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NEW YORK — It’s getting hot this summer, but it has nothing to do with the weather! Two in five Americans (41%) say they’re looking for a romantic fling during the summer vacation season — even if they aren’t single!
The survey of 2,000 sexually active adults also 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. For those who don’t know, a “meet-cute” is when two strangers meet under humorous or charming circumstances and end up in a romantic relationship.
Despite 95% of respondents in relationships saying they’re planning to stay with their current partner this summer, a quarter are also interested in “taking a little break” for a summer fling (26%). Americans are also looking to get frisky while traveling out of town, with another 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%), with the average person saying two summer hookups would fulfill their fantasies.
Looking at how people perfect their vacation vibe, 79% pack their very best clothes 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 spicy moments happen, Americans believe that what happens on vacation should stay there — even if you’re not in Las Vegas!
Thirty-seven percent of respondents said that vacation relationships should stay as one-night stands or only last during the trip. Just 23% think the romance should continue after the vacation ends. They may be speaking from experience, since 42% have already 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,” says Luka Matutinovic, chief marketing officer of LELO, in a statement. “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 right atmosphere (42%). Others would bring along items to spice up their bedroom time like lingerie (45%) or sex toys (41%).
“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,” adds 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?”
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).