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As a college student
hiking through the French Alps many years ago, I
accidentally uncovered one hotel’s shocking
secret.
I didn’t mean to reveal it. It was a blistering
hot day in Grenoble, and my traveling companion,
Nate, wandered toward a swimming pool behind the
resort while I stocked up on water and provisions.
Moments later he returned, pale-faced.
“Chris,” he said breathlessly, pointing toward the
pool. “There are breasts in there.”
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Yes, there were. The French, like many Europeans,
generally think nothing of baring breasts, butt —
and more — at the beach, much to the surprise of
visiting Yanks. I already knew this, because I had
grown up in Europe. But my friend Nate, who was
born and raised in the Bible Belt, didn’t.
Nudity! There, I said it. If the thought of
going au naturel on holiday makes you
uncomfortable, please don’t read on. You’ll
probably be offended.
Still with me? OK, here are the five leading myths
about nude vacations.
1. Vacationing nudists are just a bunch of
perverts. Hardly. In fact, nudists are everyday
people, and there are more of them out there than
you think. The American Association for Nude
Recreation (AANR), the largest organization of its
kind in North America, represents nearly
members and their families. There are also 270
clubs and resorts for people who want to vacation
in the buff — and that’s just in prim-and-proper
North America.
2.
Clothing-optional resorts
are seedy. Nope. We’re talking about mainstream,
professionally run properties offering a wide
range of wholesome activities. Among them: Cypress
Cove Nudist Resort & Spa in Kissimmee, Fla., which
has villas and campgrounds, and even sponsors its
own nude bike rally every year. (Its motto: “Just
as nature intended.”) And DeAnza Springs Resort in
Jacumba, Calif., a 500-acre club with hiking
trails, volleyball courts and swimming pools.
(“You’ll love the way you feel,” it promises, “We
guarantee it.”)
3. You have to take your clothes off at a
nudist resort. Not necessarily. There’s a
difference between a clothing-optional club and a
clothes-free resort. Clothing-optional means that
you can keep your clothes on if you want to - the
idea being that it sometimes takes a little time
to adjust to nudity (in fact, even devoted nudists
sometimes keep their pants on). However, a
clothes-free club means a mandatory strip-down.
Knowing the difference is important when it’s your
first time at a nudist resort. The AANR suggests
contacting a club in advance to clarify its
policies.
4. Nudists are mostly senior citizens who
are off their rockers. Actually, most
clothing-optional and nudist resorts are extremely
family-friendly. For example, at the White Thorn
Lodge, in western Pennsylvania, there are a number
of activities for the whole family, including
volleyball, bocci, pumpkin painting, a Christmas
social with Santa, and a potluck dinner (“Meat
provided, bring a side dish to share”).
OK, so there are some nudist resorts where you’re
likely to find a disproportionately high number
of, well, older folks. But as nudism goes more
mainstream, a lot of families are embracing the
movement. In fact, my former neighbors were
nudists. Both parents would hang out in their
backyard sans clothes with their two teenage
daughters.
5. Nudists are exhibitionists who want to
seduce you. Trust me, for most people, the odds of
getting a date are greatly improved if they keep
their clothes on. And seriously, how long do you
think anyone with criminal intentions would last
at a nudist resort? So why do people vacation in
the buff? Well, often it’s because they don’t want
a tan line. They’re not exposing their bodies to
you as much as they are to the sun.
The idea of taking a vacation in your birthday
suit may take some getting used to. But nudists
aren’t deviant septuagenarians and their resorts
aren’t sleazy hideaways. The truth is, nudists are
often the people next door, and if nothing else, a
nude vacation can lead to many new discoveries.
Nate’s encounter with the topless French women
apparently left a deep impression on him. Several
short years later, he got married and he is now
the father of eight children.
And me? I’m looking forward to my next trip to
Europe.
Me
and my husband would like to go to a nude beach or
a nudist resort, but we aren't sure if we should
bring our children. Have you seen any families
where you go?
Naturism is a wonderful family activity and is
extremely healthy for children. Me and my husband
often visit nudist beaches... nudist clubs... and
nudist resorts where we always see and meet great
children ranging from infants to teenagers. They
play together nude and enjoy the beach or resort
facilities just as children do anywhere else...
having a fantastic time together. If you want to
learn to be a nudist just watch the children...
and just like with operating a computer... they
will show you the way..! If you are unsure...
contact or research your destination before you
arrive. The Diablo Sun Devils for example... is a
family oriented singles and couples club... and
children are welcome at many of our nudist events. |
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