TL;DR:

• Psychological distance lowers moral standards.
• The thrill of doing something forbidden triggers dopamine release.
• Being in a different place reduces the chances of getting caught.
• Lowers inhibitions due to social and environmental factors.
• The “out of sight, out of mind” effect plays a major role.

Disconnection and Detachment

When people travel, they may feel disconnected from their usual lives, almost as if they are stepping into a different reality. This psychological distance can make their usual moral standards feel less relevant. In some cases, this phenomenon is referred to as moral disengagement, where individuals justify behavior they wouldn’t typically consider at home. Being physically far away from familiar places, responsibilities, and routines allows a mental escape that makes it easier to rationalize actions they would otherwise avoid.

A Sense of Excitement

Travel often brings a sense of excitement and adventure, which can extend to relationships and sexual experiences. The thrill of doing something forbidden can be intoxicating, triggering dopamine release in the brain, the same neurotransmitter linked to pleasure, motivation, and reward-seeking behaviors. This temporary high can make infidelity feel more enticing while traveling, as individuals chase an adrenaline rush that contrasts with their stable and predictable home lives. The novelty-seeking trait in some individuals may further drive this behavior, as they crave fresh experiences and momentary excitement.

Lower Risk

Being in an unfamiliar place reduces the chances of being recognized or caught, which lowers the perceived risks of cheating. Without the fear of immediate consequences, people may feel freer to act on impulses they’d normally suppress. The concept of situational morality suggests that people adapt their ethical standards based on circumstances, meaning that what seems unacceptable at home might feel justifiable in a different setting. Anonymity in a foreign environment also fosters a sense of detachment from real-life consequences.

Social Influences

Many trips involve partying, drinking, and socializing, which can lower inhibitions and impair judgment. Peer influence also plays a role. If friends or travel companions encourage risky behavior, people may be more likely to cheat. At the same time, friends can give insight into signs your wife is cheating. Studies suggest that groupthink psychology—where individuals make decisions they wouldn’t normally consider due to group influence—can play a significant role in travel-related infidelity. Social proof, or the tendency to mimic the behaviors of those around us, may also contribute to impulsive decision-making while traveling.

Out of Sight, Out of Mind

The physical separation from their partner might make their relationship feel temporarily less significant. Some individuals may convince themselves that what they do while traveling doesn’t affect their real life. This is known as cognitive dissonance, where a person holds conflicting beliefs but justifies their actions to maintain a sense of internal harmony. The absence of familiar relationship cues, such as shared routines or daily interactions, can weaken emotional bonds and increase the likelihood of straying.

A Break from Routine

Travel offers a break from daily stress, responsibilities, and relationship dynamics. Some people use travel as a form of escapism, where they temporarily ignore their real-life commitments. Psychologists suggest that individuals with avoidant attachment styles—those who struggle with emotional closeness—may be more prone to infidelity while traveling, as distance provides an easy emotional disconnect. Being in a carefree vacation mindset can also lower self-restraint, leading people to engage in behaviors they wouldn’t normally consider.

Cheating When Traveling in Numbers

Whatever the reason, cheating when traveling can and does happen. A 2025 poll of 9,000 individuals by an online travel agent sheds light on travelers looking for passion, showing which age groups, nationalities, and genders are most likely to have a vacation fling and use dating apps while traveling.

Spaniards lead the ranking: 60% say they are likely to use dating apps when traveling on vacation. In terms of age groups, that’s 69% of 25-34-year-olds and half of 55-64-year-olds.

Only 25% of Americans, 29% of Portuguese, and 39% of Germans report using dating apps while on vacation. In the U.S., 30% of men and 22% of women use them while traveling.

Who Is Most Loyal?

27% of male U.S. respondents admit to cheating on vacation compared to 14% of women. The disparity is lower in terms of having considered cheating: 22% of women vs. 26% of men. Among global respondents, 22% of men had cheated, almost twice the number for women (13%).

In terms of the most loyal nationalities, Brits top the list, followed by Americans. Almost half (47%) of British respondents say they would not have a passionate vacation with anyone except their partner, followed by 42% of Americans.

Globally, 69% of respondents believe it’s a good idea to go on vacation after breaking up with a partner. U.S. respondents are close to that number with 68%.

Who Would They Cheat With?

Almost 38% of those polled would only be passionate with their partner while on vacation, with the share being 42% for Americans (46% of women and 34% of men). However, 28% of Americans reported having considered a tryst with an attractive friend and 14% with an ex, even though they were not single.

Men are far more likely to fantasize about a vacation rendezvous, with 18% of male travelers saying they’d choose a coworker or a stranger, compared to just 8% and 7% of female travelers. More than a third (37%) of male U.S. travelers wanted a passionate vacation with an attractive friend compared to less than a quarter (22%) of female U.S. travelers. Finally, almost half (46%) of U.S. women would only want a passionate holiday with their partner compared to 34% of U.S. males.

Conclusion

Traveling creates a unique psychological environment where moral flexibility, excitement, and detachment influence decision-making. The absence of immediate consequences, thrill of new experiences, and altered perception of risk can make individuals behave differently than they would at home. While not everyone cheats while traveling, the research suggests that certain psychological and social factors contribute to an increased likelihood of infidelity.

However, true loyalty isn’t just about physical proximity—it’s about commitment, values, and self-awareness. Understanding the psychology behind why people cheat while traveling can help individuals build stronger, more conscious relationships that prioritize emotional integrity, regardless of location. Awareness of these psychological triggers allows individuals to make more intentional choices and remain accountable for their actions, whether at home or abroad.

Recap

• No fear of immediate consequences encourages risk-taking.
• Drinking and social influences impair judgment.
• Physical separation makes primary relationships feel less significant.
• Travel serves as escapism, making real-life commitments seem distant.
• Spaniards and men are most likely to use dating apps on vacation.

By recognizing these psychological influences, individuals can make more intentional choices in their relationships, whether at home or abroad.