Sex tourism is tourism, partially or fully for the purpose of having sex, often with prostitutes.
Possible reasons for seeking sex in another country or region:
- more relaxed morality laws (for some people a lower age of consent may also be relevant)
- less rigorous enforcement of laws
- cheaper rates (typically due to traveling from a economically wealthy country to a poorer one)
- more anonymity/privacy
- finding certain ethnic groups more attractive
While the overwhelming majority of sex tourists only engage in this activity with other adults, a very small percentage actively look for underage child prostitutes. Several countries have severe laws on the books making sex with children (see pedophilia) abroad a serious offense.