Dare to bare: 15 of the world's best nude beaches

Although still taboo in many places, casting aside your clothes at the shore has become a customary practice around the world in recent times. From rocky coastlines to talcum powder fine sands, and big city bays to secluded shores, there are now hundreds of beaches where it's perfectly legal (or at least de facto legal) to sunbathe, swim and otherwise frolic beside the sea in nothing more than your birthday suit. "Soft, smooth sand, warm ocean breeze, gentle ocean waves and lots of other naturists makes for a great clothing-optional beach," says Nicky Hoffman of The Naturist Society, who's also the managing editor of Nude & Natural magazine and co-author of "The World's Best Nude Beaches & Resorts." While clothing-optional beach destinations may seem like a modern invention, it's actually quite an old idea, a product of the otherwise prudish Victorian era.

- CNN Travel 

Beautiful Bliss Beach at Paya Bay ought to be on this list!

been traveling...

I've been traveling on the Honduran mainland the last several days. My business trip took me to...

Tegucigalpa, the capital of Honduras, and...

San Pedro Sula, the second largest city and industrial hub.

been travelin'

Been traveling on the Honduran mainland the last several days.

My business trip started in the Tegucigalpa, the Honduran capital city...

...and concluded in San Pedro Sula, the country's Second City and industrial hub.

Honduras in CNN's top 16 up-and-coming destinaions

"Its primary allures are the fine white-sand beaches of the Bay Islands, Mayan ruins and colorful colonial cities. Delve deeper still though and you'll uncover forested mountains, jungles, coral-clad dive sites and wildlife such as jaguars. The Western Caribbean Bay Islands Roatan, Utila and Guanaja get the press for waters graced by whale sharks, rays and turtles. [...] "Honduras has everything," says Thornton of Intrepid Travels. "It's certainly emerging as one of the hottest destinations in Central America.

- CNN Travel

bon voyage, lisa!

Have a great trip to South Africa, Lisa! Love you to pieces!

canal town bound

My niece, Michelle, and I are currently in San José, Costa Rica on our way to Ciudad Panamá for the Central American Travel Market (CATM), an industry fair. For both of us, it's our first time traveling to this (sorta) Central American country. Judging by photos of the capital city's skyline, it seems much more "First World" than any Honduran city. It should be a very interesting, eye-opening trip.

memories of miami

View from my friend Kevin's place at the Icon Brickell in downtown Miami. Not shabby, eh?

The massive pool deck on the 15th Floor. The pools are the equivalent of a small lake. This area is shared by two condo towers as well as the Viceroy Hotel tower that is part of the development.

15th floor sundeck overlooking the bay. Miami living can be so - literally - over the top!

miami days

I arrived in Miami this afternoon for a one-week First World escapade. My awesome friends Kevin and Linda met me at the airport. For both Kevin and me, Linda is "Mamita," our second mom. These days Mamita is looking young enough to be our sister (okayyy!). We struck a pose for the My Roatan blog.

Frommer's new Honduras guide

Frommer's has just debuted a new travel guide to Honduras.

Nicholas Gill, author of the first edition of "Frommer's Honduras" ($16.49 at Amazon.com), says the Central American country has "a little bit of everything: beaches, active adventures, historical sites, indigenous cultures, wildlife and laidback getaways."

what's your number?

Guests from Costa Rica currently staying with us at Paya Bay told me about the Web site mosttraveledpeople.com. Apparently there are 762 places (so far) that one must visit to "see it all."

According to our members, the world is made up of 762 countries, territories, autonomous regions, enclaves, geographically separated island groups, and major states and provinces. To visit all 762 would be to go everywhere.

I signed up. My number so far: 61 (of the 762). Not shabby. I've obviously been very fortunate to travel so much. Check out the Web site!

BTW, the Bay Islands (Islas de la Bahia in Spanish) are currently a candidate to become a distinct MTP location (separate from the Honduran mainland).