Each month, we’re going to talk about one of the various resorts Shoes Only Travel represents.  Please remember that we’ve chosen to represent only the best for lifestyle and au natural travel.  Our pick this month, Hedonism II, is certainly represents that high standard.

Of course, you want to know the basics about Hedo II before we tell you why you should go.  Hedo II is located in Negril, Jamaica, about 50 miles south of Montego Bay, where your flight will land.  Obviously Hedo’s  beaches are bathed in sun and the water is plentiful.  Hedo II is filled with fun in the sun activities, clubs, and parties. Don’t worry if you don’t know anyone going, by the time you leave the island, you’ll be part of the family.  First time traveler Brandyn said “Max & I looked at each other to say, ‘We’re so screwed… we’re never going to see another part of the world are we?’ Yep, we’ve been bitten by the Hedo Bug.”

Once you land on Jamacia, getting to Hedo II is easy!  Super Clubs, the parent company of Hedo resorts, has a lounge right in the airport terminal where you go after debarking your plane and getting through customs.  They will take you directly to the resort.  A past guest warns “The bus ride to the resort was WEIRD and exciting! Here in the US we do drive on the right side of the road, we do have our steering wheels on the left side of the cars, we have traffic lines, traffic signs, red lights…etc. All I could do was watch and HOLD ON!!” 

Once you hit the resort, the concierge staff will make short work of getting you to your room.  Be sure to find your schedule so you don’t miss out on any activities, but the best way to find out what’s going on is to get out there and talk to people.  Friends tell us that Hedo II “gets more like Disneyland for adults every year”.  If you think a trip sounds like a good idea, but aren’t sure when to go, ask Shoes Only about their Hedo Takeover Weeks when we book most of the clothing optional rooms for our guests and offer special deals, amenities, and group activities.  Also, Hedo II will be having their next Ms. No Swim Suit Contest March 7-14, 2009!  Why wait ‘til New Year’s to start that new workout plan?  Call Shoes Only Travel to make your reservations, get to the gym, and get in the sexy competition! We’d love to brag that we sent the winner. (And her lucky partner!)

Watersports are tons of fun and you can get in some incredible SCUBA dives.  “Scuba, at H2, is free: the equipment, the boat ride, the tank, the weights … everything. I do recommend that you bring your own mask, fins & booties, lycra body suit, gloves if possible as you know they fit. H2 does not offer body suits, even for rent. Keep in mind that the water will be in the 85F temp range.

Before you do your first dive, you must present your c-card (I know this is stupid to say but do remember to bring your card. I HAVE SEEN FAR TOO MANY DIVERS FORGET IT [not shouting, but emphasis] so pack it now).”

Our friend Chris adds “Some of the favorite things to do at Hedo in addition to scuba:
Water ski (and add some walking around Bloody Bay while you’re there)
Snorkel
Water slide (a must - lots of fun)
Find the 2 secret hidden hot tubs
Try a flaming Bob Marley shot or 2”

 “HedoRick has a great suggestion. Plan to do it all and be open to the possibility of doing nothing.”

 “Sexual energy and excitement that makes up Hedo.”  While each night has a theme and costumes are encouraged, we’re not talking the Halloween type you’re used to!  Think less is more when coming up with your outfits.  Currently the themes are Western Night, PJ Party, Red Stripe Bikini Party, Regge, Retro, Toga, and International.  One word of caution- on PJ Party night, you will not be allowed into the disco without pajamas.  For those really looking for some lifestyle travel, January at Hedo II is lifestyle month.  “While it is not a take over, the percentage of H2 guests interested in the lifestyle of sharing does go up significantly. Which is to say that the probability of meeting similarly minded couples is very high and without difficulties.”

A fun in the sun, everything out in the open trip awaits you at Hedonism II.  Those with any concerns will find them quickly melted away in the Jamaican sun, and returning family will be thrilled to be back at “home”.  Take your travel personality profile on the Shoes Only website.  If Hedo II comes up, make your reservations to the party of your lifetime!

It was an ex-boyfriend of mine who convinced me that wearing knickers (underwear) really is a waste of time. It’s far healthier to go commando style and ever since we met, my knicker drawer hasn’t seen much use. The same boyfriend took me to my first swinging/naturist club, Rios in Kentish Town. I doubt very many tourists come to London exclusively to check out its only real naturist joint, but if you happen to find yourself on a weekend break here than it’s worth paying your £18 to enter.

I recently went there with an American couple, Mark & Patricia, tantric teachers and a really cool couple. They had taught at Hedonism and been to quite a few swingers parties but I don’t think they were quite prepared for the Rios experience. So few people are!

Part naturist hang-out, part local community centre for the Caribbean women who come there to oil their skin and condition their hair and part swingers’ club to mainly men hoping to get lucky, Rios suits the phrase ‘one of a kind’.

‘This is wacky,’ said Patricia. ‘Do all these clothed Caribbean women know what goes on here?’

She was referring to the ‘private rooms’ scattered around the place where couples or groups would discreetly venture for some extracurricular activities.

‘Yeh, sure,’ I said. ‘They know what goes on. They just ignore it.’

‘And the other guys,’ she said. ‘Are they all hoping to have sex?’

‘Mainly,’ I said. ‘Although most of them probably won’t.’

‘We’ve never been to a place like this,’ they both agreed. ‘It’s kinda cool.’

Well, it certainly is for me, being one of the few women who use the place for casual sex, a shower, sauna and steam. I can’t think of anywhere else in the world where a girl can get all that for the super duper knockdown price of £3 including as many towels as one needs. Even in these ‘credit crunch’ times, Rios is one of the biggest bargains in town.

That afternoon, Mark, Patricia, myself and a very nice, young South African guy who pimps cars for a living enjoyed a leisurely afternoon in one of the private spaces. Mark tried to teach me how to gush. Patricia demonstrated a new position with Mark and Jonathan and I played around for a while. Afterwards we all went out to the sunlit garden to catch the last rays of sun and try to get an all over tan. It was a pretty typical afternoon at Rios and one I’d certainly urge tourists to try, if only to find out just how the Brits like to chill.

Did you know that in some states* “It is illegal for a man to have an erection that is visible through his clothing?”

When you’re in the swinger lifestyle, you see some pretty stupid stuff.  But, the judgments don’t only come from the common, everyday American.  No, sometimes they are put into legal form, brought before the general public, and made into laws.

Here are some of the stupidest sex laws from across the U.S. of A.  Enjoy the laughs and then remember that something had to happen that made these become law!  How about this gem from Newcastle, Wyoming

“An ordinance specifically bans couples from having sex while standing inside a store’s walk-in meat freezer!”

Talk about a chilly willy!

(If the link is not clickable, follow me though the rabbit hole… http://www.kasidie.com/static/magazine/2008/02/strange-sex-laws.html)

* Arizona, Florida, Idaho, Indiana, Massachusetts, Mississippi, Nebraska, Nevada, New York, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, South Dakota, Tennessee, Utah, Vermont, Washington D.C. and Wisconsin.

Since my first book was published in 2005, I’ve been contacted by many of my readers wanting me to recommend my favourite swinging or naturist clubs. I can only tell you what I know from experience, be that good or bad.  I’ve had friends on the scene that have had a great time at a place I haven’t liked and equally I’ve had a ball at venues that other folks really didn’t think were all that wonderful.  Like everything else in life, I think you have to take out of each experience what you can.  There’s no point in going with a huge set of expectations because you’re just bound to be disappointed.  My best holidays have always been ones where I was just looking for sea and a bit of sun and sand and found a great sexy vibe too.

What’s important to remember is that naturism does not necessarily mean swinging and swinging clubs usually have nothing to do with getting naked.  Pure naturism, such as exists in France and Germany -and not so much in the UK - is about the freedom to wander around naked.  It’s about being able to do everyday activities such as cycling, shopping, and eating out au naturel.  French naturists often travel as families, staying in caravan parks and, as you can imagine, mum and dad don’t really want little Johnny and Jane to be watching a couple copping off on the beach.  This is especially true during the high season of July and August when most of the Continent goes on holiday and the naturist resorts are full of families. Equally hardened swingers don’t want to be surrounded by screaming infants either. Swinging, after all, is only about sex.

Over the next few months I’ll be sharing my adventures with you.  Please feel free to leave any comments for me on this blog and I will try and answer your questions as best I can.

Vacation is the perfect time to let all your worries go and focus on spending some alone time with your sweetie.  With Shoes Only taking care of getting you to and from your resort or cruise, you can concentrate on how you’ll spend the days.  Clothing optional means you can leave a lot of room in your suitcase but it doesn’t have to mean forgetting everything.  Plan ahead and fill your bags with tools to turn up the passion in your relationship while experiencing a day made for two.

Before you buy anything, ask around about your destination.  Resorts have amazing services designed to melt tension and send the every day away.  Hedonism III features extra large bathtubs, perfect for a morning bubble bath.  Every morning at Hidden Beach Resort starts with a romantic walk- it’s right there on the schedule!  Desire Resorts offer the Sensual Desire Massage; 80 minutes of couples massage.  Ask about a private dining room for two- your own.  Room service can set up a lovely, candlelit meal while you and your sweetie splash the afternoon away.

While things like rose petals and karma sutra seem cliché, they’re a great way to indicate that this is time for two.  Silk rose petals will not take up much room in your suitcase.  Scent them with any number of aphrodisiacs and spread them on the bed before dinner or a late-night trip to the bar. The warm tropical air will help release the stimulating oils, filling the room with smells that are a sure turn-on.  Hidden Beach Resort can give you some how-to with their erotic massage, positions of the kamasutra, and erotic body art activities.

For the most romantic way to express your love, recite new or renew time-honored vows at Grand Lido Braco and Hedonism with their complimentary wedding services.  The exchange can take place in many of their lush settings and include a minister, witnesses, (if you don’t bring your own or meet them along the way) bouquet and boutonniere, champagne and a wedding cake.  It doesn’t get more romantic than that. 

Romance doesn’t have to be packed into one day.  Start the week off with dating activities- dinner with flowers and champagne, propose mid-week, and end the week with your declaration of eternal love. 

Adult travel affords an opportunity to reconnect to the most important person in your life while unplugging from the rest of the world.  Shoes Only Travel has selectively chosen which resorts and cruises to represent for their activities and amenities.  Rely on their experience to ensure a memorable vacation.  Get creative with the possibilities.  Be prepared.  Schedule your time so you can have a day for two already planned, reservations and preparations already taken care of.  When all the particulars are taken care of, you can focus on the two of you.

It is hurricane season in the tropics and just because Shoes Only Travel resorts are hot, hot, hot doesn’t mean they are immune from tropical storms or other travel disasters.

In the past resorts like Desire and Hedonism have given vouchers to guests whose adventures were cut short by a hurricane.  The smart thing to do is check with your resort or cruise line to find out what their policy is regarding inclement playing weather.

The better idea is to book your travel through a reputable travel agency such as Shoes Only Travel.  Having a travel agent on your side gives you someone in the know who will already have the answers, or will know who to call to find out how a resort or cruise line is going to accommodate you in the event of such an unforeseen event. 

Life happens and an array of other vacation pitfalls can keep you from your trip.  Better than relying on the good graces of your resort, Shoes Only Travel offers travel insurance through AIG that will cover the cost of your vacation, expedited returns, and, depending on the level of insurance you purchase, any damaged items or additional travel expenses due to the rushed end to your trip.

Besides weather related issues, the optional insurance also covers the cost of your excursion if you have to reschedule or miss it entirely due to vacation killers such as medical illness, financial issues along any leg of your trip such as airline strike, resort closure, homeland security threats, or even something as simple as being subpoenaed for jury duty.  Didn’t think about those scenarios when planning your sunny stay, did you?!

Of course insurance varies depending on what package you choose.  For a small fee, you can be sure to be covered in these events, however remote the chances may seem that they will happen. (Who thought the airlines would strike over the holidays?  But they did!)  Ask your Shoes Only Travel representative about more extensive coverage which will cover any reason that would keep you from your trip.

Travel insurance purchased through Shoes Only Travel costs very little in comparison to losing out on your trip.  While most resorts are accommodating to guests, travel insurance will guarantee that you receive full reimbursement of your expenses for a wider range of reasons allowing you to enjoy your fun at a time when you can really get into your stay.  Talk to your Shoes Only Travel representative- you’ve got more important things to worry about!

The times have never felt so mid 1970’s as they do now.  Recession, corporate layoffs, uncertain political times.  Enter CBS’s taboo new summer series Swingtown.  With characters facing the same tough times we’re facing today, it’s easy to identify with the show. 

As the name would imply, Swingtown also brings the swinger lifestyle into it’s viewers homes at 10PM every Friday night.  With openly swinger central characters, Tom and Trina, the show also brings a lot of controversy.  Rumor has it that CBS is having problems securing advertisers for the show. Paired with the firestorm of controversy surrounding it, the future of this show is up in the air.  One thing is certain; fans of the show are fiercely loyal.

Fans and fanatics hotly discuss everything about the show from it’s story lines to it’s morality on the CBS Swingtown community forum. If you’ve missed out, you can catch most of the show’s episodes online and get in the swing!

Learn more about Swingtown at http://www.cbs.com/primetime/swingtown/

Britons spend more time on romance than on foreplay, according to a sex survey by Virgin 1.

The results of the Europe-wide poll show that Swedes have the most partners, Germans love using toys the most and Italians are most likely to film themselves having sex.

Brits get the accolade of spending the shortest time having sex – a session lasts just five minutes, compared to German couples’ two hour romps.

More than a third of British couples do not even have sex once a week, while 29 per cent of French lovers have it three or four times a week.
Furthermore, Swedes are nearly twice as likely to sleep with someone on the first date than Brits.

Reposted from www.scarletmagazine.co.uk

Things to know before you go

South Beach.  Mexico, Jamaica, European beaches. They’ve always held interest to you.  Something about being that exposed in nature, every inch of your body caressed only by the sun holds appeal for you.  Clearly you’ve done your homework, learned that Shoes Only Travel offers great clothing optional travel excursions and found yourself here.  The first thing to do (after reading this blog!) is to find your travel personality in the travel personality profile. 

Before you know it, you’ll have your travel dates planned and be ready for the adventure of a lifetime.  And as you plan, it’ll hit you, you don’t know what to take, what to do, what to expect!  Don’t worry.  Keep reading and we’ll help you with the basics of Shoes Only Travel because even though the name implies grabbing a pair of flip flops and your passport, clothing optional travel does not always mean everything goes; here’s what you should know before you go.

The heat of the Caribbean starts with the sun. You’ll want to protect yourself with a good sunscreen (SPF 70 works great for those special areas), sunglasses, and maybe a sunhat.  The sand can be hot too so good shoes are a sure bet.  Swimwear can be mild to wild and no one knows who you are so take this opportunity to show off your efforts in the gym with a suit you wouldn’t dream of wearing to the neighborhood pool- if you want to take anything at all!

If you’re a slave to your workout routine, you’ll be glad to know that most resorts and cruises offer fitness centers, but of course you’ll want to bring workout gear for lifting and sweating.

Hedonism, Desire, and other resorts and cruises have theme nights to help turn up the fun factor.  If you want to join in, you don’t want to be without a costume!  Check the resort page on the Shoes Only Travel site to find out what theme nights will take place during your stay and raid your costume chest for pirate costumes, disco wear, and the like.  If you’re ready to let go of your inhibitions, costumes for nights like “All That Glitters” can be contained in a small package of rhinestones to be creatively placed. 

Surrounded by sun, sand, and festivities, it will be tempting to load up on pictures, but remember to be sensitive to fellow vacationers.  The CPA and his wife in the next room who you’ve been drinking buddies with since check in may not want pictures of the Mrs. taking a body shot in your online gallery.  However, they may not mind getting a copy of that shot , so experienced travelers recommend taking personal calling cards with your name and email address to hand out to new friends.

It is better to be over packed than under prepared but overall, don’t forget that this is a vacation.  Take what you need and trust that the rest will take care of itself. 

Alternative lifestyles are getting a lot more attention in the media lately.  Of course polygamy (the practice of being married to more than one woman) creates headlines in the news, but the internet is crawling with forums for people living alternative lifestyles and now TV is has waved bye-bye to the taboo line of same-sex kissing on the small screen and gone to full on bisexual and gay relationships, and swinging has made it to the big 3 networks.

CBS’ new television show, Swingtown, has brought open marriages into prime time and made it available to anyone with basic cable.  It is exciting to see misconceptions about open marriages being corrected. Just because Tina and Tom are swingers, does not mean that anything goes.  There are still just as many emotions involved, and they are just as sensitive as the next person in line at the grocery store. Their discussion forum is heated, though many people under the guise of anonymity are posting their experiences and support for the show. 

Not being so anonymous, Will Smith and Jada Pinkett Smith have recently brought their marriage into the open.  Of course, this is also sparking a lot of debate.  To me, the important thing is that he’s talking about honesty in the relationship which is really the key to any successful relationship, open or closed.

The surge in exposure is driving people to websites for all types of lifestyles.  The conversations are important.  It is great to see people talking about what they want and how to get it either in their current relationship, by working on the relationship, and/or changing it as needed.  It’s also good for people to share experiences.  Not every open marriage stays open. Not every polyamorous relationship ends up happy.  Then again, monogamous relationships don’t always end in a ride into the sunset either.

If you’re looking to take a walk on the wild side, Shoes Only Travel offers great travel packages to places like Hedonism resorts, Desire resorts, and other exciting clothing optional excursions like Au Naturel, Lifestyle cruises where the Vegas tag line, “what happens in _____________ (Hedo, Desire, vacation) stays in _____________” apply.  The warm Caribbean waters can bring out some hot adventures.  Let Shoes Only take care of the travel arrangements while you prepare for the time of your life.

Regardless of where people fall on the relationship spectrum, the most important thing is dialogue in relationships; being able to talk about your needs and desires. Perhaps when we start with our own relationships, we can begin to think about other types of relationships and how they fulfill our needs.