Following our impromptu heatwave (yes highs of 21 degrees are considered a UK rarity) and the realisation that our bikini bodies are definitely still pending, it would seem that summer is creeping around the corner.
That means it's time to start clearing the cobwebs from our summer dresses, digging out those black gladiator sandals and tinted (scratched) Ray Bans. Whilst the British weather in the summer might be as reliable as the Metropolitan line on a Monday morning, there is no denying that come May Bank holiday, we'll see a lot of British skin.
Forget biscuit fragranced, orange streaked fake tan nightmares and instead channel your inner bronzed goddess (with no white bits) and head to some of the safest topless beaches in the world. If you're not quite brave enough to embrace full frontal nudist beaches, but still want to avoid spending hours photo-shopping out awkward, sunburnt strap marks, then I've got you covered (kind of). Ranging from itsy bitsy bikinis in Brazil to sand dunes shielding you from prying eyes in South Africa, it's time to ditch the top and follow in our European cousins' chic footsteps.
Copacabana, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
One of the world's most famous beaches and home to pert behinds and barely-there bottoms, Copacabana is full of sun worshippers with non-existent tan lines. Time to stretch out with a Caipirinha in hand, Brazil's signature cachaça cocktail, and watch those tan lines vanish.
Bondi Beach, Sydney, Australia
Whilst you're taking in the sites on the Coogee to Bondi coastal walk, rest assured you'll see a whole host of liberated females soaking up the Sydney sun. Boasting a Guinness world record for hosting the largest swimsuit shoot and home to a whole heap of hippies, backpackers and beautiful people, Bondi is the ideal place to strip down.
Playa d'en Bossa, Ibiza, Spain
In between catching Martin Garrix at Ushuia, covering your body in glitter for Zoo project and getting in at 8am from Elrow at Amnesia, avoid those awkward 'thought you went on holiday?" questions by sleeping off your hangover on Playa d'en Bossa beach. Complete with laid-back bars and Bali beach beds, clothing is optional on the longest beach in Ibiza.
Little Beach, Maui, Hawaii
Whilst most of the picture postcard beaches in Hawaii have a no nudity policy, it's widely known that Little Beach is an exception. Head down on a Sunday and take part in the traditional fire dancing and drum circle. Probably best to stick your bikini back on for these though ...
Mandalay Bay, Las Vegas, United States of America
It's no surprise that Las Vegas sanctions a bit of nudity, and at the Mandalay Bay hotel and casino you'll get to marvel at the...erm...pool in style. Equipped with poolside massage service, personal pool attendants and raunchy red sun loungers, ticking off topless tanning from the bucket list is probably the tamest thing you'll do in Sin City!
Clifton Beach, Cape Town, South Africa
Ideal for those who still have some reservations about revealing it all, as Clifton beach has natural sand dunes to prevent exposed skin from being subjected to prying eyes. It also has four coves, which protect bathers from the vicious winds, helping women everywhere avoid any kind of razor-sharp awkwardness.
Plage de Tahiti, St. Tropez, France
The beach that put topless sunbathing on the map when Bridgette Bardot whipped off her bikini top back in the 60's. Frequently visited by celebrities, don't be alarmed if you see a camera flash, it's likely to be because a B-lister has got their kit off.
Note to self - still haven't seen Tom Hardy take it all off here, only aging playboys with blonde bombshells as their chosen accessory. Sigh.
South Beach, Miami, United States of America
A lot of stateside beaches have a 'no topless bathing' policy and you can be fined for your vanity. Throwback to the 80's where my mum nearly got arrested in Fort Lauderdale for losing her top in an approaching storm. If only she'd read my words of wisdom and headed to South Beach instead...
In your quest for a good dose of vitamin D and the right (contorted body, 40 useless photos and 11 angles later) bikini Instagram snap, be mindful of when it isn't acceptable to free the nipple. Countries such as Turkey, Morocco and Tunisia have a no-tolerance policy to topless bathers and carry some pretty serious penalties. Respect the beliefs and customs of the countries you're travelling to and research them before you go.
Check out these websites: www.gov.uk/travelaware and www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice. They have further checklists regarding individual countries laws and customs, vaccination and visa information. Don't forget to follow @FCOTravel on Facebook and Twitter for travel advice updates too!