This is an excerpt from “Crusie News” an update to booked travelers aboard our “Erotic Caribbean Cruise”

Erotic Caribbean Cruise

We want to welcome all of our fellow erotic cruisers to the inaugural issue of our “Cruise News.” This publication is designed to keep everyone that has booked this amazing trip updated on the upcoming event so you can anticipate, plan and provide input on your cruise….the operative word. As important as us providing you information will be the input you will be providing to us on what you want to see, enjoy and experience on your fantasy adventure.

As we are about 13 months out we will start with a newsletter every 3 months or so and as the magical date gets closer we will progress to monthly updates.

Remember, this is by no means a traditional cruise but rather a private charter of the entire ship. This means that there are many things that we can change, adjust, add or experience that are totally different from what the Cruise Ship normally offers. Of course we will all be naked, so that is already different and yummy J

Some of the other things we have flexibility on are ports of call, entertainment, theme nights, playrooms as well as other delights. So please don’t be shy about emailing us with suggestions, recommendations, etc.

On March 1^st we are going to cruise on the Windsurf to do a site visit and meet with the Captain and key staff. We are going on the same exact itinerary as our cruise so we can look at the standard ports of call as well as alternative options. We are also going to be working closely with the cruise director and head chef to see what variations are available to make our cruise perfect. We will be getting back to you all about mid March with a detailed report of the trip, ideas we have developed and, most importantly, various options for everyone to consider and comment on.

Happy New Year to all –

Lori & Jonathan

Owners

General Info:

When:                                  January 24, 2010 – January 31, 2010

Ship:                                     Windstar, Windsurf

Port:                                     Barbados

Total # Cabins:                   156

Travelers:                           Couples & SF’s only

Is nudism good and healthy for the environment? You bet!

As global warming and other results of human civilization threaten the environment, the nudist lifestyle could have a real effect for the better!

Air conditioning
This is a biggie. Enormous amounts of electricity, and therefore more fossils fuels, are used to run our air conditioners every summer or even all year in warmer climates. If the earth warms further, air conditioners will be used even more. But nudists can tolerate a few more degrees in temperature increase without the use of air conditioning, especially with a little air movement generated by a fan (which uses much less energy than an air conditioner). If more people went nude when it is warm, it could significantly help with energy costs, environmental impact and your own pocketbook! The flip-side is that nudists could use more energy in the winter to stay warm, so nudists might need to clothe when it is cold to save on energy, but at least nudists have the option to remove clothing when it is warm. Nudists, therefore, have more potential for environmental friendliness than a non-nudist overall.

Laundry
The more you go nude, the less laundry to have to do, thereby saving more energy, water and soap (which can take more energy to produce and can pollute the environment).

Nature-Consciousness
Nudism, especially outdoor nudity can give you a more intimate awareness of nature. In fact the term “Naturist” or “Naturism” alludes to the nature-centric principles of naturism and nudism. The lifestyle, thought, natural surroundings, are all more conducive to greater appreciation of the environment, and nudists less often require the concrete and steel world of textiles. Outdoor-intensive activity such as hiking provides even further awareness of the environment, often leading to greater concerns for it.

Indeed it seems the whole mindset of nudism/naturism goes hand-in-hand with being green, and nudists, as a group, tend to be concerned for the environment, so you have a social network that agrees with you. There are so many things connected to nudism, such as good health, working from home, and living simply, that are also great for the environment. So now you know what to do - save the planet by living nude!

Travel Green With Shoes Only Travel

When you travel with Shoes Only Travel you will do so knowing your vacation has a Zero Carbon foot print. Shoes Only Travel is paying a fee to  CarbonFund.org for every vacation it books to offset your impact from:

·         Your round trip car ride from your house to the airport

·         Your round trip flight for 2 from your home airport to the destination airport

·         Your entire stay at the resort

Finally, you can vacation without clothes and a clear conscience!

“Looking for Paradise ? Here it is ! It is the ONLY resort we have ever visited that is better in reality than in the brochure !” “The food was exquisite, the service was impeccable and the facilities were quite comfortable.”  Reviews like that makes you stand up and take notice, don’t they? Makes you want to reserve a room as soon as possible.  Grab your credit card because the resort described is Hidden Beach Resort in Tulum, the Mayan Rivera area of Mexico and is Shoes Only Travel’s feature resort for the month!

We’ve put up a few clothing optional 101 posts for those new to lifestyle travel.  If you’ve read with interest and imagined your first au naturel trip, Hidden Beach Resort is a great jumping off point.  Experienced lifestyle travelers tend to rate Hidden Beach as “tame” on the mild to wild scale. A three time visitor to Hidden Beach Resort said “This place is still not a swingers / lifestyle type of resort which is why we chose to go there . Being nude but still a little prude is very comfortable at HBR.”  A first time traveler rave about the comfort level from the minute they arrive.  “This was our first trip to an Au Natural resort and we loved it. No reason to feel embarrassed by showing off your love handles as there were all body types being displayed without any thought.”

The “tame” rating does not mean Hidden Beach is a lesser resort.  Instead of a party atmosphere, travelers will enjoy the low-key, relaxing nature of Hidden Beach Resort’s activities.  Snorkeling, kayaking, beach massage, of course swimming, and a special feature, fish feeding, are all activities to enjoy in the Caribbean sun.  The beach is reported to be hit or miss, but the pool always receives accolades and it’s always better to sunbathe nude in a chair so you can avoid getting sand in your “parts”.  Hidden Beach Resorts also offers exciting excursions to places like the bullfights, spelunking in Aktun Chen caverns, and dancing the night away at a Caribbean carnival.  Be sure to ask your Shoes Only Travel agent for more information on these exciting adventures. 

There are 6 restaurants on-site and also 24 hour room service.  La Vista is the main restaurant for Hidden Beach Resort. Open from 6 am until 10 pm, it serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner.  Every reviewer raves about the food and a regular even shared a story with us.  “The food was outstanding there also. One night at Hidden Beach, we requested a special meal, and not only did the make it for us, they moved our table to the beach, where we had our own waiter and beautiful candle lit table. What a treat for us.”

The resort earns further raves about the “little” things which returning visitors appreciate.  The king sized beds are ranked better than other lifestyle resorts with each room having it’s own Jacuzzi hot tub and fully stocked bar.  One guest also appreciated the sliding screen doors  which help reduce bugs. “The last several times we’ve been to (another resort) we’ve been bitten by either mosquitoes, sand flies or sand flees. We’ve come home with big welts. During our week at Hidden Beach we did not have a problem with insects. One real advantage of Hidden Beach is that they have sliding screen doors on all the bedrooms opening to the beach. I think one reason we have such a problem with insects at (another resort) is because there are no screen on the doors.”

Even with a resort that is raved about by so many lifestyle aficionados, there are usually some tips from those who’ve been there to help you along the way.  Hidden Beach Resort is no different.  One guest found a $14 tax added to their bill for a beach massage. They said the massage was well worth it, but want other travelers to be aware of the additional cost.  Shoes Only Travel and others recommend having a limousine or other rental car at the airport to meet you for the 90 minute trip to Hidden Beach Resort.  

The reviews are in and Hidden Beach Resort is the place to be for a relaxing yet pampering atmosphere where every need is catered to.  For those seeking the style and luxury of this 5 star resort but with a wilder lifestyle theme, Shoes Only Travel will be taking over Hidden Beach Resort in October 2009.  With all 42 rooms booked by Shoes Only Travel the resort will be transformed into a private lifestlye getaway. Start saving now for the trip of a lifetime!  Our reports say it won’t be your last!

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!

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.

We are asked quite often “so what made you decide to open “Shoes Only Travel?”. Like most things in life we came to it almost accidentally.  From a personal perspective, we are world travelers having been to dozens of countries and have enjoyed both textile as well as “Au Naturel” travel for years.

In addition to being well traveled we are what you might call extremely observant and demanding. While we like 5-star travel it is not necessary and we often travel in all categories. What we do demand and look for are experiences where the vacation exceeds our expectations.

Professionally, we have owned a “Brand Identity” consulting firm for over 7 years (having spent over 25 in the industry), providing strategic development and implementation programs for large corporations and governments across the US. In developing Brand Blueprints for our clients we are usually involved in all of the background research, planning and execution to make sure that we understand the customers’ needs and provide our clients the tools to exceed their customers’ expectations. That takes us back to our previously described travel experiences and observations……sort of an occupational hazard.

We spent a year doing some research for a client that involved the Clothing Optional and Lifestyle travel markets. What came out of that research was a deep understanding of the market and, more importantly, what the Lifestyle and Clothing Optional traveler was seeking. Marrying that research with our own personal knowledge led to Shoes Only Travel.

So what makes us different?

We, like other agencies, will of course book travelers to the most popular resorts such as Desire, Hedo and a few others, either individually or in groups. This is a major portion of the market for a good reason. These resorts do a great job and provide the Lifestyle and Clothing Optional traveler the experience they are looking for.

Let me give you an inside tip… the price you will pay from any travel provider is basically the same (it is also the exact price you will pay if you book directly with the resort). The resorts pay a commission out of their end so you, as the traveler, see the same price either way.

So what it comes down to is service and understanding. Understanding the resort as well as the traveler’s wants and needs. Shoes Only Travel has intimate knowledge of all the resorts we represent. We have been to each of them, know the management and understand the experience. We utilize a “Traveler Personality Profile” on our site to develop a clearer understanding of you and your desires so that we can match you to appropriate resorts, which will exceed your expectations. Even if you have been to Hedo II, say 10 times, if you have not been to Desire or Hidden Beach or Grand Lido it is hard to make a judgment about them.

Also, how wonderful is it to have a truly carefree trip? Knowing your transport to and from the airport has been arranged and confirmed for you the day of travel. Even your stay at the resort is personally confirmed the day or two prior to your arrival to make sure they are ready for you and all is good- even arranging an early check in and preferred room location when possible so you will not have to wait for a room and will get a super, rather than random location at the resort.

I recently saw a post for a group trip where the major benefit being highlighted was that they send you a goody bag with 3-4 lbs of stuff (junk).  We choose a little different direction.  Rather than spending money on a bag of things you don’t need and will likely throw away (like, the last thing I need is another bag of stuff) Shoes Only Travel has partnered with CarbonFund.org for our company and all of our travelers to have a green vacation.

This means that when you travel with Shoes Only Travel you will do so knowing your vacation has a Zero Carbon foot print. Shoes Only Travel is paying a fee to  CarbonFund.org for every vacation it books to offset your impact from:

·         Your round trip car ride from your house to the airport

·         Your round trip flight for 2 from your home airport to your destination 

·         Your entire stay at the resort

Finally, you can vacation without clothes and a clear conscience!

Group trips are another area. We take great pains in developing interesting groups often including some entertainment or services not normally found at the resort for our group. We also have at least one host couple and/or staff to accompany the group to act as a liaison onsite with the resort as well as arrange some private parties for our group. It is all designed to make it a special experience for you.

Finally, we saw a need in the market for some more unique and unusual offerings. Again, while the traditional resorts are wonderful, many of us are also seeking new and unusual experiences. So at Shoes Only Travel we are constantly on the lookout for these opportunities. One such unique opportunity is our January 2010 charter of the Windstar’s Windsurf ship out of Barbados. This luxurious, intimate ship (156 cabins) is a total takeover which means this is a 100% Clothing Optional Lifestyle Cruise with unique parties, entertainment and excursions.

So welcome to our family and we look forward to being your Clothing Optional and Lifestyle friend in the travel business for years to come.