Given how life has us rushing from one task to another, one of the few times we really relax is when we're on holiday. It's a time to kick back and reconnect with ourselves and our partners. It's no surprise that many of us find our libidos coming back to life and enjoying more sex on holiday than we do at home.
For many, getting re-acquainted with a neglected sex life means having our favorite sex toys on hand. After all, they boost pleasure, They look a little more like hairbands than sex toys, so are unlikely to cause problems during a baggage search.for many women, they need them to climax.
In a recent survey by Sandals Resorts,
- 51% of those interviewed said they felt closest to their partner when on vacation,
- 73% that the sex was more satisfying away from their routine distractions,
- And 80% were planning on prioritizing intimacy upon returning home.
However, if we're flying to the other side of the world, you can't help but worry about getting them through airport security and how those awkward and embarrassing moments might play out.
Here, we're looking at the kind of situations that can crop up and how to navigate them. There's no need to go without your favorite toys—after all, if you're going to maximize your holiday passion, you're going to need the right tools for the job.
At A Glance:
- Know the Local Laws: Research your destination's laws on sex toys and sexual activity, as some countries, especially in the Middle East and Southeast Asia, prohibit or criminalize them. This also applies to LGBTQ+ travelers.
- Pack Discreetly: Keep sex toys in checked luggage for privacy, and consider using labeled bags or cases. Ensure batteries are removed to avoid accidental activation during travel.
- Batteries and Liquids: Remove batteries from toys or fully discharge them before packing. Be mindful of liquid restrictions for lubricants and cleaners in carry-on bags.
- Cultural Sensitivity: Respect the cultural norms of your destination regarding sexuality, even for heterosexual couples. In some places, public displays of affection or possession of erotic materials could lead to legal trouble.
- Privacy and Hotel Policies: Use lockable travel cases to keep toys private from hotel staff and others. Check hotel policies in conservative regions to avoid potential issues.
1. Research and Understand Local Laws
Traveling with sex toys on domestic flights or flying back into the country isn't a problem, according to the TSA. You can pack them in your carry-on luggage or checked luggage. That said, it's illegal to sell sex toys in several states in the South, and if you own or carry more than five such 'obscene devices,' you could be charged with intent to sell. If you're going on a road trip, check the local laws before setting off.
However, not all countries are as liberal and free-thinking as the US. Many Eastern cultures are vastly different from the Western World; for example, sex toys are illegal or can be problematic when visiting the countries shown below.
List of Countries Where Sex Toys Can be Illegal/Problematic
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Saudi Arabia |
Vietnam |
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United Arab Emirates (UAE) |
Indonesia |
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India |
Kuwait |
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Thailand |
Qatar |
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Malaysia |
Maldives |
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Singapore |
Oman |
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Egypt |
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To find out more about the country you plan to visit, Travel.State.Gov explains the legal and cultural aspects of hundreds of destinations and provides guides and advice for all kinds of unexpected events.
International movers, Four Winds of Saudi Arabia, included sex toys in the top five items commonly confiscated at airports. Most of the countries on our list follow the same or very similar rules, considering sex toys as pornographic material, and are banned.
In some, you may be arrested and face court action for trying to bring them into the country.
LGBQT+ travelers are advised to check their holiday destinations even more thoroughly, as (at the time of writing) same-sex activities are criminalized by law in 60 countries, punishable by life in prison or the death penalty in the strictest countries. There are also plenty of countries whose culture and legal system don't approve of sex outside marriage for heterosexual couples, so it's worth checking the legal system if you're planning a romantic trip with your new partner or love interest.
It's essential to check each country's laws and culture to be clear on what you can and can't bring, what's acceptable behavior between couples, and most importantly, what to leave at home.
Helpful Tips
As well as the TSA, contact the airline you're traveling with to familiarize yourself with cultural and legal differences in their country.
Also, it's essential to research the cultural standards and laws about sex and sexuality in your holiday destinations. Nobody wants a romantic getaway to end in a prison sentence.
2. Pack Discreetly and Safely
Traveling with toys in a checked bag ensures that any searches will happen away from prying eyes—and be far less embarrassing. Placing them all together in their own bag or box will help, and labeling them so there's no mistake about what's inside can also help.
If you're traveling with your toys in your hand luggage, putting them in a clearly labeled clear bag will help any security staff see exactly what they are immediately, avoiding any awkward conversations.
Helpful Tips
Regarding safety concerns, remove batteries where possible or run down each rechargeable vibrator. There are countless stories of security staff opening bags and cases emitting an unusual buzzing sound, only to find a vibrator had managed to turn itself on during transit. Whether such stories are true or not, do you really want to be the one explaining that to the bomb squad?
3. Choose Carry-on vs. Checked Luggage Carefully
Despite the TSA stating that sex toys are acceptable items for your checked bags and carry-on luggage, there are things you still need to consider before picking your preferred option.
If airport security spots something they can't clearly recognize at first glance, at any security checkpoint you pass through (typically while scanning hand luggage), how would you face having your bags searched and having to explain what masturbation sleeves are or having the travelers queueing behind you watch on as security brings out a giant penis-shaped vibrator?
We understand that packing your most valued and valuable vibrators and sex toys in your suitcase has a risk of them being broken or lost in transit.
Keeping them close by and in your carry-on bag will ensure their utmost safety, but it could put you at risk of those awkward situations we'd all rather avoid.
Helpful Tips
To ensure their safety in a checked bag or suitcase, place them between your clothes to add protection, use a special travel case, or keep them in their original packaging.
Even if you're not staying in one of the countries on our 'prohibited' list, having sex toys in your carry-on bag while catching connecting flights in them can still land you in legal trouble.
If you choose to bring your sex toys in your carry-on bag, again, placing them in a clear plastic bag and adding a label so the security staff know exactly what they are is a great idea; 'sex toys' will do just fine. That should help avoid awkward questions and keep your toys hygienically clean and free from strangers' probing fingers.
4. Think About Batteries and Liquids
We mentioned how certain toys have magically switched themselves on, emitting a vibrating sound security staff can't figure out. There are two options: removing batteries or running rechargeable vibrators to zero before packing.
If you're bringing a few of your favorite fun toys along for the ride, you'll need some toy cleaner and, more than likely, some lube
While you can carry up to 100ml of liquids in your hand luggage, if you're likely to need a little more than that, it's probably worth keeping them in your checked luggage.
Helpful Tips
Some airlines have restrictions against particular batteries, alkaline or lithium being two or the main culprits. Checking with your airline in advance can help you through airport security without an unnecessary search or unwanted hiccups.
Check the plugs/sockets and voltages used at your destination. If your toys operate on a different system than at home, you'll need adapters for plug-in toys or those that charge via mains power. USB toys can be a better option, as you can charge them from your laptop or a portable power pack.
You might not need your specialist cleaners if you're already bringing wipes, toiletries, and washing products. If your toys are washable in hot or soapy water, you can afford to leave that extra bottle at home. For peace of mind, you can always give them a thorough wash and clean with your chosen toy cleaner on your return.
5. Understand TSA Guidelines
It's important to understand TSA guidelines before packing your bags. For example, 'tools' less than 7" are allowed in your carry-on bag; so if your dildo is king-size, perhaps it's better packed in your checked luggage.
Also, anything that looks like it may be used as a weapon (BDSM people—we're looking at you!) isn't permitted in carry-on bags.
You know it's not a weapon, and we know it's not a weapon, but if it looks like it might be used to torture someone or just big enough to be a useful bludgeon, it's better in your checked bags. That also goes for harnesses, ropes, whips, shackles, and anything that will set off the metal detectors at airport security.
Helpful Tips
The TSA has an enormous list of what you can and can't travel with and where to pack them on its What can I bring? directory.
6. Think About Hygiene
Hygiene is essential, home or away. Keeping your toys clean means having the means to do so, yet many specialized toy cleaners come in pretty big bottles. Ensure you give all your toys a thorough clean before putting them in a sealed bag.
Helpful Tips
A small packet of baby wipes or travel-sized bottles of toy cleaner will keep things clean and hygienic without impacting valuable space in your luggage. Decanting enough cleaner for your trip into a smaller bottle will save space—just remember to label it accordingly.
7. Consider Travel-Friendly Toys
It's unlikely that your selection of sex toys is going to tip you over the luggage weight limit, but bigger toys will take up valuable suitcase space. Also, as we discussed in our carry-on vs. checked-bags section, having a security guard waving around a dildo that looks just like a penis is quite different from revealing a more discreet toy, such as a bullet-shaped vibrator or butt plug.
Helpful Tips
Small vibrators are perfect for travelers. They take up less space and still pack the punch you need to get the job done. They'll fit in a toiletry bag, neatly out of the way.
If you're traveling to India, where sex toys are prohibited, you can take a body massager, as long as none of the attachments are shaped like genitals—a body massager with a large bulb attachment (like a Magic Wand) will make a great replacement for a less-discreetly shaped toy.
8. Plan for Privacy
Whether traveling home or overseas, keeping your private possessions safe is a priority. It doesn't matter if your prime concerns are keeping them away from hotel staff or avoiding having to explain why you've got a funny-shaped buzzing toy to a curious young family member who's been rooting around in your case—private is private—so make sure you plan for it.
Helpful Tips
A good travel lock or lockable toy box can help avoid a multitude of issues, as can a hotel room safe.
9. Be Aware of Cultural Sensitivities
When taking a trip overseas, especially a 'romantic' break to the countries on our list, it's a good idea to research the local culture for behavioral red flags. As we mentioned, there are still many cultures where homosexuality is illegal, and displays of same-sex affection can result in severe legal consequences.
Even straight couples need to be aware—and that includes the married ones—it's not only sex toys that are considered 'pornographic' material or 'obscene objects' in some of these countries. Any kind of erotica, including drawings and literature, regularly results in serious consequences.
Helpful Tips
Do your research thoroughly—and if you're not sure, err on the side of caution. It's not worth taking any risks that could result in hefty fines, arrests, or jail time.
10. Check Hotel Policies
While you might have the legal side of what a country dictates covered, individual hotel policies are at the discretion of the owners/managers and may be different from what you expect.
Helpful Tips
It's worth checking individual hotel policies to avoid embarrassment or eviction, especially in conservative regions, states, and countries.
11. Keep Up to Date with Changing Rules
New rules surrounding travel are introduced every year (including those concerning sex, sexuality, and traveling with sex toys). While the laws surrounding sex toys in other countries seem insignificant to us, you could still end up in serious trouble if you don't pay enough attention to what's allowed and what isn't.
Helpful Tips
For up-to-date information, check Travel.State.Gov. The Learn About Your Destination feature has travel advisories and alerts at the top of the page. Scrolling down, you'll find all the essential information for your visit, including passport validity, entry, exit, and visa requirements, local laws and special circumstances, and where to find additional travel information where necessary.
12. Some Travel Toy Recommendations
There are plenty of toys recommended for travel by retailers, manufacturers, and sex educators. Here are a few of our favorite suggestions and why we think they're such a good idea.
| TRAVEL TOY RECOMMENDATIONS | WHY IT'S GOOD FOR TRAVEL |
Silicone Cock Ring Set
 |
They look a little more like hairbands than sex toys, so are unlikely to cause problems during a baggage search. |
Tenga Flex |
This cool-looking spinning and flexible stroker has a unique and discreet look, nothing like you'd expect from a sex toy. |
Fleshlight Flight Pilot Compact Male Masturbator |
The fact that it has Flight Pilot in its name is no coincidence; this Fleshlight is designed for travel by being smaller and more compact than the original—and at first glance, it looks nothing like a traditional sex toy. |
Hitachi Magic Wand |
It's rechargeable—so no batteries to worry about—and could easily be passed off as a back, foot, or neck massager. |
Homme 'Ace' Prostate Massager |
Another rechargeable toy, this luxury prostate massager has a discreet shape and packs a powerful punch. It's waterproof, easy to use and clean, and if you're limited by luggage space, it works just as well hitting the female G-spot (just remember to thoroughly clean your shared toys between uses). |
Summary
It looks like sex is regularly on the agenda for so many of us when on vacation. Taking your toys on holiday is a great way to add a little extra spark and sensuality to your trip. Just make sure you get them there in one piece without any embarrassing hiccups.
To maximize the pleasure and potential of your intimate breaks, it's essential to research which destinations will cater to your every whim and need and which could turn the whole trip into a disaster.
Pay attention to different countries' laws and cultures around sex, sexuality, and relationships, and you shouldn't go too far wrong. But be warned, if you fail to exercise enough care and due diligence in your planning, you could be swapping your hotel suite for a prison cell.