Plus Size Travel: Your Vacation Should Fit You
I understand YOUR concerns because I'm a plus size traveler myself, and I use that understanding to help my clients travel with greater confidence.
Planning a vacation should be exciting. You're thinking about where you want to go, what you want to experience, and the memories you'll bring home. When you're a plus size traveler, though, there may be additional questions on your mind...
Will I fit comfortably in the airplane seat?
What happens if the seat belt is too small?
Will I be able to enjoy the activities and tours?
What happens if something isn't designed for someone my size?
Will I have to ask an embarrassing question in front of other people?
I've had to think about things that other travelers might never consider. I know how much those questions can affect the excitement of planning a vacation, especially when you don't know where to find reliable answers.
That's one of the reasons I approach travel planning the way I do. My personal experiences help me recognize concerns that might otherwise be overlooked, and I want my clients to feel comfortable discussing them with me.
At my heaviest, I weighed nearly 350 pounds. On top of that, I have fibromyalgia and following major ankle surgery, I can't walk all day or deal with stop/start situations such as a museum, line queue or a guided tour. I travel with a scooter and a cane, neither of which I used on a daily basis, but to enjoy myself and be able to function the whole time, they are needed. I've also had to ask for a seat belt extender and been denied entry on a theme park ride because I simply didn't fit.
I hear your concerns. I've lived them.
Plus Size Travel Is About More Than Airline Seats
Airline seating is probably one of the first things people think about when discussing plus size travel. It's an important consideration, but it's only one piece of the experience.
Think about everything that goes into a vacation. You're choosing accommodations, transportation, activities, restaurants, and excursions. Each of those decisions can affect how comfortable you feel and how much you enjoy your trip.
A beautiful hotel room doesn't necessarily mean the bathroom will be comfortable to use. An excursion that sounds wonderful in the description may have seating, equipment, or physical requirements that aren't immediately obvious. Even something as simple as knowing what to expect before arriving can make a tremendous difference.
For plus size travelers, having that information ahead of time can mean spending less time worrying and more time enjoying the vacation. Those are details worth considering before you leave home.
Questions You Should Feel Comfortable Asking
One thing I've learned is that people don't always feel comfortable discussing their size. I know I wasn't for far too long and it did nothing more than hold me back from possible joy.
Some travelers worry they'll be judged. Others have had experiences where their concerns were dismissed or they were made to feel embarrassed for asking a perfectly reasonable question.
You shouldn't have to feel that way when planning a vacation.
If you're concerned about fitting comfortably in an airline seat, we can talk about it. If you're wondering about the seating on an excursion, the layout of a cruise ship cabin, or the requirements for a particular activity, those are all reasonable things to ask. I'll either have an answer or know where to look for one. If you're already concerned about something, I don't want you spending hours searching for information that I can help you find.
I would much rather have that conversation while we're planning than have you arrive somewhere and discover that an experience isn't what you expected. Your comfort matters, and your questions deserve thoughtful answers.
I Don't Make Assumptions About What You Can Do
Being plus size doesn't tell me how active you are, how far you can walk, what activities you enjoy, or what you're comfortable doing. Two people who wear the same clothing size can have completely different needs and preferences.
That's why I don't believe in deciding what someone can or cannot do based on their appearance or size. Instead, I want to understand what you want from your vacation and what will help you enjoy it.
Maybe you're looking forward to exploring European cities, relaxing at a luxury resort, sailing on a cruise, or spending a week at Walt Disney World. My job is to help you understand what those experiences involve and identify options that suit your needs.
Sometimes that means asking suppliers more detailed questions. Sometimes it means comparing accommodations, transportation options, or activities more carefully.
Regardless, my goal is to help you make informed decisions about your vacation without feeling that you need to defend or explain your body.
Why My Personal Experience Matters
I've been a travel advisor for nine years, and I've learned a great deal through my professional training, research, and travels, but there's another part of my experience that influences how I work with clients.
That means I understand why someone might want more information about seating before booking an excursion.
I live in a plus size body, too.
I understand why a photograph of a beautiful hotel room doesn't necessarily answer every question about comfort, and why someone might hesitate to book an activity when the description doesn't provide enough information.
I also know that being plus size doesn't mean you want to limit yourself to a particular type of vacation. You may want luxury, adventure, relaxation, family time, or a little of everything.
My responsibility as your travel agent is to help you explore those possibilities while considering the practical details that matter to you. I can't promise that every travel experience will be a perfect fit, but I can promise to take your concerns seriously, ask questions, and be straightforward about what I find.
Everyone Deserves to Feel Included on a Family Vacation
This becomes especially important when planning family and multigenerational vacations. When several generations travel together, everyone brings different interests, preferences, and physical needs.
One family member might be excited about an adventurous excursion while another prefers something less physically demanding. Someone may need additional space or more comfortable seating. Others may have mobility concerns or dietary requirements.
These details deserve attention during the planning process. I want everyone to have opportunities to participate in the experiences that interest them, without feeling pressured to do something uncomfortable or being left out because their needs weren't considered. Sometimes that requires additional research or adjustments to the itinerary. It's part of creating a vacation that works for the people actually taking it, rather than expecting everyone to fit into the same plan.
Let's Talk About the Questions You've Been Afraid to Ask
If you've ever looked at a vacation and wondered whether it would really work for someone like you, I want you to know that you're welcome to ask me. You don't need to apologize for your questions or worry that I'll judge you.
I understand many of those concerns personally, and I bring that understanding into my work as a travel advisor.
I specialize in luxury family and multigenerational vacations, Disney and Universal destinations, ocean and river cruises, and personalized travel throughout North America and Europe. Whatever kind of vacation you're considering, I want to understand what matters to you, including the details you might not feel comfortable discussing with someone else.
Your vacation should fit you, your interests, your comfort, and the experiences you want to enjoy.
If you're ready to start planning, I'd love to talk about where you want to go and how I can help make the experience more comfortable and enjoyable.
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