Over half of Americans say the best sex of their life was on vacation

Two in five Americans are looking for a summer fling (41%), according to new research.

A survey of 2,000 sexually active adults found that while 74% of single respondents are dreaming of a meet-cute ahead of vacation, they’re not the only ones looking for excitement.

Despite 95% of respondents in relationships saying they will stay with their partner this summer, a quarter are also interested in a summer fling (26%).

Americans are looking to get frisky out of town, with 26% saying they will try to have a romantic encounter with someone while on vacation, including 17% of those in a relationship.

Conducted by Talker Research for LELO, the survey found that more than a third of all respondents expressed interest in vacation hookups (37%), averaging that hooking up with two people would fulfill their fantasies.

Looking at how people perfect their vacation vibe, 79% pack their very best for their travels.

The majority of these respondents are dressed to impress on vacation, sharing that the opportunity to meet someone new plays a role in what they wear (64%).

When these romantic moments happen, Americans believe that what happens on vacation should stay there.

Thirty-seven percent of respondents said that vacation relationships should stay one-night stands or last during the trip. Just 23% think the romance should last beyond the vacation.

They may be speaking from experience since 42% have had a romantic encounter with someone they met on vacation.

They detailed their experiences as “exciting, spontaneous and intense,” involved “a lot of role reversal and experimental activities” and that “it was fun because it was forbidden like a romance novel.”

“In today's fast-paced world, unwinding and reconnecting with yourself is more important than ever,” said Luka Matutinovic, chief marketing officer of LELO. “Traveling with your significant other, friends or even alone offers a unique opportunity to step away from the daily routine and experience new things! In fact, often the best memories are sometimes made when plans are left behind. And the freedom that comes from visiting somewhere you have never been and no one knows you allows your desires to run wild as well.”

Looking back on this, 52% of those surveyed said they’ve had the best sex of their life while on vacation.

Eight in 10 Americans in relationships are looking to bring that excitement to their partner, sharing that a vacation would reinvigorate their sex life.

The survey also looked at how people get steamy on vacation, finding that 31% are more likely to be sexually adventurous on vacation.

Two in three are interested in new sensual experiences while traveling and are likely to try to create a unique or unforgettable sexual experience with their partner.

For some, this includes taking advantage of their setting by being intimate in a romantic location (53%), trying out new positions (52%) or setting the atmosphere (42%).

Others would bring along items to spice up their bedroom time like lingerie (45%) or sex toys (41%).

More than half of respondents said they’re particularly interested in using sex toys to enhance a romantic encounter while on vacation (56%).

“Prompted by the recent pandemic, people have become more aware of their physical and mental health, leading them to travel more in order to achieve and maintain the best health and life balance,” said Matutinovic. “Still, sometimes the journey is more than just reaching the destination. It is about the fun you have getting there, as well as the enjoyment once you arrive. The same is true with pleasure. So why not bring the pleasure from home with you while you’re on the go?

The sexual wellness industry is responding to this by creating more and more discreet toys that you can take with you and greatly enhance your pleasure during travels, regardless of whether you are in a relationship or solo. So go on, book that holiday. You will not have to buy a new suitcase or fear getting flagged by the airport security to experience new highs once you get there.”

Survey methodology:

This random double-opt-in survey of 2,000 sexually active Americans was commissioned by LELO between June 4 and June 10, 2024. It was conducted by market research company Talker Research, whose team members are members of the Market Research Society (MRS) and the European Society for Opinion and Marketing Research (ESOMAR).