Everyone has the right to explore the world, regardless of body size, but many plus-size travelers struggle to find inclusive, comfortable options while on vacation.
Cramped airplane seats, travel that doesn’t accommodate diverse body types, hotel rooms that don’t have the amenities you need – traveling can be a challenge for plus-size people, but with the right preparation and research, traveling doesn’t have to be an anxiety-inducing experience just because of your body size.
Below, PS interviews two plus-size travel experts to help all travelers travel with confidence, and with their first-hand experiences and advice, you can have peace of mind on your next vacation.
Best Travel Tips for Plus-Size Travelers
The first thing you should do before booking a trip anywhere is research. “Taking the time to research will help you be better prepared, save money, and minimize potential issues for a more enjoyable trip,” says Jae’lynn Chaney, a plus-size travel expert and content creator. She recommends researching the places you want to travel to, airlines, hotels, activities you’re interested in, and more before you travel. To make it more comprehensive, here are some important factors to consider for every part of your trip:
When deciding on a location
Unfortunately, not all destinations are plus-size friendly, says Chaney. “Many destinations have uneven terrain, steep hills, or unpaved roads that can be challenging for plus-size people, especially those with mobility issues,” she adds. Some places have older infrastructure and lack modern accessibility features like ramps and elevators.
For this reason, Cheney suggests finding out “how easy it is to get around your destination, whether that be public transport, footpaths, tourist attractions, etc.” Kirsty Liang, owner of travel blog Plus Size Travel Too, also suggests watching TikTok and Instagram videos to “get a good idea of what to expect.” “This is the most accurate way to find out things beforehand.”
But don’t let your size stop you from traveling, even if it’s not the most comfortable place. The vacation is yours to make. You can customize your itinerary by staying in a hotel that’s suited to your size and choosing activities that fit your athletic ability. In Leanne’s experience, “places I didn’t think were plus-size friendly actually surprised me.”
Chaney said the easiest places to travel to she’s experienced are Las Vegas, Maui, Hawaii, Toronto and Barcelona, Spain. “These destinations are just a few examples of places known for being plus-size traveler-friendly, offering inclusive amenities, accessible facilities and welcoming atmospheres for travelers of all sizes,” she added.
Lianne, on the other hand, enjoyed her time in Mexico. “Everyone was so friendly and welcoming,” she says, “and I never felt like my body shape was an issue.”
When packing
There are a few key items that Cheney recommends making sure to bring on vacation.
When making your reservation
When choosing a place to stay, inquire about room size and bed weight limits, says Cheney. You can call the hotel directly or look on their website. And if you have mobility issues, choose a hotel, Airbnb, or other accommodation that has an elevator or is on the ground floor.
If you’re not sure about booking a hotel room, be assertive: “Tell the hotel about your needs and preferences,” says Cheney. Depending on your request, the hotel may be able to help.
In flight
When booking a flight, Cheney recommends looking for airlines that offer a “customer count” policy, like Southwest Airlines, which allows customers “who wish to occupy a portion of adjacent seats” to “pre-purchase the number of seats they need before traveling to ensure additional seats are available.” Southwest’s policy allows you to pay for both seats up front and then contact the airline after the flight to receive a refund for one seat, or discuss your seat preference with a customer service agent at the departure gate. However, if the flight is full, the customer service agent may not be able to accommodate your request.
If you’re thinking about booking somewhere other than Southwest, consider airlines that offer seat upgrades with extra legroom, like premium economy or business class, Cheney says. But if you don’t want to pay the extra cost, Cheney recommends opting for an aisle seat. Regardless of where you choose to sit, most airlines post the seat dimensions on their websites, which can help you get an idea of what the space will be like before you board.
If you’re flying and think you might need a seat belt extender, ask a flight attendant as soon as you board. “It’s easier if you ask when you board, and they’ll probably hand it to you there or bring it to your seat,” Lianne says. But don’t try to bring your own seat belt extender, as it may not be FAA approved.
Finally, if you’re booking a long flight, Chaney recommends choosing a flight option that has a connecting flight, so larger travelers who can’t fit comfortably in an airplane bathroom can take a bathroom break when they need it.
driving
If you do rent a car, opt for a larger vehicle, which is “more friendly for larger travelers,” says Cheney. If you want to be extra comfortable in the car (as opposed to flying), you can also buy a universal seat belt extender to bring with you. This one, available on Amazon, is easily adjustable and extends to 14 inches.
If you’re driving to your destination in your own car, take as many breaks as you need to stretch and move around during the trip.
When planning your itinerary
If you want to enjoy activities like scuba diving, horseback riding, or massages, look for activities that are suitable for people of all body types and abilities. “Find tours, attractions, and experiences that have seating and amenities that are comfortable for everyone so that everyone can have a good time,” Cheney says. She also recommends “checking the weight restrictions for activities and excursions in advance to ensure a smooth experience.”
If sightseeing is your hobby, understand your limitations and restrictions on your mobility: “Some people can easily navigate difficult terrain or historical sites, while others face challenges due to their size or mobility issues,” says Cheney. So, research the destination to find out how much walking you’ll have to do, how many stairs there are, and what people generally think of the experience.
When eating out, it’s a good idea to call the restaurant ahead of time and ask about seating options. Give preference to restaurants that offer booths or chairs without armrests. (And if you decide to stop by for a quick meal without prior notice, don’t be afraid to ask the staff for a booth or chairs without armrests.)
“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,” Cheney says.
Additional resources
It’s normal to feel anxious and stressed when planning a trip, but instead of dwelling on potential challenges, focus on how much fun you’ll have discovering a new destination, says Cheney. And if you’re feeling anxious, don’t be afraid to speak up. “For me, it’s about speaking up for yourself. Whether it’s asking for a more comfortable seat at a restaurant or asking for a different seat on a plane, the more I speak up for myself, the easier the trip will be,” says Lianne.
For additional resources, check out Leanne’s website Plus Size Travel Too, a resource and hub for plus-size travelers, and Chaney’s TikTok, which features additional videos on plus-size resources and advice.
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Travel Tip: Book your next vacation in the off-season
Taylor Andrews is POPSUGAR’s Balance editor, specializing in topics related to sex, relationships, dating, sexual health, and mental health. In her six years at POPSUGAR, she’s written about how semen is digested, why aftercare after sex is important, and how the overturning of Roe ended situation shipping.
