Researchers from the University of Illinois tried to understand what triggers women to take moresex risks while on holiday. Their report used in-depth interviews with 13 women in the US and an anonymous online survey of 853 women.

Findings show the reaons for increased sex risks. Women were asked to score the reasons on a scale of 1 (strongly inhibits) to 5 (strongly facilitates). Here are the findings:

1. Alcohol consumption – 4.31
2. The party-scene at the destination – 4.15
3. Being detached from everyday norms – 4.12
4. Being in a break-loose mood – 4.1
5. Feeling more sexually confident – 4.09
6. Having lots of free leisure time – 3.99
7. A scene where revealing clothing is appropriate – 3.95
8. Consuming recreational drugs – 3.92
9. Feeling invincible in terms of risk consequences – 3.91
10. A permissive sexual atmosphere – 3.86
11. A touristic fun-oriented mentality – 3.84
12. Being anonymous – 3.83
13. A lack of social expectations – 3.8
14. The ability to leave bad experiences behind – 3.79
15. The beach scene at the destination – 3.75
16. Feeling like a different person – 3.71
17. Not expecting a lasting relationship – 3.67
18. Meeting new people – 3.65

Women in steady relationships were most likely to have sex on relaxation holidays (90.3%) while singles found their inhibitions drop while on group tours (49.8%)

Another study found that the sea, sun and sangria makes women underestimate the risk of casual sex when they go abroad. This increases their chance of catching an STI.