Holidays and work trips change behaviour. People drink more, sleep less and meet strangers they would never encounter at home. None of that is a problem in itself, but it does mean the ordinary rules of sexual health need a little more planning when you are away. This checklist covers what to pack, what to know about the country you are visiting and what to do if something goes wrong.
Before You Go
Start with the basics. If you are on any long-term medication, including PrEP or contraception, carry enough for the trip plus a week’s margin, in its original packaging. Check that your routine vaccinations are current. The NHS has a plain-language overview of sexual health that is worth re-reading before any trip; the NHS Live Well sexual health pages cover contraception, STI testing and where to get help in the UK.
If you have not been tested recently, do it before you leave. Knowing your own status is the first step in protecting anyone else.
What to Pack
Condoms bought in the UK carry the CE or UKCA mark and have been stored properly. Condoms bought abroad from a kiosk in the heat may not have been. Pack more than you expect to need, in a cool part of your bag, and check expiry dates. Add a small bottle of water-based lubricant under 100ml, which reduces the chance of breakage, and a pack of dental dams if they are relevant to you.
Emergency contraception is available over the counter in most of Europe, but rules and availability vary, so carrying a pack from home avoids a stressful pharmacy visit at midnight.
Understand Local Realities
Attitudes and services differ by country. In much of Eastern Europe, including Romania, sexual health clinics exist but may not offer walk-in testing in English. Research the nearest private clinic before you arrive. Rates of some STIs are higher in parts of the region than in the UK, which is a reason for care rather than alarm.
The Terrence Higgins Trust publishes clear, non-judgemental guidance on HIV, PrEP and sexual health for people travelling abroad. Its site at tht.org.uk is a good place to check current advice and to find out how PEP works if you think you have been exposed.
Meeting People, Including Professionals
Some travellers meet partners through apps; others arrange companionship through professional services. In both cases, the health conversation matters more than the method of introduction. A noticeable development in the companionship industry is the move towards verified listings. In Romania, for instance, the directory cocoescorts.com marks profiles with separate badges for identity verification, video verification and recent medical testing, and keeps those badges distinct from paid placement. A testing badge is not a substitute for protection, but it does show which providers take health seriously and are willing to document it.
Whoever you meet, agree on protection beforehand, not in the moment. Anyone who argues against it is telling you something important.
If Something Goes Wrong
A condom breaking, an unplanned encounter or a forgotten pill is not a disaster if you act quickly. PEP, which can prevent HIV infection, must be started within 72 hours and ideally sooner. Emergency contraception works best within 24 hours. Larger cities have private clinics that serve international patients; your travel insurance helpline can usually direct you.
Keep a note on your phone with the address of the nearest clinic and the local emergency number. You will probably never need it, which is exactly why it is worth writing down in advance.
When You Get Home
Book a full STI screen two weeks after you return, or sooner if you have symptoms, and again at three months for HIV if you had any unprotected contact. UK sexual health clinics are free, confidential and used to hearing about holidays. Honest answers get you the right tests.
Safer sex abroad is mostly about preparation. Pack properly, know where help is, and insist on protection with everyone, verified or not. The rest of the trip is yours to enjoy.