Naturist Travel and Recreation?

I've done more than my fair share of travel in life, but I've never ventured into the freedom of what one might call naturist travel. I have to admit, I don't quite understand the appeal of lounging around sans swimsuit or cute sundress, but who I am to judge? I would imagine that intoxicating feeling one gets while on vacation is only amplified by wearing proverbial birthday suit to do something as mundane as ordering a foreign coffee.

And plenty of travel companies are catering to those who are clothes free at heart. NFN Travel started what I like to consider an ambitious project to compile a dizzying directory of naturist clubs, resorts, lifestyles travel clubs, clothing optional destinations, and naturist lifestyle vacations. Just imagine, sipping a margarita, with your backside exposed to all. It actually sounds kinda nice. And you can even make money with NFL by becoming a "travel associate". You can earn fees and travel discounts by referring travel prospects. So in otherwords, start scoping out your neighbors, they might be little incognito naturists themselves.

But don't worry, NFN gets it and lets naturist virgin vacationers rest easy. Read this statement from their site: "If you are venturing into a nude, clothing optional or lifestyles vacation for the first time, call us. We will discreetly answer any questions you may have and provide suggestions to help you plan your vacation."

Discreet indeed. So don't be shy about assking how exactly one is suppose to sit down in a public place and the norms for naturist socializing. And don't be surprised about their endless options. They list 7 locations alone in Jamaica where you can run and frolick -- clothes free. Just remember that jiggling is welcomed.

Anyone remember that David Sedaris short story Naked? Read it before you go on your own nekkid vacation... tit for tat so to speak.

Travel Alone... And Love It

It seems like there's a website for every travel niche these days. Travel with kids, dogs, cats, single, gay, straight, weight-loss, career-seekers, nudists, volunteers, sports enthusiasts, seniors, baby boomers, Gen X-ers and more. While combing through all the information out there can be exhausting, it's also an exciting time in the travel industry. You can find an itinerary, like-minded travel agents, and a specialized niche just for you.

One of my favorite niche sites is called Backpacking Women on the Road found at www.women-on-the-road.com. I traveled alone several times in my early twenties and I found nothing to be as satisfying or exhilarating. The rush of independence and adventure was addictive and I came home with a newfound respect for myself and ability. But the experience is different than when traveling with a partner. What areas are safe at night? What bars are solo-gal friendly and free from being harassed by pick-up artists and drunken ex-frat boys? How do you deal with the lull of loneliness that sweeps in when the excitement wanes at night?

Backing Women on the Road offers it subscribers a list of innovative ideas with help on everything from taking great photos to combating motion sickness to staying safe. While some of their information is common sense, it greatly aids in getting yourself organized and inspired for an upcoming journey. But there's lots of great content and ideas including how to stay free via couch surfing. They also offer a free 60-page copy of Writing About Travel for Fun and Money -- giving you ideas on how to actually profit on the road.

Whether you're an adventurer at heart or a timid spirit, a solo trip is a must-have on everyone's travel itinerary. It truly opens your mind and gives you an edge of self-sufficiency and self-awareness you can't gain anywhere else. Opt for something accessible to your needs. Backpacking through Morocco? Hitting the slopes in Colorado? A spa day in Sedona? Just plan ahead and be prepared and leave the rest up to the wind.

The Perfect Travel Hangover Cure

It's easy to get carried away while on vacation. With every delicious beer (hopefully a Scottish Bellhaven), cocktail, aperitif, and shot put in front of you, you smile and say, "Why not? I am on vacation!" and throw caution to the wind. That's all well and good, until you wake up on your well-earned vacation with a hangover reminiscent of your first misguided fraternity party.

If you know you're probably going to over-indulge, stick with lighter and clear colored alcoholic drinks. Part of what makes you feel like hell the next morning is what's called congeners. They're the toxic chemicals formed during fermentation and is more commonly found in darker drinks -- so your liver has to work hard to remove the toxins.

Or, if you really had your wits about you, you could just drink one glass of water after every drink and wake up rosey. But let's face it, if you're reading this then you're already a goner, so here's a hangover cure to help.


The Innovative Traveler Hangover Cure:

1 can of seltzer (preferably club soda or Perrier)

1 slice of cheese pizza (de-blot with a napkin to get off excess grease)

1 bottle of Gatorade mixed with a lime packet of Emergen-Z

6-8 glasses of water through the day

45 minute walk (exercise is known to kick start your system, even on a hangover)

Chicken, fish, nuts or other protein throughout the day (protein helps give you a healthy charge)


Avoid walking in the hot sun, boating or flying -- you'll just end up grazing the air-sickness bag the whole time, praying it will be over and making bargains of how you'll never drink again. Not until your next vacation anyway.