THE SKINNY ON "AU NATUREL" VACATIONING
Even Sophisticated Travelers Are Choosing To Take It All Off

PORTSMOUTH, NH --In a recent survey conducted by Hideaways International, 266 sophisticated travelers were asked how they felt about clothing-free vacations. 47% responded: anything goes! "With the troubled economy and world events, travelers are looking to let loose," says Hideaways President, Mike Thiel. "And think how much easier the packing process must be."

Today, more than ever before, travelers who wish to take it all off have options. "In years past, our 'anything goes' members often ended up skinny dipping in a private pool at their rented villa," says Mike. "But that's not the case today." From clothing-optional and nude resorts--in places like the U.S., Mexico, the Caribbean, and Europe--to a handful of cruises and even some villa resorts, travelers can lounge around the pool, play shuffleboard, and belly up to the buffet in their birthday suits. Just recently, 7,000 people--sans clothing--were photographed together in Spain; a clothing-free charter flight left from Miami for a resort stay around Cancun; and in-the-buff couples exchanged vows at Hedonism III resort in Jamaica.

"If vacations are about freedom and relaxation, then there is certainly something to be said about shedding your clothes," says Mike. "Though, clearly, the 'anything goes' attitude is not held by everyone." 5% of the travelers polled by Hideaways labeled themselves as "prudes" indicating vacationing "au naturel" isn't right for anyone; 20% don't mind nudity in the privacy of a villa; and 28% don't mind public displays, although most wouldn't participate.

For 25 years, Hideaways International has explored the vacation road less traveled, searching for the world's best villas, boutique hotels and resorts, yacht-like cruises, barge charters, manor houses, beach houses, castles, entire islands, and more. Hideaways' recommendations for lodgings and destinations are profiled in Hideaways Guide--its members magazine--Hideaways newsletter, and Hideaways Insider e-newsletter. For more information, visit Hideaways.com or call 603-430-4433 (603-430-4433 in N.H. and internationally).