Protecting your sexual health abroad!
Planning an overseas adventure? Maybe you’re visiting family and friends and you’re hoping for a bit of fun along the way.
Whether you’re backpacking through Southeast Asia, hitting the party islands of Europe, or relaxing on a tropical getaway, your sexual health deserves as much planning as your passport and packing list.
At WAAC, we’re here to make sure your travels are safe, fun, and worry-free – and that includes staying protected from STIs and HIV.
Let’s add a few more items to your checklist to help keep you healthy and safe when you’re seeing the sights.
Before you go: plan for protection
Before you get on a plane and head to your favourite destination, there are a few things you should do at home to make sure you’re ready to travel safely.
✅ Visit a GP or sexual health clinic for a check-up and advice before you leave.
✅ Ask about PrEP or PEP if you’re at risk of HIV or travelling to a high HIV prevalent country.
✅ Get vaccinated – Hepatitis A, B, and HPV vaccines can protect you from serious infections.
✅ Research your destination’s laws and customs around sexuality, gender, and consent.
✅ Add emergency numbers into your phone, including:
- Consular Emergency Centre +61 2 6261 3305
- HIV/STI Information Line +61 1300 565 257
- Specific Australian Embassy/Consulate for your destination
✅ Book an appointment with your doctor for when you return
For more travel advise, visit the Smart Traveller website.
What to pack: your sexual health travel kit
Just like sunscreen and swimwear, safe sex essentials belong in your luggage. Here’s what we recommend packing:
✅ Condoms (internal and external – pack more than you think you’ll need!)
✅ Water-based or silicone-based lubricant
✅ Dental dams (essential when you’r going “down south“)
✅ Regular medications like PrEP and contraception
✅ ATOMO STI self-test kits (if available)
Tip: Don’t rely on finding condoms or lube abroad – they may not be widely available or up to Australian standards.
While you're away
What you get up to while you’re travelling is totally up to you, but here are some things we recommend to look after your sexual health while travelling.
✅ Communicate with partners about protection and consent.
✅ Use protection every time, even if it’s “just once.”
✅ Look up local clinics in case you need STI testing or treatment abroad.
After travelling: time to check in
After your trip, it’s a good idea to get tested – especially if you had any new sexual partners.
✅ See your doctor for a post-travel check-up
✅ Continue your course of PrEP for the recommended time
✅ Monitor for any symptoms over the next few weeks
Even if you don’t have sex while travelling, it is still recommended you get a sexual health check-up every 3-6 months if you are sexually active. Remember, not all STIs have symptoms so the only way to know for sure is to get a test.
Additional resources
🔗 Find out more about PrEP (PrEP Access Now)
🔗 Find out more travel advice (Smart Traveller)
🔗 Locate free condoms (WAAC)
🔎 View/Download the Safe Travels Booklet here
These resources are free for your agency to download and use. If you have any questions or would like professionally printed posters, please contact at [email protected]. We also encourage you to visit our social media platforms and share WAAC’s campaign content directly.