Nancy Trejos

USA TODAY

Beachgoers around the world don't get too bothered by public nudity and Speedos. But they do break a sweat when it comes to a possible shark attack.

That's according to Expedia's annual Flip Flop report to be released Tuesday. The study, commissioned by the online travel agency and conducted online by research firm Northstar, gauged the behaviors and preferences of 11,165 adults across 24 countries in five continents.

For the third consecutive year, Germans were the most likely to sunbathe fully nude, with 28% saying they have spent a day at the beach in the buff. But for the first time this year, Austrians tied them.

Worldwide, more men than women prefer to sunbathe nude.

Women, especially Europeans, were more likely to go topless. Nearly half of Austrians — 49% — were likely to sunbathe topless. Spaniards and Germans followed closely behind.

The most modest beachgoers were from Asia. Only 2% of Japanese, 3% of South Korean and 4% of Thai beachgoers said they have sunbathed nude. Being modest didn't translate into being uncomfortable with the practice, however. Nearly three-quarters of Japanese beachgoers said they were "very" or "somewhat" comfortable with beach nudity or female toplessness. Residents of Hong Kong, India and Malaysia said they were the least comfortable with it.

The beach is one of the most popular travel destinations in the world. More than half — 56% — of those surveyed said they have taken a beach vacation in the past year. And 73% of those who have taken, or plan to take, a beach vacation said they had reached personal bliss as a result.

"The beach is the world's most popular travel destination by a considerable margin," John Morrey, vice president and general manager of Expedia.com, said in a statement. "So every year we ask travelers all over the world to tell us their likes and dislikes as they relate to beach behavior. In response, we can offer travelers the recommendations that best suit their preferences."

Among the other findings: