Travelers that hook up abroad might be less likely to practice safe sex
The sexual habits of backpackers and travelers may have become less safe, according to two studies published this week in the medical journal Sexually Transmitted Infections.
One, the British National Survey of Sexual Attitudes & Lifestyles, found that 1,071 of 12,530 respondents who reported having at least one sexual partner in the preceding five years had engaged in sexual activity with a new partner while overseas.
The second study found that travelers of different nationalities have different safe sex practices, and nearly 37% of responders reported no or inconsistent condom use.
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“At a population level, those reporting new partners while overseas continue to be a high risk group, being more likely to report sexual risk behaviors,” the authors wrote. “In an era of growing antibiotic resistance and continuing HIV transmission, targeting unsafe sex in [travelers] has the potential to reduce STI incidence internationally.”
Combined, the studies suggest that not only do many travelers find romance abroad, but that they are less likely to be safe when they do.
Risky sexual behavior among travelers is even more concerning to public health because of the spread of the Zika virus.
“We’re not judgmental (and we’re certainly not the fun police!), but we are concerned about the long-term damage that can be caused by unprotected sex and encourage travelers to prepare themselves accordingly,” Christopher Lewis, an author of the first study who is at the Institute of Clinical Sciences at the University of Birmingham, told Mashable. “In the heat of the moment, condoms may not be at the forefront of your mind — but consistent condom use is the most effective way of preventing spread of STIs during sex.”
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If you're planning on engaging in sexual activity while on a trip, experts say the best advice is to always be prepared.
“Our advice to all travelers, irrespective of gender, age or pre-travel expectations,” said Lewis. “Throw a few condoms in your wash kit – just in case!”
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