One thing th
at researchers know about sex is that context matters. Think “What Happens in Vegas Stays in Vegas.” A vacation provides a break from work or school, a chance to relax and let loose, and the opportunity to explore a new part of the world…but does a vacation also bring more opportunities for sex? Possibly.
Certain types of vacations, such as Spring Break, are thought to be more permissive environments for casual sex. Vacations that are free from at-home restrictions, promote lower inhibitions, and involve high alcohol consumption are the most conducive for casual sex behavior.1 In one study of Canadian undergrads surveyed before and after spring break, 21% of men and 17% of women reported having casual sex while away (that’s right, almost equal numbers of men and women – although more men intended to have sex before the trip, 55% vs. 11%). Those with friends who had casual sex (or had friends who were supportive of spring break casual sex) and who had greater intentions to have sex were more likely to have sex on spring break.2 In another study, nearly 50% of female tourists in Costa Rica reported a “vacation relationship” with a local or another tourist. Sex was more likely when women had greater intentions and when they were traveling solo or with only one other female companion.3
It seems that for young singles, intentions to have causal sex on vacation are high (especially for men who seem to be overly optimistic in this regard), and sometimes these intentions be