Don’t be clothes minded when it comes to getting naked. As Lady Gaga says, “Baby, you were born that way.”
While snapping selfies in the nude next to Niagara Falls or climbing the Spanish Steps in Rome might not be acceptable, there are plenty of places on the planet where those who choose nude over prude are welcome.
And while naturist resorts are commonplace, letting it all hang out can happen in some surprising spots where nakedness is secondary to activities, like hiking, biking, and horseback riding. But let's face it: this isn’t exactly earth-shattering news. The ancient Greeks routinely competed in athletic events and trained in the buff.
Shedding one’s clothes can be linked to many things, with sex often far down the list. Some, naturalists in particular, feel it’s more natural to be naked. For some, it’s about comfort. No more corduroy pants to chaff delicate thighs, or scratchy seams to irritate your back.
Or it could be able practicality.
In parts of Africa, tribes go natural just because it is so freaking hot and tradition dictates shunning covering up. Nudity can also be a form of protest. History is rife with incidents. In 1924, mass marches featuring naked participants, organized by an organization called Down With Shame, filled streets in Russia to rebel against bourgeois morality.
In 1999, anti-nuclear weapons protesters strolled down Van Ness Avenue in San Francisco in the buff. Meanwhile, PETA (People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals) has grabbed headlines with its “I’d Rather Go Naked Than Wear Fur” campaign.
Sometimes nudity is just art. American photographer Spencer Tunick has become notorious for his carefully orchestrated pictures of nude subjects on mass. He’s regularly looking for volunteers to fill his frames, so check out his website for upcoming projects happening worldwide so you can grab a bit of that fame and notoriety for yourself. Just remember to pack light and bring sunscreen.
Alternatively, check out this barely there list of global spots where you can flaunt your stuff with like-minded new friends
