Have nude vacations gone ‘mainstream’?

Americans are more interested in nude vacations than golf, mountain biking and tennis, a survey released by Yesawich, Pepperdine, Brown & Russell/Yankelovich Partners as part of its 2007 National Leisure Travel Monitor has revealed. The YPB&R findings conclude that nude recreation has gone “mainstream.”

There’s no doubt that more people are interested in vacationing au naturel — that’s a trend I covered in a recent column. But more popular than golf? Please.

YPB&R is the only marketing firm to do any meaningful, long-term research on leisure travel. But in addition to the polls, it also handles public relations for several travel companies. Among them is the American Association for Nude Recreation, a trade group of nude resorts and clubs that advocates “for nudity in appropriate settings” and informs the public about its value through “ongoing membership growth.”

A conflict of interest? Decide for yourself.

Personally, I think there’s a trend here. The survey results suggest that younger vacationers are more likely to try a nude vacation, particularly the so-called “Echo Boomers” (born after 1979). Some 16 percent of them said they consider a nude vacation to be “very desirable.” Among Gen Xers (’65 to ’78) 14 percent dig a vacation in the buff, while only 10 percent of Baby Boomers said they wanted a clothing-optional getaway.

One way or the other, I think we’ll be reading — if not seeing — more about nude vacations in the future.

Christopher Elliott is the author of Scammed: How to Save Your Money and Find Better Service in a World of Schemes, Swindles, and Shady Deals. Critics have called it “eye-opening” and “inspiring” — it’ll “grab your attention and won’t let go.” Order your copy now on Amazon, Barnes & Noble or iTunes.

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