Clothing Optional FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)
Something that you been wanting to know but have been afraid to ask? We've got a lot of answers right here.
If you don't find the answer your looking for, contact us and let's see if we can help.
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We've never been on a clothing-optional vacation. What's it like? |
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A clothing optional vacation is just like your other vacations - with one major exception - you don't have to wear clothes. A growing number of people are enjoying these types of vacations and a growing number of first class resorts are offering the option to go topless or nude.Clothing-Optional or Nude recreation has been the norm in Europe for many years, and while a bit slow to "catch on" in the US proper, it is becoming very popular, especially in Caribbean destinations catering to American tourists.It's not at all unusual for the first timer to be a little nervous getting started, but once they get out of their clothes, any nervousness quickly disappears.There are two pretty good methods of going about getting "nekkid" for the first time.A lot of first timers will choose destinations that are clothing optional for their first trip. Optional means exactly what it implies - you can choose to go with or without your bathing suit. Some resorts like the Breezes Grand Negril in Jamaica have clothing optional beaches. That means you can keep your bathing suit on at first and work work out of it a bit more slowly until you are comfortable.Just jump right in and "Go for it". If you have already made the decision to go to a clothing optional or nude beach you have already passed the biggest hurdle. When you get there, head out to the nude beach or pool, and quickly strip all the way out of your clothing, just like you have been doing it all of you life. Remember... All those other people are "nekked" too... so it's not a big thing for them to see you in your birthday suit.Just jump right in and "Go for it". If you have already made the decision to go to a clothing optional or nude beach you have already passed the biggest hurdle. When you get there, head out to the nude beach or pool, and quickly strip all the way out of your clothing, just like you have been doing it all of you life. Remember... All those other people are "nekked" too... so it's not a big thing for them to see you in your birthday suit. |
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What are the people like? |
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Just like you and me! In our travels to clothing optional or nude destinations we have met all types of folks including businessmen, entrepreneurs, secretaries, doctors, professionals, office & factory workers alike. The great thing about going to a clothing optional destination is that everybody is the same. Any pretensions of class or position are usually quickly lost and everybody seems to fit together and socialize together. |
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My body is far from perfect. Won't I be embarrassed? |
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If you're going to a nude beach expecting to see a nude version of "Baywatch" you're likely to be disappointed or relieved as the case may be. One quick look around a nude beach and you will soon realize that as we mentioned before, most everyone is just like you and me. You see bodies of all types, shapes and sizes - tall, short, calorically challenged (thin), calorically endowed (um... opposite of thin), black, white, brown and everything in between. Not wearing clothes is nothing to be embarrassed about.Wayne, our webmaster, relates his observations about some of his visits to resorts that have both "textile" and "nude" beaches. He finds that the people on the "clothed" sections of the beaches always seem to be MUCH more body conscious than on the nude beach. Always tugging and adjusting suits so they look just right, while the folks on the nude beach are relaxed and comfortable. We have noticed exactly the same thing. |
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What are the ages of the people who go nude? |
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It really depends on where you go. For example: One quarter of Cap d'Agde, France is a completely nudist. There you'll see every age from toddlers to the elderly. In the Caribbean, most of the resorts that offer a clothing optional area, are for adults only. There we see the ages run mostly from the mid-twenties to the early sixties. From our observation we would say that 35 - 50 is probably the largest group, but over recent years it seems that a bit more of the younger crowd are starting to show up more, especially to Caribbean destinations. |
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What's the difference between Clothing Optional (C/O) and Nudist facilities. |
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A resort or beach that is Clothing Optional means that you can be dressed or nude in the designated areas - your choice. Many first timers prefer Clothing Optional locations because it gives them a chance to "ease" out of their clothes. A Nude or Nudist facility or beach usually means that you are expected to be out of your clothes completely in the designated areas. |
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Do I have to, or can I be nude all the time? |
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Again, it depends on where you go. For example: most resorts in the Caribbean require you to be dressed in the dining facilities and in designated areas of the resort. In fact most Caribbean resorts restrict nudity to designated beaches, pools or hot-tubs. However in Cap d'Agde, France you can be nude almost everywhere, (grocery stores, restaurants, on the streets, etc.) all the time.We have seen the rules for the nude cruises vary depending on the Captain, crew and itinerary. Some cruises allow full nudity all the time, everywhere, while others may restrict the dining room, casinos or certain ports of call. If you need more information on any destination, contact us so we can help you know what to expect. |
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What do I do about "Woody" or "That Time" of the Month? |
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For the guys:Don't think that just because you have stepped out on a nude beach your are going to get an automatic stiffy. Sure its possible, but actually its pretty unlikely. But if it does happen just roll over on your stomach for a while, or cover up with a towel until the "situation" subsides. We have noticed over the last few years though that the medical miracle known as the "little blue pill" has had a noticeable effect at clothing optional and nude resorts, especially around the pool or spa at night. We're not telling you what to do, but just remember that the effects from those things can be pretty long lasting.For the gals:What bad timing, Huh? But don't worry about it, just go with the flow... so to speak. Usually women on their heavy days will simply don a bathing suit bottom and go on having a great time. On lighter days, most women just do away with the bottoms and just tuck the string. No big deal... either way. |
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What's this I hear about "Nude Etiquette"? |
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Any clothing optional or nude facility may have their own rules, but generally the following guidelines will be appropriate.
- Always keep a towel handy and put it over any furniture you sit on. (Good hygiene)
- Don't stare or "gawk" at other people who are nude.
- Refrain from any crude or lewd remarks about another persons body or appearance.
- No photography. Save your picture taking for when nobody else is around and/or ask permission if anyone else is going to be included in your photographs or videos.
- Observe the "rules of the house". If a facility designates that clothing must be worn in certain areas, or at certain times - please comply.
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What about sex? |
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Personally... we are very much in favor of sex!!! Oh... you mean public displays of sexual activity that you might have heard about at some resorts?One thing to clarify about the subject for newcomers as well as a reminder to "seasoned veterans" is that public resorts we travel to don't officially condone public sex. Take it to the privacy of your room or management can escort you off the property. Sexual harassment is not permitted, is against the law in most places, and clothing optional or Nudist resorts certainly don't allow it. and... No means No.Now with all of that said... let's get real here. Most all the resorts we feature are absolutely stunning in their beauty and are truly a romantic dream come true. In addition many of the resorts are for couples only. Sooooo... lets mix a romantic atmosphere, a few potent umbrella drinks, a butt naked couple on a moonlit beach, and it isn't uncommon for inhibitions to "fly out the window", so to speak.At most resorts, people are careful to share their "private moments" discreetly out and away from others, but at other resorts some people can be quite the exhibitionists some times. Managements enforcement of the "no public sex" policy is often inconsistent and a lot depends on the mixture of guests at a particular resort at any given time.The bottom line is that some resorts are pretty laid back and sedate most of the time, but others can have a pretty highly sexually charged atmosphere most of the time. Again we can't stress enough how important it is, especially for first timers, to discuss with us what you want out of your vacation. We want to help you make the right choice for you, but we can do that only if we know what you are looking for. |
Questions about Castaways and our Group / Escorted Trips.
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Why should I consider one of Castaway's escorted trips? |
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If you are unsure of a destination, or not sure if you will easily meet people when you get there, our group trips are the perfect answer. We've been there, we know what to do, where to go, and generally how to get the most for your dollar. |
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Who goes on Castaway's escorted or group trips? |
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Basically the same types of folks mentioned above. If you travel with a CASTAWAY'S group, you'll be pleased with the caliber of people you'll meet. Based on previous groups, you will meet couples and singles who are typically professionals, business, educational and computer people or entrepreneurs, especially those that find us through the Internet. One common quality -we all like to have fun! |
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Do you have to interact with other people on a group trip? |
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No, you can join our groups simply to have a CASTAWAYS TRAVEL escort or host organize the flights, transfers, rooms or location plus optional excursions if you wish. No pressure to join in if your don't want to. However, we find virtually every person and couple on group trips discover compatible people to enjoy their vacation with. And, the big payoff is many become great, permanent friends who visit later once they return home. |
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Can singles join your trips? |
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Yes, singles are welcome on most of our trips. Certain group trips are specifically advertised as couples only, some resorts are couples only, and sometimes we do monitor the "makeup" of a trip so the male / female ratio doesn't get too far out of line. |
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Can you arrange for group trips for just a few couples? |
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Absolutely! In fact, due to your vacation dates, children's schedules and other time constraints, much of our business comes from individuals, couples and small groups of 2-4 couples who can't take advantage of the group dates and choose to travel on their own time schedule. We are happy to advise and arrange individual vacations for you plus offer you alternate destinations that suit your needs and budget. If you have 10 or more people you want to travel with, we can negotiate lower group rates for you plus you personally may get to travel or stay for free. Each supplier has different rules for "freebies" so check with us. There are exceptions to everything but a minimum of 10 people is a good rule to follow for what constitutes a "group." |
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What type of escorted trips do you offer? |
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Always keep an eye on our Group Trips page to keep abreast of our latest offerings. We look for fun destinations, resorts and cruises BEFORE a group trip is organized. We have escorted or hosted numerous conventional business and clothing-optional groups from 10-700 people since 1982 to locations in the U.S., the Caribbean, Hawaii and Europe. We visit a destination or ship before we escort a group. We're always on the lookout for unique or popular destinations for you to have fun. PLEASE let us know if you've got some ideas about new resorts or different vacations or if you've found a new place others would like to visit. |
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How do I know I can get a "good deal?" |
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Just about every resort, destination and cruise line post LIST prices for their rooms. Many offer early booking discounts and incentives that can lower your final cost, depending upon the season. We add their rates to current airfare, taxes, tips, etc. to determine if prices are competitive with wholesale "vacation packages." Then, we shop several wholesalers for you who "pre-package" vacations that include airfare, taxes, and rooms plus other services you request to find the most competitive rates and let you choose among them. Costs also depend on whether there is an "all inclusive" feature or meal plan offered or whether you choose a scheduled airline vs. a charter aircraft that flies to a specific destination like Jamaica. "All inclusive" means meals, bar drinks, sports, etc. are included for one price.We also may negotiate special group/bulk rates if group size qualifies for volume discounts which are passed on to you. For example, we generate hundreds of room nights per year for SuperClubs(Hedonism) and Eden Loreto Resort and are one the resorts' top producers in the U.S. with access to group/bulk rates there. Customized trips are priced for a certain number of travelers with a specific date and resort with airfare, transfers, etc. included and are computed on a cost plus basis. Your best advice for getting your money's worth on individual trips is to be flexible with your dates if possible and plan AHEAD in time to take advantage of early booking discounts or sales is offered. As you know, travel costs vary daily like the stock market. In fact, we advise some clients NOT to reserve their vacation when they call because we know when a sale is coming up or when a charter may be scheduled later that will save you money. |
