It's that time of year again!

We go on vacation to have a good time, to get away from it all, to have some fun. For some of us, a holiday romance is a lucky bonus - there's something about the sun that just makes people look a little bit better. That tasty looking waiter who gave you the eye, the girl you met on the beach. . . there's nothing wrong with that, and it gives you a nice memory to go home with. If you're single, you might go on holiday looking for that sort of fun. If you're not single - well, what they don't know won't hurt them! Or will it?

While you might be worrying about 'Spanish-tummy', HIV is the most common lethal infection affecting travellers these days, and straight sex is the most common way people become infected. You need to be aware of the risks and be careful - or you could end up going home with more than a hangover and a suntan. . . Those sunny photos won't be quite as nice after a positive HIV test. And that's not the nicest souvenir you could bring back for your partner or family.

Besides - do you really want to tell Ms or Mr. Perfect you can't go home with them because you might have picked up something the week before? Not a pretty thought, is it?

That doesn't really happen!

Doesn't it? In the UK, for example, most people newly diagnosed with HIV were infected in another country. Some of them are immigrants, some of them are holiday-makers like yourself - but what it does show is that other countries aren't always safe just because they're warm and the people are friendly. Think about it.

You don't have to be gay or a drug user to get HIV - in fact, most of the people who are positive aren't in either of these groups. No-one plans to become infected - it's something that happens by accident - and it doesn't matter what age you are, how many times you've had sex, or what country you're in. HIV is international, and if you're going on holiday, that's something you've got to remember.

Most people on holiday want to relax, to go clubbing, to do things they don't normally do at home. But people can behave in ways they normally wouldn't at home, too - and with sexually transmitted infections on the up you need to make sure you protect yourself both at home and on holiday.

And you don't have to go abroad to become infected with HIV or an STD - it can happen at home just as easily - something people often forget when they go for a weekend away in their own country.

But it's just a quiet little place!

Many popular holiday destinations are hotspots for HIV- Spain and Jamaica, for example. Lots of people seem not to realise the risks involved in getting off with someone from another country - and the risks can be much greater than they would be at home. Quite aside from HIV, there's all manner of STDs you can pick up - and that can take the fun out of your holiday. Herpes will ruin your trip - guaranteed.

But s/he's so sweet. . .

It all sounds very romantic. . . doing it on the moonlit beach, waves lapping up over your intertwined bodies. . . your new lover whispering in your ear - but you wouldn't be doing it if there was enough light to see their genital warts.

A week spent going round the local doctors, trying to learn the words for 'discharge', 'sores' and 'rash' probably wasn't part of the plan. Having a good time doesn't mean you have to have sex - but it doesn't mean you can't, either, as long as you use a condom.

I'm not looking for any romance!

Things often happen when we're least expecting them to.

Even teens in America who have taken the increasingly-popular abstinence pledges need to be careful. Recent surveys have shown that teens who pledge abstinence are just as likely as those who don't to get pregnant or catch a STD. The reason - something comes along when they're not expecting it, and they're not prepared.

I hardly ever get drunk

If you're going out and you're going to drink or take drugs - make sure you have friends with you and make sure you all look after each other. It's never a good idea to get off with someone you don't know, especially when you're off your head. So make sure your mates keep an eye on you - and you do the same for them. He or she might look really fit through the beer-goggles, but would you be doing it if you gave it a bit of thought in the cold light of day?

And remember - different countries have different laws about alcohol, drugs and teens. Make sure you know the law where you are and you're not committing a crime.

Oral sex

Oral sex is often seen as a 'safer' alternative to sex. It is safer when you're talking about HIV - safer than unprotected sex, anyway - but you can still become infected. And there are other STDs that can be transmitted by oral sex.

The Law

The laws aren't always the same in different countries - the age of consent could be different where you're going on holiday. You need to make sure that you're not committing a crime in the country you're visiting.

Be Careful!

You've just met him or her - for all you know they could be a serial killer! Go back to your place, especially if you're staying with friends. Don't go off on your own with someone new - if you've got a room mate - well, a real friend won't mind disappearing for an hour.

You don't have to do it just because your mates do!

Maybe your friends are putting notches on the bed-post, but that doesn't mean you have to do the same. Maybe you want to save it for someone really special, maybe you don't - but whether you're at home or on holiday, you should never feel pressured into having sex, either by your partner or by what your mates do. Don't get into bed with someone unless you feel ready and you're prepared.

Don't forget your condoms

You take your suntan lotion to stop you getting burned, right? So you take condoms to stop you getting STDs.

When you're on holiday, relaxed and having a good time, you're more likely to end up in situations you hadn't planned for. So, even if you're not up for it, make sure you carry condoms, and that you know how to use them - just in case.

In different countries they come in different sizes, and the quality isn't always the same. Take some with you if you can - and if you get caught short , ask a friend - or, if you have to, look up the word in a dictionary and ask in a pharmacy. It might seem embarrassing, but it's less embarrassing than a trip to doctors.

Whatever you do. . .have a good trip!

Enjoy! Whether you're into beach parties, clubbing or just laying by the pool. You'll take home good memories, souvenirs, and a suntan - just leave the STDs!

HIV / STD awareness activity - need a holiday or school project for HIV or STD awareness? We have produced a postcard-handout which you can give out to increase people's awareness of the risks of infection whilst on vacation. There's one version which is filled in, and one which is blank so you can write the text in yourself. Try using the internet to find the infection rates for your holiday destination.

Page written by Steve Berry

Last updated August 8, 2005