Summer beckons and so do summer holidays.
There’s nothing sexier than a hotel room – which is why more than 50 per cent of couples say they’re far more likely to have sex on vacation than at home.
We’re also more likely to have adventurous sex – which usually means packing props like your favourite sex toys.
Anyone who has ever travelled with a sex toy in their hand luggage usually has a story to tell – most involving gleefully mischievous (or downright nasty) security staff who tend to pounce, then parade them for all to see.
After a few incidents of staff humiliating passengers who’ve gone on to press charges, that’s less likely to happen than before.
But never say never: board embarrassment-free by following these simple tips.
If you’re checking in baggage, I’d strongly advise putting all your sex toys into your main suitcase.
But what if you’re only taking carry-on luggage? The absolute first thing to do in that case is…
Check your destination
Some countries won’t allow you to bring in sex toys – and you might be surprised which!
If it’s somewhere like Dubai, that has strict laws about bringing in anything that’s ‘immoral’ or against Islamic teachings, don’t even think about attempting to get away with it. Other countries that may not be happy to find a rabbit hopping about in your bag: The Maldives, Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates, Thailand, Vietnam, Malaysia and India. (Rules change all the time, so do a quick search before you go – they might be fine about it now, other countries suddenly might not be.)
If they find something, they’ll confiscate it. You might get away with a small, discreetly shaped vibe (a powerful bullet vibe or one that’s pebble-shaped, rather than long and cylindrical) but then again, you might not. Do you really want the hassle?
Remove the batteries
The destination’s fine, you just don’t want to be embarrassed? Remove any batteries to stop it accidentally turning itself on. Swear all you like it’s your toothbrush but no one’s going to believe you.
You’ll either need to store the batteries in your main luggage (you can’t travel with batteries in your hand baggage) or buy some more when you get to where you’re going.
If your toy is rechargeable, you could make sure it’s almost out of power (just make sure you’ve packed your leads to recharge). If it’s a new toy, check to see if it has a travel lock function, which locks the controls so it can’t be set off accidentally. Most new toys do.
Put it in a see-through bag
Security staff wear gloves for a reason: they’re touching hundreds of items that don’t belong to them every day.
The last thing you want is those same hands all over your vibrator, so put it in a clear plastic bag so they won’t need to pull it out to have a look.
What to say if challenged
Sometimes staff will ask you what it is for genuine reasons (they’re naïve and/or have never seen one in that shape before and are worried it’s a security risk). More often, they know exactly what it is but want to liven up an otherwise boring day by putting you on the spot.
If this happens, just look them directly in the eye when asked to explain and simply say it’s a sex toy (your vibrator, personal device): the less embarrassed you look, the less fuss they’ll make.
If you’re bringing lube with you, remember it’s a liquid so has to conform to requirements (less than 100ml). Buy some travel-size pouches or pack it with the rest of your cosmetics in check-in luggage.
Also be aware that you aren’t allowed to pack anything longer than seven inches in hand luggage.
You might not intend clubbing someone over the head with your rabbit, but the fact is, you could!
Pack plug adapters
Nothing is more frustrating than laying all those sexy goodies on the bed in anticipation, then realising you haven’t got the right plug adapter to charge them.
Do a quick search beforehand to check you’ve packed the right plug for the right country.
