They have many names: adult, sex or singles' holidays. Unlike what we believe, the excitement doesn't come because of sex per se, but because of the sense of adventure and moral taboo that comes tagged with it.

A sex holiday is not just about hooking up with local girls, and is definitely not about paying to do 'it'. In fact, prostitution is a waste of a holiday as it can often be indulged in at home and may be even more unsafe in unknown parts of the world. A singles' vacation, instead, is about meeting interesting women or generally having fun with singles. (Of course, if it does come with a couple of one-night-stands, who's complaining, right?)
What to expect
Everyone who sets out on a holiday of this kind has his reasons-an ex-girlfriend, a divorce or simply the want of a kinky adventure. Whatever your case, list down what it is you are looking for. Then tear off that list, and wipe all expectations off your mind. It helps to not covet anything, as a sex holiday is not a defined idea. "Adult tourism is a subtle part of the travel industry that is quite popular," says Jehan Driver, a young travel enthusiast and consultant who has a decade of experience in travelling and now organises his own adventure trips.
"During my two-year adventure study in New Zealand, we conducted a group study which showed that nearly 60 per cent of backpackers have some kinky expectations out of their holidays," he says. "In New Zealand, there are tourism operators who offer bus tours around the country, which, even though not advertised as hedonistic, are seen to be so by the travellers on these tours," he adds.

Though some online tour operators do sell packages labelled 'Sex Holiday' in huge, bright, glittering fonts, the definition varies from nude beaches to 'escorts'. As a rule, be wary of tour companies who officially advertise the 'sex' factor on such tours. The best sex holidays are singles' vacations that give like-minded groups of men and women a common platform to mingle and have fun.

One, two, three, click!
A holiday like this is generally not sold off the shelf (at least, not openly!) as it touches the forbidden land of promoting 'prostitution'- which is legal in some countries and illegal in others. If you're the kind who doesn't have any qualms about prostitution, you may choose to go to countries where it's legal and safe, but do so at your own risk.

If you would rather avoid paying for sex (highly recommended), join a group where you are likely to find similar-minded women (or men, we are not judging!) to travel with. And there are plenty of such tours available. Google key words like 'adult holidays' and 'travel companion', to get to such websites.

Many tour companies design their itineraries for young, adventurous travellers looking to party together. There are no strict age groups, just a minimum age of 18 and no real malefemale ratio. So you could end up with 60 per cent men on your tour group or 90 per cent women, depending on your luck.

Another interesting option to try out is a festival. Music festivals such as Glastonbury in the UK, Fuji Rock in Japan, Mardi Gras in New Orleans are scoresports. An 'intellectual' approach works in cultural fests.

Whatever might be your way, go with an open mind and you might find more than what you are counting on!