Anyone who wants to explore the world should, regardless of their body type. Yet for many plus-size travelers, finding inclusive and comfortable vacation accommodations can be difficult.
Is it shrinking? airplane seatWhether it’s travel that doesn’t account for different abilities, or hotel rooms that lack the necessary amenities, traveling while plus-size doesn’t come without its challenges. With proper preparation and research, however, travel doesn’t have to be an anxiety-inducing experience just because of your body size.
Below, two plus-size travel experts tell PS how plus-size vacation travelers can travel more confidently. With their first-hand experience and guidance, you’ll be ready to take your next vacation with ease.
Experts are featured in this article
Jaylin Chaney A fat activist, plus-size travel expert and content creator.
Kirsty Lean A content creator and founder of travel blogs Plus size travel too.
The best travel tips for plus-size travelers
The first thing you should do before booking a vacation anywhere is research. “Investing time in research helps you feel prepared, saves money, and minimizes potential challenges for a more enjoyable trip,” says plus-size travel expert J’Lynn Chaney. Before your trip, he recommends places you want to travel to, airlines, hotels and any activities that interest you. To round things out, here are some key elements to consider for each part of your trip
When deciding on location
Unfortunately, not all destinations are plus-size friendly, Chaney says. “Many destinations have uneven terrain, steep hills, or unpaved paths, which can pose challenges for plus-size individuals — especially those with mobility issues,” she adds. Some places with old infrastructure may also lack modern accessibility features like ramps or lifts.
For this reason, Chaney recommends “research how easy it is to get around the 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,” recommends plus-size travel blogger Kirsty Lien. “It’s the most accurate way to see things in advance.”
That said, don’t let your size stop you from traveling anywhere, even if it’s not the best fit. It’s your vacation, and you can tailor your itinerary by staying at a hotel that accommodates your size or picking 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 actually surprised me.”
Chaney says the most travel-friendly place he’s experienced is Las Vegas; Maui, Hawaii; Toronto; and Barcelona, Spain. “These are just a few examples of destinations that are known for their plus-size travel friendliness, offering inclusive amenities, accessible amenities and a welcoming environment for travelers of all sizes,” she added.
Liane, meanwhile, enjoyed Mexico. “Everyone is so friendly and welcoming,” she says, “and I don’t think my size has ever been an issue.”
When packing
There are some key items Chaney 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 choosing where you’ll stay, Chaney says. He recommends either calling the hotel directly or searching for it on the hotel’s website. Also, if mobility is an issue for you, 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,” says Chaney Depending on what the request is, they may be able to help you.
while flying
When booking a flight, Chaney recommends looking for airlines that offer a “customer size” policy, like Southwest. The airline allows customers who “occupy any portion of adjacent seat(s)” to “purchase the necessary number of seats prior to travel to ensure additional seat(s) are available”. per Southwest Policy, You can pay for both seats in advance, and then, following the flight, contact the airline for a seat refund, or you can discuss your seat requirements with a customer service agent at the departure gate. 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 leg room, such as premium economy seats or business class, Chaney says. If you don’t want to spend the extra money, Chaney suggests getting an aisle seat. Whatever you decide, most airlines will list their seat dimensions on their website if it’s helpful to know what the space will be like before boarding the flight.
Once in flight, if you think you may need a seatbelt extender, ask the flight attendant upon boarding. “It’s easy to ask when you’re going to board, 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 a flight option with a layover. If you’re a plus-size traveler who can’t comfortably fit in the plane lavatory, this allows you to take a bathroom break when you need it.
while driving
If you rent a car, you can buy and bring your own universal seat belt extenders if you want some extra comfort while in the car. this Seat belt extenders at Amazon Easily adjustable and extends 14 inches.
If you are driving to your destination and using your own vehicle, take as many breaks as needed during the journey to stretch and move your body.
When planning your trip
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. “Find tours, attractions and experiences that prioritize inclusivity and provide comfortable seating or equipment for everyone,” Chaney said. He advises you to “check activity and travel weight limits in advance to ensure a smooth experience.”
If sightseeing is more your thing, understand your limitations and mobility restrictions. “While some individuals may be able to easily navigate challenging terrain or historic sites, others may experience more difficulty due to their size or mobility challenges,” says Chaney. For this reason, do some research on the sightseeing destination to find out how far you have to walk, how many steps there are, and what people’s general reviews of the experience are.
When dining, if you think you’ll need a booth or chair without arms, it’s never a bad idea to call the restaurant to make those arrangements whenever possible. And if you decide to grab a bite to eat without notice, don’t be afraid to specifically ask the staff for a booth or chair without arms.
“By researching accessibility options, accommodation features and activity suitability in advance, individuals can make informed decisions about where to travel and how to effectively plan their trip,” says Chaney.
Additional resources
While it’s normal to feel anxious or stressed planning a trip, focus on how much fun you’ll have discovering a new destination instead of worrying about potential challenges, says Chaney. And if you’re ever uncomfortable, don’t be afraid to speak up for yourself. “For me, it’s all about advocating for myself,” says Leanne. “Whether it’s asking for a more comfortable seat in a restaurant or a different seat on a flight, the more you start advocating for yourself, the easier travel will be.”
Taylor Andrews (He/She) is PS’s Balance Editor, specializing in 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, he worked at Cosmopolitan.
