TheAge.com.au: "More Sydney backpackers having risky sex"

[Hostels]

"Breaking news" from theage.com.au:
http://news.theage.com.au/national/m...1118-6a3u.html

A culture of binge drinking among backpackers is driving up risky sex and rates of sexually transmitted infections in Sydney, specialists say.

Loads of free condoms have been delivered to backpacker hostels across the city in response to a new trend showing more travellers are seeking diagnosis and treatment for new infections, especially chlamydia.

...

Local health authorities and councils have teamed up with the NSW Backpackers Operators Association to promote better sexual health practices among young international travellers.

As part of that, free condoms have been distributed in backpacker accommodation throughout Sydney to try to reduce the incidence of STIs among this group of people.

Do any hostels have condom vending machines?

[gordo]

we used to give them out for anyone who paid for 2 weeks accomm back in banff... or anyone who asked really. taht said, banff has the highest STD rate in (western?) canada and the local AIDS awareness/prevention group used to send us boxes and boxes of condoms and lube.

ive noticed a few st christophers/belushis had machines in their bathrooms, not just for prophylactics though; more than a few miniature sex toys available.

[Hostels]

I like the idea of putting vending machines in each bathroom.

I think some guests might be embarrassed to ask the front desk because gossip travels fast, or because they're trying to be discreet and not get thrown out because they only have a dorm bed and don't want to get asked "where are you going with that?"...