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Nakation Nation: Nudist Resorts And Beaches Solve Airline Baggage Fee Woes
And from the, "OMFG" department comes this information, via press release: The American Association for Nude Recreation (AANR) "encourages wholesome family nude recreation ["Nakations"] in appropriate settings such as designated nude beaches and AANR-member resorts, or around the home. Experts have attested that children raised in a social nudist environment grow up with a stronger sense of self-esteem, free of many of the body image issues that trouble the average textile youth."I'm most disturbed by the terms, "textile youth" and "Nakation." I'm not going to touch those with a ten-foot...never mind. Why I'm so skeeved out by the naked family vacay thing is a bit more convoluted. I like to think that I'm pretty open-minded, and it's true we've become a nation of body dysmorphic, eating-disordered freaks...when we're not morbidly obese, that is.
I have no problem going topless on European beaches, and have often bemoaned the puritanical leanings of Americans when it comes to censorship with regard to nudity on television and in magazines. I just feel that it's potential fodder for a therapist's couch when children and their parents frolic about sans textiles after the toddler stage has passed; I also believe that public nudity past toddler-hood is something that should only be done by consenting adults.
I've been to a nude beach twice. Maybe it's because I didn't holiday in the buff with my family (my eyes, my eyes!) as a child, but I can tell you two things my nude sunbathing didn't accomplish: providing me with a stronger sense of self-esteem, and freeing me of the body image issues that have troubled me ever since I was an average, deprived textiled youth.
It could have something to do with the fact that the first time I went, it was with an exhibitionist Australian boyfriend who was a professional athlete. It was (as we discovered) a gay beach, meaning most of the men were totally ripped. I'd also been on a month-long food writing assignment, so I wasn't feeling very good about my body. And I was covered – literally – with mosquito bites I'd gotten several days prior on a camping trip. This included my ass, because...let's just say that women have a tougher time peeing in the great outdoors than men.So, I wasn't exactly feeling empowered about this experience, but I forced myself to do it. Just so I could say my boyfriend and I went to a gay nude beach in Australia. The second time, I was by myself in Santa Cruz and it was all good until some freak threw his towel down three inches away from my toes. I haven't taken my clothes off in a public place in broad daylight since.
Clearly, I'm the one with the issues, because according to the AANR, the "2011 Portrait of the American Traveler tells us that at least 53 million people are interested in visiting nudist resorts or nude beaches. This confirms the increasing public understanding that family nudity is wholesome, natural and comfortable after the first daunting but liberating plunge."
I guess the issue really comes down to, "Is this behavior hurting anyone?" and that's open to debate. Personally, I'm not too cool with kids being, uh, exposed to naked strangers. I agree that teaching children to have a healthy sense of esteem about their bodies is important (as important, say, as feeding them a well-balanced, nutritious diet and encouraging them to be physically active and play outdoors), but I think there are plenty of ways to learn that without going on Nakations. Or, for the cash-strapped family, "Staycation Nakations."
One thing I will say about clothing-optional travel: it saves money on baggage fees and laundry. The downside is explaining how you got melanoma.
[Photo credits, sunbather, Flickr user uppityrib; sign, Flickr user Sister 72]
Filed under: Activism, Arts and Culture, Business, North America, Oceania, United States, Australia, Camping, Budget Travel, Women's Travel, Travel Security
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
Mark May 21st 2012 4:02AM
I'm glad that you're honest about struggling with these issues. Most people have this vague idea that nudity is wrong, and that children and adults nude together is even more wrong. Usually there is no clear reason people can give. I believe that is just hidden body shame. The one reason I've seen given against children in a nudist environment is the possibility of molestation. But there's no evidence that simple nudity causes sex crimes against children or adults. I'm sorry you had such negative experiences at those beaches. You may find a resort more comfortable. It's best to check with AANR before visiting, and always report any problems if neccessary. Same goes for a nude beach. Once you get to know people in a proper nudist community you'll realize what a positive environment they can be.
Matilda Kerwin May 22nd 2012 8:36AM
Well, Laurel, I am glad that you haven't chosen to call for laws against family nudity because of the way you feel?
As to a debate about the "harm" of family nudity: all the research on the subject has shown no harm and some good so the debate is a social/religious debate, not a scientific one (much like global climate change, eh?).
And yeah, try a nudist resort or a well established family nudist beach for a week or so and then see how you feel.
Susan May 23rd 2012 4:25PM
I appreciate your trying to keep an open mind on the issue of social family nude recreation. The 2 experiences you have had are nothing like a visit to an AANR club campground or resort.
The best counter-story I can offer is the interview done of me in The Washington Post a week ago. The link is http://www.washingtonpost.com/lifestyle/magazine/first-person-singular-susan-weaver-61-annandale-president-of-the-american-association-for-nude-recreation/2012/05/04/gIQAL9KjIU_story.html
Charley May 30th 2012 8:06AM
I passed through a nude beach in St Martin to get to a strip of bars, ahem. Most of the naked sunbathers, at least those who were strolling about, should have been wearing clothing.