When it comes to nudity and travel, the overwhelming focus is on nude beaches and nude cruise lines.
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Nude beaches have been around for a while and can be found around the world. Nude cruise lines are relatively novel but have proved popular—new experiences are popping up all the time.
But what about other forms of nudity? Which countries and regions around the world have a more open-minded approach to getting buck-naked? Let’s explore.
What type of nudity are we talking about?
I need to start with a disclaimer here.
The places discussed on this list reflect research I was able to conduct. I’m sure there are many distinctions around the world when it comes to nudity, especially on a smaller regional level.
And these can change greatly over time.
The period of European colonialism, in particular, challenged social nudity around the world. A classic example is the Indian garment of the sari. Prior to British colonization, the sari was worn without a top beneath. Breasts weren’t considered implicitly sexual.
But I’ll leave you to do your own research. Just know this: there’s a long and complex history of nudity around the world, and some traditions of social nudity were only very recently deemed immoral.
For the purposes of this article, I’m exploring two types of nudity: mixed-gender experiences and same-gender experiences.
More specifically, I’m exploring the types of nude experiences you would encounter while traveling, including at beaches, pools, and spas.
Now onto the fun stuff!
Same-sex nudity: Europe & Asia
If you’re heading to spas in Europe or Asia, you’re going to encounter plenty of nudity.
In the context of spas and massages, it’s not uncommon to strip down your skivvies or even less. Even in the US, you’ll find plenty of Korean, Japanese, and Russian spas where this is the case. (Spa Castle, anyone?!)
When you’re traveling to same-sex spas in these regions, feel free to get buck-naked. Seriously—when they hand you the robe and slippers, that’s all you’ll need.
For any naturalist, this won’t feel too risqué or out of place. But if you’re new to nudity, then you might wonder how this type of thing usually goes.
Prepare to see bodies of all shapes and sizes—this isn’t about vanity, it’s about wellness and comfort. And prepare for some ogling from certain parties.
I can tell you first-hand that staring isn’t considered rude. And if you’re a non-local stepping into a spa in Korea, Japan, or China people might simply be curious.
But please keep in mind that those with tattoos might not be permitted to enter spas in East Asia. Tattoos are still considered taboo and are associated with gangs.
Same-sex nudity is normal within the context of spas in these countries:
- Korea
- Japan
- China
- Russia
- Bulgaria
- Ukraine
- Germany
- Switzerland
- Austria
Social nudity: Europeans
Again, I’m painting with a broad stroke—but in terms of places where you can be nude and not be sexualized or criminalized, Europe has a pretty accepting approach.
In Spain, for example, public nudity is actually legal as of the late 1980s. Obviously, the police aren’t going to let you waltz around naked (probably)—but that should give you a pretty clear idea of how nudity is treated in these countries.
First, it’s not automatically viewed as sexual.
Second, the general public is very wary of over-policing, so they tend to take a hands-off approach.
Additionally, the city of Berlin just ruled that women are allowed to go topless at public pools—which was quickly repeated in the Spanish legal system. These legal changes highlight a growing open-mindedness toward nudity, especially when it comes to breasts.
*You won’t see France listed below, which is unfortunate. According to various reports, there are major crackdowns on nudity throughout the country.
At the moment, Croatia seems to be taking on that role. As more tourists enjoy its beaches, there’s a growing acceptance of naturism.
These European countries are more generally accepting of social nudity, especially when it come to being topless:
- Germany
- Norway
- Sweden
- Denmark
- Finland
- Spain
- Croatia