The UK spends on average £1.37 billion on Valentine’s gifts and a lot of couples enjoy getting away for a romantic trip to mark the day of love. Not only that, but studies show that travelling, in general, has been known to provide a boost to your sex drive.
Holiday provider Holiday Best is reminding loved-up couples to be cautious of Valentine’s gifts they may be carrying with them on their romantic getaway to avoid a disastrous… and awkward start to their trip away. Below are some of the top contenders for gifts that could ruin the holiday before it’s even begun.
Intimate toys could trigger a bag search and a red-faced hassle
When travelling, it’s advisable to track light and the same goes for intimate toys. Mysterious objects on security monitors would undoubtedly lead to a bag search. If you’re travelling from the UK, it’s often recommended that anything with a lithium battery and therefore rechargeable to be sent through security outside of your hand luggage – so consider doing your research ahead of time – some countries such as India, Thailand, Vietnam and the UAE prohibit such items and would lead to your items being confiscated.
Looking nervous about carrying an engagement ring could attract attention from security
Whilst the ring itself won’t cause an issue, your behaviour might. Looking suspicious or like you’re hiding something (as you well may be) can cause airport security staff to investigate and potentially search you and your belongings.
Store the engagement ring securely in your carry on ahead of time, so you’re not giving away the surprise when you get to security. Don’t, under any circumstances, carry it on your person – while you may feel slightly more at ease with it in your pocket, this could set off metal detectors.
Remain as calm as you can going through security to avoid revealing that you’re about to pop the question.
If you’re packing lingerie, consider the chance of having your belongings randomly searched
While security staff are professional and are likely to ignore any intimate clothing, it could be an embarrassing scene should your bags be chosen for a random search.
There have also been cases of people being searched after setting scanners off from wearing underwire bras. The reason is that some (albeit not all) airport scanners are sensitive to metal underwiring in more traditionally made supportive underwear.
Ensure perfumes are under 100ml to avoid being thrown out by security staff
A very popular Valentine’s Day gift, similar to alcohol, perfume, and aftershave, holds the risk of taking you above your 100ml liquid limit and must be checked into carry-on luggage.
John Milburn, Chief Marketing Officer at Holiday Best, comments:
“In order to avoid any Valentine’s Day gift mishaps, travellers should always take time when packing to consider the various airline rules. First, check and double-check airline and airport regulations for a smooth journey.”
