Traveling as a plus-size person can come with its own set of challenges, but you can tick packing off your list with these plus-size travel tips!
As someone who’s done plenty of traveling all over the globe, here are my absolute favorite vacation essentials you need in your luggage to make your travels as enjoyable as possible!
Anti-chafing shorts
This is my absolute number one must-have when traveling – especially in the summer! My thighs are mighty and need protection from the chafe; otherwise, I’ll be a sweaty, sore mess by the end of day one. I personally prefer having a little pair of shorts under skirts and dresses as I like the extra protection against stray gusts of wind. I’ve never really gotten on with the other creams, balms, and powders that are supposed to help, but you choose your own weapon when fighting chafing! I always have a good few pairs tucked in my suitcase so I can stay nice and fresh down there for the whole of my trip (no one wants swamp crotch!)
Wet wipes
A little pack of wet wipes can be an absolute LIFESAVER – especially after a long day of traveling. I always feel like I have an extra layer of gross plane grime on me after a flight, so being able to freshen up and have a mini wash on the go just makes all the difference. Even if you just wipe away the sweat from your pits and under-boob while you’re on the way to somewhere with a shower, it makes me feel so much more comfortable! Honestly, the feeling of a wet wipe wash, when you feel gross, hot, and bothered is like nothing else!
Compression socks, stockings or tights
If you have a long flight or are traveling in cramped cars or trains, I love taking some sort of compression garment with me to help keep the circulation moving in my legs. I’m always concerned about blood clots and DVT on long-haul flights, and my feet swell like nobody's business when I'm at 30,000 feet – so wearing compression socks where possible gives me a little peace of mind on my journey and keeps me comfortable while flying. Plus, if you’re doing a lot of walking, they can help battle the aches and pains after a long day – if it’s not too hot to wear them! Snag Tights has some excellent light compression tights available up to a UK size 36 (US size 40) if you're struggling to find any in your size.
A good pair of shoes
This isn’t plus size exclusive, but if you’re going to be doing a lot of walking and exploring you NEED a good, comfy pair of shoes on your feet. As much as I would love to prance about in my cute sandals and flip-flops, they just aren’t practical and will kill your feet after a day of walking. Pick shoes based on your preference, but make sure they have a sturdy, cushioned sole and have already been broken in – nothing is worse than dealing with new shoe blisters for the whole trip! If you’re worried about them taking up too much space in your luggage, wear them on the plane! I’m also a big fan of Crocs. I know they’re not for everyone, but they are great for walking around and make fantastic beach shoes if you want to take a dip!
A giant beach towel
Hotel towels can give me the ick. I know they’re perfectly clean, and I will use one if I have to; I just much prefer taking my own when I can! Plus, the towels that are provided are always teeny tiny! They never fit around me, usually only getting around a single one of my thighs – so a ginormous towel is an absolute must! Especially if there's a beach or a pool, I like to have a little coverage and not have to awkwardly choose whether to cover my front or my back. I invested in a Dock and Bay beach towel last year, which has been so handy for traveling. It’s huge and fits around me with room to spare. It folds up super small and flat, so it takes up barely any room in my bag – you could easily squeeze one in your carry-on luggage!
Bikini
I don’t care what size you are – if you’re traveling and there's even the slightest possibility you’ll be near a beach or a pool, you need to pack a bikini! I know it can be scary, but trust me when I say no one will be looking at you! They’re all having way too much of their own fun. So please, please take the plunge and put that bikini on. You can always take a swimsuit with more coverage as long as you actually wear it and enjoy yourself! There is no such thing as a bikini body, if you’ve got any body go ahead and wear one. Life is far too short to sit on the beach, watching your friends have fun in the water.
Crossbody bag
I hate carrying things. Having my hands full or having a huge bag is a nightmare for me, so a cute cross-body bag is a must. I like to have it cross my body for security so I can keep hold of it if needed. I like keeping it small but big enough for my daily essentials. Think wallet, phone, mini sunscreen, sunglasses, perfume, and a portable charger – and that's it! I like to travel light, so if you need more things, then go ahead, just make sure it's the minimum you need. I definitely jumped on the Uniqlo bag trend, as they are pretty perfect for everything I like to carry, but you can find something cute that works for you!
Handheld fan
I don’t know about you, but I get hot and sweaty FAST. A little battery-powered fan is now an absolute must for me. From baking on the plane to trying to cool off in the midday sun, you’ll be surprised how powerful these fans can be. Slip them in your bag for on-the-go, and you can get some with little stands that are perfect for sleeping at night if the hotel air con isn’t up to scratch.
Travelling as a plus-size person doesn’t have to be hard. With these essentials, you can be as prepared as possible to have the time of your life on your next trip!
Any we missed? What’s your go-to item in your luggage?
