Plus-Size Solo Travel: Body-Positive Guide

Updated for 2026 — Accurate as of February 2026.

I am a size 18 woman who has solo-traveled to 28 countries. I have squeezed into a tuk-tuk in Bangkok, hiked to Machu Picchu, floated in the Dead Sea, and danced in the streets of Havana. I have also been denied a seatbelt extender I needed on a flight, cried in a dressing room in Tokyo, and skipped a zip-lining excursion because the weight limit was posted at the entrance for everyone to see. Plus-size solo travel is wonderful and it is sometimes painful, and pretending otherwise would be dishonest.

The travel industry was not designed for larger bodies. Airplane seats, adventure activity weight limits, hotel bathroom sizes, and rental car steering column clearances were all designed around a body that is not mine. But the world itself — the mountains, the oceans, the cities, the food, the people — belongs to everyone. This guide is about navigating the infrastructure challenges honestly so you can access the experiences that are rightfully yours.

According to the CDC, the average American woman is a size 16-18. We are not a niche market — we are the majority. And the travel industry is slowly catching up, though not nearly fast enough.

Air Travel: The Real Talk

Choosing Your Seat

Airline seats are the most universally cited challenge for plus-size travelers, and for good reason. The average economy seat width has shrunk from 18 inches in the 1990s to 17 inches in 2025, while the average American body has gotten larger. This is a design failure, not a body failure.

Seat width by airline (economy class, 2026):

Airline	Seat Width	Pitch (Legroom)	Best Seat Strategy
JetBlue	18.4”	32-33”	Even More Space seats (extra 6” legroom)
Southwest	17.1”	31-33”	Customer of Size policy (free extra seat)
Delta Comfort+	18.0”	34”	Upgrade to Comfort+ for extra width and armrest
United Economy Plus	18.3”	34-35”	Exit row or Economy Plus for breathing room
Hawaiian	18.0”	31-32”	Wider seats than most US carriers

Southwest’s Customer of Size Policy: Southwest is the only US airline with a formal policy that provides a free additional seat for passengers who need it. You can pre-board, take two seats, and the second seat fare is refunded after travel. I have used this policy multiple times and the staff have always been discreet and respectful. If you fly Southwest for this reason, let the gate agent know quietly before boarding.

Seatbelt extenders: I carry my own. FAA-approved seatbelt extenders are available online for $15-$30 and work on most airlines. Having my own means I never have to ask a flight attendant in front of other passengers, which eliminates a source of anxiety entirely. Make sure you buy a Type A (lift lever) or Type B (push button) extender that matches your airline’s buckle type.

Armrest strategies: The immovable armrests in many economy cabins are the real enemy. Aisle seats give you one side to overflow without encroaching on a neighbor. Some airlines (Delta, American) have armrests that fully raise on certain aircraft. SeatGuru.com shows armrest configurations for specific planes.

Airport Navigation

Airports themselves can be physically demanding for larger bodies:

• Walking distances in major hubs can exceed 2 miles between connections. Do not hesitate to request a wheelchair or electric cart — these services exist for anyone who needs them, not just for visible disabilities.
• Bathroom stalls in airports vary in size. Accessible/family restrooms are typically larger and you are allowed to use them.
• Seating at gates often has fixed armrests. Look for benches or armrest-free seating areas, or ask at the lounge desk about day passes for more comfortable seating.

Accommodation That Actually Fits

What to Look For

The most common accommodation frustration for plus-size travelers is bathrooms — specifically, shower stalls that are too narrow, bathtubs with no grab bars, and toilets positioned in corners with no room to maneuver.

Before booking, I always check:

• Bathroom photos: Look specifically at shower size. Walk-in showers are generally more accessible than shower-over-tub configurations.
• Bed height and firmness: Very low or very soft beds can be difficult to get in and out of. I ask about bed type before booking.
• Chair weight ratings: Most standard hotel desk chairs are rated to 250 lbs. If you need higher-rated seating, mention it when booking — most hotels can accommodate.
• Room layout: Look for rooms with open floor plans rather than tight corridors between furniture.

Accommodation types ranked by body comfort:

Type	Body Comfort Level	Why
Airbnb/vacation rental	Excellent	Residential furniture, larger bathrooms, space to spread out
Upscale hotels	Very good	Larger rooms, better bathroom design, responsive to requests
Boutique hotels	Good to excellent	Varies widely — check photos carefully
Standard chain hotels	Acceptable	Standardized rooms, predictable but often tight bathrooms
Hostels	Challenging	Bunk beds, shared showers, tight spaces
Budget hotels	Challenging	Smallest rooms and bathrooms

Hostels as a Plus-Size Traveler

I want to be honest: hostels are the most challenging accommodation for plus-size solo travelers. Bunk bed weight limits (typically 200-250 lbs), narrow bunks, tight shared bathrooms, and the general lack of personal space make many hostels uncomfortable.

If you love the social atmosphere of hostels:

• Look for hostels with private rooms (many offer them at rates lower than hotels)
• Check bunk bed weight ratings — some modern hostels use reinforced bunks rated to 350+ lbs
• Choose hostels with en-suite bathrooms rather than shared facilities
• Read reviews from plus-size travelers specifically (searching “larger” or “size” in reviews sometimes surfaces relevant comments)

Adventure Activities: Knowing Your Options

Weight Limits — The Uncomfortable Reality

Many adventure activities have weight limits, and encountering them can be anything from mildly embarrassing to deeply humiliating, depending on how they are communicated. I have learned to research weight limits before arrival so I am never surprised at the point of activity.

Common adventure activity weight limits:

Activity	Typical Weight Limit	Plus-Size-Friendly Alternatives
Zip-lining	220-250 lbs	Some operators go to 300+ lbs — call ahead
Parasailing	250-350 lbs	Tandem parasailing often accommodates higher weights
Horseback riding	200-250 lbs	Draft horse or large breed operators can accommodate higher weights
Kayaking	300-400 lbs (single)	Generally very accommodating
Snorkeling/diving	No weight limit	Excellent plus-size-friendly activity
Zip-line/canopy tours	220-280 lbs	Varies significantly by operator
Hot air ballooning	250-300 lbs	Total basket weight matters more than individual
Surfing	No weight limit	Board selection matters — ask for a wider board
Stand-up paddleboarding	No weight limit	Choose a wider, more stable board

My approach: I email or call operators before booking and ask directly: “What is the weight limit for this activity?” If they cannot answer or are evasive, I do not book. Operators who are transparent about their equipment capabilities are also the ones who handle the situation with dignity if there is an issue.

Hiking as a Plus-Size Solo Woman

Hiking is one of the most accessible outdoor activities for plus-size travelers because there are no weight limits, no equipment constraints (beyond finding the right gear), and no gatekeepers. The trail does not care what size you are.

I hiked to Machu Picchu at a size 20. It was hard. I was slower than many other hikers. I took more breaks. And when I reached the Sun Gate and saw Machu Picchu spread out below me, I wept with pride and exhaustion and joy.

Hiking tips for larger bodies:

• Trekking poles are essential, not optional. They reduce knee impact by up to 25% and provide stability on uneven terrain.
• Break in your boots well before your trip. Blisters and foot pain are amplified by body weight.
• Manage chafing aggressively. Body Glide, compression shorts, and moisture-wicking fabrics are your best friends. I apply Body Glide before every hike and carry extra in my pack.
• Hydrate more than you think you need. Larger bodies generate more heat during exertion.
• Build up gradually. If the trail you want to hike is 10 miles, train with progressively longer hikes over 2-3 months before your trip.

Clothing and Packing

Finding Travel Clothes That Fit

Finding technical travel clothing in plus sizes has improved dramatically but still requires more effort than it should. Here are the brands I rely on:

Brand	Size Range	Best For	Price Point
Universal Standard	00-40	Everyday travel clothes, excellent quality	$$$
Columbia (Extended Sizes)	Up to 3X	Outdoor/hiking wear, rain gear	$$
REI Co-op (Plus line)	Up to 3X	Hiking pants, base layers, outerwear	$$
Torrid	10-30	Casual travel clothes, swimwear	$$
Athleta (Extended Sizes)	Up to 3X	Active travel, yoga, hiking	$$$
ASOS Curve	UK 18-30	Budget-friendly, trendy travel basics	$
Girlfriend Collective	Up to 6XL	Sustainable activewear, compression leggings	$$

My travel capsule wardrobe (2 weeks, one carry-on):

• 3 moisture-wicking tops (one long-sleeve)
• 2 pairs of travel pants (one hiking, one casual)
• 1 travel dress (wrinkle-free, versatile)
• 2 sports bras + 2 regular bras (these are the hardest to find abroad in plus sizes — always bring your own)
• 5 pairs of underwear (quick-dry)
• 1 lightweight rain jacket
• 1 swimsuit
• 1 pair of hiking shoes, 1 pair of sandals

Swimwear Confidence

Beach and pool situations are where body anxiety hits hardest for many plus-size travelers. I have gone through the full arc — from refusing to take my cover-up off, to wearing a swimsuit with defiant pride on a beach in Barcelona where seemingly everyone else was a size 4.

What got me there was not some overnight transformation. It was repetition. The more I put on a swimsuit and walked to the water, the easier it got. And the revelation that nobody on the beach was watching me — they were all worried about their own bodies — was liberating.

Swimwear brands I love:

• Summersalt (up to 24, excellent support and coverage options)
• Lands’ End (up to 26W, modest and classic styles, excellent chlorine resistance)
• ASOS Curve (up to UK 30, trendy and affordable)
• Torrid (up to 30, bold prints and flattering cuts)

Destinations That Welcome Every Body

Most Body-Positive Destinations

Cultural attitudes toward body size vary enormously around the world. Some destinations feel effortlessly welcoming in larger bodies; others can feel hostile. Based on my experience:

Very welcoming:

• Pacific Islands (Fiji, Samoa, Tonga): Larger bodies are culturally valued. I felt more comfortable in my body in Fiji than anywhere else I have ever traveled.
• Jamaica and Caribbean nations: Body positivity is deeply cultural. The beach culture is inclusive of all sizes.
• United States (Hawaii, Pacific Northwest): Outdoor culture is increasingly size-inclusive, with plus-size hiking groups active in many regions.
• Mexico: Warm, welcoming culture with less body-size judgment than many Western countries.
• United Kingdom: Strong body-positive movement, excellent plus-size fashion availability.
• Australia: Outdoor-focused culture that is increasingly inclusive. Plus-size activewear brands are booming.

More challenging (but still worth visiting):

• Japan: Beautiful country, but seats, spaces, and clothing sizes are designed for smaller bodies. Prepare for logistical challenges.
• Southeast Asia: Street markets and local transport can be tight, but people are generally warm and welcoming regardless of size.
• France/Italy: Fashion-focused cultures can feel judgmental, though this has improved significantly. Paris and Milan are more body-diverse than stereotypes suggest.

Mental Health and Self-Advocacy

Dealing with Comments and Stares

In some destinations, your body will be commented on. This is a reality I wish I could sugarcoat, but I cannot. In parts of Asia, Africa, and Latin America, direct comments about body size are culturally common and not considered rude — they are simply observations, like commenting on hair color.

How I handle it:

• I remind myself that cultural context matters — a comment in Tokyo is not the same as a comment in Topeka
• I have a few rehearsed responses: a smile and a wave, a shrug, or a simple “Thank you, I love my body”
• If a comment crosses into harassment, I remove myself from the situation
• I process negative interactions by journaling rather than letting them fester

The Confidence Paradox

Here is something nobody tells you: the more you travel in your body, the more comfortable you become in your body. Solo travel is an engine of self-acceptance because every challenging thing you do — navigating a foreign airport, hiking a mountain, eating alone in a restaurant — proves that your body is capable, resilient, and strong.

I did not start traveling with confidence. I started traveling despite a lack of confidence. The confidence came from the doing.

After 28 countries, I can tell you with absolute certainty: your body is not a barrier to travel. The infrastructure might be occasionally inadequate, the airline seats might be too narrow, and the weight limits might be discriminatory. But the world — the actual, beautiful, extraordinary world — is yours for the exploring. Every mountain, every ocean, every street market, every sunset. Do not let anyone or anything convince you otherwise.

Self-Advocacy Phrases That Work

When you need to advocate for yourself as a plus-size traveler, clear and direct communication works best:

• For airline seats: “I need a seatbelt extender, please” (said quietly to the flight attendant during boarding, not in the middle of the cabin)
• For activities: “What is the weight limit for this activity? I weigh [X] pounds and want to confirm I can participate safely.”
• For accommodation: “I need a room with a walk-in shower rather than a bathtub. Can you confirm availability?”
• For transport: “I need a vehicle with adequate space. Can you send a larger car?”
• For any situation where you are uncomfortable: “This is not working for me. What alternatives can you offer?”

You are not asking for special treatment. You are asking for adequate service. There is a difference.

Practical Tips That Make a Difference

Small Things That Add Comfort

• Bring a seat cushion for long train or bus journeys where seats may be narrow or hard
• Carry anti-chafing supplies (Body Glide, Gold Bond powder, or anti-chafe bands) — heat and walking amplify chafing
• Pack a sarong — it works as a beach cover-up, airplane blanket, towel supplement, and emergency clothing when nothing in the local shops fits
• Wear compression socks on flights. Deep vein thrombosis risk increases with body weight, and compression socks are a simple, effective prevention
• Bring your own towel if you are worried about hotel towel size. A full-size quick-dry travel towel takes up minimal space
• Download offline maps so you always know how far you are walking, which helps manage energy on high-step-count days

Health Considerations

• Stay hydrated aggressively in hot climates — larger bodies overheat faster
• Bring enough of any medications for your entire trip plus extras, in case you are delayed
• Know the local emergency number and how to say “I need a doctor” in the local language
• Verify that travel insurance does not exclude claims based on BMI — some budget policies have discriminatory exclusions. World Nomads and SafetyWing do not have BMI exclusions as of 2026.

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