Perhaps it’s that heady combination of sun, sea and good vibes that only a vacay provides. Maybe it’s the feelings of freedom and relative anonymity that travelling affords you. Or it might just be that everyone seems a little bit happier and more open when they’re out of their regular daily grind.

Whatever the underlying reasons, holiday hookups are a welcome, widespread and often wonderful part of many people’s travel adventures. However, that doesn’t mean travel romances don’t come without potential pitfalls. Check out these top tips for hooking up while travelling and keep yourself out of harm’s way.

Stay healthy

If you’re off on your travels and there’s even the slightest possibility that you might consider a fling then you need to be well prepared way before you set off. Whatever precautions you usually use, be sure to include a stash on your packing list. Condoms, birth control, or anything else you usually rely on, it’s best to take your own with you. Don’t rely on other people and don’t imagine it’s going to be as simple as it is in your home country to pick up what you need. An STI or unexpected pregnancy probably isn’t the kind of souvenir you want to return with.

Don’t take risks

When it comes to hooking up, safety should be at the top of your agenda no matter where you are in the world. But it’s doubly important when you’re in unfamiliar surroundings where you might be that little bit more vulnerable. This is especially relevant where alcohol or drugs might be involved as the whole situation may lead to you dropping your guard a little lower than normal. Keep your wits about you and trust your gut - if something doesn’t feel right, get yourself out of there.

Don’t break the law

While a midnight fumble under the moonlight on a golden sand beach might sound romantic, in many countries you could potentially be breaking all kinds of laws, regardless of how discreet you might think you’re being.

Getting picked up by the police on a charge of indecent exposure or worse would be an immediate passion killer. Instead, make sure you find an appropriate, private place to get it on that won’t land you in hot water.

Limit your expectations

Plenty of people have romantic notions of heading overseas and meeting the person of their dreams. A whirlwind romance.The reality is that your vacay fling or travel hookup, no matter how intense in the moment, is very unlikely to last outside of the context of the sun, sand and being overseas.

Keep your expectations of a lasting romance to a minimum and don’t get too carried away. If something longer term comes out of it then great, but try to enjoy it for what it is instead of getting preoccupied with what may or may not happen in the distant future.

Tips for meeting people while travelling

Though it may sound blindingly obvious, the best way to meet people is to simply put yourself in social situations. Hostels are literally set up for meeting people and if hooking up is on your agenda then consider opting for a party hostel that advertises regular social activities. Tours are also great places to meet people and quickly make friends that could easily lead onto something else.

If you use tinder (or something similar) you may be pleasantly surprised at the number of people that use dating apps while they’re travelling. Far from just a thing that people do at home, you’ll come across loads of people swiping right and left everywhere in the world.