Before coming on a naturist holiday for the first time it is natural to feel that you don't know "the rules" or the general etiquette:

• It is a good idea to secure an invitation before dropping in on a nudist venue. This usually means writing or telephoning ahead of time. Strangers who show up unexpectedly may be turned away.

• Honesty is the best policy. If you are sincere, most clubs will be happy to have you visit. Deceptive stories about why you want to become a nudist are not necessary. Give accurate information in your initial letter to a club and on your membership application.

• At a lot of clubs, married people must join with their spouse. Some clubs have a no singles policy while others are more liberal towards single members. It is always better to ask in advance rather than to run the risk of being turned away at the gate. In most instances, single couples (male and female) are just as welcome as married couples.

• 

  For business or personal reasons some nudists may wish to remain anonymous and will introduce themselves using first names only. You should respect their privacy and they will do the same for you. It is you that nudists care about. Your personality will determine the number of friends you make at a nudist park, just as at any other social function.

• Naturists are not, generally, masochists, so if it is too cold to be naked naturists wear clothes. Conversely, if it is warm enough to be naked, many/most naturists will want to be so, whether indoors or out - though there are many people who enjoy swimming and sun-bathing naked but prefer to be clothed at other times or for other activities. It's a matter of personal choice.

• The practice at most naturist centres and clubs is for total nudity to be the norm throughout the day and wherever it is legal - which normally means throughout the hotel or centre, in shops and other facilities. Sometimes - as for instance some naturist clubs or clothing optional resorts it is expected that guests will be clothed in the evenings/night in the public areas, restaurants and bars. Normally at most naturist clubs or clothing optional resorts, no bathing costumes are worn in or around the swimming pool area.

• Shower before using the swimming pools and hot tubs.

• Bars, restaurants and cafes usually have conventions or rules about whether clients can be naked or whether they must be clothed. Sometimes at least a towel is expected and quite often there is one rule during the day and another for evening/night.

• The normal naturist etiquette is ALWAYS to have a towel to sit on, not necessarily to cover up with. This is for reasons of hygiene and, frankly, consideration of friends' or the hotel's chairs and seats - protecting them from suntan oils, sweat etc.

• T
  
  

  he normal naturist etiquette is not to indulge in any overtly sexual behaviour in a public place - no different from textile etiquette. In the unlikely event of becoming sexually aroused, a naturist would be expected to turn away or cover up to avoid embarrassing anyone, including himself.

• Photography is only permissible in a naturist resort if the explicit permission of people appearing in the photographs and who could be recognisable is obtained by the photographer - most naturists, like everyone else, like to preserve their privacy and to decide for themselves whether and where any photographs of them or their families appear.

• Respect a club's property and keep it clean.

• Be as friendly and as open as possible and others will do the same.

• Most of all enjoy the experience.

There is no need to worry that you may unwittingly break the rules - observing what others do, or asking their advice, will put you on the right tracks - and remember, naturist communities are generally very friendly and, unless you behave outrageously, you will quickly be accepted into the community.