Good Vibrations Magazine

For two weeks I forgot who I was. Not literally, of course, but I forgot about my “regular” life. My job (sex toys, what?), my responsibilities (what falling down fence in the backyard?), my daily routine (I forgot all about you express bus). I didn’t forget about my doggies, but knew they were in capable hands so I didn’t have any worries.

I went on vacation. Jumped on a plane with my sweetie and went to a place far, far away. We were lucky enough to have been part of a friend’s birthday celebration. He grew up in Sydney, Australia, and invited friends to come celebrate his 40^th birthday with him, down-under style. With glee, we did.

Thus began our two weeks of bliss: A champagne-filled boat tour of the harbor, dinner at the Opera House, a trip to the wine country and the beautiful Blue Mountains, beaches and more beaches, bats in the park, feeding kangaroos, a trip to the local leather shop for a nice memento (it so happened to be Leather Week in Sydney!) and a tequila-soaked night of dancing at the clubs on Oxford Street. Last but not least, there was the vacation sex.

You probably know what I mean. You’re in a new place, a new bed, new sheets (and if you’re lucky they’re not white), with new neighbors you don’t have to meet, much less see daily. Your pets or kids aren’t on the bed. You can sleep in. Your cell phone doesn’t work. You didn’t bring your laptop. You’re relaxed and happy (if your vacation is going well; if you’re in an Open Water situation, probably not so much) and, most likely, reconnecting with your lover in a way you haven’t since your last vacation, or since you were first together.

I asked one of my coworkers if he thought “vacation sex” was different than “everyday sex” and he agreed:

“Yes, I think vacation sex is way different. If you’re in a couple, then being away from your regular haunts at different times is sure to add some spice to the event…maybe an opportunity to experiment. If you’re single, then being in a new place opens up all kinds of opportunities - meeting new people, setting up a whole new identity for the duration of your trip, trying something you’ve always wanted to but couldn’t get up the nerve, etc.”

I came across this posting recently by Amy Ziff that discusses not “vacation sex” per se, (although she does mention that Danny DeVito recently used that phrase when referring to staying in the Lincoln bedroom) but “procreate vacations” and “babymoons”:

“Though I get it, really I do. Women are having children at a later age, many while trying to balance careers, so getting away to relax and help things along makes sense. So do babymoons, which have generated lots of buzz for savvy resorts eager to pamper couples before their lives change forever, and they don’t have time to…well, you get it by now.”

I know I’m not breaking any new ground here; it’s a no-brainer that happiness and relaxation leads to better sex. I just want to remind everyone, especially those who haven’t taken a vacation in a while, that it’s important to leave your “normal” life sometimes. For me personally, this was hard, as I thrive on routine and stableness, but once I surrendered to vacation mode, and got onto that plane and trusted that my house and dogs would be okay in my absence, well…I breathed a bit deeper and felt more “in my skin” than I have in a long time.

In looking up “relaxation and sex” I came across this article. In it, the author Adam Khan discusses the benefits of profound relaxation, or the kind of relaxation that relaxes your mind and body. He also describes a basic technique to produce a “relaxation response.”

“You can help your children and your spouse and your friends and your co-workers be healthier, happier and have better relationships just by relaxing yourself…

Everything goes better with relaxation. Work. Relationships. Social interaction. Talking with children. Sex. Relaxation is good.”

So, if a vacation is not in your near future, and you’re feeling a little worn-down, stressed and non-sexual, this kind of relaxation exercise could be just the thing to help you breathe new life into your body, mind and sex life. I know that sounds a bit “woo woo” for me, but when I think back about how I felt, sitting on a beach in the sun, I am now a true believer in relaxation (and I promise myself that I’ll at least try these relaxation techniques). Relaxed sex is definitely good sex, no matter where you are!

As each day passes, my vacation memories get a little fuzzier and my “everyday” life edges back in a little bit more, and I find myself thinking, “was I really across the world, barefoot on a boat, drinking champagne just a few weeks ago?” And then I look at my vacation photos for the 20^th time and take a deep breath.

On a side note: for all of you travelers out there, keep an eye out for our new summer mailer, with great suggestions for toys to take with you! If you aren’t on our mailing list, you can sign up here!

My own personal pick for a summer trip? It has to be the Angelina. It’s the coolest toy I’ve seen in a while, and I see ‘em all!