Global Playboy
  • Travel
  • Work & Money
  • Lifestyle
  • Health & Fitness
  • Technology
  • Reviews
Facebook Twitter Instagram
Global Playboy
  • Travel

    The Benefits of Staying in Travel Hostels: Why They’re Not Just For Budget Travellers

    7th June 2023

    All About the Spanish Digital Nomad Visa: Live and Work in Spain!

    26th May 2023

    The Basics of Planning a Trip to Thailand

    22nd May 2023

    Travel Upgrade? How To Get The Best Airport Lounge Access

    20th May 2023

    Living the Dream: A Beginner’s Guide to RV Life

    18th May 2023
  • Work and Money

    All About the Spanish Digital Nomad Visa: Live and Work in Spain!

    26th May 2023

    How to Monetize Your Instagram – The Complete Guide

    25th May 2023

    Payroll Analytics: Using Data Insights To Optimize Payroll Operations

    24th May 2023

    Managing Your Rental Property: Tips and Best Practices

    12th May 2023

    Exploring ERP: An Overview of Different System Types

    11th May 2023
  • Lifestyle

    The Rise of Stealth Wealth: Living Lavishly in Disguise

    1st June 2023

    The Enigma of Silence: How to Speak Less & Say More

    27th May 2023

    How to Check the Level of Your Emotional Intelligence

    26th May 2023

    Lesser Known Mens Watch Brands That Are Perfect for Flexing

    21st May 2023

    How to Talk to Smokin’ Hot Women (and Have Them Like You)

    15th May 2023
  • Health & Fitness

    How to Check the Level of Your Emotional Intelligence

    26th May 2023

    Causes and Treatments of Sleep Apnea: Natural vs Medical Methods

    26th May 2023

    Once You Start Testosterone Therapy Can You Stop?

    19th May 2023

    3 Tips for Starting Your Wellness Coaching Journey

    29th April 2023

    Living With Dentures: 5 Things You Need to Know About Wearing Dentures

    23rd April 2023
  • Technology

    How to Monetize Your Instagram – The Complete Guide

    25th May 2023

    Payroll Analytics: Using Data Insights To Optimize Payroll Operations

    24th May 2023

    Photo Editing Tips for Beginners

    22nd May 2023

    The Best Tinder Opening Lines For Guys: 24 Lines That Work!

    15th May 2023

    Exploring ERP: An Overview of Different System Types

    11th May 2023
  • Reviews

    Improve Your Forex Trading with the Best Paid Signals

    13th May 2023

    Is eharmony the Best Dating site You Haven’t Tried?

    9th May 2023

    Apollo.io Review: Is The Lead Gen Tool Powerful Enough?

    1st May 2023

    Instantly.ai for Cold Emailing – Is it Worth it?

    25th April 2023

    Copy Trading with FX Pro Copy Trader – Review

    17th April 2023
Twitter Instagram LinkedIn RSS
SUBSCRIBE
Global Playboy
Twitter Instagram LinkedIn
Home»Travel»What is Sex Tourism – And Is It Legal?
Travel

What is Sex Tourism – And Is It Legal?

Oli LynchBy Oli Lynch8th August 2021Updated:4th April 2023No Comments8 Mins Read
Facebook Twitter Pinterest LinkedIn Tumblr Reddit WhatsApp Email
What is sex tourism - and is it ok to travel for it?

Sex tourism is nothing new, it’s actually something that has been around since humans first started to travel for fun. Seriously, the Romans loved to travel and they had a penchant for prostitution.

But in todays modern world, where do we stand with sex tourism? Is sex tourism something that is acceptable? And actually, what defines sex tourism?

It’s a term that is often frowned upon, with many looking down on those who travel for sex. But the truth is that travelling to get laid is not uncommon. Look at the hedonistic activities in Ibiza, Miami or on the backpacker trails of South East Asia.

However, travelling and getting laid is not necessarily sex tourism – this is something else entirely. So…

What is sex tourism?

What defines sex tourism? Travelling to a specific place with the intention of pursuing sex, or for sexual gratification, is sex tourism. This may be paid, for prostitution, strip clubs, hiring escorts or gigolos, or any other form of paid sexual activity.

But also getting into situations where you can enjoy consensual sexual encounters is sex tourism too. By definition though, when we think of sex tourism, it’s often the world of paid sexual services.

Places that are known for sex tourism often have loose laws around the actual practices of paying for sex. Some of the more popular places however aren’t entirely legal, but are relaxed about enforcement. Most countries have some form of street prostitution, but some countries designate entire areas for sex such as red light district or hedonistic towns.

While we’re on the subject, many of the popular sex tourism destinations are often tarred with the brush of child sex exploitation. This is undeniably an issue when it comes to the issue of commercial sex, especially in low income countries. We’ll look at this in context later in the article, but we’ll focus first of all on the legal issues around sex tourism.

Sex tourism and sex shops in Paris

Is sex tourism legal?

There is no blanket answer to the legality of sex tourism. In some countries it is entirely legal to pay for sex.

The Netherlands for example have a well known sex tourism industry, with the red light districts of Amsterdam a popular haunt for those happy to pay for prostitutes of all varieties. However, prostitution here is not technically ‘legal’, but is ‘decriminalised’. This means that those practicing are not subject to police harassment, and the punters are free to visit their choice of red window.

Contrast this with Thailand, where prostitution is illegal. However, because of loose application of the law and little desire to clamp down on the sex industry, prostitution is openly sold and is rife in places like Pattaya and Bangkok.

And of course, both Thailand and the Netherlands are seen as some of the best destinations for sex as a travel experience.

The side effect to these loose applications of the law is the booming trade in sex shows, strip clubs and other forms of titillation. This means that even if a visitor isn’t looking to pay for the actual act of sex, they can still enjoy the thrill of seeing naked women (or men, if that’s what they’re into) performing for their entertainment.

Sex tourism in Germany is openly accepted and legal
Hamburg in Germany is a well known and popular spot for sex tourism

Countries where prostitution is legal

There are many countries where prostitution is legal and sex tourism is openly accepted. These include:

  • Germany
  • Brazil
  • The Dominican Republic
  • Mexico
  • Spain
  • New Zealand
  • Parts of Australia
  • Hungary
  • Costa Rica
  • Portugal
  • Italy
  • Colombia
  • Some states of the USA

There are many countries where prostitution is legal but where the open practice or promotion of it is off limits. This includes countries like India, Senegal, Indonesia and Singapore.

This definitive list of countries where prostitution is legal only tells half the story. Although you can legally pay for sex in countries like Bangladesh, the country is not seen as a popular sex tourism destination for a number of reasons.

Countries where prostitution falls into a grey area

However, there are also countries where it is entirely illegal, but there is still a booming sex trade industry.

These are countries like:

  • Cambodia
  • The Philippines
  • United Arab Emirates
  • Thailand
  • South Africa
  • Vietnam
  • South Korea
  • Ukraine

It should be noted that even in countries where prostitution is legal, there are many factors that still apply. For example, child sex trafficking is always a punishable offence, wherever you are in the world.

As we’ve mentioned, when talking about international sex tourism, there is often an element that will be looking for underage sex… Hopefully that’s not you, and to be clear: We DO NOT condone child prostitution on this site – in any context.

Countries like Cambodia and Thailand have long faced issues with tourists arriving looking for child prostitution. And when there is a grey area, or if prostitution is outright illegal, it can be harder to police.

Are there benefits to sex tourism?

Tourism in general is one of the biggest sectors of the global economy. And travel does undoubtedly broaden the mind.

Let’s also be honest here and say that travel and sex are perfect bedfellows. Excuse the pun.

Travelling to foreign climes means you’re already in the mind to try new experiences, and hey… Having sex with the locals falls into that category.

Although it might be argued that the sex trade can absolutely lower the standards in some places – I’m looking at you Pattaya – it can also bring benefits in other ways.

For example you will likely see a high quality nightlife and cultural attractions, and the adult sex trade is definitely lucrative. In 2017 it was estimated to have accounted for $20 billion, worldwide.

To add to this, it is a form of employment, often for people from poor economic backgrounds. And although there are definitely issues with exploitation, sex trafficking, abuse and drugs, for many (not all) the opportunity to perform sex work is beneficial to them overall.

Remember that sex workers are real people with a livelihood, and so they deserve to be treated with respect. Violence or other non-consensual acts against sex workers will likely result in police action wherever you are.

Even if sex tourism is legal, be sure to respect your sex workers

Sex tourism isn’t all about prostitution

Many people also enjoy travelling to places where the chances of getting laid by a fellow traveller are high. So no, sex tourism doesn’t necessarily mean brothels and strip clubs.

Every summer, people flock to tourism hotspots such as Ibiza, Crete, Cancun, Koh Phangan, Florida and Bali in the hopes of meeting fellow travellers who are game for some consensual sexual activity.

Granted, these travellers might not be going exclusively for the potential squelchy – but it is often an influencing factor.

There might not be a red light district, but where there are parties, bikinis and wild times, chances are there is gonna be some sex.

Travelling for sex tourism

So long as you’re travelling to enjoy consensual sexual activity, and you’re obeying local laws and customs, there isn’t anything wrong with a bit of sex tourism.

Although men are more likely to travel for sex, women do too… So there is definitely a culture of female sex tourism too. It aint’ just a pervy guy thing!

I’ve had some epic nights in places like Thailand, the Dominican Republic (specifically Puerto Plata), Amsterdam and various Eastern European hotspots. So I understand that sex tourism is an aspect of travel that is very tempting and enjoyable for many.

A night of strip clubs and sleazy strip clubs is tons of fun, and often part of stag or bachelor parties. Although it can get super expensive very quickly.

If you are travelling anywhere to engage in sexual activity, we recommend:

  • Bring condoms- for yours and their sake (yes women too, bring protection so they don’t have an excuse. And yes of course women can be sex tourists)
  • Respect local customs – breaking laws means you lower the reputation of tourists and you could even end up in prison yourself
  • Understand where the sex trade areas are. These are usually specific areas in the nightlife district of wherever you’re going.
  • Be respectful. Sex workers have to put up with a lot of shit from idiots. Don’t be one of them.
  • Child prostitution is NEVER OK. If you suspect child prostitution is happening, report it to local law enforcement.

We’ve also looked before at countries that offer a fun playboy lifestyle option.

Have fun out there and stay safe!

Related

Oli Lynch
  • Website
  • Twitter
  • LinkedIn

Freelance content manager and CEO of Sentient Creative. Oli is a keen blogger, regular traveller and sports fanatic.

Related Posts

The Benefits of Staying in Travel Hostels: Why They’re Not Just For Budget Travellers

7th June 2023

All About the Spanish Digital Nomad Visa: Live and Work in Spain!

26th May 2023

The Basics of Planning a Trip to Thailand

22nd May 2023

Travel Upgrade? How To Get The Best Airport Lounge Access

20th May 2023

Living the Dream: A Beginner’s Guide to RV Life

18th May 2023

How to Earn Cashback and Save Money on Regular Travel

12th May 2023

Leave A Reply Cancel Reply

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

Trending Now
Fun Stuff

What Is A Playboy? (And How Can You Be One)

By Oli Lynch5th September 20210

Ah the Playboy lifestyle. The envy of both men and women around the world. After…

Howling for the Wolf Cut: A Trendy and Versatile Hairstyle

2nd April 2023

The Justin Welsh Linkedin OS Course: Honest Review

24th January 2023

Best Places To Buy Your Tailored Suit

10th June 2021

69 Flirty & Sexy Questions To Ask A Girl (For First Dates or More…)

24th May 2022

All About the Spanish Digital Nomad Visa: Live and Work in Spain!

26th May 2023

Subscribe to Updates

Get style, business and travel guides straight to your inbox. Sign up for our newsletter (guaranteed spam free).

Latest Posts

The Benefits of Staying in Travel Hostels: Why They’re Not Just For Budget Travellers

7th June 2023

The Rise of Stealth Wealth: Living Lavishly in Disguise

1st June 2023

The Mans Guide to Buying Underwear For Your Girlfriend

31st May 2023
© 2023 The Global Playboy . All rights reserved.
  • Home
  • About
  • Contact Us
  • Terms of Use
  • Privacy Policy
  • Cookie Policy

Type above and press Enter to search. Press Esc to cancel.

We use cookies on our website to give you the most relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits. By clicking “Accept”, you consent to the use of ALL the cookies.
Cookie settingsACCEPT
Manage consent

Privacy Overview

This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. Out of these, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. But opting out of some of these cookies may affect your browsing experience.
Necessary
Always Enabled
Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. This category only includes cookies that ensures basic functionalities and security features of the website. These cookies do not store any personal information.
Non-necessary
Any cookies that may not be particularly necessary for the website to function and is used specifically to collect user personal data via analytics, ads, other embedded contents are termed as non-necessary cookies. It is mandatory to procure user consent prior to running these cookies on your website.
SAVE & ACCEPT
 

Loading Comments...