Content is created by CNN Underscored’s team of editors who work independently from the CNN newsroom. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn a commission. Learn more
Travel / Travel Gear
By Kim Davis, CNN Underscored
Published 1:00 PM EST, Fri March 1, 2024
As a curvy woman who loves to travel, I’ve faced unique challenges that many may not realize. Plus-size travel isn’t just about finding the right travel clothes; it’s about overcoming societal barriers and self-care hurdles that are often overlooked.
Finding plus-size products on the go is a struggle, whether it’s in stores or online, and especially abroad where sizes may differ significantly. Beyond the inconvenience, there’s a lack of discussion around self-care challenges like thigh chafing and excessive sweating, which can significantly impact comfort and confidence.
The limited representation in mainstream discussions exacerbates the problem, leaving many feeling ashamed and excluded from travel experiences. But this shouldn’t be the case; everyone deserves to explore the world, regardless of their size.
Having navigated these challenges firsthand, I’ve discovered essential products that can make a big difference for plus-size travelers. So, if you’re like me and want to travel confidently and comfortably, here’s the travel gear you need to pack.
As airplane seats shrink, everyone feels the squeeze, but the plus-size community faces unique challenges. Imagine struggling to fit in your seat or fasten your seat belt, only to be handed a seat belt extender in front of everyone. Avoid this by purchasing your own discreet extender on Amazon. Keep it in your bag, attach it at the start of your journey and disconnect it when you arrive — our little secret.
Excessive sweating can be a frustrating reality for those who are obese, making simple tasks like catching a flight or climbing stairs uncomfortable. That’s why I always carry a small foldable fan with me. Despite their old-fashioned appearance, these fans are practical and efficient, offering more airflow than electronic versions without the worry of dead batteries. They’re also compact and lightweight, perfect for packing in your handbag or carry-on.
There’s nothing worse than sweating through your clothes on a flight and having to sit there uncomfortably. It’s like enduring a gym class without the chance to shower or change afterward — yuck!
If you’re still feeling hot despite using a fan, Simple Cleansing Wipes can be a lifesaver. Gentle on the skin with no harsh chemicals or strong perfumes, they provide a quick and discreet way to freshen up. Whether wiping down your body or removing makeup and stains, these wipes ensure you feel clean and refreshed, without irritating your skin. Perfect for dealing with plus-size perspiration.
When traveling, you never know how much walking you’ll have to do in airports. From navigating long corridors to reaching your gate, you could cover over 3 miles in a single travel day, so comfortable shoes are a must. Plus-size travelers often feel limited to unattractive sneakers, but stylish options do exist. Brands like Sole Bliss offer chic and comfortable loafers, perfect for slipping on and off during flights. Bring a touch of glamour and fashion to your travels with these versatile shoes.
Compression socks are essential for travelers of all sizes, but they’re particularly crucial for plus-size individuals prone to swelling and circulation issues. However, finding plus-size compression socks can be challenging, leading many to suffer needlessly.
Lane Bryant offers comfortable compression socks in black and brown that provide the support you need without discomfort. They feel just like regular socks, so you may forget you’re even wearing them. By wearing these socks regularly, whether at home or abroad, you can prevent swelling and injuries. Invest in these socks to keep your feet, ankles and legs happy and healthy during your travels.
If you’re skeptical about wearing a wireless bra with a plus-size chest, you’re not alone. But Shefit bras have truly won me over. Their wide Velcro straps offer sturdy support without the discomfort of underwire, making long-haul travel much more comfortable. Plus, they’re perfect for workouts, providing stability without the risk of discomfort during turbulence. Say goodbye to poking and prodding and hello to blissful support!
In the past, washing clothes in the hotel sink was a convenient and cost-effective option for travelers. It saved money on expensive hotel laundry services and spared the hassle of finding a local laundromat. However, many modern hotel sink drains no longer allow for this practice, likely due to flooding accidents.
To properly clean your clothes now, you’ll need to bring your own basin. Fortunately, Soak offers a compact mini basin that easily fits into your luggage. Their Minnie Basin for Hand-Washing Kit includes not only the basin but a bottle of Soak detergent in Wild Mint, perfect for gently caring for delicate items like bras, masks and bathing suits.
Before gaining weight, I could stroll in a sundress all day without a thought for my inner thighs. Now, just a brief walk leaves me in tears due to chafing, or “chub rub.” While many anti-chafing creams offer temporary relief, they often wear off quickly. For years, I endured wearing exercise shorts under my dresses, which became unbearable in the summer heat.
Then I discovered Thigh Society’s Anti-Chafing Shorts, and they are a game changer. These silky, lightweight shorts provide friction-free comfort, feeling like a second skin. They don’t ride up or cause discomfort, allowing everything to breathe without overheating. With different lengths and colors available, you can wear them discreetly under any outfit without worrying about them showing.
Experienced travelers know the importance of packing decent pajamas. While at home, I might opt for T-shirts or slips, but on the road, I prefer to cover up more for safety and comfort. Plus-size pajamas that are both classy and comfortable can be hard to come by, so when you find them, they’re a must-have. I adore these playful Bagheera pajamas from Printfresh. They add a fun twist to leopard print and are perfect for cozy nights in with ice cream and a romantic comedy.
As you gain weight, your arms may feel smaller, making it difficult to reach certain areas of your body, especially your back. This can be a challenge when trying to apply sunscreen at the beach or pool. Instead of relying on others for help, I use spray sunscreen. With just a press of a button, the aerosol does all the work, allowing me to enjoy the sunshine without worrying about missed spots or sunburn.
Plus-size travelers often face frustration with hotel bathrobes and towels that don’t fit comfortably. Most hotels lack alternatives, leaving you to dry off with small towels that feel inadequate. Fortunately, companies like Dock & Bay offer large towels that fully cover you. These towels are sand-resistant, fast-drying and classic in style. Their generous size allows you to comfortably spread out on the beach or by the pool. Whether you’re lounging oceanside or showering in your hotel room, these towels provide warmth and coziness, ensuring a comfortable experience.
While sitting may seem comfortable for plus-size individuals, the reality is that extra weight can throw off posture, leading to discomfort and pressure on the spine and coccyx bone. Long-haul flights, train journeys or extended car rides can become painfully uncomfortable. Cushionlab’s seat cushions offer relief. Available in various sizes and colors, these cushions provide support and comfort for any seat, whether it’s an office chair, airplane seat or theater chair. Say goodbye to squirming and discomfort and hello to relaxation with this super-comfy travel seat cushion.
Traveling encourages more physical activity than staying at home, making it important to track your progress and avoid overexertion. A smartwatch like the Google Pixel Watch 2 is perfect for this, as it monitors heart health, tracks steps and even reminds you to move. With advanced technology, it provides all the stats you need to stay motivated and improve your health. While it may not cook breakfast yet, it’s a valuable tool for enhancing your travel adventures and overall well-being.
Looking for a travel credit card? Find out which cardsCNN Underscored Moneychose as thebest travel credit cardscurrently available.
Note: The prices above reflect the retailers' listed price at the time of publication.
Thanks for signing up! Your welcome email is on its way.
Get the CNN Underscored newsletter
Receive product recommendations, reviews and deals three times a week.
By signing up, you agree to our privacy policy
