Brits are officially bored in the bedroom.
New data from Superdrug Online Doctor reveals that 41% of people in the UK aren’t happy with their libido and it shows. Nearly half (48%) admit to faking an orgasm just to speed things up or avoid awkward feelings. And yes, men are just as guilty, with one in three confessing they’ve done the same.
Clearly, the nation is crying out for a shake-up.
To understand what Brits actually want more of in 2026, a nationwide survey of 2,000 sexually active adults was conducted, uncovering the five biggest sex trends set to dominate the year ahead; from Jet-Set Arousal to the Sensation Shuffle.
Safe to say, it’s set to be a bumpy ride.
Accompanying these findings, Superdrug Online Doctor collaborated with Gemma Nice, award winning sex & relationship coach, to reveal where Brits should travel for the ultimate Jet-Set Arousal.
Do people want to try new things, reconnect with their partners or experiment with their solo pleasure? Here are the top things our respondents said they’d like to try over the next 12 months:
1. The Exploration Hour
Reconnection is taking centre stage. Over one in five couples (22%) say they want to set aside a dedicated hour each week purely for sensual exploration, focusing on touch, sound, temperature, fantasies and toys.
Rather than prioritising orgasm, the Exploration Hour is about slowing things down, trying new sensations and learning what feels good together, without pressure or expectation.
2. Jet-Set Arousal
Intimacy is going global. Nearly one in five Brits (19%) say they want to plan more trips with sex and connection as the main focus, from secluded cabin breaks to romance-led city escapes and destinations known for sexual wellness.
Travel is increasingly being used as a reset for routine, offering couples the chance to explore desire in new environments. It’s no longer just a holiday, it’s an intentional escape for better sex.
3. The Sensation Shuffle
Sensory play is having a moment. 18% of respondents say they’re experimenting with physical and sensory “plot twists” during partnered and solo sex, including ice rollers, warm compresses, textured fabrics, scented oils and immersive soundscapes.
Like the Exploration Hour, the Sensation Shuffle is about curiosity and unpredictability, keeping intimacy fresh by shifting focus away from performance.
4. The 5-Minute Foreplay Fix
Pressure around sex remains a challenge, with 42% of people saying they struggle to communicate what they want in the bedroom. In response, 18%say they want more teasing, flirtation and build-up in 2026.
Enter the 5-Minute Foreplay Fix, micro-moments of intimacy such as a quick massage, a steamy shower kiss or mutual touch, designed to maintain connection without the expectation of a full “session.”
5. The Soft Solo
Solo pleasure is becoming more mindful. One in ten people say they want to practise more intentional masturbation in 2026, while 12% are seeking more imaginative, sensory-led solo experiences.
From erotic audio and soundscapes to voice notes from partners, The Soft Solo reflects a move away from performative pleasure towards fantasy, mindfulness and personal exploration.
Gemma Nice, award winning sex & relationship coach, reveals the top destination for Jet-Set Arousal this year:
“Jet-Set Arousal is growing because travel gives couples the space to reconnect without everyday distractions. New environments naturally boost desire, encourage better communication and help couples be more present with each other. For many, these trips aren’t just holidays — they’re intentional resets for intimacy.”
As intimacy-led travel continues to rise, five distinct destination styles are emerging as the most popular for Jet-Set Arousal:
1. Glamour & Romance Escapes
Destinations: Amalfi Coast, Saint-Tropez, Monaco
These destinations combine slow living, indulgent dining and beautiful surroundings. Long lunches, sunset views and boutique hotels create the perfect setting for relaxed, sensual connection and quality time together.
2. High-Octane Adventure & Luxury
Destinations: Queenstown, Dubai, Big Sky (Montana)
Adrenaline-fuelled experiences such as skiing, skydiving or desert adventures can intensify attraction and bonding. Shared thrills release dopamine, helping couples connect quickly before unwinding in five-star comfort.
3. Hedonistic Island Escapes
Destinations: Ibiza, Mykonos, St Barts
These party-led islands balance high-energy nightlife with private villas and recovery days. The mix of freedom, fun and intimacy makes them ideal for couples looking to reconnect through playfulness and passion.
4. Private & Barefoot Luxury
Destinations: Maldives, Seychelles, Comporta (Portugal)
Secluded settings remove stress and external pressures. Overwater villas, private beaches and nature-led luxury allow couples to slow down, focus on touch and deepen emotional and physical connection.
5. Cultural & Sensory Escapes
Destinations: Cappadocia, Kyoto, Patagonia
Dramatic landscapes and rich cultural experiences stimulate the senses and create powerful shared memories — from hot-air balloon rides to traditional onsen stays — strengthening intimacy through awe and presence.
Photo by Kampus Production: https://www.pexels.com/photo/man-and-woman-waking-up-together-5990969/
