This is one of my favorite posts to date because it shows real women who travel. Why is that a big deal? Because these women are embracing their figures and living their lives to the fullest, which is what my blog is all about. I stumbled across a conversation in Nomadness Travel Tribe (created by Evita Turquoise Robinson) and I am so pleased to be able to introduce you to these phenomenal women. I hope you enjoy their strength as much as I do.
Michelle
One of the major reasons I didn’t travel much when I was younger is that I spent about 15 years of my life between 350 and 406 lbs. I felt completely restricted when it came to long flights, participating in adventures that had weight limits, etc. I even stopped going to amusement parks because I couldn’t fit on the rides!
I lost 180+ lbs and my life changed. I went on a roller coaster for the first time in 20 years. I got my passport and I began seeing the world because I no longer had to worry about buying two seats (and I was always embarrassed about asking for the seatbelt extender). I’m still a “large” woman at 6’0″, 240lbs, but I admit that access is a LOT greater now.
(If you like her sarong get one similar to it by clicking here)
Michelle on Instagram: @FeministaJones
LaCrissa
As I travel I learn to just live. Yes I’ve run into weight restrictions when I wanted to ski dive in Dubai but for the most part folks around the world have been awesome.
(Want something like what LaCrissa is wearing? Click here to find it).
LaCrissa on Instagram: ThatGirlsApp
Robyn
Being plus sized, people constantly place limits on you by telling you what you can and can’t do, what you should and shouldn’t do, and how you should and shouldn’t act. Anyone that knows me well knows that I don’t conform to limits.
I’ve hiked in three countries. I’ve swam with sharks, stingrays, and dolphins. I’ve snorkeled in some of the best reefs in the world. I’ve explored ruins, slid down cliffs, climbed waterfalls (I almost died lol).
I’m just living life. No matter what anyone else thinks or says, just live limitlessly.
Robyn’s Blog: http://www.pluswanderer.com
Rima
I do not let my size affect my traveling. I have been traveling for quite a while and I am comfortable enough in my own skin to wear bathing suits on trips. I remember struggling to fasten my seat belt on a flight and asking the flight attendant for an extender. I remember getting an attitude and stare but regardless of it, I will continue to see the world.
The more the negative stares, the more fuel to my fire.
Rima on Instagram @queenriri1920
Kim
As a plus size traveler who has traveled to at least 35 countries, I have learned not to let my weight hinder my travels. While not every destination has been “fat friendly”, I have found many that have welcomed me with open arms. The love that I am shown abroad is often better than I receive in my own country.
I have found that there is no greater sense of accomplishment than being on a physically challenging excursion and being able to keep up, if not outperform, all the non-plus size travelers. The most rewarding to date was climbing La Piedra del Penol in Colombia which consisted of about 700 steps to the top. The guide looked at me and said this is not advisable and I just smiled and said “I got this.” And I did!
Kim on Instagram: kimmieg_9
Markita
I’m 5’9″ 240. People are amazed at my confidence. But once you lived 20 years being depressed and ashamed of your body something has to give. Now I do get a little upset when the armrest won’t go down because my hips are wider than my seat. But YOLO (seriously that stupid phase has helped me live). I can’t be on my death bed saying I wish I would have done something because I never lost weight.
(would you like a fab bathing suit like Markita? Click here to see one similar)
Instagram: Diva_Intellectually
Georgette
For years I allowed my size to stop me from traveling due to fear of being ostracized until one day I said “eff this!” & booked a plane ticket . Since then I’ve traveled to various countries in Europe, South America and the Caribbean with no problem. If people had an issue that was THEIR problem not mine. I was too busy having a great time to give a damn!
Georgette’s Blog: www.grownandcurvywoman.com
Karen
I’m plus size, and I travel and wear a 2 piece. I enjoy nude beaches and participate in activities I enjoy. As long as you are healthy and sexy and know it you should travel and experience life.
Timah
Plus size traveler here. I’ve been bungee jumping, ATVing, I love roller coasters, wear bikinis, stripped naked in Korean jimjilbangs routinely, enjoyed burlesque dancing, and try my best to enjoy the hell out of life. If only Sky Dive Dubai would quit their shenanigans, I could finally go sky diving. It took me a while to get here, and still have work to do, but so glad we are both allowing ourselves to feel vulnerable and keep pushing anyway.
Here’s my litmus test for if a place/activity is plus-friendly: Can I buy a ticket and get there/participate safely? Then it’s plus size friendly.
(Do you like her Kimono? Click this link to get it!)
Fatimah’s Blog: LiveTravelMore.com
Nicole
As a plus sized woman, I used to feel ashamed and embarrassed about not being able to fasten my seat belt. I dreaded asking for an extension, that was even more embarrassing. But I didn’t let my extra pounds hold me back. I still love and do travel.
Although there are some activities that I really can’t enjoy while vacationing, like hiking and horseback riding, I find other activities that I can enjoy. And when I get a little tired, I know how to find a seat. LOL. I am comfortable in my skin now and I not ashamed of ME.
Jasmine
I go where I want to, but I am conscious that I can’t do everything.
Brei
I travel, period. I don’t have many limitations. If I need to wear an abaya to roam freely in Saudi Arabia, cover my shoulders to enter a Buddhist temple in Thailand, or remove my shoes before entering Korean restaurants, then sign me up. Well, I do have one, don’t hand me any bugs. She doesn’t do bugs.
If I could offer any advice to newbie fluffy travelers, I’d say: Book the aisle seat and raise the arm rest, instant hip room. If you live to shop, don’t fret over finding your size. Find a tailor and have something unique made just for you. One last tid-bit, enjoy your trip. Remember you paid good money to enjoy yourself and look good while doing it.
Follow Brei on Instagram.
Tiffany
I may not have a beach body to some but I’m going to wear my 2 piece anyway.
Who cares what other people think!
(If you like her bathing suit you can get one like it here)
Tiffany on Instagram: afriquanqueen
Karen
I’m plus size. I travel and I wear a 2 piece. I enjoy nude beaches and participate in activities I enjoy. As long as you are healthy and sexy and you know it you have to travel and experience life.
Allison
Hey there! I am a plus-size traveler and I have not had any problems. I am NOT ashamed to ask for the seat belt extender at all because I paid for my ticket and you have no business making ALL of the seats so small anyway. I have never enjoyed amusement parks. I don’t like fast, spinny things so that has not been an issue. I have been to 9 countries and I do get stared at, but only because I am walking on the Great Wall of China and some folks can’t believe that I can do it!
I get stared at when I run to catch a bus or when I squeeze into a bus seat too, but I don’t care! I love my size! I love the way I look! I feel sorry for women who have body issues and who starve themselves or refrain from eating pastries in Paris because they are too fattening! Ugh! Don’t be ashamed of yourself. We are NOT all meant to look alike. I also love the spas that I have been to in Mexico and Italy and China and Egypt…..all this big brown roundness might be a shock to some, but I don’t care. And you shouldn’t either! Enjoy your life! Pastries for everybody! LOL
(Do you need a seat belt extender? Get one here).
Eve
I’m a plus sized traveller and I get it in all over the world! Clothing shopping can be a little problematic but just look for a local plus sized girl and ask her or research shops in advance! My MS prevents me from doing lots of thrill seeking rides but I enjoy museums and other things! Don’t be discouraged we are out here and enjoying the world! I’m on the beach taking pics with my smaller friends and loving it and they love me too.
Eve on Twitter: @EveTeamTX
Cece
I wish I could say that I never think about my size when traveling, but I get over it very quickly. I affirm that I’m going to have a wonderful flight, I’ll be treated well and that I’ll enjoy myself. This has largely been my experience. I deserve to enjoy my life, see the world, make new friends and try new things. Travel has afforded me all of that and I’m glad that I haven’t put it off waiting to become the perfect size or to have the perfect companion.
If you want to go, go!
Cece’s Blog: LiveLifeAnyway.com
Let’s chat! Tell me what you think of these women!
note: there are affiliate links in this post, which means if you purchase, I will get a small commission.
This is wonderful! It is so great to read their positive outlook! Everyone deserves to have the experience of travel and I am glad they have the self confidence to do it and live life to the fullest! I’m sure this will inspire other plus size women to do the same.
As Minnie Ripperton use to say “Yea, she came from my loins,'” and ain’t I PROUD of her!!!!!
Hee hee…thanks mom 🙂
This is great to see and ready. Beautiful women traveling the world and loving every minute of it. Confidence shines in all of these photos.
Yes! Their confidence is visible. Thanks so much for reading!
Love seeing all the happy women at gorgeous places 🙂
Lovely pictures ladies. Inspiring.
Well!! I’ve learned! Me and my sister were talking about losing weight and “then” we’re gonna do this and that. I want to thank my inspirational, life loving sisters in this article. Thank you for helping me see that times a-wasting………
Blessings to all!
Karen S.
Age 54, 5’10” 255 lbs of chocolate dynamite! ,
No reason you can’t go now! Get one of those deals and GO!!!
Looking great ladies! So many wonderful travel looks!
“Travel is the only thing you buy that makes you richer”… Unknown
Travel is so life changing! I am glad that plus size women are going out there and not allowing perceptions to stop them. Life is for the living, do it OUT LOUD!
This is really awesome, all these women are beautiful and sexy in their own skin and that’s amazing. I, too am plus sized and comfortable wearing a 2 piece. My life motto “Watch Me Do It” lol
“Watch me do it.” LOVE it.
I love the blog however, we are all real women.
Awww man. What an awesome post! I, too, have encountered challenged while traveling but I’ve learned to just accept them as part of the inconvenience for living my dreams. In the last year I went to on three tropical vacations and didn’t bat an eye…enjoyed every minute of it. I’m looking forward to eventually making my way to Africa, Asia, and Australia. Wonderful post!!
Thanks so much for reading! And enjoy your trips!
Fabulous post! Keep doing you and seeing the world ladies!
I LOVED THIS POST. I feel like I can relate with each and every one of these women because I, too, am a plus size woman who loves to travel. Be it locally, nationally, or internationally. Thank you for bringing this to light.
This is my favorite post I’ve read today. So much confidence. So much beauty. Love it all!
Thanks for this!! So encouraging to see my fluffy Sista living!