Orient Beach, St. Martin, FWI, on the "non-nude" side (Photo: Debbra Brouillette)
I’ve heard of a “staycation,” the trend for some folks to forgo vacationing altogether, to save money in an uncertain economy, but it seems that vacationing “IN the altogether” could become the next trend to take hold, in response to Spirit Airlines’ April 6, 2010, announcement that they will begin charging fees for carry on baggage. The answer? A Nakation – a vacation to a nudist resort, – as suggested by the American Association for Nude Recreation.
Its executive director, Erich Schuttauf, weighed in with the following comments: "To avoid added baggage stress as you embark upon a 
vacation, whose purpose is to de-stress and rejuvenate you, plan a Nakation! All you’ll need for the week (sunscreen, cap, sunglasses, shoes and toiletries) can fit in a small carry on that will fit under the seat, avoiding even carry on bag fees. So avoid the hassles of security screening bag issues, worries over lost belongings because you can’t lock your luggage to protect checked valuables, and the fact that overhead compartments never seem large enough for carry on roller bags. Take a Nakation.”
The American Association of Nude Recreation has over 250 member clubs, resorts, campgrounds and RV parks from which to choose for your Nakation, all found at www.aanr.com. (Photo above - Club Orient billboard, Orient Beach - photo credit: Debbra Brouillette)
Adds Schuttauf, “If more air travelers take a stand and a Nakation in 2010, it could send a message to the airlines using checked and unchecked baggage fees as a way to charge the vacationing masses more money in this tight economy."
If you are both frugal and free-spirited, here are some Caribbean destinations that offer nudist vacations – the Nakation!
ST. MARTIN, FRENCH WEST INDIES
Club Orient is one of two nudist beach resorts on the island of St. Martin in the French West Indies (F.W.I.). It is located in Orient Bay, on a beautiful white sand beach and offers various water sports, spa services, beach massage, and sports activities. Rates for accommodations are listed in euros, the official currency of France. www.cluborient.com Also in St. Martin, French West Indies: Club Fantastico - www.clubfantastico.net Rates for this resort are listed in U.S. dollars.
COSTA RICA
Mi Amor Resort - www.MiAmorResort..com
JAMAICA
Firefly Beach Cottages - jamaicalink.com/naturist.html
Grand Lido Resorts - grand-lidos.com
MEXICO
Hidden Beach Resort - hiddenbeachgrand-lidos.com.net
Playa Sonrisa - playasonrisa@yahoo.com
To view Spirit Airlines new baggage policies, effective August 1, 2010, click here: Baggage Policies
Spirit Airlines flies to a wide variety of tropical locations, including:
Puerto Rico, Columbia, Aruba, Bahamas, Jamaica, Peru, Nicaragua, Panama, Haiti, Dominican Republic, Honduras, St. Maarten, and St. Thomas.
Departure cities include: Atlanta, Atlantic City, Boston, Chicago, Detroit, Ft. Lauderdale, Ft. Myers, Las Vegas, Los Angeles, Myrtle Beach, New York, Orlando, Tampa, Washington, DC, and West Palm Beach.
For more details, click here: Where We Fly
If you would like to be notified of future articles as they are posted, please go to the top of the page and click on Subscribe. Your email address will not be shared.
Comments
The feeling of the air, sun, breeze on your body. Nowhere else can you feel totally free, without the constraints of clothing. Imagine swimming in the pool without that uncomfortable bathing suit, then getting out of the pool without that wet, soggy suit clinging to your skin. Then lying in the sun and getting a tan without those unsightly tan lines. As you walk around, your dried off naturally by the sun and breezes, what a wonderful feeling.
naturistspace.org
The new fees are ridiculous!
A great way to deal with excessive fees is do away with excessive clothing or do away with clothes altogether.
I suppose it would cut down on the amount of baggage. Hope the weather stays nice!
Maybe even a new airline: Fly Naked Air. There would be no long lines at their terminal for people having to go through x-ray machines or endure a pat down.
LOL Too funny. Interesting article, Debbra!
A great idea - and a very well done column!
Grand idea - except for those of us who like winter clothes because they hide so much.
Love the idea and segway! About the fees, I think that is ridiculous!!
Very clever, idea....let's hope this carry-on bag fee goes away. How riduculous!
Great idea! Now that is budget-minded.
Great idea! At this rate, they're going to charge for the amount of hair we have so we'll all have to get Brazilians for the nakation. LOL!
I live in CA and could take a nakation staycation... if I was so inclined... ;-)
Funny story: we traveled to SM one year with my then-14-years-old stepson. He was SO determined to check out the nude beach that he managed to rent himself a scooter... with a Malibu Grand Prix "driver's license"! That still cracks us up 20 years later, but I do hope their identification verification has improved over the years.
Just to add to your Mexico list -- Desire Cancun is a clothing optional resort for adult couples only. Temptation Resort in Los Cabos welcomes singles and couples 21 and over and has topless optional areas. There's also a resort in Riviera Maya next to Zoetry whose name I forget.
Interesting alternative ..next, they'll charge us for landing. Enjoyed this, Debbra...
Cheers...
One way to combat the luggage woes.
Great topic! Unfortunately the nudists I've seen don't have the perfect bodies depicted on that billboard ;)
I've been on a few "naked" vacations, but you still need a few bags. :-(
SouthWest is still fighting off bag costs and Virgin American is pretty good still.
Thanks,
Chad
vacationbarefoot.blogspot.com
am i the only one who was thinking they better put some kind of covers on the plane seats?
Got something to say?
Examiner.com is looking for writers, photographers, and videographers to join the fastest growing group of local insiders. If you are interested in growing your online rep apply to be an Examiner today!