Is sex really better on holiday? What the experts say
Holidays are where we feel our most relaxed, which could be why a new survey has found that this is where people have the best sex.
According to new data from LELO who spoke to 2,000 adults, over half (52%) said the best sex they have ever had was while on holiday.
Of those surveyed, 80% said a holiday would reinvigorate their sex life, while 31% said they are more likely to be sexually adventurous when on vacation.
The reason for this? Because holidays are normally when people are most relaxed, Mangala Holland, women’s sex coach and author of Orgasms Made Easy tells Yahoo UK.
“At home we face the pressures of work, childcare, and kid’s activities. which can lead to just never feeling like you get to properly relax or have time for yourself, let alone time for intimacy,” Holland explains.
“Many couples find that often they're too tired to create the time and space to explore each other. When you're on holiday and you've managed to catch up on sleep, you've had a few days of relaxing, spending time somewhere with better weather, it makes sense that you'll be more open to being intimate.”
Sex and relationship expert Natalia Baker from All Things Worn, adds that novelty, as well as spontaneity are pivotal factors in holiday intimacy too.
“Being in a new location can heighten excitement and arousal. The novelty of a different environment, new sights, sounds, and even scents can stimulate the senses and add a sense of adventure to sexual encounters,” Baker explains.
“Holidays often allow for a break from routines and schedules, making spontaneous and playful sexual encounters more feasible. This spontaneity can reignite passion and enhance the overall experience.”
Creating that holiday intimacy feeling at home
Good sex shouldn’t just be reserved for a holiday, Baker and Holland say you can create the feeling at home too by doing a few simple things.
Relaxation time
As holidays are usually stress free, Baker explains that this relaxation helps “reduce cortisol levels, which can have a positive impact on libido and overall sexual satisfaction”.
“Allocate time for relaxation and leisure activities to mimic the stress-free environment of a holiday,” she adds. “Regularly disconnect from work and other responsibilities to focus on each other.”
Change up your environment
“Bring a sense of novelty to your home by changing your bedroom decor or exploring different settings within your home. Even small changes like new bedding, lighting, or scents can make a big difference,” Baker explains.
Have spontaneous dates
“Incorporate spontaneous and adventurous activities into your routine,” Baker says. “Plan surprise dates, try new activities together, or even set up a staycation at home with themed nights or special meals.”
Prioritise quality time
“Make a conscious effort to spend uninterrupted time together, focusing on each other without distractions,” Baker says. “This can help build emotional intimacy and connection.”
Communicate desires
“Openly discuss your sexual desires and fantasies with your partner,” Baker advises. “Being transparent about what you both enjoy and want to try can help recreate the excitement and anticipation felt on holiday.”
Make sex a priority
“To recreate that holiday feeling at home, make your sex life a priority,” Holland advises. “Actively communicate about it, and schedule some time each week for intimacy which doesn't necessarily mean having sex, it could be giving each other a massage, but it's important to prioritise time to connect together away from the stresses of daily life.
“Many couples struggle because they come back from holiday and expect intimacy to continue but you can't just make that assumption. It's important to communicate with your partner to make sure you both put in the effort to maintain it.”
Additional reporting by SWNS.
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