Breakaway Destination Guides (International)

Travellers tend to enjoy ultimate freedom on the road, though jumping the psychological hurdle of experiencing nude beaches can remain a challenge. At nudist beaches people come in all shapes and forms so don't let this embarrass you.

Everyone has one opinion or another about nudity in public places. There are nudist beaches, there are nudist saunas, being naked on the beach gives you the feeling of being free and in union with nature. And it is rather natural, considering that humans only started to wear clothes 72,000 years ago. For more than half of our existence we have been nudists.

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However, being natural with nature is not that easy nowadays. It is still a controversial issue. Some regard public nudity as exhibitionism. Others say that nudity sets a bad example for the children. In most states of the US, for a woman to be topless can result in a fine.

Woman are bombarded by glossy magazines with pictures which depict thin, beautiful and mostly naked women. Even if you would like to be a nudist, you might avoid going to a nudist beach for the reason that your body doesn't correspond to the beauty standard. Curiously enough, people at nudist beaches come in all shapes and forms, and rarely do they resemble the concept of the skinny model. It can be a liberating experience, especially if you have some confidence issues.

Lather Up

Don't forget to put sun cream on those parts of your body about which you might otherwise forget.

Watch the bend

Don't bend over when adjusting your towel or picking something up from the sand.

Eyes to yourself

Do not stare at the other nude bathers. Two of the best ways to do this if you must is:

(a) wearing sunglasses,

(b) pretending to read a book (but then, don't forget to turn the pages!)

Take a towel or Sarong with you

It's a good idea to take along a towel or sarong. It's proper etiquette to sit on a folded towel when you're off the beach at nude public areas, such as beach bars.

Ditch the camera

Be respectful to other people when you take our your camera to make some pictures of the beach. It really does make all naked people suddenly very nervous. Ask prior consent, it is courteous to obtain the permission of your subject before you snap. Not everyone wants to end up in a stranger's photo album. Parents should also be asked before children are photographed.

Keep it quiet

Use earphones for stereos. No boisterous shouting. Help control litter. Always bring a trash bag and take out more than you brought.

No fires

Limit cooking to portable grills so you can take your ashes with you. Follow local fire regulations.

No overt sex

Nude is not lewd, but sex is for consenting adults in private. A good reputation keeps our beach free.

Cold water syndrome

If you are a man, be aware that even if you are lucky to possess a giant male organ, it will shrink to tiny proportions when you emerge from the sea.

What to do in case of erection? Top of the morning

Quickly lie face down on the sand, but don't forget to fill in the imprint when you stand up!

To shave or not to shave?

This is a difficult question, since enjoying a nudist beach is all about being very natural. However, think twice, as it's nice to be well groomed.

Avoid philosophy

Avoid deep philosophical conversations with your naked neighbours. It does sound rather weird, when a naked person talks about Michel Foucault.

Keep a suit handy

Take your swimming suit with you just in case. For instance, when all other nudists decide to leave the beach and you are the only naked person remaining.

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