10 Tips for the Plus-Sized Traveler
Don’t let anyone tell you you can’t travel at your size
10 — Pack versatile shoes
Shoes are so important for you to be able to participate in any activity. Taking uncomfortable hiking shoes with good grips is just as important as taking shoes you can dress up with for a nice dinner or show. It’s also important to take sandals which can double as shower shoes, “house” slippers, or can be worn to the beach, spa, or pool. This is especially important for those of us with large or wide feet since finding properly fitting shoes can be difficult — and shoes that fit poorly can prevent you from enjoying the activities you want to do. Bad shoes can discourage you from going on that hike, or that stroll around the city, or even to the beautiful restaurant.
9 — Embrace accessories
Embrace accessories and artwork as your go-to souvenirs. Even if you can’t find a shirt or dress in the beautiful patters or style from a specific place, scarves, hats, and accessories are great ways to bring wearable items home with you. Plus, as beautiful as the clothes may be, they might stand out or draw unwanted attention when you get home, but those same bright colors and patters in an accessory like a scarf or bracelet can bring the memory home with you in an accessible, everyday way.
8 — Be prepared to have your photo taken
You may want to take photos of locals and the beautiful scenery that your destination boasts, but to the locals (and sometimes other tourists) YOU may be the most interesting thing around. Often, being large and looking distinctly foreign will cause many cameras to focus on you. It can be really uncomfortable, especially for those of us who are shy or embarrassed of our size, but it will probably happen at some point and being mentally prepared is important. Besides, taking that photo will make someone really happy — you might as well smile.
7 — Bring Snacks
Bringing snacks on a long journey is good advice for any traveler — you never know when you’ll get stuck in an airport, on a plane, or without a taxi. Bringing non-perishable snacks is extra important for those travelers who may be on a special or restricted diet (although, no diets are ever recommended on a vacation), those who need consistent calories or sugars, and for those who’s appetites may be larger than an airplane dinner or snack.
Plus, having snacks tucked in your bag can help if you’ve missed normal restaurant serving hours. So, take some snacks from home, but also make sure to visit the local markets and stores for local snacks. Finding local snacks can be a fun added bonus for your journey and a totally unique culinary experience for you.
6 — Don’t expect the size of things to be the same as where you live
If, like me, you are from the U.S., it is no joke to say that things really are bigger in the States. We have wider seats, bigger cars, wider roads with huge shoulders, bigger grocery stores with so many choices, wider shopping aisles, and bigger restaurants and meal portions. DO NOT expect that be consistent everywhere you go! In fact, most places will feel much smaller (with a few notable exceptions like Germany, Russia, Ghana, Australia — basically where the native people are larger too). For those of us who are plus-sized, the narrow streets, aisles, and doorways can be particularly unforgiving. But, the discomfort is part of the journey and the things you are experiencing are perfectly designed to make the people of that country comfortable — just like your home makes you comfortable.
5 — Pack smart! Don’t forget your swimsuit
In order for a plus-sized person to be spontaneous, we must over-prepare and over-pack. Beyond packing something for all possibilities, you should pack at least one of every item in your carry-on so that if your luggage gets lost, stolen, or delayed, you’ll have at least most of what you’ll need. As someone plus-sized, I know that even if I received enough money to replace all of the clothing in my luggage, it wouldn’t be particularly helpful since I will probably not be able to buy clothing in my size in the country I’m visiting.
Oh, and ALWAYS pack a swimsuit! Even if you are going to Antarctica, a swimsuit is a valuable and versatile option — you can use it for the standard water activities like swimming or going to the spa plus it is doubly useful in public showers, as a method to cool down, or for other outdoor activities like rafting, kayaking, or surfing.
4 — Do your homework, but be adaptable
When planning your trip somewhere, take the time to research things you may want to see or do. For some places, you may have a few things you just “can’t miss.” Like visiting Machu Picchu if you find yourself in Cusco, Peru, or visiting the Taj Mahal if you are in Agra, India.
But you have to be flexible and adaptable. Sometimes the best laid plans just can’t happen because it isn’t safe (like cable cars that cannot operate in the wind so you have to change your plans) or the activity is closed because of a local holiday. While you are there, ask locals for their recommendations based on the kinds of activities you had wanted to do or see. Often those spontaneous recommendations turn out better than what you originally planned!
3 — Always ask about weight limits
Weight limits are so unpredictable. Some activities have much lower weight limits than you’d expect, while others have alternative options available that are far over the weight limits they have posted. For example, you may not expect elephant riding to have a weight limit, but some places are very restrictive about weight (make sure you check before booking). Alternatively, a parasailing company may have a maximum weight posted that is significantly lower than yours, but if you call them you may learn they have an option for you to parasail alone — the posted weight limit was only applicable to those flying in tandem.
2 — Ask nicely for accommodations
Asking for an accommodation can be particularly challenging when you need assistance for something as sensitive or personal as your size or weight. But, it is better to make the uncomfortable request than to be miserable for the duration of an international flight. If while in your airplane seat you find the seatbelt uncomfortably tight (or completely unable to close), ask for a seatbelt extender — your steward(ess) will discretely return with one. If you are in economy and you and your travel partner are plus-sized, politely ask the front desk agents if there are any rows (yes, even at the very back of the plane) that have an empty seat available — often there is something available and they will move you for free. If you are renting a car, ask for one with larger interior space, or if you are renting a room with a small bed, ask for a larger one or a rollaway bed. Don’t forget to always be polite and never expect to be accommodated, but you would be surprised how many people are willing to help you if they can. It never hurts to ask nicely!
1 — Be prepared to be uncomfortable
Each place around the world is uniquely designed with the comfort of its own people in mind. If you are outside the norm of people who live at your destination, you will likely be uncomfortable — but that is ok! If you had wanted to be completely comfortable, you would have stayed home. As a plus-sized person, you may find certain places particularly uncomfortable because you may have to duck to get through doorways, turn sideways to fit through aisles, or curl your legs under your chair to sit without tripping someone. Taxis, trains, planes, and public transportation were not designed for you. Beds may be too short, meals might be too small, “short walks” are too long, and you certainly stick out of (head and shoulders above) the crowds. Despite the discomfort, the journey is always worth it. So, take your creature comforts, and enjoy the discomfort and all the beauty of your destination.
Leana’s an avid world traveler who has been to over 40 countries and will be venturing to her 7th continent in 2022. She believes in ubuntu and that adventures make life worth living. To follow her journey as a plus-sized woman with unquenchable wanderlust as she continues to seek out all that the world has to offer, you can check out The Overweight Adventurer.
