(The original article appeared here: http://www.tripso.com/archives/2005/10/5_myths_about_n.html, but in case they remove it or archive it, here it is without the images and slick magazine style formatting)
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."
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 50,000
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.