Travellers fail to take precautions

19/08/11

Dan Smith

With the summer holiday season still in full swing, it seems a number of UK travellers are jeopardising their sexual health by having unprotected relations with others.

According to figures published by the Co-operative Pharmacy, while on a trip away from home, 35 per cent of people have had unprotected sex with a new partner or someone they do not know.

Of those in their 50s, around 16% were unlikely to take precautions. This compares to 4 per cent of people aged between 26 and 30.

A number of factors were cited as reasons why people sometimes avoid protecting themselves when on holiday.

According to the study, a lack of condom availability was one reason, while the influence of alcohol has also affected the judgement of some.

Commenting on the study, pharmacist Lisa McCreesh said: "On holiday people often get more amorous. We are urging people to remember that condoms provide the most effective protection against STIs."