Plus size solo travel already comes with enough “am I doing this right?” energy. Doing it in a plus size body just adds a few extra tabs open in your brain. Will the seat fit? Will the shower be accessible? Will this hotel staircase humble me in public?
Here’s the good news: plus size people travel solo successfully all the time. The difference is not courage. It’s preparation.
And as plus size travel writer Fat Girls Traveling founder Annette Richmond puts it:
“Fat women deserve to see the world without waiting for permission, confidence, or weight loss.”
That’s the energy we’re traveling with.
Plus Size Solo Travel: 6 Smart Tips Every Plus Size Traveler Should Know
1. Research Size-Friendly Destinations (Not Just Pretty Ones)
Not all destinations treat bodies the same. Countries with newer infrastructure like Canada, Australia, and much of Northern Europe tend to offer wider seating, accessible transit, and accommodations that don’t assume everyone is a size 2.
Plus size travel blogger The Plus Size Prep explains it plainly:
“What looks dreamy online can be wildly impractical in real life if you don’t research accessibility and space. Narrow stairs, tiny bathrooms, and low beds can change your entire experience.”
Before booking:
- Read recent Google and TripAdvisor reviews
- Search Reddit travel threads + “plus size”
- Join Facebook groups like Fat Girls Traveling and Plus Size Travel
And yes, email hotels directly. Ask about bed dimensions, elevators, shower access, and room layout. Photos are aspirational. Measurements are facts.
2. Transportation Planning Is a Safety Issue, Not Vanity
Transportation is where plus size solo travel can go from “I am that girl” to “why is this seat fighting me.”
Flights
- Check seat dimensions when possible
- Consider paying for extra legroom or a more spacious cabin if your budget allows
- Know that seatbelt extenders are typically available from flight attendants, and some seats (like exit rows) have restrictions
Also, if you need to advocate for your comfort, you are not doing too much. As Jeff Jenkins, founder of Chubby Diaries and host of National Geographic’s Never Say Never, puts it, he wants to show people that “you can look like me and live your best life.”
Trains and buses
- Train seating can be fixed and tight depending on the route
- Long-distance buses are a gamble, always read recent reviews
Rental cars
When possible, renting a car is the comfort and control option. You pick the seat. You pick the pace. You pick the breaks.
3. Pack Like You Won’t Find Your Size (Because You Might Not)
Packing light is cute. Packing realistically is smarter.
Many countries do not stock extended sizes, especially for bras, underwear, swimwear, and supportive shoes. Running out is not an inconvenience; it’s a problem.
Plus size travel writer Stephanie Yeboah of Nerd About Town notes:
“When you’re plus size, forgetting essentials isn’t something you can just fix at the nearest store. Preparation is freedom.”
Bring:
- Extra undergarments
- Comfortable walking outfits
- Moisture-wicking fabrics
- Slip shorts or anti-chafe balm
The American Academy of Dermatology confirms that friction and moisture are leading causes of chafing during prolonged walking and warm weather travel.
Translation: protect your thighs. Always.
4. Prioritize Accommodations That Feel Safe, Clean, and Actually Comfortable
Your hotel is not just a place to sleep. When you are traveling solo, it is your reset button. Your safe space. Your “do not disturb, I’m recharging” headquarters.
In Condé Nast Traveler, Oneika Raymond explains why she prioritizes accommodations, saying, “It needs to be a sanctuary, somewhere secure and clean.”
Yes. Exactly that.
When booking, look for:
- Walk-in showers (less slip risk than climbing into a tub)
- Elevator access, especially in older buildings
- Recent reviews that mention room size and bathroom layout
If you are considering hostels, read the fine print. Some have bunk beds, narrow ladders, or tight layouts that are not ideal for everyone.
5. Preparation Builds Confidence (Which Builds Safety)
Confidence is a safety tool. Not the fake “be fearless” kind. The practical kind that comes from having a plan.
So, as you plan for your plus size solo travel adventure, do this:
- Save your hotel address in your phone and write it down too
- Download offline maps
- Screenshot reservations
- Have backup activities in case something does not fit, work, or feel good
A walking tour too intense? Swap for a museum, a food market, or a scenic taxi route. Your trip does not need to hurt to count.
6. Trust Your Gut and Set Boundaries Without Apology
Your instincts are not dramatic. They are data.
If something feels off, leave.
If someone crosses a line, shut it down.
You do not owe strangers:
- Explanations
- Personal details
- Politeness at the expense of safety
Keep responses short:
- “That’s inappropriate.”
- “I’m not interested.”
- “No.”
Avoid advertising that you’re traveling alone, and keep valuables close in crowded areas. Awareness is not fear. It’s wisdom.
At the End of the Day
Plus size solo travel requires more planning. That’s real.
But it also offers something powerful: autonomy, confidence, and proof that your body is not a barrier to seeing the world.
As Annette Richmond reminds us:
“The world doesn’t get to decide whether we belong in it.”
Pack smart. Travel boldly. Take up space globally.
