Don’t Go Home With Unwanted Souvenirs: STI & Sexual Health Guide

Holiday Hookups & Sexual Health: Your Travel Guide

Travelling, dating and holiday hookups can be fun. A little preparation can help you enjoy your trip while looking after your sexual health.

At PULSE Clinic, we provide confidential, judgement-free sexual health care, including STI testing, HIV prevention and sexual health advice.

Before You Travel

A few simple steps can make your trip safer:

• Taking PrEP? Make sure you have enough for your whole trip and understand how to take it correctly.
• Pack condoms and lubricant. They’re easy to forget and useful to have when you need them.
• Check your vaccinations. Depending on your activities and destination, vaccines such as HPV, hepatitis A, hepatitis B and mpox may be recommended.
• Know where to get medical help. Find out where you can access sexual health care at your destination.

During Your Trip

Have fun, but remember: PrEP protects against HIV — not other STIs.

STIs can be transmitted through vaginal, anal or oral sex. They can affect the genitals, throat or rectum, and many STIs cause no symptoms. You also cannot tell whether someone has an STI just by looking at them. Using condoms, taking PrEP correctly and getting tested when appropriate can all help reduce your risk.

What If Something Goes Wrong?

Condom broke? Had sex without a condom? Missed PrEP doses? Worried about a possible HIV exposure? Get medical advice as soon as possible. If you may have been exposed to HIV, PEP (post-exposure prophylaxis) should be started as soon as possible and within 72 hours. The sooner you seek care, the better.

Back From Your Trip? Consider an STI Check

If you’ve had a new or casual sexual partner while travelling, an STI screening may be a good addition to your post-holiday checklist.

Depending on your sexual activities, testing may include:

• HIV
• Syphilis
• Gonorrhea
• Chlamydia
• Throat and/or rectal swabs

Timing matters. Some infections may not show up on a test immediately after exposure. A healthcare professional can recommend the right tests and testing windows for you.

Any Symptoms?

See a healthcare professional if you notice:

• Burning or pain when urinating
• Unusual discharge
• Sores, ulcers or blisters
• A rash
• Rectal pain, discharge or bleeding
• Pelvic or testicular pain

But remember: no symptoms does not mean no STI. Many infections are completely symptom-free.

Enjoy the Trip. Look After Your Sexual Health.

Bring home the memories, photos and souvenirs — not an STI.

Whether you're travelling soon or have just returned, PULSE Clinic can help with confidential sexual health advice, STI screening and HIV prevention.

Book Your Confidential Screening Today

Take control of your sexual health.  

Schedule your appointment online in advance to secure your preferred time. 

Have a chat with us via one of the following platforms: