Don’t Make Your Vacation Memorable for the Wrong Reason

February 15, 2010

Don’t Make Your Vacation Memorable for the Wrong Reason

While the Internet is about world-wide connection, we’re all somewhere staring at a screen. I happen to be in Vancouver Canada, where the 2010 Winter Olympics are well underway. The mix of emotions is heady. From the shocked reactions to the death of Luger Nodar Kumaritashvili to the inevitable euphoria that goes with competition (I just watched Canada’s Alexandre Bilodeau win Gold in Men’s Moguls), this event and the accompanying festivities make the West Coast alive with energy. Saturday night I went to the Olympic Flame, along with thousands of others decked out with cameras and maps. Whether you’re an Olympics enthusiast or not, if you’re strolling through downtown you’re surrounded by people in vacation mode, ready for a good time.

It’s true that for many of us, a holiday means we’re going to do things we might not do at home – that’s the point of getting away. As I was watching people last night, eyes vivid and excited, I figured getting lucky might apply to more than the athletes. And “vacation-mind” can be a real downfall when it comes to looking out for your own best interests.

When we’re away from home, there’s a sensibility that we can step out of reality- money we spend doesn’t count towards debt, food we eat won’t affect our bodies, and sexual connections can be made without consequences. Of course that isn’t the case, as our bank balances and bodies will attest.

Wherever you may go to leave your everyday life behind, plan to have sex. Even if you’re fresh out a bad relationship and have sworn off intimate interactions with anyone, it’s good to plan. That’s the joy of holiday: who knows what could happen? You might not think you’re at risk for an STI, and hopefully you’re not, but given certain choices, you could be. Are you up on safe sex? Are you comfortable using condoms or dental dams? If you’re ready for sex with supplies, you can let the fun unfold. It’s much better than running around at midnight trying to find some. Or ditching the safe sex idea all together because you figure you don’t need birth control, given your partner or your point in life.

Bottom line is (no pun intended), if you’re exchanging body fluids, you’re at risk for STIs. Even skin to skin contact makes you vulnerable to infections like HPV or pubic lice.

If you’re heading out for winter fun or a sunny destination, don’t leave home without safe sex savvy. You might want to have a really good time, and you don’t want to bring home a souvenir that’s not to your liking.

- Janet

Check this Out: If you are one of the thousands in Vancouver at the winter Olympics, Safe Games 2010 can offer information on where to get free condoms and support information.

This blog represents the ideas of individual writers, and does not necessarily reflect any formal stance taken by Positive Women's Network.

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