Sea, sex, and sun. These three words—so beautifully sung by Serge Gainsbourg—may seem somewhat outdated at first glance. However, they reflect a scientifically proven reality: we have a higher libido and have more sex on vacation, especially when it’s in the summer. A 2015 study by IFOP found that 54% of respondents said they have more sex while on vacation.
“It’s certainly one thing I love most about vacations: we finally have time for each other and for more sex!” confirms Laurie, 31, who has been in a steady relationship for seven years. Laurie explains that during the year, she rarely feels like having sex. This is because she is very busy professionally, running her own business.
After a workday, she has little time and energy left. “My boyfriend is also self-employed. We both work a lot and hard. That, combined with household chores, means we are exhausted by the end of the day and have little desire for sex,” she agrees.
Routine kills libido
The explanation is not hard to find. While vacation stands for enjoyment, repetitive, stressful, and tiring obligations often accompany the rest of the year. These cause our sex life to take a back seat.
“Throughout the year, individuals are confronted with various things that hold them back but must be respected out of necessity,” emphasises psychoanalyst Valérie Sengler. “Exercising, eating balanced meals, seeking culture, going out, and meeting friends: the modern lifestyle leaves less and less room for rest and sex,” agrees Isabelle Alet, sexologist, in an article for Marie Claire France.
Laziness pays off
On vacation, there is little to do. No emails come in, and there are no meetings. It is therefore not surprising that our libido has more room and time to fully express itself when the only obligation of the day is to line up at the hotel’s breakfast buffet before 10 a.m. “Less pressure, fewer worries, less thinking. All this leads to more sexual activity in the summer,” explains Sengler.
Sengler emphasises that doing less positively influences our libido. However, she also warns that having more sex on vacation is not a must. Try to enjoy it, she advises. “The ‘sexy’ connotation that summer has sometimes leads couples—and singles—to feel obligated to intensify their sex life, especially if it’s less active during the year.”
Sun, light, and endorphins
But less mental pressure and more free time during vacation are not the only reasons for increased sexual desire. Other natural aphrodisiacs also play a role. “Sunlight gives people energy,” says Helen Fisher, chief scientific advisor for the dating app Match, in an article for Bustle.
“During the winter months, when there is less light, the pineal gland in the brain produces melatonin. As a result, we are slower and sleepier. Conversely, as it becomes lighter in spring and summer, melatonin production decreases. We have more energy and are more optimistic, both of which increase our libido.”
Finally, pleasant weather boosts our happiness hormone, improving our mood and self-confidence—both key ingredients for a satisfying sex life. “Unlike other mammals, humans are sexually active all year round. The frequency is more or less the same,” notes relationship therapist Philippe Brenot in Libération. “However, there is a clear uptick in spring when we produce more sex hormones and men’s testicles increase in size.” All this provides yet another reason to seek sun and rest throughout the year.
Based on an article from marieclaire.fr
This article was syndicated from Marie Claire Belgium Flemish
Translated and adapted by Praise Vandeh, Marie Claire Nigeria Content Writer
