Anyone who wants to explore the world, regardless of body type. Yet for many plus-sized travelers, finding comprehensive and comfortable vacation accommodations can be difficult.
Whether it's cramped airplane seats, cruises that don't accommodate diverse abilities, or hotel rooms that lack essential amenities, being plus-sized while traveling doesn't come without its challenges. However, with the right preparation and research, traveling doesn't have to be an anxiety-inducing experience simply because of your body size.
Below, two plus-size travel experts tell PS how plus-size vacationers can feel more confident while traveling. With their first-hand experience and guidance, you'll be ready to take your next vacation with ease.
Featured experts in this article
Jae'lyn Chaney is a fat activist, plus-size travel expert, and content creator.
Christy Lian A content creator and founder of a travel blog. Plus size travel too.
Best travel tips for plus size travelers
The first thing you need to do before booking a vacation anywhere is to do your research. “Taking the time to research can help you prepare for a more enjoyable trip, save money, and minimize potential challenges,” says plus-size travel expert Jae'lynn Chaney. Before your trip, she recommends the destination you want to travel to, the airline, hotel, and any activities that interest you. travel
When deciding on a location
Unfortunately, not all destinations are plus-size friendly, Cheney says. “Many destinations have uneven terrain, steep hills, or unpaved paths, which can pose challenges for plus-sized individuals — especially those with mobility issues,” she adds. Some places with older infrastructure may also lack modern accessibility features like ramps or elevators.
For this reason, Chaney recommends “researching how easy it is to get to a destination, including public transportation, sidewalks, and attractions.” You can also watch videos on TikTok or Instagram to get “a good idea of what to expect,” suggests plus-size travel blogger Christy Lane. “This is the most accurate way to foresee things.”
That said, don't let your size stop you from traveling anywhere, even if it's not the most convenient. It's your vacation, and you can tailor your itinerary by staying at a hotel that fits your size or choose activities that match your mobility level. In Leanne's experience, she notes, “a lot of places that I didn't think would be plus-size friendly have actually surprised me.”
Chaney says the most travel-friendly places in his experience have been Las Vegas. Maui, Hawaii; Toronto; and Barcelona, Spain. “These destinations are just a few examples of places known for their plus-size travel friendliness, offering inclusive amenities, accessible amenities and a welcoming atmosphere for travelers of all sizes,” she adds.
Leanne enjoyed Mexico in the meantime. “Everyone was so friendly and welcoming,” she says, “and I never felt like my size was an issue.”
When packing
Here are a few key items Cheney recommends always packing for your vacation:
When booking your stay
Depending on your needs, you can ask about room dimensions and bed weight limits when you're choosing where you'll be staying, Cheney says. She recommends either calling the hotel directly or searching on the hotel's website. Also, if you have mobility issues, choose a hotel, Airbnb, or other accommodation that either has a working elevator or sits on the ground floor.
If you have any concerns about booking a hotel room, advocate for yourself. “Communicate your needs and preferences to the hotel. Depending on what the request is, they may be able to help you,” Cheney says.
When flying
When booking a flight, Chaney suggests looking for airlines that offer a “customer of size” policy, like Southwest. The airline allows customers who “encroach on any portion of the neighboring seat(s)” to “purchase the required number of seats prior to travel to ensure the availability of the additional seat(s).” per Southwest Policy, You can either pre-pay for both seats, and then, after the flight, contact the airline for a refund for one seat, or you can ask a customer service agent at the departure gate about your seating requirements. can talk Just remember that if the flight is full, a customer service agent may not be able to accommodate your request.
If you want to book outside of Southwest, look for airlines with seat upgrades that offer more legroom, such as premium economy seats or business class, Cheney says. If you don't want to spend the extra money, however, Chaney suggests getting an aisle seat. Whatever you decide, most airlines will have seat dimensions listed on their website if it's helpful to know what the space will look like before boarding the flight.
Once on the flight, if you think you may need a seat belt extender, ask the flight attendant immediately after boarding the plane. “It's easier to ask when you're boarding, because they'll either hand it to you there and then, or bring it to your seat,” says Leanne. Don't bring your own seat belt extender though, as it may not be FAA approved.
Finally, if booking a long flight, Chaney recommends choosing the flight option with a layover. If you're a plus-size passenger who can't sit comfortably in an airplane bathroom, this allows you to take a bathroom break when you need it.
When driving
If you're renting a car, you can buy your own universal seat belt extender if you want some extra comfort while in the car. This seat belt extender on Amazon is easily adjustable and extends up to 14 inches.
If you are driving to your destination and using your car, take as many breaks as you need to stretch and move your body during the journey.
When planning your itinerary
Whether you want to do an activity like scuba diving, horseback riding, or getting a massage, find activities that are suitable for people of all body types and abilities. “Look for tours, attractions and experiences that prioritize inclusion and provide comfortable seating or equipment for everyone,” Chaney says. She also recommends you “check weight limits on activities and excursions beforehand to ensure a smooth experience.”
If sightseeing is your thing, understand your limitations and movement restrictions. “While some individuals may be able to navigate difficult terrain or historic sites with ease, others may have more difficulty due to their size or mobility challenges,” Chaney says. ” For this reason, do some research on the hiking destination to find out how far you'll have to walk, how many steps there are, and what people generally rate the experience.
When dining out, if you think you'll need a booth or chair without arms, it's a good idea to call the restaurant in advance to make these arrangements whenever possible. And if you decide to grab a bite to eat without notice, don't be afraid to ask the staff for a booth or chair without arms in particular.
“By researching access options, lodging features, and activity suitability in advance, individuals can make informed decisions about where to travel and how to plan their trips effectively,” Chaney says. Go”.
Additional resources
While it's normal to feel nervous or stressed about travel, focus on how much fun you'll have exploring a new destination instead of thinking about potential challenges, Chaney says. And if you ever feel hurt, don't be afraid to speak up for yourself. “For me, it's all about advocating for myself,” Leanne says. “Whether it's asking for a more comfortable seat at a restaurant or a different seat on a flight, the more you start advocating for yourself, the easier the journey will be.”
Taylor Andrews (she/he) is the Balance Editor at PS, specializing in topics related to sex, relationships, dating, sexual health, mental health, travel, and more. With seven years of editorial experience, Taylor has a strong background in content creation and storytelling. Before joining PS in 2021, she worked at Cosmopolitan.
