Asia Travel Guide

The very thought of heading for a nude beach gives many people the shakes. For others, it’s a natural occurrence and a natural consideration. If you’re comfortable in your own skin, they argue, why not head out in just that skin?

There are a variety of things to consider when choosing a nude beach. Many experts say location is one factor as you probably want some measure of privacy (and most nude beaches offer this). Other factors to consider are the age range of people who visit the beach (you’ll likely want to be with a group around your own age) and other factors that really have to do more with your own comfort level.

If you are considering heading to a nude beach, why not head for the best? Here’s a list of the top 5 nude beaches, as chosen by the Travel Channel.

1.Montalivet, France. This area is called the international birthplace of the naturalist movement. At this beach resort, you can camp (most popular) or stay in one of the 172 bungalows. This is a family resort, so if it’s in your comfort level to include the kids, you won’t be the only ones. This resort features a wide variety of classes that range from soccer to yoga and everything includes the whole family. This gives new meaning to the term au natural!

2.Ocho Rios, Jamaica. Famous for its many beach resorts, this area of Jamaica also includes the Couples Resort, which is an excellent start for the new nudists. The resort itself it not a nudist resort, but there’s a beach just offshore that’s for nudists. Featuring a pristine beach, private cozy nooks all around and a cabana bar, this island is private and safe, making newbies feel comfortable in their newly exposed skin.

3.Wreck Island, British Columbia. This four-mile stretch of beach is so named because a huge wrecked sea vessel once inhabited the sand. At this friendly beach, you can enjoy the nesting area of the bald eagles, and know civilization is just a few steps away (the University of British Columbia is just a few hundred steps above the beach). One of the most lively parts of this beach is Vendor’s Row, where you can shop (in the nude) for souvenirs, handmade items and other goodies (including sunscreen, which you’ll need in abundance).

4.Samurai Beach, Australia. Located in Port Stephens, this beach backs up to the clothing-optional Bardot’s resort. At the beach, you can enjoy nude volleyball, Frisbee, and tug of war. This is the spot of the famous Nude Olympics, which are held each year. Events include Nude Surfing, Nude Beach Girl and Guy Competition and Nude Torch Relay.

5.Hedonism II, Jamaica. Yes, laid-back Jamaica can claim two of the top five nude beaches. At this clothing optional resort, expect a good party. There’s nude swimming, sunbathing and volleyball, as well as what the resort calls a “lush garden of playful passion”. Designed for playful couples and singles, the resort features a big party scene, lots of lush and delicious food and a nude good time all around.

Liz Boudreau is a nudist with a passion for travel. She has traveled to and reviewed some of the best beaches in the world. See her latest review of topless beaches.

You have decided to visit Asia for your next vacation and have decided to go to Pattaya, Thailand. Your flight is booked but you are still looking for a hotel. But, how do you decide which hotel to stay at?

Your decision should be based on what you plan to do while you are Pattaya. Will you be spending most of your time sightseeing, shopping or enjoying the nightlife? Most likely you will be enjoying the nightlife and will want to be located in the heart of it.

There are three main areas in Pattaya – North, South, and Central and all three have their plusses and minuses. Getting a hotel in any of the three will boil down to a personal preference.

North Pattaya is in the Soi 2 area or even a little further North called Naklua. Most of the tourists here are from Europe and the nightlife is adequate but not spectacular. I rarely go to the Naklua area but I do enjoy the Soi 2 nightlife area.

South Pattaya is very good and includes the area around the infamous Walking Street. There are many hotels available from Soi 13 to Walking Street and also along the side streets between 2nd Road and Walking Street. Many are small pubs with a handful of rooms above the bar.

To me, Central Pattaya is where to stay. The location is perfect as I can walk or catch a baht bus to anywhere in a matter of minutes. Beach Road, 2nd Road or even down to Soi Buakhao are perfect locations as long as the hotel is between Central Road and Soi 13.

Most of the hotels in Pattaya are in the 2 – 4 star range with the occasional 5 star (Marriott) but a 2 – 4 star in Pattaya is definitely a cut above similar hotels in the states. I prefer the smaller, pub places that have a handful of rooms upstairs. Most are owned by a couple and really do their best to make your stay a great one.

Do your research, and look for a discount Pattaya hotel, and enjoy your stay in the Land of Smiles. It won’t be hard to find your Asian hotel in Pattaya at all.

Larry Westfall is the owner of Pattaya Crazy