Vacation isn’t a time to worry about work emails, cable bills, or that pile of laundry that still needs to be folded. It’s when you slip into a version of yourself that is completely chill and open to new experiences. Getting away from it all is an opportunity to give yourself a much deserved break, ditch your everyday concerns, and maybe even strike up a hot romance.

Research shows that people who vacation aren’t only living healthier lives, but they may also be living longer ones. Couple this with the fact that the act of sex provides your brain with all of the feel-good chemicals while minimizing cortisol, the stress hormone and a vacation fling may be just what the doctor ordered. Plus, flings that fizzle closer to home are always a bit tougher to swallow than a brief, passionate encounter in a distant place.

Here are four reasons the best flings happen while on vacation.

You’re Consumed By The Carpe Diem Spirit of Vacation

Face it: Vacation You is much different than Reality You. That you works 9-5, spends time searching for deals at the grocery store, and does their best to manage a social life on the weekends. When you’re on vacation you are relaxed, recharged, and completely unbothered by a lengthy ‘To Do” list. You’re wrapped up in the carpe diem spirit that comes with being in a strange place, far, far away from your daily routine.

Seizing the day means saying a big “yes” to experiences – and people – you may otherwise overthink. Maybe you would be cautious before agreeing to an afternoon of white water rafting with that cutie in the hotel lobby or play hard to get with someone you just met at a local cafe, but Vacation You is open to possibilities.

You’re Living In The Moment

According to your plane ticket and the obligations waiting for you back home, this romance has an expiration date, so you’re both really forced to live in the present moment. It isn’t a question of will this all work out, but how much fun can we have while it lasts. You’re in the here and now with one another making the most of each day. It’s pointless to think too far ahead because living that far in the future is a waste of the precious time available.

There are Zero Long-Term Expectations

You can ditch the worries of Will his friends like me? and When will we finally make this official? The pressure is off. You are two people taking it one day at a time with zero plans for the future, except maybe which restaurant you should try by the end of the week or whether or not it’s worth getting up extra early to join that snorkeling excursion. Neither of you are obsessing about where the relationship is going or if you can even call it that. There’s no reason to even consider how you’ll handle the split or if it will be awkward to run into each other at parties.

It’s All New and Exciting

The beginning of most romances are filled with endless potential, can’t-keep-my-hands-off-of-you passion, and major PDA. It’s a time to hold hands in public and learn all of the things you like about one another. It’s arguably the best part of the relationship and, for a vacation fling, it’s really the only part. Maybe at home you’d be against spending every waking moment with your new partner, but it’s different with a vacation fling. There are no rigid parameters nor is there fear of burning out on one another too soon. Do you want to spend every night together? Go for it. Who’s judging you?

Sure, the short-lived romance may potentially end with a touch of heartache. If you really gave it your all, then it can’t help but sting a bit to say so long. I had to hold back tears as my romantic Bali fling kissed me one final time and said, “I’ll miss you so much” before stepping into his cab and disappearing forever. But the story of that week is still a happy one and every memory of him is fondly filed away under “Absolutely Zero Regrets”. Vacation flings are like crash courses in love. As with all of my relationships, I learned a few things about myself, about what I want, and what I deserve. Plus, I had a lot of fun along the way.