Sexual health A substantial number of British travellers report having a sexual encounter with a new partner on holiday (Mercer et al 2007). The likelihood of risk-taking behaviour can be influenced by alcohol consumption and the change of social environment. The majority of sexual health messages and advice focuses on younger people, and many healthcare professionals do not consider older people to be at risk of sexually transmitted infections (STI) (Gott 2005). However, STIs are on the increase in those aged over 50 years, with cases of HIV doubling in this age group in the past decade (Health Protection Agency 2010b). Travellers should be counselled on safer sexual practices, including the use of condoms, which older travellers may not have considered necessary as contraception is no longer an issue. However, condom use is the most effective method of reducing the risk of STIs (Health Protection Agency 2010b).