD. So leave the laptop behind, snooze those Slack notifications, and think of “doing work” in other, sexier, contexts instead.
6. Get In Touch With Your Body
Vacation is a great opportunity to take some time to recalibrate your mind-body connection. Start by noticing the new sounds, sights, smells, and tastes of your surroundings, as well as the touch of your partner. This can help turn you on in a fresh way and make everything during sex feel more intense.
7. Lube Up!
This is an all-purpose sex tip for all kinds of sex, including vacation sex! There’s simply no sex that can’t be improved with lube, so make sure to stock up before your trip!
8. Relax!
It’s easy to become disconnected from your body during sex, especially when you have a million different thoughts roaming through your head. But use vacation sex as a time to truly connect, says Allyn. Vacation is a time when you are—or should be—the most relaxed, so ease your mind and all expectations and just enjoy every sensation.
9. Don’t Count How Many Times You’ve Done It
Just because vacation sex is great doesn’t mean you should put pressure on yourself to be having it round the clock. “Don’t put expectations on yourself or your partner,” says Wright. “Know that, for some people, it takes a bit to adjust into vacation mode, and that’s okay.” Go with the flow, and don’t get too hung up on how frequently you’re boning.
10. Experiment
This is your time to get creative. Make it a point to get outside your comfort zone and try something new, whether that’s trying out a new position, bringing a new toy into the bedroom, or experimenting with a new kink or fantasy.
