As individuals who identify as plus size, we are acutely aware of how often the world overlooks our specific access needs when navigating and experiencing travel. The travel industry has made strides in showcasing some of the globe?s most breathtaking destinations; however, there remains a significant lack of representation for plus size women. Fortunately, Annette Richmond is actively challenging the pervasive fatphobia within the travel sector through her platforms that empower and normalize the experiences of plus size travelers.
Image Courtesy of Annette Richmond.
Annette Richmond?s platform, FAT GIRLS TRAVELING, has served as an influential voice within the plus size community for many years. Engaging with this community provides an opportunity to join a vibrant and supportive network that has significantly contributed to increasing awareness and consideration for plus size bodies in the realm of travel.
Richmond?s mission centers on challenging societal norms, advocating for size inclusivity, and striving to make travel more accessible ? one unforgettable destination at a time.
Empowering Plus-Size Travelers Through ?Fat Girls Traveling?
Richmond created Fat Girls Traveling after recognizing the glaring lack of consideration for plus-size travelers in the industry. She asserts, ?I never saw myself represented in travel ads, and acquiring information about accessibility often necessitated a deep dive into research.?
To combat this challenge, she conceptualized Fat Girls Traveling Tours, an initiative that merges luxury travel with accessibility, creating unforgettable group experiences. These curated trips guide travelers to desired destinations while ensuring comfort, accessibility, and fostering a genuine sense of community among participants.
In addition to group tours, her brand provides custom travel planning services, expertly aiding individuals and families in finding plus-size-friendly accommodations, activities, and experiences. Richmond and her dedicated team also consult with travel brands, assisting them in becoming more inclusive and aware of the needs of plus-size individuals.
Fat Camp: A Joyful Retreat for Celebration and Connection
Among Richmond?s most cherished initiatives is Fat Camp, a nostalgic, fat-positive adult summer camp. Unlike traditional camps that focus on weight loss, this retreat emphasizes joy, relaxation, and community connection.
She explains, ?We?re rewriting history?crafting new camp memories and providing first-time experiences.? At Fat Camp, participants engage in a variety of activities from arts and crafts to campfires, all while prioritizing healing, community, and joyful celebration.
Fashion-Forward Adventures: Flying Dresses and Enchanting Bridgerton Balls
As a seasoned fashion stylist and a proud alumna of the Fashion Institute of Design and Merchandising, Richmond integrates style into every travel experience. One of her most treasured memories includes a breathtaking flying dress photoshoot in Santorini.
?It was crucial to find a dress in my size and collaborate with a photographer experienced in working with plus-size travelers,? she recalls fondly. Additionally, attending a whimsical Bridgerton Ball serves as a delightful reminder that no occasion is too small to embrace fashion and dress up!
Essential Travel Tips for Plus-Size Adventurers
For those embarking on journeys as plus-size travelers, meticulous preparation is essential. Richmond?s indispensable travel essentials include:
Seat belt extenders: Always request one from your airline for safety reasons rather than bringing your own.
Anti-chafe solutions: Products like Megababe can prevent discomfort during long days of exploration.
Compression socks: Vital for comfort during lengthy flights.
Bev-ledge: This innovative product is a game-changer for those who struggle with conventional tray tables.
Medical supplies: Always pack essential medications and personal hygiene items, particularly when traveling to locations where such products might be scarce.
Now residing in Mexico, Richmond wholeheartedly embraces the expat lifestyle, although she prefers the term ?immigrant? due to its political significance. She enjoys the tropical climate and rich cultural experiences, although adjusting to local power outages and infrastructural differences has presented its own set of challenges.
?I feel incredibly fortunate to have lived abroad for nearly a decade, and I?m currently in the process of obtaining my Mexican residency,? she shares.
Invaluable Advice for Anxious First-Time Travelers
Richmond empathizes with the anxiety that often accompanies travel for plus-size individuals. She encourages her followers to start integrating more walking into their daily routine now in preparation for their upcoming trips. Vacations frequently involve more physical activity than initially anticipated, so being proactive can enhance the experience. Joining online travel communities can provide valuable connections with seasoned plus-size travelers, easing concerns and building confidence. Lastly, having a travel buddy?whether in-person or virtual?can significantly enhance the experience, making it smoother and more enjoyable.
Photo Credit: Annette/FatGirlsGuide
Exciting Future Plans for Fat Girls Traveling
This year, Fat Girls Traveling Tours will embark on journeys to several luxurious destinations, including Tanzania, Iceland, Upstate New York, and Mexico. They are also set to introduce exclusive Members-Only Trips, which you may want to sign up for now! The Fat Girls Traveling Network provides virtual support groups, meet-ups, and discounted travel opportunities. After facing multiple shutdowns on Instagram, the brand has begun transitioning its focus from social media to a private platform to foster community.
The brand?s blog, The Fat Girls Guide, serves as a rich hub of authentic narratives encompassing travel, love, health, and lifestyle, contributed by plus-size travelers from around the globe.
Top Three Must-Visit Destinations for Plus-Size Travelers
Scotland ? Perfect for history and architectural enthusiasts, boasting stunning landscapes and walkable cities.
Faro, Portugal ? A flatter, more accessible alternative to Lisbon, known for its exquisite seafood, wine, and affordability.
Bacalar, Mexico ? Often referred to as the Maldives of Mexico, Bacalar is renowned for its tranquil blue waters, ideal for relaxation and adventure.
Through Fat Girls Traveling, Richmond is demonstrating that luxury and accessibility can indeed coexist, asserting that plus-size travelers have every right to explore the world without limitations.
Are you prepared to embark on your next adventure? Follow @FatGirlsTraveling and start planning your upcoming size-inclusive getaway!
Are you considering travel this year? Share your thoughts with us in the comments!
