As plus dimension individuals, we all know all too properly simply how a lot the world doesn’t contemplate our entry wants in terms of shifting world wide.
Journey, as an business, has superior in showcasing a number of the world’s most lovely locations, however it’s a wrestle to search 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 neighborhood for a few years. Becoming a member of this neighborhood means being part of a fantastic, vibrant neighborhood that has helped improve consideration of plus dimension our bodies touring world wide.
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 Women Touring’ is Making a House for Plus-Dimension Vacationers
Richmond launched Fats Women Touring after noticing how little consideration was given to plus-size vacationers.
“I by no means noticed myself in journey adverts, and discovering data on accessibility required a deep dive,” she shares.
To resolve this problem, she thought up Fats Women Touring Excursions. This concept blends accessibility with luxurious to create unforgettable group experiences. The curated journeys take vacationers to sought-after locations whereas guaranteeing consolation, accessibility, and a real sense of neighborhood.
Past group excursions, her model provides customized journey planning companies, serving to people and households navigate plus-size-friendly lodging, actions, and experiences. Richmond and her group have even consulted with journey manufacturers to assist them develop into extra inclusive.
Fats Camp: A Retreat for Relaxation and Pleasure
Considered one 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, leisure, and connection.
“We’re rewriting historical past—creating new camp reminiscences or first-time experiences,” she explains.
From arts and crafts to campfires, Fats Camp prioritizes therapeutic, neighborhood, and celebration.
Trendy Journeys: Flying Clothes and Bridgerton Balls
As a style stylist and Trend Institute of Design and Merchandising alumna, Richmond infuses type into each journey. Considered one 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 simply too small to decorate up!
Journey Necessities for Plus-Dimension Adventurers
For plus-size vacationers, preparation is vital. Richmond’s must-haves embrace:
- Seat belt extenders: All the time request one from the airline as an alternative of bringing your individual for security causes.
- Anti-chafe options: Megababe and related merchandise stop discomfort on lengthy days of exploring.
- Compression socks: Important for long-haul flights.
- Bev-ledge: A game-changer for individuals who wrestle with normal tray tables.
- Medical provides: Deliver necessities like ache relievers and private hygiene objects, 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 life-style, although she prefers the time period “immigrant” attributable to 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 usually 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 may help ease considerations. Lastly, discovering a journey buddy—even just about—can enhance confidence and make the expertise smoother.
What’s Subsequent for Fats Women Touring?
This 12 months, Fats Women Touring Excursions is heading to a number of luxurious locations together with Tanzania, Iceland, Upstate New York, and Mexico. They may also offer unique Members-Solely Journeys, so chances are you’ll need to join now! The Fats Women Touring Community, provides digital help teams, meet-ups, and discounted journeys. They not too long ago started shifting its focus from social media to a personal platform after experiencing repeated Instagram shutdowns.
The model’s weblog, The Fats Women Information, is a hub for genuine tales about journey, love, well being, and life-style 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 – Often called the Maldives of Mexico, Bacalar provides serene blue waters excellent for leisure and journey.
With Fats Women Touring, Richmond is proving that luxurious and accessibility can coexist, and plus-size vacationers need to discover the world, with out limitations.
Able to guide your subsequent journey? Comply with @FatGirlsTraveling and begin planning your subsequent size-inclusive getaway!
Are you planning on touring this 12 months? Tell us within the feedback!
