As plus dimension individuals, we all know all too nicely simply how a lot the world doesn’t think about our entry wants in the case of shifting all over the world.
Journey, as an trade, has superior in showcasing a few of the world’s most lovely locations, however it’s a battle to seek out illustration of plus dimension ladies. Fortunately, Annette Richmond is difficult fatphobia in journey along with her platforms devoted to empowering and normalizing plus dimension traveler experiences.
Annette Richmond’s platform, FAT GIRLS TRAVELING has been a pressure within the plus dimension group for a few years. Becoming a member of this group means being part of a lovely, vibrant group that has helped improve consideration of plus dimension our bodies touring all over the world.
Annette Richmond’s mission has been to problem societal norms, promote dimension inclusivity, and make the world extra accessible — one vacation spot at a time.
‘Fats Ladies Touring’ is Making a Area for Plus-Dimension Vacationers
Richmond launched Fats Ladies Touring after noticing how little consideration was given to plus-size vacationers.
“I by no means noticed myself in journey advertisements, and discovering info on accessibility required a deep dive,” she shares.
To resolve this problem, she thought up Fats Ladies Touring Excursions. This concept blends accessibility with luxurious to create unforgettable group experiences. The curated journeys take vacationers to sought-after locations whereas making certain consolation, accessibility, and a real sense of group.
Past group excursions, her model gives customized journey planning companies, serving to people and households navigate plus-size-friendly lodging, actions, and experiences. Richmond and her staff have even consulted with journey manufacturers to assist them grow to be extra inclusive.
Fats Camp: A Retreat for Relaxation and Pleasure
One in every of Richmond’s most beloved tasks is Fats Camp, a nostalgic, fat-positive grownup summer season camp. In contrast to conventional weight-loss-focused camps, this retreat is about pleasure, rest, and connection.
“We’re rewriting historical past—creating new camp recollections or first-time experiences,” she explains.
From arts and crafts to campfires, Fats Camp prioritizes therapeutic, group, and celebration.
Modern Journeys: Flying Attire and Bridgerton Balls
As a vogue stylist and Vogue Institute of Design and Merchandising alumna, Richmond infuses type into each journey. One in every of her most cherished experiences is the flying gown photoshoot in Santorini.
“Discovering a gown in my dimension and dealing with a photographer who had expertise with plus-size vacationers was key,” she recollects.
She additionally fondly remembers attending a Bridgerton Ball, a whimsical reminder that no event is just too small to decorate up!
Journey Necessities for Plus-Dimension Adventurers
For plus-size vacationers, preparation is essential. Richmond’s must-haves embrace:
- Seat belt extenders: At all times request one from the airline as a substitute of bringing your personal for security causes.
- Anti-chafe options: Megababe and comparable merchandise stop discomfort on lengthy days of exploring.
- Compression socks: Important for long-haul flights.
- Bev-ledge: A game-changer for many who battle with commonplace tray tables.
- Medical provides: Carry necessities like ache relievers and private hygiene gadgets, particularly when touring to locations the place merchandise could also be restricted.
Life Overseas: Navigating the Expat Expertise
Now primarily based in Mexico, Richmond embraces the expat way of life, although she prefers the time period “immigrant” resulting from its political weight. Whereas she enjoys the tropical local weather and cultural richness, adjusting to energy outages and infrastructure variations has been a part of the journey.
“I really feel blessed to have lived overseas for practically a decade, and I’m engaged on my Mexican residency,” she says.
Recommendation for Nervous First-Time Vacationers
Richmond understands the nervousness that may include touring whereas plus-size. She advises her followers to start out strolling now. In case you’re planning a visit, holidays typically require extra bodily exercise than anticipated. She additionally encourages becoming a member of on-line journey communities, the place connecting with skilled plus-size vacationers can assist ease considerations. Lastly, discovering a journey buddy—even just about—can enhance confidence and make the expertise smoother.
What’s Subsequent for Fats Ladies Touring?
This yr, Fats Ladies Touring Excursions is heading to a number of luxurious locations together with Tanzania, Iceland, Upstate New York, and Mexico. They may even offer unique Members-Solely Journeys, so it’s possible you’ll need to enroll now! The Fats Ladies Touring Community, gives digital help teams, meet-ups, and discounted journeys. They just lately started shifting its focus from social media to a non-public platform after experiencing repeated Instagram shutdowns.
The model’s weblog, The Fats Ladies Information, is a hub for genuine tales about journey, love, well being, and way of life from plus-size vacationers worldwide.
Three Should-Go to Locations for Plus-Dimension Vacationers
- Scotland – A dream for historical past and structure lovers, with beautiful landscapes and walkable cities.
- Faro, Portugal – A extra accessible, flat different to Lisbon with unimaginable seafood, wine, and affordability.
- Bacalar, Mexico – Generally known as the Maldives of Mexico, Bacalar gives serene blue waters excellent for rest and journey.
With Fats Ladies Touring, Richmond is proving that luxurious and accessibility can coexist, and plus-size vacationers need to discover the world, with out limitations.
Able to ebook your subsequent journey? Comply with @FatGirlsTraveling and begin planning your subsequent size-inclusive getaway!
Are you planning on touring this yr? Tell us within the feedback!
