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Setting aside the quickie, good sex often requires a little preparation and planning — even honeymoon sex. “If we are planning to have sex on our honeymoon — ahem! — then we should plan for that sex,” says Gloria Brame, Ph.D., sexologist and author of The Truth About Sex: A Sex Primer For The 21st Century. “And because it is honeymoon sex — one of the most memorable and erotic experiences we’ll ever have — a wise bride gives it the same careful, private consideration as she did the other details of the event.”
Luckily, it doesn’t take too much forethought to plan for amazing honeymoon sex. Rather, it takes a purposeful packing list — and our experts are here to tell you just what to bring to make a bang. (Excuse the pun.)
1. Lubricant.
“Packing lubricant will insure that you are prepared regardless of how dehydrated or caught off guard you might be,” says Madeleine Castellanos, M.D., sex expert and author of Wanting to Want: What Kills Your Sex Life and How to Keep It Alive. You won’t need to pack much, as carry-on limits of four ounces will be more than enough to get you through the honeymoon, she says. And sexy tip: “If you are planning a little shower sex, remember to pack both water-based and silicone-based lubricant,” says Castellanos.
2. Mood music.
According to Castellanos, “There are few things like music to help set a mood and get you feeling sexy.” Not only that, she points out, but, “music is also a wonderful way to drown out sounds in a hotel room, helping put you at ease to be your most expressive sexual self.” You can put together your playlists before you leave, assigning songs for cuddle time, dance time, and sexy time.
See More: What Does It Mean if You Don’t Have Honeymoon Sex?
3. Sexy-wear.
What’s sexy for one couple may not work for another. “This can vary so much from person to person because what makes you feel sexy and sensuous is so very unique,” says Castellanos. So pack what you think packs a punch. Brame says this could be anything from what we consider to be traditional lingerie to something more surprising, like a costume or red stilettos. “But don’t stop there,” Brame says. “What about picking up something special for your spouse? You’re not the only one who should look hot, so this is the time to browse adult catalogs to see if there is sexy underwear, fantasy wear, or something else you want your honey to wear for you on your special night.”
4. Your favorite perfume or cologne.
“The deep parts of the brain responsible for sexual arousal and desire respond to smell faster than any other stimulus,” says Castellanos. “For this reason, a little fragrance can go a long way to drive arousal.” If you don’t want to pack your expensive bottle (lest it break in your luggage), you can head to the brand’s department store counter before you leave to snag a sample size.
One thing not to pack? “Do not try to pack handcuffs or other metal toys because airport metal detectors will do more than spoil the surprise — they’ll delay and embarrass you as you try to explain you aren’t a terrorist,” says Brame. “Leave the heavy equipment at home.”