Going on holiday and escaping the daily grind does wonders, not just for peace of mind, but for bringing out the wilder side in people.
Getting away from it all gives tourists a tantalising combination of more headspace and more spare time, so it’s little wonder that people are engaging in more bedroom activities.
In fact, a whopping 86 per cent of Aussies have more sex with their partner when on a trip while 73 per cent take it one step further having more adventurous sex – such as outdoors, in public locations and even threesomes.
The research conducted by Travello, a leading provider of travel experiences, is based on the travel habits and behaviours of 1438 Australians aged 18 to 54.
It revealed romance plays a significant part in an authentic and exhilarating travel experience whether this is spontaneous vacation sex with a spouse or a sexy fling with an out-of-towner.
Ryan Hanly, Co-Founder and CEO of Travello told news.com.au the study uncovers the significant impact holidays can have on personal relationships.
Our study uncovers the closer connection between travel and romance for Australians, showcasing the significant effect that holidays have on relationships and how travel helps to bring couples closer.
“The results offer a distinct understanding of the transformative power of travel on relationships,” Mr Hanly said.
“Whether this means reigniting the passion in a long-term relationship or generating new and thrilling experiences with a romantic partner, holidays provide an ideal atmosphere for couples to strengthen their bonds.
“With that being said, we’re not totally shocked by the amount of responses to more sex on holidays.”
And nor is Australian couples therapist Shahn Baker Sorekli.
The My Love Your Love app co-founder said generally speaking, when you have more time with your partner, with less stress and more adventure, you tend to feel more excited and more connected.
“The best indicator of regular sex in relationships is positive connection. Holidays are a great way to boost your connection with your partner,” Mr Sorekli told news.com.au.
He said it’s no secret that high levels of stress can lead to reduced libido, but when on holiday, it tends to be the opposite.
“We all underestimate how stressful our daily routine can be let alone adding the extra stress of finances, work, relationships and family,” he explained.
“When you are on holiday it is easier to mentally remove yourself from the stress and be more present because you have taken yourself out of your regular environment.”
The Sydney-based psychologist said there’s something special about shedding part of our responsibilities, inhibitions and our identity when on holidays.
“Without realising, our sense of who we are is often shaped by social norms, family expectations and our perceived judgment from others,” he said.
“When we are overseas on holidays, even as a couple we feel more unencumbered and free to express ourselves and try new things without fear of judgment.
“This is likely why many people can relate to feeling more adventurous either in or out of the bedroom when overseas on holidays.”
Big holiday sex mistake
However, Mr Sorekli said one of the biggest sex mistakes couples can make on holidays is forcing the issue before you have unwound and connected.
“Sure, if you are both up for it, get those juices flowing and go for it. But in my experience as a couples therapist, it is not unusual for one or both partners to be actually going into holidays with some thoughts about the state of their sex life.
“If one partner comes on too strong or both force the issue it can lead to unsatisfying sex or even worse anxiety and performance issues.”
Mr Sorekli said he often hears that relationships improve on holidays, but for others it’s not always the case.
Travello’s findings revealed that one-in-five people have ended a holiday early due to an argument, while one-in-eight have ended it altogether during a trip.
Mr Sorekli said while holidays can be far less stressful with minimal problems to deal with, on return from holidays the same conflict cycles can re-emerge.
“In this case we highly recommend couples seek couples therapy,” he advised.
“Alternatively, the My Love Your Love couples app is a great alternative as its combined cost for both partners over a year is less than one therapy session.”
He said the app also offers the convenience of relationship coaching and other fun and exciting challenges.
