Nakation Nation: Nudist Resorts And Beaches Solve Airline Baggage Fee Woes

by Laurel Miller on

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]

Memorial Day Getaway: Ski, Bike, Golf Mammoth Mountain

by Kraig Becker on

Are you still making plans for Memorial Day weekend? Then look no further than Mammoth Mountain Resort, where unique spring weather conditions have made it possible for visitors to ski, mountain bike and play golf all on the same day.

Even though the Memorial Day weekend often marks the unofficial start to summer, Mammoth isn’t quite ready to completely give up on winter just yet. The resort is one of the few places in the U.S. where it is still possible to ski this spring and the lifts will remain open from 7:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. through Monday, May 28.

Once you’ve finished taking a few turns on the slopes, head over to Mammoth’s fantastic mountain bike park, which officially opens for the season on Saturday, May 26. The lower-mountain trails will be fully accessible and the uphill shuttle will run from 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., making it as easy as possible to bomb down the great trails there.

Finally, cap off the day with a round of golf on the Sierra Star Golf Course, which opened for the season this past Friday. The beautiful course is surrounded by snow capped peaks and is also located at 8000 feet above sea level, making it the highest course all of California. The thin air will add distance to your drives while the serene setting will brighten your mood, even after a three-putt.

Because it is so unusual to be able to ski, mountain bike and golf all on the same day, Mammoth is offering fantastic deals on passes for the weekend. Visitors can choose to either ski and ride or ski and golf for just $79 or they can elect to partake in all three activities for just $99. That seems like a bargain for a very active day outside. Check out all of these deals and more on the Mammoth Summer Kick-off page.

[Photo courtesy Mammoth Mountain]

Singapore Celebrates Launch Of Bay South Garden With Two Weeks Of Events

by Jessica Festa on

On the night of June 28, 2012, Singapore will debut its brand new Gardens by the Bay, which has been under construction for the past five years. The attraction is the first of its kind in Singapore. The launch takes place in the city’s new Marina Bay downtown area, and is part of the “city in a garden vision,” which aims to make Singapore a place of natural beauty.

From June 29 to July 8, to help celebrate the 134-acre garden’s grand opening, there will be concerts by Jason Mraz and Corrinne May, family carnivals, an eco-friendly green fair, trail hikes, movies under the stars, live entertainment, a photography competition, storytelling, educational demonstrations, children’s activities and more.

Gardens by the Bay will feature many different facets. Visitors can choose to wander through the cooled conservatories of the Flower Dome and Cloud Forest, stroll through the Supertrees in the Golden Garden, learn about Singapore’s plant history in the Heritage Gardens, discover aquatic life in the Dragonfly and Kingfisher Lakes and educate themselves on an array of flora in the World of Plants. And for some extra excitement, there will be choreographed light and sound shows in the Supertree Grove, changing floral displays in the Flower Dome and interpretive media performances to bring the story of plants to life.

Gardens by the Bay will be free to enter, and will be open to the public from 5:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. daily.

How To Stay Sane While Backpacking

by Jessica Festa on

While travel is often thought of as being a luxurious and fun break from reality, there are times when you’ll probably feel like you’re losing your mind. Moving around can be exhausting, and being away from home can make you feel scattered. To help you stay sane on the road, here are some helpful tips.

Have Someone To Talk To

Having someone to talk to that is not a complete stranger when traveling is important, especially when you’re on the road for long periods of time. Simply hearing the voice of a trusted friend or relative from home at times when you’re away and feeling stressed can be a comforting reminder of home. If you don’t want to pay for long-distance calls, services like Skype and Viber allow for low-cost and free calling.Read About Extreme Journeys

Whenever I’m feeling stressed while traveling, I like to read about other nomads and adventure-enthusiasts who are also on the road, but doing crazier things than I am. While huffing and puffing my way through the Inca Trail, it was comforting to hear about Appalachian Trail expeditions, or climbs up Mount Everest. If you’re in a hut in a remote village where there is no running water, read stories about people who are living in the forest with no running water and no roof over their heads. Not only will you feel less overwhelmed about what you’re doing, you’ll feel inspired by other brave travelers.

Indulge With Comfort Food

Of course, a smart way to stay sane on the road is to keep the mind and body healthy with nutritious foods and exercise. That being said, nothing calms me more than something delicious that reminds me of home, especially when all you’ve been eating is unfamiliar local cuisine. Whether you love your mom’s homemade macaroni and cheese or a McDonald’s hamburger, indulge yourself and keep sane by giving yourself a delicious piece of home.

Get In Some Alone Time

Whether I’m traveling or at home, nothing is more effective in keeping me sane than spending some quality time with myself. When I’m traveling and feeling stressed, I love to put on my iPod and just wander around a city, getting lost in the sites and in my own head. It can give you time to think and unwind, without feeling any pressure to have a conversation. Like a silent retreat, being alone with yourself will leave you feeling refreshed and energized.

Pamper Yourself

When you feel like you’re going insane on the road, the key is to relax. For me, that usually means going to the nearest spa and getting a massage; however, this could mean different things to different people. Maybe you’ll want to splurge on a fancy hotel, go for a round of golf and find a hot tub to soak in or buy yourself a new shirt. Sometimes you need to take a break from the sightseeing, and give yourself some time to breath and turn your mind off.

Adjust Your Attitude

With that being said, the phrase “attitude is everything” holds a lot of truth. If you’re having negative thoughts, find a way to think positive. While not every situation you’ll face will be absolutely perfect, you can learn to focus on the good things and make the bad things less apparent. For example, on a recent trek on the Inca Trail in Peru, I was bummed when I found out my group for the ensuing four days was all couples – and single me. On the bus to the start of the trek, I found myself feeling lonely as I watched the couples snuggle into their bus seats, while I occupied the back by myself. However, as soon as I adjusted my attitude and told myself to focus on the incredible journey, and get to know the other participants as individuals, I ended up having an amazing and unforgettable experience.

Stay Organized

It’s easy to get frazzled when you’re constantly rummaging through you luggage, unable to find what you’re looking for. If my backpack is unorganized during my travels, it makes me feel disoriented. It’s amazing how unpacking and repacking everything in a more organized fashion can really calm you down and make you feel more centered. To help with this, buy suitcases and backpacks with many compartments, separate toiletries in plastic bags, keep similar items together, place items you’ll use often in an easy to reach place and, most importantly, pack light. The less you have, the easier it is to organize.

Watch A Movie

When I feel like I’m losing my mind on the road, nothing helps me escape more easily than watching a movie. For 90 minutes, you’ll be able to relax and completely focus on something else. If you’re staying at an accommodation without a TV, it’s also a good excuse to give yourself an upgrade. Don’t worry if your budget is small, as many hostels and B&B’s have TVs in the rooms or common rooms.

Make Your Hotel Room Your Home

Making yourself feel at home, even if you’re not, is key to keeping sane while traveling. Even doing small things, like placing a framed photo of your family, lighting a candle or bringing your favorite throw pillow can help to put you at ease on the road.

Travel Less

Stop worrying about missing out on things and seeing everything, and just enjoy what you are seeing. When you’re on the move every other day, you increase your risks of travel fatigue, as well as your chances of losing your mind abroad. Instead of getting a glimpse of 10 cities, choose two or three and get to know them in-depth. You’ll not only have a better understanding of the culture, you’ll have more energy to really enjoy the trip.

Spray Your Favorite Scent

The sense of smell is very powerful, and spraying your favorite scent can help calm your nerves and center your mind. Especially in foreign cities where unfamiliar odors are everywhere, it’s nice to smell something you’re accustomed to. Because I don’t like carrying perfume, I always make sure to bring at least one shower product with a smell I love. Then, when I’m stressed, I simply take a shower and clear my head with vanilla and sugar or wild citrus sunflower. It may sound simple, but it works.

[flickr photos via liber(the poet), cookbookman17, Witches Falls Cottages, thejaymo, Betsssssy,

Relaxing At The World’s Highest Beer Spa In La Paz, Bolivia

by Jessica Festa on

At 11,975 feet above sea level, the city of La Paz in Bolivia is pretty high. In fact, it is the highest “de facto” capital city in the world. Because of this, it’s not uncommon to experience some kind of reaction to the altitude. To help your body relax, backpackers can enjoy the world’s highest beer spa at The Adventure Brew Hostel.

This hostel has many opportunities for experiencing Bolivia’s beer culture. Along with having their own on-site microbrewery, giving guests a free beer each night and featuring a rooftop lounge, their beer spa allows for a unique outdoor experience.

“The beer spa came as an idea some six years ago. It was the result of having lots of leftover beer from Sayabeer brewery,” explains Remo Baptista, creator of the beer venue. “We built two old hot tubs with brick chimneys – we can heat the water with wood under it – filled it with 20 liters of beer plus water and voilà!”Weeks on the road can be draining, and spa-goers can relax while sipping on ice-cold brews. For those who are skeptical if this is just a gimmick or if it’s actually healthy, studies have shown beer can treat everything from acne and dry hair to cancer and ulcers.

The service is free of charge, as long as you purchase a jug of beer at the beer spa.