Traveling while plus-size
Flying
Flying has always been uncomfortable for me as the years have gone by and my weight has increased, I always seem to forget how small the plane seats truly are. The window seat used to be my favorite, being able to look out as we fly over the cities. But I have realized over the last few years it's the aisle seat that is truly the best. Not only can you easily get up from the aisle seat when in need without climbing all over everyone else but the seat itself is larger as well (on flights I have been on at least.) Here is a site I found for looking at different airlines and their plus-size accommodations/ policies.
https://www.alternativeairlines.com/best-flights-plus-size
If you don't want to have to request a seat belt extender while on your flight you can always buy one to bring with you beforehand. I did this recently but have yet to bring it with me to use. Some airlines will require you to buy an extra seat if you do not fit comfortably with the armrests, down, but apparently, a lot of the airlines will reimburse you for this charge afterward. ( I have seen this in my research sorry didn't get the names of the airlines.)
When you arrive at your gate or between flights you can check with the agent and see if there are any seat upgrades available. For a small fee, you could get business or first class if space is there.
Just relax! While you are on the plane just relax as much as you can you will never see these people again!
Packing
No one likes losing their luggage at the airport, but for us plus-size girls it can be a nightmare! We don't have the luxury of going to any mall or shop to get something we will actually like to wear or that will even fit. If you are checking luggage I recommend carry-on suffering stuffing an outfit or two in your carry-on luggage just to be safe! We recently realized you can take a pillow case or a travel neck pillow case and put clothes inside of it without it counting as a carry-on. In your luggage roll your clothing to get more to fit, and put them inside of packing cubs to save the most space. Be sure to dress in layers you never know how the plane's temperature will be and you will also be ready if there are climate changes where you are going. Be sure you are comfortable though! Also that you can easily get in and out of whatever you choose in those tiny bathrooms.
Chafing
Every person with thick thighs has dealt with chafing, whether by walking too much or a piece of clothing not fitting correctly. And we have all tried all kinds of things to help heal or perhaps even prevent chafing. I personally have had success using chafing shorts and chafing cream from Monistat. It helps not only prevent chafing but helps soothe it as well if you already have it.
If you do still get chafing and need to try and heal it as quickly as possible here are some things to help.
Get as much air to the area as you can.
Airing it out helps keep the area as dry as possible.
Keep the area cool
Sit in a cold area, grab some ice packs or sit in front of a fan!
Keep away from pools with chemicals that will irritate the area.
Do not touch the impacted area
Despite the itching and the pain try not to touch the chaffed area to allow it to be
able to heal.
No scented products
Products with scents and perfumes have ingredients that can cause irritation,
stinging and can make things worse.
Use natural soothers
Using 100% natural soothers can help. Aloe, shea butter, and coconut oil can be
found just about anywhere you go.
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Keeping cool
We plus-size girls are not the only ones who easily get hot in the hard heat of the day. But we do have more surfaces available to the sun, and clothes that can cause extra sweating in areas we don't want. Staying hydrated is very important the more you sweat the more your body needs hydration. Other than the obvious drinking water a great way to help is drinking electrolytes. Replenishing your electrolytes is the best way to stay hydrated in the heat, with so many flavors out there it is so easy! We bring one serving packets that are easy to pour into a water bottle from where ever.
Splashing cold water on yourself on a hot day is always nice but does not last long. Nor is it always available but cooling towels are a great solution to help keep cool. All you have to do is get them wet once and throughout the day if you snap them, they cool down instantly. They come in a zippered pouch and stay wet for the whole day (out of the direct sun). We left some with our friend in Mombasa Kenya to use as a sweat rag with how muggy it is there, everyone walks around with a rag. She refused to let us fan her while we were walking around, but once we showed her the towels she was hooked! If you do feel yourself getting too hot a great way to quickly cool down is to use these towels (or something else cold) on the back of your neck, wrists or in the bend of your elbows, it will cool you down much faster than anywhere else.
For any outing or trip, planning is the most important part of the day. This is especially true with trying to keep cool, you do not want to be out during the hottest part of the day. Choose things you can do in the early morning or later in the evening so you can be indoors or at least in the shade in the hottest parts of the day. If you must be out during the hottest parts at least bring a hat or some kind of sun scarf/ protection to help keep you safe.