Milos, GreeceManuel Breva Colmeiro / Getty Images
5. Travel comfortably
It’s always best to avoid jeans or restrictive clothing when travelling, especially during long-haul flights. Whether you’re journeying by plane, train or car, comfortable clothing is a must. Light t-shirts with leggings (my favourite is the Girlfriend Collective leggings which go up to a UK size 30), and unitards worn with an oversized shirt or an H&M sweater are your best bet. This will help you stay cool and comfortable while travelling.
6. Be smart when packing footwear
As someone who has wide feet and big feet, I have to be careful when packing footwear as shoes can take up a large amount of space in luggage, especially during winter trips. Whilst packing, decide on the types of shoes you’ll need and how many outfits you’d be able to wear them with. I normally pack one pair of Chelsea boots, one pair of Converse trainers (not only do they go with EVERY outfit, but they are wide-fit friendly and are super comfortable), one pair of chunky heeled shoes, and two pairs of flat sandals.
7. Speak up for yourself
It’s pretty typical for plus-sized people to stay quiet or apologise for our bodies when faced with a challenging situation whilst abroad. Instead of speaking up, we tend to make ourselves smaller and do whatever we can in order to draw attention away from our weight. It’s important to remember that we have just as much right to travel as everyone else, and that means advocating for ourselves if we become uncomfortable.
This is easier said than done, but anything from asking a tour guide to walk slower on a guided tour; asking a flight attendant if you could move to a spare empty seat if you’re uncomfortable, or asking hotel and restaurant staff for bigger seats without armrests can make a huge difference to your travel experience. You’ll find that people are kinder than you might expect, and most will be happy to try and accommodate you where they can.
8. Have fun
No one wants to pay to feel insecure and down on holiday, and spending the majority of the time comparing our bodies to others can be incredibly draining. When I go to hot destinations and wish to visit the beach, I buy swimsuits that make me feel incredibly confident. Remember, the size of the swimsuit doesn’t matter – what matters is that you feel comfortable and confident. Simply Be have a great range of well-fitting plus-size swim and beachwear in a variety of different styles and designs.
