As plus size people, we know all too well just how much the world does not consider our access needs when it comes to moving around the world.
Travel, as an industry, has advanced in showcasing some of the worldโs most beautiful destinations, but it is a struggle to find representation of plus size women. Luckily, Annette Richmond is challenging fatphobia in travel with her platforms dedicated to empowering and normalizing plus size traveler experiences.
Annette Richmondโs platform, FAT GIRLS TRAVELING has been a force in the plus size community for many years. Joining this community means being a part of a beautiful, vibrant community that has helped increase consideration of plus size bodies traveling around the world.
Annette Richmondโs mission has been to challenge societal norms, promote size inclusivity, and make the world more accessible โ one destination at a time.
โFat Girls Travelingโ is Creating a Space for Plus-Size Travelers
Richmond launched Fat Girls Traveling after noticing how little consideration was given to plus-size travelers.
โI never saw myself in travel ads, and finding information on accessibility required a deep dive,โ she shares.
To solve this issue, she thought up Fat Girls Traveling Tours. This idea blends accessibility with luxury to create unforgettable group experiences. The curated trips take travelers to sought-after destinations while ensuring comfort, accessibility, and a true sense of community.
Beyond group tours, her brand offers custom travel planning services, helping individuals and families navigate plus-size-friendly accommodations, activities, and experiences. Richmond and her team have even consulted with travel brands to help them become more inclusive.
Fat Camp: A Retreat for Rest and Joy
One of Richmondโs most beloved projects is Fat Camp, a nostalgic, fat-positive adult summer camp. Unlike traditional weight-loss-focused camps, this retreat is about joy, relaxation, and connection.
โWeโre rewriting historyโcreating new camp memories or first-time experiences,โ she explains.
From arts and crafts to campfires, Fat Camp prioritizes healing, community, and celebration.
Fashionable Journeys: Flying Dresses and Bridgerton Balls
As a fashion stylist and Fashion Institute of Design and Merchandising alumna, Richmond infuses style into every adventure. One of her most cherished experiences is the flying dress photoshoot in Santorini.
โFinding a dress in my size and working with a photographer who had experience with plus-size travelers was key,โ she recalls.
She also fondly remembers attending a Bridgerton Ball, a whimsical reminder that no occasion is too small to dress up!
Travel Essentials for Plus-Size Adventurers
For plus-size travelers, preparation is key. Richmondโs must-haves include:
- Seat belt extenders: Always request one from the airline instead of bringing your own for safety reasons.
- Anti-chafe solutions: Megababe and similar products prevent discomfort on long days of exploring.
- Compression socks: Essential for long-haul flights.
- Bev-ledge: A game-changer for those who struggle with standard tray tables.
- Medical supplies: Bring essentials like pain relievers and personal hygiene items, especially when traveling to destinations where products may be limited.
Life Abroad: Navigating the Expat Experience
Now based in Mexico, Richmond embraces the expat lifestyle, though she prefers the term โimmigrantโ due to its political weight. While she enjoys the tropical climate and cultural richness, adjusting to power outages and infrastructure differences has been part of the journey.
โI feel blessed to have lived abroad for nearly a decade, and Iโm working on my Mexican residency,โ she says.
Advice for Nervous First-Time Travelers
Richmond understands the anxiety that can come with traveling while plus-size. She advises her followers to start walking now. If youโre planning a trip, vacations often require more physical activity than expected. She also encourages joining online travel communities, where connecting with experienced plus-size travelers can help ease concerns. Lastly, finding a travel buddyโeven virtuallyโcan boost confidence and make the experience smoother.
Whatโs Next for Fat Girls Traveling?
This year, Fat Girls Traveling Tours is heading to several luxurious places including Tanzania, Iceland, Upstate New York, and Mexico. They will also be offering exclusive Members-Only Trips, so you may want to sign up now! The Fat Girls Traveling Network, offers virtual support groups, meet-ups, and discounted trips. They recently began shifting its focus from social media to a private platform after experiencing repeated Instagram shutdowns.
The brandโs blog, The Fat Girls Guide, is a hub for authentic stories about travel, love, health, and lifestyle from plus-size travelers worldwide.
Three Must-Visit Destinations for Plus-Size Travelers
- Scotland โ A dream for history and architecture lovers, with stunning landscapes and walkable cities.
- Faro, Portugal โ A more accessible, flat alternative to Lisbon with incredible seafood, wine, and affordability.
- Bacalar, Mexico โ Known as the Maldives of Mexico, Bacalar offers serene blue waters perfect for relaxation and adventure.
With Fat Girls Traveling, Richmond is proving that luxury and accessibility can coexist, and plus-size travelers deserve to explore the world, without limitations.
Ready to book your next adventure? Follow @FatGirlsTraveling and start planning your next size-inclusive getaway!
Are you planning on traveling this year? Let us know in the comments!
