I am reminded today — just before I head out for an event with my naturism group — that there are many places in the world that have laws against people like me.

Which is why I would avoid vacationing in such spots.

Sure, I can understand beaches and resorts that are considered to be “clothing optional.” But when countries and towns threaten to fine or imprison me for public nudity, I simply cross them off as tourist destinations. And, hey, they would rather not have my money if it means allowing me to be nude on a beautiful beach in their jurisdiction, right?

Thing is, there are plenty of vacation destinations that accept naturists and welcome us, so it is no big deal if places like Sal Pedro del Pinatar in Spain bans beach nudism, as is being reported in a publication called Murcia Today. The town council is set to pass a bill that would see people being fined up to 750 euros for “total nudity” on the beach, though the Policia would only take action if they receive complaints, apparently.

The reason for this move?

Well, it seems some people have been complaining about other people “touching themselves” or “touching others” although, the article points out, the practice of naturism has become common over the last few decades with very few complaints.

So, it seems that the rationale of local officials is people are less likely to “touch themselves” or “touch others” if they are wearing some sort of swimsuits. In other words, if women were to strut around the beach in micro-kini and men in skimpy swimming trunks, there would be no touching, right?

Hmm.

Cross Sal Pedro del Pinatar off my list of potential vacation destinations.

Then there’s the Maldives, where you can be fined and/or imprisoned for public nudity.

It seems glamour girl/model Katie Price has run afoul of the law in the Islamic country because — horrors! — she was topless at the Kandima Maldives resort, Celebs Now reports.

Apparently, people have been going topless at some of the resorts in the Maldives and they have had no run-ins with the law. But someone complained about Price, and the local cops are saying they will investigate and take action. They are reminding everyone that nudism and topless sunbathing — the latter presumably by women, but not men — is forbidden.

So, why would a naturist or anyone else who believes in body freedom even consider the Maldives as a vacation destination?

The police in the Maldives ask that we respect their “local traditions, customs, laws and religions at all time,” and there is no better way to do that than by simply not going there.

Sadly, there are plenty of other places in the world where the locals have no respect for naturists and would do us harm if we dared to be topless (women only, presumably) or naked at a beach or a resort.

I’d like your input here, with the idea of eventually creating a list of vacation destinations naturists should consider avoiding.

What other popular beaches and resorts around the world could be tourist traps for naturists and result in fines and/or imprisonment if we bare our breasts (women only, presumably) or sunbathe in the nude?

Please list them in the comments section below with an explanation, and ask for input from friends in naturism groups, too.

— Jillian

Photo: You could be fined or thrown in prison for being naked at the beach in some otherwise popular tourist destinations. Photo credit: Naturist on the beach. (Source: Montse aka Supermons on Flickr/via Wikimedia Commons)